The busy life in living cells involves a great deal of transport activities and mechanical tasks, which are undertaken by motor proteins—molecular machines that convert chemical energy into mechanical work. In recent years, these remarkable machines have inspired artificial devices that deliver mechanical work [1] or propel themselves in a viscous environment [2]. We do not yet understand the mechanism behind the complex mechanochemical coupling in motor proteins. Standard rules used in macroscale engineering do not work at the nanoscale. New strategies are needed for the development of artificial nanoscale machines. In a paper in Physical Review Letters, Hong-Ren Jiang and Masaki Sano of the University of Tokyo and Natsuhiko Yoshinaga of Kyoto University, both in Japan, demonstrate an innovative way to make self-propelled colloidal particles using partial metal coating and laser heating [3]. This work opens up new approaches to developing and studying these complex colloids. Scientists have studied the motion of colloidal particles under the effect of external fields—phoretic transport—for more than a century. The external field could come from a gradient in electrostatic potential (electrophoresis), solute concentration (diffusiophoresis), or temperature (thermophoresis). The particles move because of the interaction of the ambient fluid with the modified interfacial structure near their surfaces. Though "driven" by these external fields, the colloidal particles experience no net force. In electrophoresis, the electric field applies equal and opposite forces on the charged colloid and the comoving counterions (neutralizing ions). In diffusiophoresis, the reactions of the forces exerted by the asymmetric distribution of solute particles on the colloid push back on the cloud that moves with it. In thermophoresis, similar mutual interactions are involved, depending on the constituents of the system (binary mixture, charged colloid, etc). The force-free nature of phoretic transport mechanisms suggests that they could be used in designing self-propelled particles, provided we have a gradient that causes directed motion, e.g., by using Janus particles (colloidal particles made of two halves with different physical properties) with built-in sources [4]. This idea was used to propose self-diffusiophoretic colloids that achieve propulsion by asymmetrically catalyzing a chemical reaction on their surfaces [5]. This proposal was realized experimentally, using polystyrene Janus particles half-coated with platinum in a solution of hydrogen peroxide [6]. Now, Jiang et al. show that similar Janus particles (made of silica and half-coated with gold in their experiment) exhibit self-thermophoresis when irradiated with a defocused laser beam. The metal patch absorbs energy from the laser beam and converts it into heat, which is then released asymmetrically around the colloid. This leads to a sustained temperature gradient across the colloid and along its instantaneous orientation, which then drives the particle via thermophoresis (also known as the Soret effect), as illustrated in Fig. 1. This constitutes the self-propelled version of "hot Brownian motion" (Brownian motion under nonequilibrium conditions with locally enhanced temperatures) [7]. The authors report propulsion velocities of the order of a few microns per second for low to moderate laser powers, which are similar to the observed velocities for selfdiffusiophoretic colloids.


Mangosteen fruit is one of typical fruit and pledge Indonesia. The export demand of mangosteen fruit is always increasing every year. The increasing of mangosteen fruit production is very important to support export demand global and domestic markets. The strategies of development mangosteen fruit are essential and should be focused on increasing planting area, production and productivity of mangosteen fruit, to build mangosteen orchard SOP bases; to form mangosteen agribusiness region; to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian mangosteen products with other countries; to improve and simplify the mangosteen exports to foreign countries; to improve the investment in the area of agribusiness at Indnesia mangosteen; to improve the welfare of mangosteen farmers and establish and strengthen institutions at the level of farmer groups and farmer groups combined with legal formal. To implement of these strategies can be developed three methods, namely clonalization, colonization, and consolidation.


Since 2008,the Chinese dairy enterprise occurred frequently quality and safety accidents.The cause of the accident leads directly to the enterprise ethics.Through analysis of the status of ethical management of dairy enterprises to improve and find ways to improve corporate ethics management.Based on the analysis of large amounts of data demonstrate that China's dairy companies do not pay attention to ethical management,the concept behind,the mechanism is not perfect is the main reason leading to moral failure.Dairy companies should systematically build corporate culture,the development of scientific development strategy,emphasis on supply chain management and quality control,enhance the standardization of enterprise management,accelerate product innovation and upgrading the system to enhance the management level of business ethics.


Research grant

2014-2016 Evelyn trust grant - Evaluation of a novel mitochondria-targeted anti-oxidant therapy for delayed graft function in renal transplantation.
Total: £168.000


This article analyses the significance of the Anglo‐Irish Agreement, and using research and interview material critically assesses explanations as to why it was signed. An interim evaluation of the consequences of the Agreement up to 12 July 1986 is made before considering the prospects of the Agreement's survival. A brief normative defence of the Agreement is also presented.


We research removable electrodes based on microfluidic chip in this paper. The electrodes can be assembled and fixed quickly and easily. We could change toxic electrodes conveniently during experiment. In addition the design of removable electrodes fits different size of channels, because the detection electrodes could be set its position close to outlet of microchannel under the microscope. We provide numerical simulations of COMSOL and hotomicrographs to proving our design in this article.


Objective To explore the clinical value of the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)in different stages of chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods According to the criteria of CKD stage formulated by KDOQI/KDIGO,240 patients with CKD in our hospital from May 2012 to December 2013 were divided into 6groups including the CKD stage 1,2,3a,3b,4and 5.The serum NGAL level was tested by the latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.The application value of sNGAL in CKD was performed the cross-sectional study.Results The NGAL level showed the significantly increasing trend with the increase of the CKD severity and the decline of the eGFR(P0.01).The sNGAL level was negatively correlated with eGFR(P0.05).The sNGAL level in the CKD 3b stage group was significantly higher than that in the CKD 3astage group(P0.05).In the ROC curve analysis,for diagnosing mild and moderate renal function impairment,serum sample sNGAL was similar to the areas under curve(AUC)of CysC and sβ2-MG(0.903,0.945,0.937),for diagnosing mild renal function impairment,serum sNGAL,CysC and sβ2-MG levels had similar AUC of ROC curve(0.819,0.899,0.900).The clinical diagnostic values of sNGAL were 189.5g/L for CKD 3astage,222.0g/L for CKD 3bstage,259.0g/L for CKD 4stage and 317.5g/L for CKD 5stage.Conclusion NGAL has certain diagnostic value for the renal function impairment degree of CKD.


Objective
To investigate the selective targeting ability of a novel folate-modified nanobubbles with two-fold amount of folate [(FOL)2-NBs].

Methods
DSPE-PEG2000-AD-(FOL)2 with two-fold of folate per DSPE-PEG2000 chain was synthesized and then tested by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The novel (FOL)2-NBs was prepared using the mechanical shaking method based on lipid-stabilized perfluoropropane. The bubble size was measured by Malvern laser particle size analyzer and the contrast enhancement ability was also detected with imaging machine using a self-made agarose mold. The experiment of selective targeting ability was also carried out in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell with over-expression of folate receptor (FR) using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).

Results
The result of 1H NMR proved that DSPE-PEG2000-AD-(FOL)2 was successfully synthesized, and the purity reached up to 90%. The novel prepared (FOL)2-NBs showed superior contrast enhancement ability with a particle size of (286.87±22.96)nm. Compared with the conventional NBs, the novel (FOL)2-NBs exhibited improved selective cellular targeting ability proven by FACS.

Conclusions
A novel nanobubble with improved selective targeting ability is successfully prepared and shows great potential in extravascular imaging and curation in FR overexpressed tumors.

Key words:
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Nanobubble; Folate receptor; Breast cancer


A striking and unexpected biochemical phenotype was found in an insertion mutant line in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. One of two investigated insertion mutant lines in the gene encoding the phosphate transporter PHT4;1 demonstrated a prominent loss of trienoic fatty acids, whereas the other insertion line was indistinguishable from wild type in this aspect. We demonstrate that the loss of trienoic fatty acids was due to a remnant inactive negative selection marker gene in this particular transposon tagged line, pht4;1-3. This constitutes a cautionary tale that warns of the importance to confirm the loss of this type of selection markers and the importance of verifying the relationship between a phenotype and genotype by more than one independent mutant line or alternatively genetic complementation.


Abstract The ability to assemble organic molecules one carbon atom at a time has been a long-held dream for chemists. Modern boronate homologations with chiral carbenoids allow for the assembly-line synthesis of long chiral alkyl chains with excellent control over individual stereocenters. Nevertheless, heteroatom rich motives present a serious synthetic challenge to this approach. Interestingly, older methods based on substrate-controlled homologations of chiral boronic esters or umpolung of a carbonyl nucleophile can offer complementary solutions. A combination of these approaches might thus extend the range of possible targets currently within grasp of a C1-based synthesis. Link to video abstract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH_HBrqQwtg . 1 Introduction 2 Substrate Control: Stereoselective Addition of d1-Reagents to Aldehydes 3 Stereocontrol by Chiral Auxiliary/Director: The Matteson Boronate Homologation 4 Reagent Control: Moving Chiral Information to the Carbenoid 5 Conclusions and Outlook


In a speech given to the University of London's Constitution Unit and Judicial Institute on 3 December 2014, the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP challenged Conservatives to think carefully about the party's proposal to break the link between British courts and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Grieve recalled why the United Kingdom signed the Convention in the first place and, although recognising that the Court's approach has been on occasion properly criticised and may present difficulties, argued that the reforms embodied in the Brighton Declaration 2012 are bearing fruit. He provided a critical exposition of the Conservative paper 'Protecting Human Rights in the UK: the Conservatives' Proposals for changing Britain's Human Rights Laws' (October 2014) and concluded that Conservatives should want to remain within the jurisdiction of the ECHR to maintain and ensure the Court's effectiveness and continued viability.


Modern humanist spirit was critically inherited and developed by Marxism and became the ideological foundation of socialist legal state. The ideological source of modern humanist spirit can be traced back to pioneers of Marxism in China during the May 4 period such as Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu who discussed the citizen's self consciousness in a modern society ruled by law. The 21 st century should make full use of this ideological resource.


The student starts from the BPSK simulator (Project 1) and the functions implemented for the 4-ASK simulator (Project 2) to obtain a 4-QAM simulator. A help file contains few notes before starting.


Multivariate regression methods have enabled several analytical techniques to expand their range of use from qualitative to quantitative analysis. It has also expanded the views of what kind of analytical methods are suited for process applications. This is especially so for NIR spectroscopy, which was earlier considered to work in a useless spectroscopic range because of the highly overlapping spectroscopic signals in most systems of interest. The introduction of multivariate regression methods such as PLS (partial least squares) changed this, and today NIR spectroscopy has an increasing popularity within both laboratory and process applications. From an analytical point of view, what may still be a disadvantage with methods such as NIR spectroscopy based on resolving overlapping spectra, is that the calibration process may be complex. The set of calibration samples has to include a number of samples for which the concentration of all absorbing compounds vary independently within the range of interest. This quickly makes up a large number of samples for calibration, which may be problematic in several ways: • The analytical work in calibration is extensive • The mixing of samples may be difficult, or even impossible • One may not have sufficient knowledge of the chemical system to define the calibration set. The problems relating to the process of calibration are different from traditional analytical techniques based on resolved signals. For these techniques the process of calibration include one, two or a small number of calibration samples, for which, in many cases, the sample matrix does not have to be identical to the later sample matrix (although one has to be aware of matrix effects and interferences). In addition, the process of calibration is more than running the calibration process at startup or installation of instrumentation. Changes may occur to the analytical system because of instrumental changes, depositions on optical surfaces, temperature changes or changes in sample composition. It may also be of interest to use the same calibration models with different instruments, for which the response is not identical. It is therefore important to have methods for maintaining and adjusting the calibration models with a


We processed a multicomponent walkaway VSP data for PP and PS imaging as well to study the AVO responses. The PP wave corridor stack and VSP-CDP mapping were completed and correlated to synthetic seismograms. Overall, we saw a good correlation between the VSP and synthetic data, and observed changes inside the reservoir, interpreted to be due to production. A common shot stack reflectivity gather was produced for AVO analysis. At the top and bottom of the target reservoir, the AVO responses of VSP PP wave data and synthetic gathers both show similar decreasing trends. The results give us promise for further reservoir characterization through walkaway VSP data.


Background Berries and associated bioactive compounds, e.g. polyphenols and dietary fibre (DF), may have beneficial implications with respect to the metabolic syndrome, including also cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects on cognitive functions and cardiometabolic risk markers of 5 wk intervention with a mixture of berries, in healthy humans. Methods Forty healthy subjects between 50–70 years old were provided a berry beverage based on a mixture of berries (150g blueberries, 50g blackcurrant, 50g elderberry, 50g lingonberries, 50g strawberry, and 100g tomatoes) or a control beverage, daily during 5 weeks in a randomized crossover design. The control beverage (water based) was matched with respect to monosaccharides, pH, and volume. Cognitive tests included tests of working memory capacity, selective attention, and psychomotor reaction time. Cardiometabolic test variables investigated were blood pressure, fasting blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, blood lipids, inflammatory markers, and markers of oxidative stress. Results The daily amounts of total polyphenols and DF from the berry beverage were 795 mg and 11g, respectively. There were no polyphenols or DF in the control beverage. The berry intervention reduced total- and LDL cholesterol compared to baseline (both P<0.05), and in comparison to the control beverage (P<0.005 and P<0.01, respectively). The control beverage increased glucose concentrations (P<0.01) and tended to increase insulin concentrations (P = 0.064) from base line, and increased insulin concentrations in comparison to the berry beverage (P<0.05). Subjects performed better in the working memory test after the berry beverage compared to after the control beverage (P<0.05). No significant effects on the other test variables were observed. Conclusions The improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers and cognitive performance after the berry beverage suggest preventive potential of berries with respect to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and associated cognitive decline. Possibly the polyphenols and DF contributed to the beneficial effects. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01562392.


A new enrichment and determination method involving HPLC-DAD analysis following magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) was developed to detect trace amounts of two antidepressant drugs, namely, duloxetine (DUL) and vilazodone (VIL). In this study, a solid-phase sorbent was newly synthesized for use in the MSPE and its characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. In this proposed method, DUL and VIL molecules were enriched using newly synthesized magnetic-based nanoparticles in the presence of pH 10.0 buffer and desorbed with acetonitrile to a smaller volume prior to chromatographic determinations. After experimental variables were optimized, the VIL and DUL molecules were analyzed at wavelengths of 228 nm for DUL and 238 nm for VIL with isocratic elution of methanol, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (0.1%), and acetonitrile (10 : 60 : 30). The detection limits obtained under optimized conditions were 1.48 ng mL−1 and 1.43 ng mL−1, respectively. The %RSD values were found to be lower than 3.50% with model solutions containing 100 ng mL−1 (N:5). Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to wastewater samples and simulated urine samples, and quantitative results were obtained in the recovery experiments.


This paper proposes a position accuracy improvement algorithm for a low-cost global positioning system (GPS) receiver of a car navigation system considering a distance boundary. The proposed method enhances the position accuracy by matching the trajectory of a vehicle acquired by a GPS receiver with prebuilt map information. After acquiring the trajectory of a vehicle, the iterative closest point method is employed to compute the rotational and the translational errors among the trajectory of a vehicle and map information. These computed errors are used to correct the trajectory of a vehicle. Unlike previous studies, in the proposed method, some of map information over a certain distance away from the trajectory is ignored so that the computational efficiency can be guaranteed. Finally, the superiority of our method is proved throughout real experimental results.


Introduction The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of exercise to reduce depressive symptoms among cancer survivors. In addition, we examined the extent to which exercise dose and clinical characteristics of cancer survivors influence the relationship between exercise and reductions in depressive symptoms. Methods We conducted a systematic search identifying randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions among adult cancer survivors, examining depressive symptoms as an outcome. We calculated effect sizes for each study and performed weighted multiple regression moderator analysis. Results We identified 40 exercise interventions including 2,929 cancer survivors. Diverse groups of cancer survivors were examined in seven exercise interventions; breast cancer survivors were examined in 26; prostate cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma were examined in two; and colorectal cancer in one. Cancer survivors who completed an exercise intervention reduced depression more than controls, d + = −0.13 (95% CI: −0.26, −0.01). Increases in weekly volume of aerobic exercise reduced depressive symptoms in dose-response fashion (β = −0.24, p = 0.03), a pattern evident only in higher quality trials. Exercise reduced depressive symptoms most when exercise sessions were supervised (β = −0.26, p = 0.01) and when cancer survivors were between 47–62 yr (β = 0.27, p = 0.01). Conclusion Exercise training provides a small overall reduction in depressive symptoms among cancer survivors but one that increased in dose-response fashion with weekly volume of aerobic exercise in high quality trials. Depressive symptoms were reduced to the greatest degree among breast cancer survivors, among cancer survivors aged between 47–62 yr, or when exercise sessions were supervised.


The method for manufacturing a component having at least one internal cavity. The method includes the steps of providing at least a first of the at least a first preformed core element of a metal material including at least one cavity having an opening (12) (10), said first opening section is covered by a cover element (30) having a first side (33) and the second side (34), hermetically to said first side surface (33) of said at least first core element (10) engagement with steps that are engaged, the at least first core element (10) and surrounding said at least a first cover element (30) at least partially, the mold that at least partially defines the shape of the component ( providing a 50), a step of filling a metal filling material into said mold, said at least a first core element (10), said cover element (30) and said gold Default time default temperature and default hydrostatic pressure in such a way the metal bond is achieved between the filler material includes a step of heating in the heating chamber is pressurized by the gas, the said at least first 1 of core elements (10), said at least a second side surface of the cover element (30) (34) is coated with a metallic filler material the mold after filling with metal filler material, and the cavity is predetermined during heating It is arranged in such a way is pressurized to the hydrostatic pressure.


Energy management plays a decisive role in the design of efficient 48V mild hybrid drives owing to the limited amounts of energy and power. In particular, strong nonlinearities of an electrified engine air path and the high interaction between the 48V mild hybrid powertrain and the electrical system pose a major challenge. Current research results show the fundamental potential of optimization-based energy management strategies. However there is a lack of optimization-based solutions that allow online direct control of the electrified air path and the electric motor. In this context, this study presents a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) approach for a 48V mild hybrid powertrain with an electric supercharger, which is able to simultaneously improve the response behavior and energy consumption. The control concept is developed on the basis of a detailed system description. The special features of optimization-based control for the degrees of freedom of the powertrain, i.e., the belt starter generator (BSG) and the electrified air path through a throttle, waste gate, and electric supercharger (eC), are addressed. After an analysis and verification of the control properties, the NMPC is evaluated in dynamic driving cycle simulations through a comparison with a state-of-the-art rule-based control strategy. The investigations show that the NMPC is able to control the system well even under transient situations with a high influence of disturbance variables. In addition, the NMPC allows a specific and fuel saving use of the 48V system while improving the driving dynamics at the same time.


An Augustinian understanding of original sin can significantly contribute to the purpose of the teaching of the humanities. It helps at the point where Martha Nussbaum's understanding of the humanities is inconsistent. She argues that the humanities should cultivate a "world citizen," that is, a people aspiring towards a universal mindset, appreciating and incorporating the great diversity of cultural values and histories, but who also must rid themselves of the shackles of their own tradition and authority to reach this world citizenship. However, her "world citizen" ends up imposing the values shaped by the Western enlightenment on what to consider important to study about these diverse cultures and histories. Instead, the humanities should clarify the human experience, by showing how all people in all cultures struggle with the same problem—the world is not the way it is supposed to be; we do not know how to fix it, but we must morally improve it. St. Augustine's teaching on original sin clarifies the cause and effect of the human experience and, thereby, provides a metaphysical basis for the humanities' agenda to describe the human experience across times and culture.


Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic homing characteristic of exogenous endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs) in rat glioma in vivo to provide an experimental basis for the feasibility of using magnetically labeled EPCs as MRI target tracing vectors. Materials and Methods: Three models of Sprague-Dawley at glioma(48 rats in total) were established as control group, experimental group and fake experimental group, In the control group and experimental group, orthotopic transplantation of C6 glioma cells was performed, compared to above groups, only the brain was punctured and no C6 glioma cells was performed. 8 days after the models were established, in the control group and experimental group, 2×106 USPIO-labeled EPCs were transplanted via the tail vein. Magnetic resonance imaging and perfusionweighted imaging were performed on several days. The conventional MR imaging, including spin echo and gradin-echo sequence, were performed at before and 1, 3, 5, 7 days after transplantation on each group to observe the signal change of the diseased region on T2 WI, SWI and T2 value. Tumors were excised from experimental rat of every group at each examined point to make pathological assay. Prussian blue staining represent the distribution of USPIO-EPCs in the tumor. CD34+, SDF-1, MMP-9 and VEGF staining were used to observe the distribution relationship between the Prussian blue staining positive cells and these antibody. Results: In fake experimental group, the MRI signal was similar all the time. The T2 value-time curve was straight. In control group, tumor size developed gradually but the no signal changed, in the experimental group, hypointense areas were detected at the periphery of the tumor on the first day after transplantation of EPCs, and much more hypointense areas were observed inside the tumor over time. The T2 value-time curve was downtrending. There were a little bluestained cells in fake experimental group, and several blue-stained cells were observed at the the periphery of the tumor on the first day after transplantation of EPCs, and migrated in the center of the tumor gradually. At the sites of blued stained cells, both SDF-1 and MMP-9 were strongly positive, they showed generalized expression in the periphery of the tumor in the early stage, the number of positive antibodies gradually increased in the center of the tumor in the 7 day after transplantation of EPCs, conversely. There was no significant association of blue stained cell localization and VEGF expression in tumor cells. Conclusions: The homing change procedure of USPIO-EPCs in rat glioma can observed by MRI in vivo, there was significant correlation between USPIOEPCs localization and the change of SDF-1 and MMP-9 in different areas, the antibody SDF-1 and MMP-9 may be one of the molecular biology of EPCs migration.


A review of 115 malignant lesions (proven histologically) is presented. Good number of malignant lesions were found confined to female sex organs.


Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in men, in 2018 there were 1.3 million new cases, according to a study conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research, resulting in a significant rate of deaths. Needless to that there is a lack of efforts to make this disease noticeable by public as being made in carcinoma of Breast in women. Our study aims to determine the knowledge level of student at the Syrian Private University concerning as well as raising awareness about prostate cancer. A cross-sectional study was done at the Syrian Private University in Damascus, Syria, between December 2020 until January 2021. The sample included students of all years from different faculties in the Syrian Private University. The data was collected by a questionnaire to measure the awareness of prostate cancer. The total number of participants was 446, from all faculties including males and females. The number of students who have heard about Prostate Cancer was 73.1%, and the percentage, of those who heard about the PSA Test was 52%. localized malignant lesion and this will pave the way towards performing ultrasound guided needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration . Consequently, we are also looking forward to dedicate a month every year to enhance knowledge of prostatic malignancy, increase screening tests, and support free examinations sponsored by the health authority. By achieving this target we may be able to declare that we have a proper awareness program to combat prostate cancer in Syria.


Unlike other regionally identified foods such as cranberry sauce and maple syrup, which have gained wide acceptance and are now in the product lines of major national food firms, sorghum syrup largely remains a locally produced and consumed product. In many places it is still made by the old fashioned open pan evaporation method on the farms where the sweet sorghum crop is grown. Differences in varieties, soils, climate, and cultural practices and in syrup making techniques make the product highly variable in color, viscosity, aroma, and flavor.


We present a streamlined model of the CRIRES optical path that enables calculation of the location of the illumination in the detector focal plane at sub-pixel accuracy for a given wavelength and instrumental configuration. The instrumental configuration is described in terms of the tips and tilts of optical surfaces, their optical properties and environmental conditions. The physical model will be used together with a minimisation algorithm that is capable of using multiple realisations of the model to find the instrumental configuration which results in the optimal match between simulated wavelength data and observed calibration exposures. This is a component of the Wavelength for Infra-Red Echelles project. We are now ready to apply the model to laboratory testing tasks for CRIRES. During this phase the parameterisation will be refined and the optimisation technique introduced.


In this project, Illinois-specific design procedures were developed for drilled shafts founded in weak shale. In addition, recommendations for field and laboratory testing to characterize the in situ condition of weak shales in Illinois were developed and presented herein. For this project, weak shale is defined as an intermediate geologic material (IGM) with an unconfined compressive strength of 10 to 100 ksf. These investigation and design improvements are anticipated to lead to safer design and substantial deep-foundation cost savings for the Illinois Department of Transportation.


The Conversion of ME as protein and fat was higher (P<0.01) in broilers receiving 3200 Kcal ME/kg diet containing 20 per cent CP in starter and grower and 19 per cent CP in finisher rations. The ME utilization for protein synthesis was higher in broilers receiving 2800 Kcal ME/kg diet with 23, 22 and 16 per cent CP in starter, grower and finisher rations respectively while for fat synthesis it was significantly (P<0.05) higher in broilers receiving 3200 Kcal ME/kg diet with 25 and 19 persent CP in starter and finisher and 3000 Kcal ME/kgdiet with 22 per cent CP in grower rations. The ME required/unit growth was maximum in broilers receiving 3200 Kcal ME/kg diet with 20 per cent CP in starter and grower and 3000 Kcal ME/kg diet with 19 per cent CP in finisher rations. The ME used for maintenance was maximum in broilers receiving 3000 Kcal ME/kg diet with 22 and 16 per cent CP in starter and finisher and 3200 Kcal ME/kg diet with 18 per cent CP in grower rations.


Human factor causes most of the road accidents; for improving traffic safety, advanced driver assistance system and autonomous driving have become active research. The most significant challenge of these systems is the development of a reliable obstacle detection which can recognize pedestrians and pedestrian-like objects on the road from color images and thermal images. Consequently, the object detection based on neural networks, such as YOLO [1] , is emerging as a solution for identifying obstacles with various appearance. Although the convolutional neural network provides a robust and reliable result, it still involves substantial computational costs and hard to port to an embedded device. This work intends to improve the performance of YOLO and aims at presenting a real-time obstacle detection system on an integrated device.


Listening is a language skill that people in general and students in specific may need it more than some of the other language skills such as reading and writing in their everyday life and communication. Yet, the integration of the four language skills should be always emphasized when learning any foreign language since this reinforces each other and represents the natural acquisition of the language. The current study aims to examine the effect of an instructional program based on integrating the four language skills on Jordanian undergraduate EFL students' listening comprehension skills and to find out their attitudes regarding the effectiveness of this program on improving their listening skills. In order to collect the data , the researchers used two instruments: pre-post test and an interview. The study is a quasi-experimental one, and the subjects of the study were 61 students from Al Al Bayt University in Jordan. The subjects were divided into two groups: the control one had 24 students while the experimental one had 37. The findings of the study reveal that there is a significant difference at ( α= 0.05) between the means of the two groups at the listening post-test due to the program. In addition, the instructional program proves to be effective for the students of the experimental group who believe that the program improved their listening skills.


Abstract In addition to wave properties like polarization, harmonic number, high- or low-field side launching, and launch angle, absorption of electron cyclotron waves depends strongly on plasma parameters, such as the temperature. Therefore, we have introduced a new way of operating our 110-GHz gyrotron for electron cyclotron heating and electron cyclotron current-drive experiments. In the Rijnhuizen Tokamak Project (RTP), a system for feedback control of the plasma temperature by regulating the output of the gyrotron has come into operation recently. Other parameters, i.e., the Shafranov parameter λ = βpol + li/2 - 1, and the loop voltage can be under feedback control as well. The control system is described and some test results are given.


Constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTSs) are an alternative adaptation for fluegas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater purification. A series of laboratory-based soil column studies mimicking a pilot-scale CWTS was carried out to evaluate the performance of the treatment system in detail. The main objectives of studies were to (1) understand the transport characteristics, retention capacity and transformation of selenium and other FGD constituents in the CWTS, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of soil treatments and influent flow rate on the performance of the CWTS, and (3) develop a mechanistic understanding of the CWTS performance through monitoring interrelationships of selenium (Se), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and sulfur (S). Ferrihydrite (1% w/w), and labile organic carbon (OC) were used as soil treatments. Different influent flow rates, X (1.42 mL/hour), 2X, or 1/2X were used depending on the objectives of each study. Deoxygenated 1:1 mixture of FGD: raw water was the influent. It was delivered to the saturated columns with an upward flow. Effluent samples were collected continuously, and analyzed for constituents of concern. End of these experiments, soil from sectioned columns were used for total elemental analysis, sequential extraction procedure (SEP) for Se, and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy analyses. Results indicated a complete Se retention by the columns. Boron, and fluorine partially retained whereas sodium, sulfur, and chlorine retention was weak, agreeing with field observations. Some of the initially-retained Se (~ 4 to 5%) was mobilized by changing redox conditions in the soil. Selenium fed with the wastewater accumulated in the bottom 1/3 (inlet) of the soil columns and was mainly sequestrated as stable forms revealed by SEP. Bulk-, and micro-XANES analyses suggested the retention mechanism of Se from the FGD wastewater was via the transformation of Se into reduced/stable forms [Se(IV), organic Se, and Se(0)]. Under wetland conditions, native soil As was mobilized by reductive dissolution of As associated minerals. However, the ferrihydrite amendment suppressed the native soil As mobility. Micro-XRF mapping integrated with As, and Fe-XANES suggested that the mechanism of native soil As retention was the sequestration of released As with newly precipitated secondary Fe minerals. A long-term study carried out with X, 1/2X flow rates, and OC source indicated enhanced S retention by the slow flow rate (1/2X), most likely due to the time dependency of biogenic S reduction. Further, bulk S-, As-, and FeXANES revealed that long submergence period and the slow flow rate increased the formation of reduced and/or biogenic S, realgar-like, and greigite-like species. These observations indicated that modified flow rates could have a significant impact on the long-term trace element (such as As) sequestration in the CWTS. Our studies provide useful information to improve the performance, and longevity of a full-scale CWTS for FGD wastewaters. MECHANISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF FATE AND TRANSPORT OF SELENIUM, ARSENIC, AND SULFUR IN A PILOT-SCALE CONSTRUCTED WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR FLUE-GAS DESULFURIZATION WASTEWATER


The present work is an attempt to determine torque required at each joint of 6-Degree of Freedom Arc Welding Robot for typical horizontal fillet welding operation which will be useful for designing actuator. Here, range of welding speed 90mm/min & 2000mm/min is taken. Result obtained at the end of this analysis will be useful for designing actuator capacity for typical application. The methodology adopted for analysis includes development of dynamic model, determination of velocity and acceleration with respect to time and thus determination of torque using velocity-acceleration and dynamic model. Keywords: Inverse Dynamic Analysis; Lagrange-Euler formulation; Arc Welding Robot DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i2.4011 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6. No II, November, 2010, pp.48-53


Abstract : The bibliography contains approximately 1100 references classified by subject for individual atoms and atomic ions. A number index identifies the references. An author index is included. References included contain data on energy levels, classified lines, wavelengths, Zeeman effect. Stark effect, hyperfine structure, isotope shift, ionization potentials, or theory which gives results for specific atoms or atomic ions.


By comparing the litigation right of criminal retrial with judicial authority and appeal against trial supervision, states the essence of litigation of criminal retrial. Litigation right of criminal retrial is right of party, can't be deprived, the status of it is same as appeal against trial supervision, they are basis to start judicial authority of criminal retrial.


For the postgraduate of the institute of nationalities,because of their complicated backgrounds,their English foundation are quite different.So,it is a wise action of the school to carry on hierarchical teaching to the graduate student of the non-English speciality English.The hierarchical teaching has been practiced for one year,through questionnaire investigation and interview,the result shows that the problem still exists in such aspects as hierarchical procedure,course offered,teacher's quality,teaching idea and way of testing.This artical hopes to have a positive affect on reforming in English education of the university.


Offshore Outsourcing consists on the externalisation of the work related with Information Technologiesto a supplier located in a country different from the client. Given the growing interest on Offshore Outsourcing inthe managerial world as well as in the academic arena, the present work carries out a revision of the literature in this area. We have analysed research articles about this topic published in prestigious journals. Research methodologies, level of analysis of the studies, perspective of the data, economic theories used, where the vendors and clients of this services are located, most frequent topics in the area and the most prolific authors and countries are analysed. The conclusions highlight the lack of theoretical formalization, the documentary character and the biggest interest on the perspectives of the vendors as well as of the clients of these services. KeyWords : Information Systems, offshore outsourcing, literature review.


PERHAPS IT IS BEST TO BEGIN by acknowledging a stubborn fact: this is about as difficult an essay to write as any I can remember. In Making Trifles of Terrors, Harry Berger unfolds the many unlovely, self-interested desires and motives that lurk in the "dark corners" of various Shakespearean speakers' utterances. What most interests me about these unacknowledged motives is that they so often seem simultaneously obscure and compelling to the speakers themselves. Shining a kind of bright readerly light on such dark corners, Berger traces subtle modulations of self-defense and self-blame in a series of ethically ambiguous interactions in Shakespeare's plays. He turns the light on, not to judge Shakespeare's speakers, but because he wants to think about how they may judge themselves. Unacknowledged motives, particularly a speaker's suspicion about his or her own complicity in actions or desires she is working hard to lay at someone else's door, emerge from these speeches precisely because Berger cannily recasts the idea of self-representation rhetorically. That is, he understands such pronouncements as Lear's "I am more sinned against than sinning" less as self-representation than as an exercise in self-persuasion. Such a book--concerned as it is with vicissitudes of address and self-knowledge, with the shaping pressures and obliquities of one's own language--carries peculiar perils for anyone trying to write about it. The warning sign, caveat scriptor, has therefore loomed large over my reflections as I thought about how to respond. Chief among the things I learned from Berger's way of looking at what I would call the rhetorical conditions of Shakespearean subjectivity is that a sentiment like the one with which I opened this essay--"this is difficult" or "this writing is hard for me to do"--may set out to praise its object, that is, "this is a rich and complex book and therefore it is hard to write about." But it also draws, however briefly, on what Berger identifies as "the victim's discourse." That is, acknowledging my difficulty with writing this essay also registers a complaint: "this book is asking me to work very hard." Nor does Berger's way of reading stop there; it also tells me that such a statement does not entirely evade the effects of my effort to persuade myself of something else my words do not openly proclaim. If I present myself to myself (and to the world) as someone who is working diligently on a difficult essay about a complex book, then I am also laboring to persuade myself that I am a smart person. Since I've learned this much from Berger's book, I can think of no better way to account for my motives in writing this paragraph than to quote his own account of why he listened to Peter Erickson and put together the essays that make up Making Trifles of Terrors: "He made me do it" (xxii). If you are struck as much as I am by the shuttle between "self-inculpation and self-exculpation" in the preceding account of just a few opening words, or by the suspicious displacement of agency from one party (me) to another party (him), then you have become involved in the language-game of dark corners and disowned desires that Berger signals in his subtitle, "Redistributing Complicities." As Making Trifles of Terrors continually reminds us, however, everyone must assume some place as the place from which to speak--and then do the best she can with the cultural baggage that comes along. The place I claim here as the one from which to speak to others about the complex questions of address raised in Berger's book is (not surprisingly) that of a literary critic whose habits, training, experience, and desires mean that she approaches such ethico-rhetorical issues as a feminist. Having gotten that much said, what I propose to do here is outline what seem to me some of the most compelling contributions Berger's book makes to feminist criticism of Shakespeare. What I want to suggest is that Berger's account of Shakespearean subjectivity draws on such criticism in order to further it, and thus constitutes a kind of invitation to new avenues for feminist critique. …


New applications for autonomous underwater vehicles require underwater wireless communication with data rates up to several megabit per second and a transmission range up to several meter. Regular radio transceivers achieve a poor performance in seawater. Therefore, our project evaluates and implements new approaches for optical, acoustic and electric underwater communication. The goal is to implement a flexible software defined transceiver consisting of a FPGA with exchangeable communication modules. Keywords—Software Defined Transceiver; Wireless; Underwater; Acoustic; Optical


Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of pregnancy-associated trophoblastic tissue with malignant potential. GTD covers a spectrum of tumors and tumor-like conditions and may occur in a benign form as hydatiform mole or as malignancy in the form of invasive mole or choriocarcinoma. GTD has become a curable malignant disease since the introduction of chemotherapy. Optimal therapy in this group of diseases rests in the correct diagnosis, assessing their risk for malignant behavior using prognostic scoring systems and administering appropriate treatment. Their rarity makes it imperative that these patients are treated in special centres by experts. Benign moles are treated surgically with evacuation of the uterus or hysterectomy. In malignant gestational trophoblastic disease, chemotherapy is the treatment of choice; single agent for non-metastatic and low-risk metastatic disease and a combination chemotherapy for high-risk metastatic disease. Judicious use of surgery and radiotherapy in these cases will improve the survival rate. With appropriate treatment, the cure rates approach 100% in the low-risk group, and 80% to 85% in the high risk group. By applying the aquired knowledge and experiences, we could not accept to lose any patient because of gestational trophoblastic diseases. Acta Medica Medianae 2010; 49(1):64-69.


Summary: A patient with severe hypercapnia (PaCO2= 75 mm Hg) secondary to metabolic alkalosis is described. The patient had normal sensitivity to inhaled carbon dioxide after recovery. The hypercapnia was considered to be caused by a combination of severe metabolic alkalosis, hypochloraemia, hypokalaemia, de-hydration and azotaemia, all of which were secondary to persistent vomiting caused by pyloric stenosis. The mechanisms of ventilatory depression during alkalosis, including the roles of hypochloraemia and hydrogen ion depletion, are discussed.


Abstract : This study examines the job characteristics-job satisfaction and job characteristics-perceived performance relationships using the job characteristics model developed by Hackman and Oldham (1976) as the theoretical base for analysis. Additionally, the study explores the possible moderating effects of individual growth needs and social needs on these relationships using both moderated regression and subgroup analysis. A full methodology is provided for using moderated regression, which is considered to be more appropriate in the analysis of moderator variables. The major conclusions of this study were that job characteristics were significant predictors of job satisfaction, and that neither individual growth needs nor individual social needs significantly or constantly moderate the job characteristics-job satisfaction/perceived performance relationships. Furthermore, it was found that social needs and growth needs were positively correlated, contrary to expectation. This last finding suggests that social and growth needs may be elements of a larger individual difference variable, need for personal worth, which is considered to be a more realistic indicator of individual differences.


Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a spectrum of disorders, ranging from primary snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Several studies have suggested that primary snoring may affect 10–25% of children aged 3–12 yrs, and 10% of these children may have OSAS 1–3. SDB is known to be associated with behavioural problems, such as aggression, hyperactivity, attention-deficit disorder and poor socialisation 4. Gozal 5 showed that SDB was 6–9-fold more common in 1st grade children (aged 6 yrs) who were in the bottom tenth percentile for academic achievement. Furthermore, neurocognitive functions, such as memory, learning and problem solving, are reduced in children with SDB 6. Therefore, it is not surprising that the overall health status and quality of life for children with SDB is reduced significantly 4, 7. Indeed, the quality of life for children with adenotonsillar disease, a group of children with SDB and/or recurrent throat infections, was shown to be similar to children with asthma or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and, in some respects, worse 8.

A high percentage of children with SDB who undergo adenotonsillectomy experience resolution of the disorder, as documented by post-operative polysomnography (PSG) 9. However, do behavioural and neurocognitive problems also resolve …


Risk evaluation for Ⅲ-type pressure vessel is an important component of the design method based on failure mode.Identification,analysis and control of the typical risks for coal-chemical shift furnace during the design,manufacture and use were discussed.Effective measures are given at the as well.


Abstract An attempt is made to give a survey of polymer processing during the past 50 years, with a backward glance to earlier periods and to roots of development in related branches of industrial production. Selected topics are treated in some detail, with comments and comparisons, showing typical trends and forecasting possible progress in the near future: Extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, calendering and sundries. A separate chapter deals with the role of theory and experiment in polymer processing. Generally, it may be stated that in the main fields development is changing from a practical art to applied science. – For rounding-off the article is closed with some anecdotes and stories about pioneers in the front line of plastics progress.


This study looks at current issues with hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics and explores if organic bioponics-based solutions are a viable alternative that is also sustainable. The study's findings emphasize the need of maintaining root health and nutrient delivery in aeroponic systems, monitoring water quality and striking a balance between the health of fish and plants in aquaponic systems, and maximizing resource utilization in both systems. The utilization of natural pest and disease management techniques and the sustainable use of resources are just two advantages of bioponics, according to comparative studies. The absence of organic food sources, inefficient insect control, and expensive upfront costs are cited as challenges. The development of various organic nutrient sources, optimisation of biological control agents, analysis of commercial feasibility and scalability, automation of processes, integration of technology, and environmental impact analysis are some future research objectives. This study demonstrates how bioponics may help progress environmentally friendly farming methods. By pursuing the suggested future research lines, scientists can further support organic farming methods, improve the effectiveness of food production, and lessen the influence of agriculture on the environment. By identifying low-cost organic material for Agri input development like that done in the year long trials done by VIRENXIA with IIT-Delhi, appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable crop growth can be achieved. It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system, by providing knowledge and practices for emerging farmers and upgrading the capabilities of agriculture sectors, in responding to the development needs of rural India.


Two days after the 2011 presidential election, the Irish Times (29 October 2011) described the event as 'an extraordinary campaign with an unprecedented seven candidates', dominated by negative campaigning, and adding up to a 'brutal experience' for many of those who contested it. The tone of the campaign suggested a singleminded determination on the part of candidates to win this office; and media coverage of the event bore testimony to the great public interest in the outcome. Clearly, for the candidates and their supporters a successful outcome was worth fighting hard for; and for many in the general public the identity of Ireland's next President genuinely mattered. Yet, as is well known, the Irish President is endowed with relatively few powers of any substance. Why, then, have elections to this position been contested with such intensity, especially since 1990? This is a theme that runs through this special issue, where the remaining articles cluster into three themes: the constitutional and political status of the office, the process by which presidents have been selected or elected, and the manner in which the presidential role has been shaped by changing historical realities and the force of the personalities that have filled this position. In this introductory article, we set the context for this discussion. We begin with an outline of the constitutional and political framework that defines the operation of the Irish presidency, the circumstances associated with its creation, and the manner in which it has evolved. We then look more explicitly at three aspects of this office that are discussed later in this issue: the role of the President of Ireland in comparative and historical perspective, the manner in which incumbents have shaped the


ABSTRACT Several archaeological sites located in caves and rockshelters in the highlands of the Central Atacama Desert reflect the late-Pleistocene peopling of the area (13,000–11,500 cal yr BP). Based on study of the lithic technology and other complementary data, we suggest that they were used as hunting stations and transient camps, mostly intended for specialized tasks as part of long-distance mobility. The gradual extension of the logistical radii of hunter-gatherer groups already adapted to high-altitude environments appears to be the most likely explanation for the early peopling of the area.


Sustainable development and harmonious society are unification of the process and the state.If there is no social harmory,there will have no sustainble development.Only when the global social benefit mechanism is transformed,can the society enterinto the harmonious and sustainable development state.


A total of 71 air samples were collected in Hong Kong area from November 2001 to February 2003 using a highvolume air sampler and a high-volume cascade impactor with five atmospheric pressure stages. The Be radioactivity on each stage was measured using a high-efficiency germanium gamma-ray spectrometer. From the radioactivity of stages, the total airborne Be radioactivity was determined. The activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) of Beassociated atmospheric aerosols was found to be 0.22–1.11 mm and the geometric standard deviation (GSD) was found to be 1.2–10.5. With the assumed mean growth rate (MGR) of atmospheric aerosols of 0.004–0.005mmh 1 and the size of Aitken nuclei of 0.015mm, the residence times of Be-associated atmospheric aerosols were also found from the AMAD. Three-dimensional 4-day back-trajectories were obtained using the HYSPLIT model from NOAA Air Resources Laboratory. These trajectories were used with the measured Be radioactivity to construct regional Be intensity fields for four different altitude levels (less than 1000, 1000–2000, 2000–3000 and above 3000m) with a Geographic Information System (GIS). Low Be intensities were found to have advected from low altitudes (less than 1000m) and oceanic areas. The Be intensities increased for the higher intensity field layers. By comparing the time taken for air masses to come from the Be source to Hong Kong and the residence time determined from the AMAD of Be-associated atmospheric aerosols, good agreement was found if the mean growth rate of 0.005mmh 1 for atmospheric aerosols was used, and the use of back-trajectories was shown to be satisfactory even up to about 6.5 d. By using the residence time with a MGR of 0.005 mmh , the Be source was found to be relatively well confined in the areas of Mongolia and southeastern Siberia, which further supported that the association of Be source with the Siberian anticyclone. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


Corruption is a legal and moral contravention that generates great concern among nations due to its erosive effects on economic growth, democracy, governance, social equity and the integrity of culture. Therefore, it is necessary to know more about the multiple variables that produce and maintain this phenomenon. This article reports the results of an experimental investigation that sought to provide elements of judgment on the influence of the structure of personal values on the willingness to bribe. For this, 12 couples of young university students of both sexes interacted through a game that simulated a relationship between a corrupter and a corruptible agent, with the help of a real-time communication system, mediated by an online platform, which allowed instant and bidirectional interaction. The couples were randomly constituted and played with each other under double blind. However, the interacting members of the dyad could share values or vary in their axiological structure in such a way that, while one of them could manifest anti-corruption principles, the other's commitment was not so obvious. The results confirm the importance of the axiological structure of people in the facilitation or containment of the corrupt behavior. This article also reflects on the theoretical connotations of the relationships shown.


The use of assistance or service dogs trained to perform tasks to ameliorate symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is becoming more widespread. However, the rationale for this intervention is currently largely based on anecdotal evidence. Pet dog ownership is very common in Western society and it is therefore likely that many individuals with PTSD are already dog owners, however, little attention has been paid to the potential therapeutic role of an 'untrained' dog. This exploratory study sought to gain insights into how individuals experience canine companionship in relation to their recovery. Four participants were interviewed and their accounts analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009). Three super-ordinate themes were identified: 'a protective partnership'; 'beneficial behaviours: enabling a shift in focus'; and 'role in reclaiming life'. A discussion of the findings in relation to extant literature is presented followed by a critique of the present study. Recommendations for further research are also made and implications for clinical practice are explored.


The emergent consciousness and political activism emanating from the transgender community have important implications for counselor education. Treatment issues are no longer exclusively centered on aiding "gender dysphoric" individuals to assume either a "male" or "female" gender but rather on exploring alternative gender identifications and options. Counselor educators and supervisors need to model for their students a "trans-positive" approach to counseling that affirms and celebrates individuals with nontraditional gender identities.


The use of literature,questionnaire,comparative analysis,experiment,statistics and other research methods,Bijie University freshman boys as the research object,Through two experimental classes were compared with a control experiment class teaching and research.Different teaching hours of traditional minority national sports bodily function and quality of students.The results showed: For each class before and after the experiment data by using paired-samples T Test analysis,Found three classes of four indicators(vital capacity,1,000 meters,50 meters,grip strength) in the data after the experiment had to upgrade,but the difference increases significantly;After the three classes of experimental breakdown data using ANOVA and LSD multiple comparison of means method,Found minority sports class of intervention level directly affect the outcome of the index,there exist significant differences.


In the new are of global economic inte- gration and rapid development of cities, lots of new problems have emerged in the urbanization areas due to the constant expansion of urban spatial area, con- tinuous concentration of industries, crowded traffic, enlargement of the city population size, running off of water and land resources, and deterioration of the environment, which bring challenges to the social economy. How to apply the scientific concept of development and construct a harmonious society during the rapid development period of urbanization in the 21st century becomes an important topic. This paper puts forward the five key strategies for the healthy development of China's urbanization and dis- cusses relevant issues, wishing to arouse the academic debate among the readers.


This study aimed to develop new vegetable purees derived from banana inflorescences as well as recipes suitable for individuals suffering from dysphagia. The effects of hydrocolloids (modified tapioca starch; MTS, gum acacia; GA, xanthan gum; XG, carboxymethyl cellulose; CMC, and gelatin; GEL) on the quality of purees were investigated. Banana inflorescences turned out to be a good choice for the preparation of purees that complied with "Level 4 Pureed Food for Adults" as examined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) methods. The addition of XG and CMC to the purees improved their qualities. However, the effects of hydrocolloids depended on the types and concentrations used. Some hydrocolloids, such as GA and GEL, have been discovered to be unsuitable. The kale leaf, pumpkin, and Riceberry-flavored soups, made from banana inflorescence purees as a main ingredient, were successfully prepared. All recipes adhered to the IDDSI guidelines for "Level 3 Liquidized Food for Adults". The finding in this study could promote the use of banana inflorescence as a potential ingredient for purees suitable to be used as dysphagia diets.


he new generation of Naim's ND-range of network players now comprises some three brand new models. While the £4,999 NDX 2 is a direct update for the discontinued NDX, and the entry-level £1,999 ND 5 XS 2 is somewhat different from its predecessor, the £12,999 ND 555 is pitched even higher than the NDS it replaces. At first glance, it would seem that the new models are just the inevitable result of combining the old with the hardware/software package on which is based the revised Uniti range (launched a little over two years ago). At the time of that launch, the obvious question was whether this 'new platform for the future' (as Naim called it), would find its way up from Uniti to ND models. Spool forward to 2018, and it's not quite that simple: the new Naim platform at the heart of 'new Uniti' was always developed with new NDmodels in mind. Their arrival meant that the full potential of the platform, designed to futureproof the range against developments in file formats and streaming services, is finally being realised. The new models now play DSD files up to 128/5.6MHz, PCM to 32-bit/384kHz, will also handle anything supported by Google Chromecast, are Roon-ready, and will support Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2. Both the NDX 2 and ND 555 gain the full-colour 5in TFT screens first seen in the new Uniti models. The entry-level ND 5 XS 2 has no display, the idea being to optimise sound quality. And in practice all three models will usually be driven by the everevolving Naim App. Like the NDX it replaces, the new NDX 2 can either be self-powered or use an external XPS or 555PS power supply. That pitches this midrange model at just under £5000 in self powered form,


In this paper, actuator criticality analysis is integrated in the design of active fault-tolerant control systems. The main objective consists in the fault-tolerant controller synthesis which guarantees a highest overall system reliability while still maintaining immediate stability and tracking performance of reconfigured system. To achieve this task, an actuator criticality indicator is defined and incorporated in the fault-tolerant controller design. Such metric is implemented to manage the control inputs in order to improve the system dependability both in normal operation and in the presence of faults. Actuator criticality analysis of systems modeled by a state space representation is proposed. A design of the fault-tolerant compensation controller is reformulated as a linear matrix inequality problem.


In this study, a typical model of macrophages-derived foam cell was founded by peritoneal macrophage of C57 BL/6J mouse, which is susceptible to atherosclerosis, incubated with 10 mg·L-1 oxidized low density lipoprotein. Comparing with macrophages of Swiss strain mouse, these results showed the cultured foam cell-derived from C57 BL/6J mouse macrophages continued a large of lipid particles and intracellular total cholesterol increased in the cells, in which cholesteryl ester occupied more than 50% of total cholesterol. It corresponded to the typicalcharacteristics of foam cells. This model suppled a reliable pathological cell tool for the study of atherosclerosis.


Background: Umbilical granuloma so far can be treated with surgery or with silver nitrate. In limited facilities such as in remote areas where the surgeon is limited, pharmacological therapy with silver nitrate or topical steroid can be given. However, treatment with silver nitrate requires medical personnel and has unfavorable adverse effects if done by improper technique. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical steroid for treating an umbilical granuloma compared to silver nitrate therapy. Method: The literature search was done using search engines including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Literature selection was performed with limitations from 2000 to 2020 to get the novelty and written in the English language with a target population of infants less than 6 months were included. To retrieve the articles, topical corticosteroids, topical steroids, and umbilical granuloma were used as keywords. Results: The findings from the included studies show similar sample characteristics. The study conducted by Brodsgaard et al. had an older mean sample age than the study of Ogawa et al. (53.4 vs 31 days). The risk of topical steroid treatment failure on an individual study conducted by Brodsgaard et al. and Ogawa et al. was 3.0 (0.33–27.23, p = 0.33) and 0.94 (0.40–2.21; p = 0.33), respectively. Overall analysis, the risk of treatment failure was 1.09 (0.49–2.43, p = 0.82), there was no difference between the two interventions. Conclusions: One of the umbilical granuloma treatment options that can be considered is topical steroids, such as clobetasol proprionate 0.05% or betamethasone valerate 0.12%. When compared to silver nitrate, topical steroids have a longer therapeutic healing time but with a better safety profile. The non-inferiority study of topical steroids to silver nitrate has not been met yet.


Motivation determines the dynamics of behaviour and helps in overcoming obstacles. A related concept is resilience, which also relates to overcoming stressful situations and speaks to an individual's ability to adapt to challenging circumstances in life. The aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between resilience and motivation to learn in students studying in the field of education. One hundred and thirty students participated in the research (100 bachelor students and 30 master students). The research instrument used to measure resilience was The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10) and to detemine motivation The Academic Motivation Scale (AMS-C 28) tool was used. The Mann-Whitney test found no significant difference between the two groups of students in each of the variables measured. The results show a significant association between resilience and types of intrinsic motivation in particular, but the strongest relationship was found between resilience and the lack of motivation. Students with low resilience scored higher on amotivation. For students at university, motivation to learn based on intrinsic drives is assumed to be self-evident. However, the ability to overcome obstacles is also necessary for the attainment of learning goals. Its degree can also be developed through educational intervention, which provides an opportunity for university teachers to expand their area of operation.


A simple and highly reproducible single electron transistor (SET) has been fabricated using gated silicon nanowires. The structure is a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor made on silicon-on-insulator thin films. The channel of the transistor is the Coulomb island at low temperature. Two silicon nitride spacers deposited on each side of the gate create a modulation of doping along the nanowire that creates tunnel barriers. Such barriers are fixed and controlled, like in metallic SETs. The period of the Coulomb oscillations is set by the gate capacitance of the transistor and therefore controlled by lithography. The source and drain capacitances have also been characterized. This design could be used to build more complex SET devices.


The sophistication of covert activities employed by criminal networks with technology has been proven to be very challenging for criminal enforcement fraternity to cripple their activities. In view of this, law enforcement agencies need to be equipped with criminal network analysis (CNA) technology which can provide advanced and comprehensive intelligence to uncover the primary members (nodes) and associations (links) within the network. The design of tools to predict links between members mainly rely on Social Network Analysis (SNA) models and machine learning (ML) techniques to improve the precision of the model. The primary challenge of constructing classical ML models such as random forest (RF) with an acceptable level of accuracy is to obtain a large enough dataset to train the model. Obtaining a large enough dataset in the domain of criminal networks is a significant problem due to the stealthy and covert nature of their activities compared to social networks. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate that a link prediction model constructed with a relatively small dataset and dataset generated through self-simulation by leveraging on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) can contribute towards higher precision in predicting links. The training of the model was further fused with metadata (i.e. environment attributes such as criminal records, education level, age and police station proximity) in order to capture the real-life attributes of organised crimes which is expected to improve the performance of the model. Therefore, to validate the results, a baseline model designed without incorporating metadata (CNA-DRL) was compared with a model incorporating metadata (MCNA-DRL).


The environmental severe problems that today the humanity faces are the result of the imposition of the irrational models of production and consumption of the developed world. The destruction of the forests, the degradation of the soils, the contamination of the waters, the deflection of the ozone layer, the global warming and other phenomena, are driving to the disappearance of the human species. The cooperative model, in its production or services expressions, contemplates the same essence of the sustainable development, with a harmonic balance between the economic growth, the social equal development and the protection of the environment. When analyzing the modern principles of the cooperatives, a narrow relationship is identified with the bases of the sustainable development.  These principles are intimately linked with the values of mutual help, solidarity, responsibility, justness, equality, justice, respect and democracy, for what they promote and they project a sustainability model, anchored in the community, for which an authentic true local development is built, private of the lucre and the anarchy whose main objective is the human being's harmonic development and of its personality, based in the common work to achieve a collective benefit. In particular, the agricultural cooperatives have a great importance in the environmental topic and the sustainability, in correspondence with the so narrow connection with the soils and the water, natural resources that suffer a great pressure for the development, for what is indispensable that they introduce and extend technical and sustainable procedures, and be projected toward the natural and organic productions.


The importance of boron for human life is increasing day by day, and its usage areas are gradually expanding thanks to the developing science and technology. In the present study, antifungal and antimicrobial effects of ammoniumbiborate, lithiummetaboratedehydrate and potassiumtetraborate were investigated. Disc difussion metod was used for determine antimicrobial and antifungal effects. In the study streptomycin standart discs were used as positive control. Boron compounds were showed antimicrobial and antifungal effects on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 7002), Candida tropicalis (ATCC13803), Citrobacter freundii (ATCC 8090), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6633), Burkholderia Cepacia (ATCC25608). As a conclusion, our results showed that these boron compounds may use as antimicrobial and anti fungal agents.


Active learning training based on experiential learning models really needs to be pursued to realize active learning in elementary schools. The aim of this activity was the participant able to implement active learning in the classroom based on the key meaning found in accordance with self-creativity (active experimentation). This activity was started by training and then was continued with assistence. Based on the analysis of the results of the training effectiveness test by calculating the pre-test and post-test scores, it can be concluded that the active learning training based on experiential learning models is effective to improve active learning in elementary schools. In the evaluation and follow-up stages, the facilitator provides assistance for educators to implement active learning in the classroom. The effect of the mentoring are known that the teacher is able to implement a fun active leraning model and trigger active participation of students.


In this paper, a method of design-for-reliability for the advanced electronic package under temperature cycling (TC) condition is demonstrated, including material characterization, reliability test, finite element analysis (FEA), and fatigue life model development. Tensile tests are conducted for Sn–1.0Ag–0.5Cu–0.02Ni (SAC105Ni0.02) solder alloy at four stain rates of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{{-5}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{{-4}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{{-3}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{{-2}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and four test temperatures of − 35°C, 25 °C, 75 °C, and 125 °C to develop temperature- and strain rate-dependent material models. Tensile creep tests are carried out at various temperatures and stress levels to study creep behavior. TC reliability test is conducted for ball grid array package with SAC105Ni0.02 solder joints. Thermal fatigue lives are obtained from TC test with different failure rates. FEA simulation is carried out for each package using the developed mechanical properties and creep model of the solder. Fatigue life models with different failure rates are proposed for the SAC105Ni0.02 solder by combining simulation results and experimental data. Fatigue resistance of the SAC105Ni0.02 solder is comparable with that of high Ag content SAC solders.


One of present questions in the context of natural and technological risk mapping, which become important in last years, is analysis and assessment of selected types of multirisks. It results from relevant R&D projetcs and also from international workshops and conferences. From various surveys and presented activities it is evident existence a lot of data and methodological approaches for single risk categories but a lack of tested methodological approaches for multirisks. Within framework of workgroup was done literature search of multirisk assessment methodologies and innovations. The idea of this relatively small, local scale case study arose during the 3rd Risk Mapping Workshop, coordinated by EC DG JRC, IPSC in November 2007. The proposal was based on the previous risk analysis and assessment project, which has been done for Frydek-Mistek County area (Czech Republic) in the year 2002. Several industrial facilities in the Trinec are partly situated in the inundation area of river Olše and are partly protected by concrete barriers built on the banks of Olše. It has to be mentioned that these banks are unstable and in the permanent slow movement. If iron-concrete barriers will be overflowed by water as the result of sudden bank landslide or flood wave, it could trigger several industrial accidents on steel and energy production facilities. Area is highly developed from demographic and socioeconomic point of view. Selected area is in high stage of geological, engineering geological and hydrogeological investigation. Most important scenarios of acidents in the area were developed by What-If analysis and Black box analysis (just growth of several different scenarios; qualitative analysis). In the period of few years later, more QRA analyses of industrial risks were proceeded separately, thanks to District Office, public and Seveso II Directive requirements. General scenarios of multi-hazard events was considered. In the case study, three methodologies was applied to assess hazard and risk: qualitative approach based on German methodology of Risk matrix compilation; quantitative approach based on statistical methods previously used for the area between two towns Hlohovec and Sered in Slovakia; quantitative approach for the modelling of the floods on the river Olse based on model HEC-RAS. For evaluation of selected scenarios impacts to the facilities and also to the public, including evaluation of present barriers, was used also method of expert assesment. With regard to the preliminary results it could be estimated, that flooding of industrial facilities is less probable due to existing barriers, but several usefull recomendations for similar prone areas could be derived.


Especially metal cutting tool having at least two cutting discs are arranged on the milling tool, the cutting plate and in direct contact with each other to support each other. Since direct contact between the cutting discs, it has a particularly simple manner and the teeth of the reel base design full amount. This can lead to large metal cutting efficiency.


The stratospheric aerosol layer has been monitored from 1982 through 1986 by a lidar in NIES, Tsukuba (36°N, 140°E). A strong enhancement in the signals from the stratospheric aerosol layer was observed in 1982 and 1983 as a result of the volcanic aerosols from the El Chichon (Mexico) eruption in March and April 1982. Multiplex thin aerosol layers with ∼1-km thickness were observed in the autumn of 1982. Another enhancement in the amount of stratospheric aerosols was observed in the winter of 1985/1986. The origin of the new aerosol layer can be attributed to the eruptions of Nevado del Ruiz (4°53′N, 75°22′W) on November 13, 1985. The long-term decay of the integrated backscattering coefficient (IBC) from 1982 through 1986 will also be discussed. The optical thickness converted from IBC observed at Tsukuba in late 1982 was up to about 0.2 which was larger than that observed over North America in the same period.


Summary: Studies have shown that human neonates who develop group B streptococcal sepsis usually lack opsonic antibody (Ab) to their infecting strain and that these neonates may also have unpaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function. The present study was designed to determine the efficacy of administration of PMNs or opsonic Ab-containing serum in protecting against group B streptococcal infection in a newborn rat model. After intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ±5 ± 105 streptococci, animals received separate IP injections of saline, serum lacking opsonic antibody (Ab negative), Ab positive serum or washed adult human PMNs (2 ± 106). The mortality rate in 55 neonatal rats infected with group B streptococci who received saline or Ab negative serum was 91%. In contrast, 40 animals who received adult human PMNs at the time of inoculation had a survival rate of 50% (P ≤0.001). Human serum containing opsonic antibody also provided significant protection against mortality in this model (survival rate 51%, P ≤0.001). Leukocytes from normal term neonates, stressed neonates, or ones pretreated with cytochalasin B offered less protection than did functional adult human cell (P ≤0.001).Speculation: This study provides evidence for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) dysfunction as another risk factor in group B streptococcal disease and suggests that fully functional PMNs are required for protection. Furthermore, this model involving the administration of human PMNs to an animal appears to have the potential for the in viw evaluation of PMN function in neonates and other compromised hosts.


The purpose of this paper is to investigate the overlap of the regulatory domain into the economic and operating environment of the trucking industry, with particular reference to the consequences of the NHTSA decision to impose SS 121 on the trucking industry. It is only within the context of such a specific regulatory action that one can hope to evaluate an industry's hostile reaction to such a decision. /GMRL/


The invention discloses a farmland plant protection robot and belongs to the technical field of agricultural plant protection machines. The farmland plant protection robot is composed of a vehicle body, a steering system, a control system, a driving system and a spraying system and is characterized in that the control system comprises a control cabinet and a remote control, the control cabinet is located at the rear of the vehicle body, the steering system is located at the front end of the vehicle body, the driving system is located in the middle of the vehicle body, and the spaying system is located in the front of the vehicle body. The remote control type plant protection spraying robot is reasonable in design, wide in application range and excellent in technology; first, the vehicle body of the robot is narrow so that the robot can pass through space between rows of crops easily; the plant protection robot can carry a mist sprayer instead of people or an ordinary machine, and thus the plant protection operation is safer, more efficient and wider in application range.


Those of us who knew, or knew of, Thomas A. Bailey, who died on July 26, 1983, at age eighty near Stanford University, probably remember him primarily as an historian who produced a mass of works which were often of impressive erudition but always of appealing readability.' As a writer he accomplished a great deal, but in total professional activity achieved much more. Throughout his academic life he exemplified what most of us would perceive as an ideal often greatly admired but rarely realized-that of a dedicated teacher-scholar who attracted a large popular following. He taught several thousand undergraduates and trained more than twenty doctoral candidates. He devoted himself to the study, teaching, and writing of history with a passion that diminished only with illness and the approach of death.2


A fuzzy self-tuning PID controller is designed for film tension control system with the automatic winding machine for metallic film capacitor being the object of research.It can realize on-line adjusting of PID parameters and improve the adaptivity of PID controller.The simulation experiment is given.


Objective:To investigate the influence of allogeneic spleen tissue transplantation with low-dose FK506 on allograft tolerance in rats receiving orthotopic liver transplant and the related mechanism.Methods: Female Brown Norway(BN) rats were divided into 5 groups(eight rats in each group).Rats in Group 1 received orthotopic allogeneic liver transplantation using inbred Lewis rats as donors.Rats in Group 2 received Lewis liver transplantation+low-dose FK-506(0.25 mg/kg FK-506 was orally given after transplantation).Rats in Group 3 received Lewis liver transplantation+Lewis spleen transplantation.Rats in Group 4 received Lewis liver transplantation+Lewis spleen transplantation+low-dose FK-506.Rats in Group 5 received Lewis liver+SD spleen transplantation+low-dose FK-506.The survival periods were recorded for each group.The forming of chimerism,the responsiveness of T cells to alloantigen and the pathological changes of transplanted liver were analyzed after treatment.Results: Compared with rats in other groups,rats in Group 4 had an obviously longer survival time,an obviously reduced T cell responsiveness to alloantigen,and obviously increased donor-positive cells(remained for 60 days after transplantation)(P0.05).There was no significant pathological evidence of rejection.Conclusion: Allogeneic spleen transplantation combined with low-dose FK506 treatment can induce graft immune tolerance in orthotopic allogeneic liver transplant recipients through promoting the formation of chimerism and T cells hyporesonsiveness to alloantigen.


The presence of social media has had an impact on changes in human behavior and attitudes toward communicating. Through social media, information can be spread widely, freely, and quickly. Users have greater freedom in selecting, producing, and sharing messages on social media. This freedom imposes ethical responsibilities on users, including young people. This study explains the ethics of social media among high school (SMA) students in Kudus Regency. This study used a mixed sequential explanatory method. The method involves both quantitative and qualitative. The data in this study were obtained through surveys and focus group discussions (FGD). The survey was carried out by asking students' attitudes toward the ethical statements given. The research results show that the average respondent has a high ethical attitude. For the eight ethical dimensions that were asked when using social media, the average percentage of agreeing and strongly agreeing was large. Only a few stated that they disagreed or strongly disagreed. The FGD results confirmed the survey findings.


Let $p(t)$ be a Hardy field function which grows "super-linearly" and stays "sufficiently far" from polynomials. We show that for each measure-preserving system, $(X,\Sigma,\mu,\tau)$, with $\tau$ a measure-preserving $\mathbb{Z}$-action, the modulated one-sided ergodic Hilbert transform \[ \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{e^{2\pi i p(n)}}{n} \tau^n f(x) \] converges $\mu$-a.e. for each $f \in L^r(X), \ 1 \leq r < \infty$.
Our approach is motivated by recent work of the first two authors in the field of Euclidean singular integrals.


Summary In this article, the phenomenon of delayed recall for traumatic memories is considered, and the recovered memory interpretation and the false memory interpretation for this phenomenon are articulated. A major tenet in the false memory interpretation is the claim that delayed recall of traumatic memories results from the suggestive planting of memories for events that did not actually occur. However, this view assumes a very powerful construct of suggestibility. In this chapter, recent research from our laboratory on the suggestibility of memory is reviewed to assess if the construct of suggestibility is sufficiently robust to account for this effect. In particular, four constraints on the suggestibility of memory are discussed and related to memory for traumatic events. These constraints are (a) the familiarity of the original event, (b) whether the original event is consistent or inconsistent with expectations, (c) whether the suggestion is to change or to plant a memory for the original event, and (d) the plausibility of the suggested false event. Research on each of these constraints is presented. Based on this cognitive analysis of the recovered memory/ false memory debate, it is concluded that suggestibility does not appear to be a sufficiently strong cognitive construct to explain the delayed recall phenomenon.


This paper discusses new regional specialization and its influence on economic growth when involved in international intra-product fragmentation.The findings mainly show that,compared with more apparent specialization based on intra-production fragmentation for eastern regions,specialization based on international inter-and intra-industry fragmentation is more apparent for middle and western regions.Finally,it points out that when taken into account space dependence,influence of new regional specialization remains positive on regional economic growth through comparative advantages and economies of scale.


Integrins arecell surface receptors found on monocytes that facilitate adhesion tobothcellular andextra- cellular substrates. These Integrins arethought tobeinvolved intheselective geneinduction observed after monocyte adhe- siontovarious extracellular matrices. Toinvestigate this hypothesis, westimulated monocytes with monoclonal antibod- iestodifferent integrin receptors tospecifically mimicthe integrin receptor-ligand interactions. Engagement ofthecom- mon.8chainofthePli subfamily ofintegrins resulted in expression oftheiammatormediator genes, interleukln 113, interleukin 1receptor antagonist, andmonocyte adherence- derived Inflaatory gene6(MAD-6), whereas engagement of thecommonPchain ofthe12family didnot. Furthermore, to characterize integrin-mediated geneinduction, weexamined theability ofantibodies totheachain ofintegrin receptors to regulate geneexpression. Engagement ofthevery late antigen 4(VLA-4) receptor resulted ininduction ofallthemediator genes. Receptor crosslinking wasrequired because individual Fabfamentswereunable tostimulate gene induction whereas thedivalent F(ab')2 fragment andthewholeIgGmolecule could. Interleukin 11secretion wasdependent ontheanti- integrin antibody used. Someantibodies required asecond signal and,forothers, direct engagement wassufficient for protein production. Inconclusion, engagement ofintegrin receptors regulated theproduction ofbothinflNmmatory me- diator mRNAandprotein. These results suggest that integrin- dependent recognition andadherence mayprovide thekey signals forinitiation oftheinflammatory response during monocyte diapedesis.


In this paper, we deal with the existence, asymptotic behavior and uniqueness of traveling waves for nonlocal diffusion systems with delay and global response. We first obtain the existence of traveling wave front by using upper-lower solutions method and Schauder's fixed point theorem for $c>c_*$ and using a limiting argument for $c=c_*$. Secondly, we find a priori asymptotic behavior of (monotone or non-monotone) traveling waves with the help of Ikehara's Theorem by constructing a Laplace transform representation of a solution. Thirdly, we show that the traveling wave front for each given wave speed is unique up to a translation. Last, we apply our results to two models with delayed nonlocal response.


A modified microbiological assay technique is described for the identification and quantification of high lysine mutants in Hordeum sp. Its potential application is the identification of high lysine genotypes in cereal populations. The method involves hydrolyzing ground grain samples hydrolyzed for a specific time in 6NHCL. An aliquot from each hydrolyzate was microbiologically assayed using a lysine biosynthetic deficient mutant in Leuconostoc mesenter-oides grown on barley hydrolyzates and known lysine substrates. Using percent protein and the quantity of lysine in the hydrolyzate sample, the percent lysine in protein and percent lysine in grain are computed. The microbiological assay technique is rapid and inexpensive for genetic screening purposes. Approximately 400-500 samples can be screened per week. The standard error (S.E.) for percent lysine in protein for duplicate hydrolysis and duplicate bioassays of a sample was +.13 -±.17. The standard errors of duplicate bioassays of one hydrolysis were ±.03 ±.06. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) for the bioassay was 4%. A MODIFIED MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSAY FOR LYSINE DETERMINATION IN Hordeum sp. by . ROBERT. FRANK WATERS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in


The minimal structural requirements for the interaction of heparin with acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) were investigated. Oligosaccharides (tetra‐ to decasaccharides) obtained by nitrous acid depolymerisation of standard heparin were separated by affinity chromatography on Sepharose‐immobilised aFGF. The shortest fragment retained by the affinity column at 0.2 M NaCl and eluted at 1 M NaCl was a "regular" hexasaccharide, a trimer of the most abundant disaccharide sequence in heparin. More complex octa‐ and decasaccharides were also retained by the column. The Oligosaccharides eluted by 1 M NaCI from the affinity column ("high‐affinity" Oligosaccharides) and those washed from the column at 0.2 M NaCI ("low‐affinity" Oligosaccharides) were compared for their capacity to protect aFGF from proteolysis and to potentiate its mitogenic activity. At a low ionic strength, all Oligosaccharides tested, except the "regular" disaccharide, protected aFGF againsttrypsin and collagenase digestion. At higher ionic strength (> 0.2 M NaCI), only high‐affinity Oligosaccharides showed a protective effect. The high‐affinity oligosaccharides (hexa‐ to decasaccharides) potentiated the mitogenic activity of aFGF, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of human fibroblasts. The effect of the oligosaccharides on human endothelial cell proliferation was more complex: inhibition of proliferation was observed in the presence of serum and low concentrations of aFGF (1‐5 ng/ml) and potentiation in the presence of higher concentrations of aFGF. The potentiating effect increased as a function of molecular size of the heparin fragments and, for a given size, as a function of the anionic charge of the oligosaccharide. Our results suggest that inhibition of cell proliferation by heparin may result from interference with an autocrine basic FGF‐like activity.


Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin and have been receiving much attention in the dental field. Their role was considered to be only as a waste disposal system, but now they are emerging as a class of signal mediators. Significantly, their biochemical content includes not only lipids and proteins, but also nucleic acids, mainly miRNAs and mRNAs. They are being considered as attractive vehicles for cargo delivery to target cells. Exosomes also have regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, characteristics that are encouraging their application for regenerative dentistry. Considering the potential role of exosomes in tissue regeneration and their advantages over cell-based therapy, their applications in the dental field will continue to be studied.