Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which targets both, autoreactive and neoplastic B-lymphocytes, thus representing a rational therapeutic approach for patients with various autoimmune disorders. However, although rituximab has been used asa treatment option for patients with autoimmune blood cytopenias, its optimal use has not yet been established.

In an effort to analyze the effectiveness and safety of rituximab treatment in this patient population, we have retrospectively analyzed treatment outcome of 147 patients with various autoimmune blood cytopenias or related disorders ( A uto I mmune H emolytic A nemia-AIHA N=31, I mmune T hrombocytopenic P urpura-ITP N=67, T hrombotic T hrombocytopenic P urpura-TTP N=32, E vans' S yndrome-ES N=10, A cquired H emophilia-AH N=4, A nti- P hospholipid S yndrome-APS N=2 and I mmune N eutropenia-IN N=1). Eligible patients should have received at least 3 courses of rituximab treatment, unless would have been died earlier due to treatment-related causes.

Patients were 68 male and 79 female, with a median age of 52 years (range 15-87 years) and were treated following 1-7 (median 2) lines of previous treatment, for an early ( 12 months, N=39) or for refractory disease (N=48), at a median of 3.4 months following initial diagnosis (range 0.1-430 months). Eighteen patients received rituximab as first-line treatment due to contra-indication (N=10) or intolerance (N=8) of corticosteroids. Rituximab was administered at the classical dose of 375 mg/m2 (N=113) or at a reduced dose of 200 mg/m2 (N=26), whereas 8 patients initially received 375 mg/m2 for 1-6 cycles and continued with the reduced dose.

Each patient received a median of 6 courses of rituximab (range 1-60 courses). Four out of 143 patients were HBsAg positive, and 62/133 were anti-HBc positive. These patients received lamivudineprophylaxis,throughout rituximab treatment and up to 6 months following rituximab withdrawal. Seven patients (4.8%) received <3 courses of treatment and were not considered evaluable for response. Overall, complete response was achieved by 102 patients (72.9%), partial response by 15(10.7%) whereas 23 patients (16.3%) did not respond. Complete response was 64.5%, 75.4%, 74.2% and 76.5% for patients with AIHA, ITP, TTP and other diseases, respectively. Response rate was similar for patients treated with 375 mg/m2 and for those received 200 mg/m2 (76/113∼67.3% versus 18/26∼69.2%, respectively, p:n.s) and did not also differ significantly,in relation to patient's age, previous splenectomy and lines of previous treatment. Four patients received only one treatment course, due to a major allergic reaction or death, unrelated to treatment and were excluded from the analysis. Manageable reactions were observed in at least 13 patients. After a median follow-uptime of 28 months (range 2-143 months), 32 responded patients relapsed (9/26 with AIHA, 14/53 with ITP, 4/25 with TTP, and 5/25 with other diseases). However, only 10/88(11.4%)of the patients, who received post-remission consolidation/maintenance treatment, did relapse, as compared to 21/55 (38.2%)of the patients, who did not receive such a treatment (p<0.01).After a median follow-up time of 45 months, 128 patients are alive, 102 of them in complete response, 14 in partial, and 12 in active/refractory disease. Thirteen patients have died, 8 of them due to causes related to refractory disease and 5 from unrelated causes, and finally 6 patients have been lost from follow-up.

Rituximab represents an effective second-line treatment approach for patients with autoimmune blood cytopenias. The dose of 200 mg/m2 is equally effective to the dose of 375 mg/m2. Patients receiving post-remission maintenance appear to exhibit more durable and sustained responses.

Disclosures: Off Label Use: This abstract analyzes retrospectively the experience of the clinical use of Rituximab as second-line treatment of patients with refractory/relapsed autoimmune blood cytopenias. Although not yet approved as treatment in this group of patients, rituximab is extensively used in these disorders, but no specific guidelines, prospective studies or large retrospective studies have been published by now.


The NASA/GES/DISC/DAAC is a virtual data portal that provides convenient access to Atmospheric, Oceanic and Land datasets and value added products from various current NASA missions and instruments as well as heritage datasets from AIRS/AMSU/HSB, AVHRR, CZCS, LIMS, MODIS, MSU, OCTS, SeaWiFS, SORCE, SSI, TOMS, TOVS, UARS and TRMM. The GES-DISC-DAAC also provided a variety of services that allow users to analyze and visualize gridded data interactively online without having to download any data.


The implementation of 193 nm lithography into production has been complicated by high defectivity issues. Many companies have been struggling with high defect densities, forcing process and lithography engineers to focus their efforts on chemical filtration instead of process development. After-etch defects have complicated the effort to reduce this problem. In particular it has been determined that chemical filtration at the 90 nm node and below is a crucial item which current industry standard pump recipes and material choices are not able to address. LSI Logic and Pall Corporation have been working together exploring alternative materials and resist pump process parameters to address these issues. These changes will free up process development time by reducing these high defect density issues. This paper provides a fundamental understanding of how 20nm filtration combined with optimized resist pump set-up and dispense can significantly reduce defects in 193nm lithography. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of 20 nanometer rated filters to reduce various defects observed in bottom anti reflective coating materials. Multiple filter types were installed on a Tokyo Electron Limited Clean Track ACT8 tool utilizing two-stage resist pumps. Lithographic performance of the filtered resist and defect analysis of patterned and non-patterned wafers were performed. Optimized pump start-up and dispense recipes also were evaluated to determine their effect on defect improvements. The track system used in this experiment was a standard production tool and was not modified from its original specifications.


Abstract: One of the lines of research in the context of Science Education that has deserved a lot of visibility in the years is that of Science-Technology-Society (STS) studies, due to its social and cultural promotion, as well as the approach to Sociocientific Issues (SSI). In this sense, the objective of this article is to promote a theoretical discussion, through a theoretical essay, involving a STS perspective and the SSI approach in Science Teaching, without the intention of discussing them exhaustively, also considering the heterogeneous character of the discussion. in the research field in question. We present, throughout this text, a STS perspective, its main aspects and the approximations and distances in relation to the SSI approach. We intend to establish dialogues with authors from the area of national and international literature in the context of research in Science Education, authors who are the forerunners of these themes and who provided us with theoretical subsidies for the discussion present in the article. We note that a common point among such theoretical references is the proposal for a Science Teaching that contributes to a greater autonomy of requirements and the development of a critical character, addressing issues of a social, political, moral and ethical nature of themes that are related to science and technology. In a nationwide discussion as socio-scientific issues appear as themes related to the approach from the STS perspective and in the development of impact that contributes to teaching with regard to reflection on the social role of science.
Keywords: Science-Technology-Society. SocioScientific Issues. Science Teaching.


In recent years, several alternative devices have been proposed to deal with inherent limitation of conventional CMOS devices in terms of scalability at nanometer scale geometry. The fabrication and integration cost of these devices, however, have been prohibitive and/or the devices do not allow smooth transition from the conventional design paradigm. To address some of these limitations, we have developed a new family of devices called "complementary nano electro-mechanical switches" (CNEMS) using carbon nanotubes as active switching/latching elements. The basic structure of these devices consists of three coplanar carbon nanotubes arranged so that the central nanotube can touch the two side carbon nanotubes upon application of a voltage pulse between them. Owing to the unique properties of carbon nanotubes, these devices have very low leakage current, low operation voltages, and have built-in energy storage to reduce computation power, resulting in very low overall power dissipation. CNEMS have stable on-off state and latching mechanism for non-volatile memory-mode operation. Besides, the devices can be readily integrated in the same substrate as CMOS transistors with high integration densities - thus, allowing easy manufacturability and hybridization with conventional CMOS devices. In this paper, we present the properties of these devices and based on our analysis, we propose a reconfigurable computation framework using these devices. For the first time, we demonstrate that these devices are promising in dynamically reconfigurable instant-on system development with about 25times lower power dissipation.


This commentary lays out a framework for building on early critical cartographic and critical geographic information system work to develop a critical approach for the computational future of geographical thought and praxis. Computation – as a highly representational and structural form which combines speech and action – is a very particular way of building worlds. As computation becomes more prevalent in critiques of deep fakes, GeoAI, and platform geographies, geographers have also developed the foundations for a critical computational approach with an explicitly spatial or geographical focus that combines both theory and practice. Yet, while many of the technological affordances of spatial computation are relatively novel, the critiques raised by social, political, economic, and cultural geographers shadow debates that emerged two decades ago between cartographers and geospatial scientists about the power and praxis of mapping as it becomes translated into a digital era. This commentary argues that by returning to these debates, as well as critique by Black, queer, and Indigenous computing seen in other disciplines, geographers find themselves in a moment of opportunity to deeply influence the future of computation via a situated, critical geographical thought and praxis.


Starting from the definition of conflict in regional water resources of basins, a 3-D graphical model was introduced to solve the conflict. In the model, the method for analyzing the imperfect information is applied. By using this model the result of conflict can be predicted according to the known information, which is helpful for players evolved in the conflict to adopt the correct solution. The proposed model is applied to analyze the conflict occurred to the Guanting Reservoir, Beijing, China. Satisfactory result is obtained.


A series of nitrogen containing derivatives were synthesized.They were used in easy care finish of fabric as strength protecting additives and compared with the foreign alike product. The effect of additives on the physical mechanical properties of easy care finishing fabric was tested.The results showed that the nitrogen containing derivatives could improve the rates of the breaking and tearing strength retention of the treated fabric.


Research conducted under the auspices of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nuclear Plant Aging Research (NPAR) Program has resulted in a large data base of component and system operating experience. This data base has been used to determine equipment aging susceptibility and the potential for equipment aging to impact plant safety and reliability. Methods of detecting and mitigating component and system aging have also been identified. This paper discusses how the NPAR results could be used to focus inspection activities on age-sensitive components and systems and on the specific modes and mechanisms of age degradation. These activities range from the regular inspections conducted by resident inspectors to extensive special inspections such as the Safety System Functional Inspection typically conducted by a team of inspectors. 5 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.


ABSTRACT Medullary carcinoma is characterized by a solid nonfollicular histologic pattern, the presence of amyloid in the stroma, and a high incidence of lymph node metastases. The tumor is clinically of an intermediate rather than a high grade of malignancy, despite its undifferentiated character. It is important to distinguish it from the highly malignant solid form of anaplastic carcinoma, and from papillary carcinoma, which is of a lower grade of malignancy. Twenty-one cases are reported. Fourteen patients were women and 7 were men; the ages ranged from 33 to 66 years with a median of 50 years. The regional cervical lymph nodes contained metastases at the time of initial surgery in 10 of 21 cases (48 per cent). Distant metastases occurred in 8 patients and were principally evident in the lungs, liver and bone. Amyloid, though of variable amount, was present in the stroma of all tumors of this series. The course of the disease was usually chronic; 12 patients survived six to twenty-seven years after th...


According to "Special law for the safety management of facilities", facilities of group 1 and 2 which are larger than a specified size should be examined periodically by experts. In addition, the other ones not belonging to the group 1 and 2 should be also managed in accordance with "Basic law for the management of disaster and safety" by the facility managers. However, there are many cases that these regulations are not kept in the field of safety management because most of safety management work has been done manually without a formal procedure. The purpose of this research is to develop an facility safety management system based on the National Geographic Information System(NGIS) which can integrates and manages the facility safety management information. The final system integrates the information which is related to several laws and distributed among several organizations.


By adopting direct plating method, electroless Ni-P and Ni-Cu-P deposits with different structures are obtained on Al substrate. XRD and SEM were used to study the structure and surface morphology of the deposits. The plating rate and cohesion of different structure coatings were measured. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was analyzed by linear and anodic polarization. The results show that electroless Ni-P and Ni-Cu-P coatings with excellent cohesion are obtainable on Al substrate by direct plating method and coatings of different structure and different Cu content can be obtained by controlling the quantity of complex agent. Cu element improves significantly the corrosion resistance of the coatings with the condition that their thickness reaches a certain range.


Today majority of the methods used to measure the performance of a Photo-Voltaic panel are based on conversion efficiency; they do not take into consideration factors such as temperature and internal resistance variations on which output power of Photo-voltaic (PV) panels depends thus leading to an incomplete measure of real time performance. Also most of the methods require isolating panels from the grid, which makes it a cumbersome and expensive practice. To monitor real time performance of PV panels on the field an accurate and robust technique is essential which overcomes above deficits. In this paper such a simple and novel technique is proposed to accurately predict the PV module performance based on a key measure known as Fill Factor. This technique is implemented by means of a cost effective prototype. This prototype device continuously monitors the PV panel taking into consideration the effect of varying meteorological parameters and warns the user if it is not performing as per operational standards. The device functions while the panel is connected in a power grid without the need to disconnect and requires human intervention only after a fault is detected. General Terms Renewable Energy, Embedded Systems, Measurement, Design, Performance, Experimentation.


The electrical free energy of micelle formation is treated for spherical micelles with a Gouy type double layer, allowing for high surface charge. Use is made of double layer computations carried out by Hoskin for spherical particles with high surface potential. A procedure is developed for interpolating between Hoskin's results. A correction is applied for the difference between the smeared out surface charge as in the model calculations and the actual assembly of discrete charges.

From the equilibrium equation for micellization in which this electrical free energy occurs together with terms depending on the concentrations of free ions and of micelles the non-electrical part of the standard free energy of micelle formation (W-TΔSo) can be calculated.

The method is applied to micelles of sodium lauryl sulphate in aqueous sodium chloride solutions. In this system W-TΔSo is found to be nearly independent of micelle size and slightly above 1 kT per carbon atom in the chain. Comparison with other data on the free energy change in the transfer of aliphatic chains from water to non-polar surroundings shows excellent agreement.


The proceedings of the 6th Asian-Pacific Conference of Arts' Educators (ASPACAE) was held from January 6th to 11th 1992 on the Frankston Campus. The theme was 'Teaching the arts in a multicultural context: changing perceptions' and the main aim was to enlighten arts educators on the proper method of imparting knowledge within a multicultural scenario.


Objective To study the stress corrosion cracking behaviors of high-strength low-alloy steel in seawater under different cathodic polarization potentials. Methods Slow strain rate tests(SSRT),electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)were used to study the effect of cathodic polarization on stress corrosion cracking susceptibility,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and Microscopic three-dimensional screen research tools were used to study the necking and fracture surface of samples. Results There is no stress corrosion cracking susceptibility under the Ecorr~-0.9 V potential,and high stress corrosion cracking susceptibility under the-1.1~-1.2 Vpotential. Conclusion Cathodic polarization showed significant influence on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of weld high strength low alloy steel in seawater.


A method of communication with identification tag, discloses about the identification tag reader and a computer program product for communicating with an identification tag. In order to communicate with the tag, the search data can be identified from the identification tag. ID, the guest according to the at least a portion of a standard network protocol address may be assigned to the identification tag. And a message addressed to the tag routing address of the tag can be received, a response to a message that may be transmitted. RFID, identification tags, network protocols, identification tag reader, Mobile IPv6


Aqueous solubilities of polychlorinated biphenyls have been correlated with topological molecular descriptors which are functions of local and global invariants of labeled hydrogen filled graphs. Morgan extended connectivity and nearest neighboring codes have been used as local graph invariants. The number of chlorine atoms in biphenyls has been employed as a global graph invariant. Present results show that taking into account correlation weights of global invariants gives quite reasonable improvement of statistical characteristics for the prediction of aqueous solubilities of polychlorinated biphenyls.


We found Professor Young's letter most interesting, and would like to apologise for misquoting his important paper. But the implication of his comments must be that spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, while demonstrably able to relieve the increased resistance to passive movement in the spastic limb, have no value in the treatment of patients whose complaint is one of difficulty with walking. We believe that these drugs are widely recommended for this purpose. We were hesitant to conclude that baclofen (and DS103-282) has no value in the treatment of patients with spastic legs whose complaint is one of difficulty with walking, on the basis of a study of a small group. But we agree with Professor Young that where disturbance of gait is studied in spastic subjects it is difficult or impossible to demonstrate improvement attributable to these drugs.


Proxy signature scheme is an extension of digital signature scheme first introduced by Mambo et al. in 1996, which allows a signer to delegate the signing capability to a designated person, called a proxy signer. There are three types of delegation, namely, full delegation, partial delegation, and delegation by warrant. In early proxy signature schemes, the identity of the proxy signer can be revealed by any trusted authority if needed. However, a secured proxy signature scheme must satisfy various properties, such as, verifiability, strong unforgeability, nonrepudiation, privacy, and strong identifiability. In this thesis, we propose a strong proxy signature scheme based on two computationally hard assumptions, namely, Discrete Logarithmic Problem (DLP) and Computational Diffie-Helmann (CDH) problem, which satisfies all the security properties of a standard proxy signature scheme. The property 'strong' refers to the fact that only a designated person can only verify the authenticity of the proxy signature. No one, not even the original signer can verify the signature. The proposed scheme is based on partial delegation, in which a new proxy signing key is generated by the secret key of original signer. Also we compared the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of signature length, computational overhead and execution time with a popular scheme and found that our scheme has less computational overhead and of less signature length. Moreover, our scheme is proved to be secure against some active attacks. The proposed scheme has wide applications in areas such as e-voting, e-commerce, secure transaction and e-cash.


Simultaneous measurements of cold plasma drift velocities, magnetic field perturbations, and precipitating electron fluxes with instrumentation on board the HILAT satellite provide an opportunity to correlate Birkeland current densities, electric fields, and ionospheric conductivities in the region of an auroral form. Typical plasma parameters such as ion density, temperature, and composition and electron density and temperature are also available. On July 17, 1983, the satellite crossed the northern auroral zone in the early morning, magnetic local time sector. As the satellite crossed a bright auroral form, recorded by the auroral imager-mapper, the particle spectrometer detected a 2 orders of magnitude increase in the flux of >10-keV electrons. The precipitating electrons of this event produced a double inverted-V structure embedded in the large-scale, region 2 field-aligned current sheet. This paper presents calculations of the component of the electric field along the satellite trajectory and perpendicular to the auroral form, given the Birkeland current feeding the auroral form and conductivities derived from particle precipitation data. This electric field component emerges as a solution to the current continuity equation j∥ = −▽ · (Σ · E) in the infinite current sheet approximation with appropriate boundary conditions. Emphasis is placed on accurately representing the Birkeland current density in the region of the bright auroral form. In general, large-scale features are well represented by the calculations. Although small-scale features are not well tracked, calculations of the auroral zone potential drop and the height-integrated Joule heating varied by less than 2% from measured values. During this particular pass the ionospheric Joule heating exceeded the particle energy deposition along the satellite trajectory by a factor of 2.6.


With the help of qualitative content analysis approach, this study reviewed 45 published studies and research on online teaching and learning since 2008, primarily focusing on how theories, practices and assessments apply to the online learning environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide practical suggestions for those who are planning to develop online courses so that they can make informed decisions in the implementation process. All around the world, educational institutions are looking toward online learning platforms to continue with the process of educating students. The new normal now is a transformed concept of education with online learning at the core of this transformation. Today, digital learning has emerged as a necessary resource for students and schools all over the world. For many educational institutes, this is an entirely new way of education that they have had to adopt. Online learning is now applicable not just to learn academics but it also extends to learning extracurricular activities for students as well. In recent months, the demand for online learning has risen significantly, and it will continue doing so in the future.Based on the findings, the authors argued that effective online instruction is dependent upon 1) well-designed course content, motivated interaction between the instructor and learners, well-prepared and fully-supported instructors; 2) creation of a sense of online learning community; and 3) rapid advancement of technology. In doing this, it is hoped that this will stimulate an on-going discussion of effective strategies that can enhance universities and faculty success in transitioning to teach online. Under current debates on the cost and quality of higher education, this study could help for the improvement of higher education and student enrollment and retention. Keywords: online education, online teaching, online learning community, asynchronous learning, cognitive presence, social presence, teaching presence, online higher education.


A new kind of linguistic exercise based on concordances samples from BNC was first used experimentally in an English lecture at a Vietnamese university for two groups: one was using concordances, one not. The group using concordances could get more correct answers and devlop activeness in exploring word structures and rules.


Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not topical heat patches are more effective at relieving pain associated with dysmenorrhea than OTC NSAIDs (Ibuprofen 400 mg PO Q8h or Acetaminophen 500mg PO Q6h) in menstruating women 18 and over. Study Design: Review of three English-language randomized control trials (RCTs) that were published in 2001, 2004, and 2012. Data Sources: Three single-blinded randomized control trials that were found using PubMed Outcome measured: Dysmenorrhea and any associated pain relief was measured using patientreported scales of NRS-10 Pain scale, 6-Point categorical scale, and patient reports of sensual, emotional, current, and total pain. Results: Akin et. al 2001 and 2004 studies found that topical heat patches were associated with statistically significant greater reduction in pain associated with dysmenorrhea than oral NSAIDs. A 2012 study by Navvabi Rigi, et al., however, showed no statistically significant difference in pain reduction in patients that received topical heat versus an oral NSAID. Conclusions: Some studies have shown that topical heat causes greater pain reduction than oral NSAIDs, though the results are inconclusive among all studies. Further studies with larger sample sizes and double blinding will be needed to determine the true effectiveness of topical heat in treating pain associated with dysmenorrhea versus oral NSAIDs.


The purpose of this study is to create an understanding of the phenomenon of reflection. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the concept, we chose to interview four preschool teachers. The p ...


The study aims to analyse whether students' self-assessments of skills in oral and maxillofacial surgery are dependable predictors of the clinical facets of the dental academy's and institute's strengths and weaknesses. Their confidence levels with performing basic dentoalveolar procedures and the correlation between the scholars' degree of confidence and the quantitative exposure of dental extraction during clinical practise Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, using a questionnaire to assess students' self-confidence in performing oral surgery. Google Forms was used to import survey questions. It was then sent to the final-year students and interns of the college. A total of 10 questions having five alternatives for answers on a Liker scale was framed and distributed. Following data collection, the data was organised and analysed in SPSS software. Results: An aggregate of 112 questionnaires were filled by dental scholars. The participants in majority revealed that they have sufficient skills to take over independent practice (45.5%).The basic components of the questionnaire were answered appreciatively, except for the surgical extraction of teeth and suturing that followed and minor oral surgical procedures, in which both groups stated a lower level of self-confidence. Conclusion: The poll results showed how comfortable the students were conducting fundamental oral surgery operations on their own and in independent practice. In addition to simple extractions, they were also evaluated for confidence levels in performing root extraction using elevators and forceps, clinical diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders. Students also demonstrated competence in controlling haemorrhage from a socket. They acknowledged that doing surgeries made them feel confident.


By restricting the universal frame work of the homogenization problem of infinite dimensional diffusions posed in [AY] to the case where the state space of the ergodic process, that corresponds to the original infinite dimensional diffusion for which the homogenization problem is considered, a sufficient condition for the mapping between these processes under which the ergodic process is a unique Markov process that corresponds to a unique Markovian extension of a closable symmetric bilinear form is considered.


Teaching communication skills in small groups with simulated clients: students' perceptions

Background
Practical training sessions with simulated clients are the gold standard to teach and practice communication skills in veterinary schools. Students can practice in small groups, give feedback to each other and thus detect their own strengths and points of improvement.
Summary of work
Two practical training sessions (role-plays with simulated clients) with 3 cases each were organized for fifth-year students in groups of 13 participants. Peers, simulated clients and teachers gave feedback about each case. After both sessions 141/271 students (52%) completed a survey. The majority agreed or fully agreed that the communication-training with simulated clients was useful (82.3%), that the cases showed enough variation (89.4%) and were sufficiently challenging (90.1%). Furthermore the majority agreed or fully agreed that feedback of peers (55.3%) and teachers (80.1%) was valuable. Only 29.3% thought that video-taping the role-play would be useful. The previous cohort of fifth year students practiced their skills with role-plays amongst each other. They were also surveyed, with 75/264 students (28.4%) participating. When comparing both groups, the perceived value on a scale of 1 to 5 was significantly higher for sessions with simulated clients (3.7±1.0;p<0.001;n=140) compared to role-play (3.2±1.2;n=75).

Take home message
Students appreciate the practical training sessions with simulated clients more than role-plays amongst each other. The feedback of peers and especially teachers is highly appreciated. A minority of students is interested in the use of video-taping despite the advantages that it comprises.


Professional ethics is an area in which teachers do not feel confident. It is necessary to develop the status of the teacher profession in the society, which cannot be done without strengthening the ethics. Formal education on professional ethics does not exist, but its fragments can be interpreted in terms of the learning outcomes and competency courses at the Faculties of Teacher Education in Croatia. This research was conducted in the academic year 2012/2013 among 33 female preschool teachers enrolled in the first semester of the first year of graduate studies of Early and Preschool Education at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Rijeka. The main aims of the research were to investigate the attitudes of preschool teachers on professional ethics, as well as to determine whether the teaching course could raise awareness on professional ethics among preschool teachers. A questionnaire was prepared and two measuring cycles were conducted, one before and one after the teaching course, while the t-test for paired samples was used to compare the results of the measuring. Qualitative data were also gathered through open-ended questions.


A new and original experiment in which partition of bromophenol blue dye between water and lipid/water gel causes a shift in the acid–base equilibrium of the dye is described. The dye-absorbing material is a monoglyceride food additive of plant origin that mixes freely with water to form a stable cubic phase gel; the nascent gel absorbs the dye from aqueous solution and converts it to the acidic form. There are three concurrent processes taking place in the experiment: (a) formation of the lipid/water gel, (b) absorption of the dye by the gel, and (c) protonation of the dye in the lipid/water gel environment. As the aqueous solution of the dye is a deep purple-blue color at neutral pH and yellow at acidic pH the result of these processes is visually striking: the strongly green-yellow particles of lipid/water gel are suspended in purple-blue aqueous solution. The local acidity of the lipid/water gel is estimated by UV–vis spectrophotometry. This experiment is an example of host-guest (lipid/water gel–dye)...


We present time-resolved FUV spectra of the dwarf novae SS Cyg and WX Hyi in quiescence from observations using the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope on the Astro-1 and Astro-2 space shuttle missions and the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. Both dwarf novae are characterized by blue continua that extend to the Lyman limit punctuated by broad emission lines including transitions of O VI, N V, Si IV, and C IV. The continuum of WX Hyi can be fitted with a white dwarf model with physically reasonable model parameters, but neither system actually shows unambiguous signatures of white dwarf emission. The shape and flux of the spectrum of SS Cyg cannot be self-consistently reconciled with a white dwarf providing all of the FUV continuum flux. Combination white dwarf/disk or white dwarf/optically thin plasma models improve the fit but still do not give physically reasonable model parameters for a quiescent dwarf nova. Assuming that the UV emission lines arise from the disk, the line shapes indicate that surface fluxes fall roughly as R-2 in both systems. Fits to the double-peaked line profiles in SS Cyg indicate that the FUV line-forming region is concentrated closer to the white dwarf than that of the optical lines and provide no evidence of a hole in the inner disk. Although the flux from SS Cyg was relatively constant during all of our observations, WX Hyi showed significant variability during the GHRS observations. In WX Hyi, the line and continuum fluxes are (with the exception of He II) highly correlated, indicating a link between the formation mechanisms of the line and continuum regions.


Optimum germination of fringed sagebrush (Artemisia frigida Willd.) occurred at alternating temperatures of 10 to 20 C. Seeds were able to germinate (15%) in NaCl concentrations of 5000 ppmw. Light was important in seed germination; however, its absence could be overcome by adding 30 ppmw GA3 (gibberellic acid) to the germination medium. Optimum pH for germination was between 5.8 and 7.0. Depth of planting influenced seedling emergence; the greatest emergence occurred when seeds were planted on the soil surface; emergence was lower when seeds were buried at any depth in the soil. Osmotic potentials of −13 bars and greater reduced germination, but 6% of the seeds germinated at −15 bars. Fringed sagebrush seedlings tolerated average plant water potentials of −10 to −19 bars and died when water potentials were decreased to −22 bars. Mature fringed sagebrush plants were capable of producing from 16500 to 190000 seeds/plant.


Photograph of three inductees after the Sigma Tau Delta induction ceremony on April 27, 2007. They appear to be having a conversation.


ABSTRACT In this article we use discrete choice experiments to analyze service quality of public transport bus services in Gran Canaria, Spain. Discrete choice experiments are created to estimate travellers' preferences and to obtain a measure of the global service quality. The modeling strategy considers the combination of two data sets, the analysis of the inertia effect as well as the correlation among responses of the same individual. Results suggest the existence of behavioral differences for urban and interurban passengers, especially in their perception of certain attributes as well as in the willingness to pay for improving the level of service.


The metabolism of Pte-Glu* has been extensively studied in rats and a breakdown process demonstrated (Murphy et al., 1976; Connor et al., 1979). However, previous studies in human volunteers have produced incomplete, conflicting results. In the present study the metabolism of PteGlu was investigated in hospital in-patients, who gave their informed consent. Patients with malignant disease were compared with a control group suffering from other disorders. Fourteen patients were given an oral dose of a mixture of [2-"C]and [3',5',7,9-3H]-PteGIu (0.5, 1.0 or 5.0mg of PteGlu). Urine was collected on to sodium ascorbate for the following time periods: 0-6h, 6-12h and 12-24h after administration. In some cases, faeces were collected for 0-48 h. Total radioactivity in urine and faeces was determined as described previously (Barford et al., 1978; Connor et al., 1979). Urine samples were sequentially chromatographed on DEAEcellulose. Sephadex G-15 and paper (Barford et al., 1977; Connor et al., 1979). In all cases this revealed a number of radioactive components and the following metabolites were identified by co-chromatography with authentic standards; PteGlu, 5 -methyltetrahydropteroylglutamate, 10formylpteroylglutamate, p-acetamidobenzoyl-L-glutamate and p-acetamidobenzoate. 'H,O and at least one species labelled Abbreviation: PteGlu, pteroylglutamic acid. principally with I4C were also detected. At the 5mg dose, quantitative analysis shows some differences between patients suffering from malignancies and control subjects, 34.0% of 3H and 28.4% of 14C and 15.9% of 'H and 13.0% of I4C of the dose being excreted in the urine in 24 h by the control subjects and cancer patients respectively. In every case an excess of 'H over I4C was observed in the urine. The urinary recovery of the individual cancer patients shows a correlation between the total urinary recovery and the size of the tumour. The urinary recovery decreased as the approximate size and extent of the tumour mass increased, indicating a larger requirement for folate in malignant disease. Up to 10.3% of 3H and 26.6% of 14C of the dose was recovered in the faeces examined, an excess of "C over .'H being present, as observed in the rat (Pheasant 8c Blair, 1979). The relative amounts of metabolites excreted in urine is shown in Table 1. The cancer patients tended to excrete less unchanged PteGlu and the ratio between PteGlu and 5-methyltetrahydropteroylglutamate decreased considerably with time, whereas it remained relatively constant in the control group. p-Acctamidobenzoyl-L-glutamate excretion was maximal in the first time period and decreased thereafter, whereas p-acetamidobenzoate shows a reciprocal pattern. It was not present in the 0-6 h urine sample of either group, appeared in the 6-12h urine sample of the cancer patients and in the 12-24h collection in both groups. In general, the excretion of scission products relative to intact folates increased with time. Control and cancer patients receiving 1 mg of PteGlu excreted 5.3% of 3H and 3.5% of I4C and 2.5% of 3H 1.7% of I4C of the dose in the urine in 24h respectively; the values for those receiving 0.5mg of PteGlu were 3.4% of 3H and 2.3% of "C


In this paper, an analysis is made on the efficacy of a structured group program in emotional, cognitive and social coping skills for the treatment of a sample of adults and adolescents that developed posttraumatic stress disorder after a forced displacement situation. The participants completed a 10session intervention including pre and post assessments about the severity level of the symptoms using the PSD scale (Foa, 1995) and an additional measure one month after. The results showed significant improvements in symptoms in both groups and in each one of the possible comparisons. Recovery shows that the decrease in the severity level of symptoms affects the functioning level positively.


Objective: To choose the scales that can comprehensively assess the function of patients with stroke sequelae for the grassroots medical staff. Methods: The commonly used scales were selected. The patients with stroke sequelae were assessed by the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36), Modified Barthel Index(MBI), Brain Injury Community Rehabilitation Outcome Scales(BICRO-39),WHO Disability Assessment Scale II(WHO-DAS II) and Anxiety and Depression Self-rating Scales(SAS and SDS). The assessment datum was conducted by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The data of MBI have significant correlation among the datum of WHO-DASII, SF-36 and BICRO 39 scales( P 0.05). Conclusions: Community doctors can choose MBI which can effectively assess the activities of daily living for the community patients with stroke sequelae. MBI also can reflect the functional levels of community patients with stroke sequelae.


HfO2 films were prepared by electron beam evaporation on K9 glass. The residual stresse was measured by viewing the substrate deflection using ZYGO interferometer. The influences of deposition rate and oxygen partial pressure on the residual stress were studied. The results show that all the residual stresses are tensile stresses. The packing density of films increases while the residual stress decreases with the increasing deposition rates and the decreasing oxygen partial pressure. The microstructure of the HfO2 films was inspected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The relationship between the stress and the microstructure was also discussed.


This article presents a nonlinear programming algorithm for finite element limit analysis (FELA) based on feasible arc searching technique (FAST). The proposed algorithm has the potential to significantly reduce the iteration numbers required for convergence, making it a valuable tool for solving complex optimization problems from FELA. The algorithm also introduces several new features to the existing methods, including: (i) a novel method for determining a reasonable updating step length; (ii) the avoidance of solving an additional "phase one problem" for finding an initial feasible point; and (iii) the proposition of an empirical criterion for detecting infeasibility problems. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been demonstrated through several classic examples derived from geotechnical engineering. The initial two examples show the superior convergence speed of the novel approach compared to existing methods. Additionally, the third example highlights the efficacy of the feasibility detection criterion for problems involving both prescribed and unknown external forces.


Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from isothiazolinones is frequent and following an epidemic sensitization their use in leave-on products in Europe was forbidden and restricted that in rinse-off cosmetics, with a consequent decrease in the frequency of new cases in Europe, but still not evident in Portugal. Although more common in adults, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) are also prevalent paediatric contact sensitizers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


This paper presents an inexpensive MEMS accelerometer-based sleep-apnea screening technique. The algorithm presented here is easy to implement on a low-end microprocessor, and also accurate enough to detect both obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea episodes. The results of some preliminary studies are included.


Introduction: To evaluate a three-stage procedure for the correction of symptomatic post-traumatic kyphotic deformity of the thoracic or lumbar spine.

Methods: Over an 18-month period, five consecutive cases of post-traumatic kyphosis of the thoracic/lumbar spine were analysed. Indications for surgical correction were incapacitating back pain, progression of kyphotic deformity, persistent neurologic deficit and development of late spinal stenosis. All patients underwent a three-staged procedure using two surgeons. At first they were positioned prone for a posterior midline approach, with pedicle screw placement (USS), decompressive laminectomies and facetectomies. For the second stage, the patients were positioned either on left side (for upper thoracic spine) or on the right side (for the thora-columbar junction and lumbar spine). An open, minimal invasive access procedure using the SynFrame retractor was performed. The anterior column was reconstructed using expandable cages (Synex cages) with autologous bone for interbody fusion. Finally, the patient was again positioned prone for posterior compression, instrumentation and fusion.

Results: The five patients comprised four males and one female. Age range was 26–51 years. Level of injury was T7–L3. Time since injury was two to10 years. Mean operating time was eight hours. One patient required a thoracic pedicle screw revision and another a posterior deep wound infection requiring wound debridement and lavage. Follow-up period was three to 15 months. All patients reported improvement in pain post-operatively. Lower rates of pain improvement correlated with longer standing symptomatic injuries. No worsening of neurological deficit occurred.

Conclusion: Early correction of symptomatic kyphosis is recommended and aims to improve pain, deformity and function. Recognition of the correct type of injuries is essential to avoid late deformity. Correction of symptomatic post-traumatic kyphotic deformity is achieved by this three-staged approach. Minimal invasive anterior reconstruction using SynFrame and expandable Synex cages is safe and effective. Two surgeons working in conjunction is advantageous.


This research paper is a cross-parallel thematic study of the strategies of survival during the holocaust. The women survivors of the Holocaust wrote about their experience, memories and reflections, which is available in the form of fiction, poetry, drama and memoir. I have attempted a study of the strategies of survival adopted by those women in the ghetto (people were confined in concentration camp during holocaust). The major concern of this paper is to analyze these strategies of survival during the Holocaust. These narratives give accounts of strategies like use of false documents and identities to escape from concentration camps, time and memory,childbirth and motherhood, mutual assistance, psychological support and sharing of food, mother daughter relationships, sex for survival, reversal of conventional gender roles.


A UV-LED based system was developed that allows to determine the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen lotions in a non-invasive way in vivo. This method is faster and reduces the medical risk for the test subjects


Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare autosomal recessive disease of the connective tissue which primarily affects the skin, the retina and the cardiovascular system.1 PXE is characterised by mineralisation and fragmentation of elastic fibres. Eye involvement results from calcification and breaks in the Bruch's membrane (BM), causing a variety of ocular fundus changes (figure 1).1 ,2 Among them, angioid streaks can be complicated by choroidal neovascularisation and/or macular atrophy resulting in central visual loss.1 Although central visual loss in PXE profoundly impacts quality of life,1 little is known about other risk factors for visual impairment. The aim of our study was to determine if visual impairment related to maculopathy in PXE may be associated with age and other specific retinal features.

Figure 1
Retinal features of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. (1) Angioids streaks and optic nerve drusen (red-free imaging). (2) Peripheral 'comet tails' lesions (red-free imaging). (3) Macular atrophy …


— A trial was conducted at multi-location testing (MLT) site Ranigonj, Dinajpur and Ghoraghat, Dinajpur under On-Farn Research Division (OFRD) during 2015-16 and 2016-17 to develop an economically sustainable and profitable cropping patterns, viz. Mustard (var. BARI Sarisha-14)-Boro (var. BRRI dhan28)- T. Aus (var. BRRI dhan48)-T. Aman (var. BRRI dhan62) against the farmers existing pattern Fallow- Boro (var. BRRI dhan28)- T. Aman (var. Swarna)-Fallow. The experiment was carried out in RCB design with six dispersed replications. Over both locations two years average results showed that the highest rice equivalent yield 20.82 tha-1 was obtained from four crops pattern. The highest average gross return and gross margin of the four crops pattern were obtained Tk. 333160 ha-1 and Tk.146463 ha-1 which was 93.70% and 122.58% higher over farmers existing pattern. The mean marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was found 2.03 which indicated the superiority of four crops pattern over the farmers existing pattern. Both locations two years result showed that Grain yield of inclusion T. Aus rice and mustard yield were satisfactory that indicates the superiority of the alternate pattern over the farmer's practice. So, it could be grown one after another in a sequence in the farmers field of Dinajpur region in Bangladesh.


Objective: In many organizations, employee data have to be maintained and utilized for many purposes. Here, in this paper, we are going to use such data to calculate an employee's performance. Methods: This employee data may be converted into useful information using data mining techniques such as K-means and decisions tree. K-means is used to find the rank of the employee means that the employee may come under in his criteria. Decision tree is used to find the review of an employee means that the employee needs improvement or he/she meets expectation. Results: This algorithm when utilized can identify the top employee who can be considered for appraisal or the eligible candidates for promotion. Hence, these algorithms such as K-mean and decision tree that help to find best employees for any association and help us to take a good decision in less time. Conclusion: There are various factors which should be considered and are limited to this algorithm, so human intervention is required to consider those factors. However, ranking and appraisal are seen in many companies, and this algorithm will definitely identify the potential candidates.


The principles of good agricultural and horticultural practice, which consider both giving environmental protection and high yielding of plants, require modern cultivation methods. Modern cultivation of horticultural plants uses, for example, cover crops, living mulches, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), plant growth regulators (PGRs) and other biostimulants protecting the soil against degradation and plants against phytopathogens and stress. The purpose of field and laboratory studies was to determine the effect of Trianum P (containing Trichoderma harzianum Rifai T-22 spores), Beta-Chikol (a.s.—chitosan), Timorex Gold 24 EC (based on tea tree oil) and fungicide Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS (a.s.—tiuram 75%) on the health of carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants and the microorganism population in the rhizosphere of this plant. Moreover, the antagonistic effect of rhizosphere fungi on selected carrot fungal pathogens was determined. Laboratory mycological analysis allowed one to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of fungi colonizing the underground parts of carrot plants. In addition, the total population of fungi and bacteria was determined (including Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) based on the microbiological analysis of the rhizosphere soil. The application of the plant growth-promoting fungus (Trichoderma harzianum T-22), chitosan and tea tree oil positively influenced the growth, development and health status of carrot plants. T. harzianum T-22, chitosan and fungicide most effectively protected carrots against infection by soil-borne fungi from the genus Alternaria, Fusarium, Haematonectria, Sclerotinia and Rhizoctonia. The rhizosphere population of Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. in the treatments with Trianum P or Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS was bigger than in the other experimental treatments. A reverse relationship was observed in the population of rhizosphere fungi. T. harzianum T-22, chitosan and tea tree oil promoted the growth of antagonistic fungi (Albifimbria sp., Clonostachys sp., Penicillium sp., Talaromyces sp. and Trichoderma sp.) in the carrot rhizosphere. Antagonistic activity of these fungi towards Alternaria dauci, Alternaria radicina, Sclerotiniasclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani was higher after the application of the preparations compared to control. Consequently, Trianum P, Beta-Chikol and Timorex Gold 24 EC can be recommended as plant biostimulants in ecological agricultural production, including Daucus carota cultivation.


Candida spp. is one of the most important fungal pathogens in the intensive neonatal care units associated with increased health care costs. This study was performed on 164 pregnant women (82 vaginal-routes and 82 cesarean-routes) and their infants. The vaginal samples were obtained using swabs from mothers prior to delivery. Swabs were taken from oral mucosa of all infants immediately after birth as well. Samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar and isolated species were obtained. Antifungal sensitivity was also evaluated against 3 different agents by disk diffusion method. The data were analyzed with Chi-square and Student t-test. Candida albicans and Candida krusei were the most common isolated species from mothers in vaginal and cesarean-route groups, respectively. Furthermore, C. albicans was the most common species in both neonate groups. There was significant difference in occurrence of Candida spp. on the oral mucosa between vaginally-born and cesarean-born infants whereas; there was no significant difference in occurrence of Candida spp. on the vaginal mucosa between mothers in vaginally and cesarean-route groups. Ketoconazole had higher antifungal activity in all studied groups. The type of delivery should be considered as a risk factor in neonatal candidiasis.

 Key words: Candidiasis, neonates, cesarean and vaginal.


A repeater interface unit and a signal converting method using the same are provided to protect loss and noise of frequency, convert effectively frequency, and perform effectively data frequency conversion between AD(Analog to Digital)/(Digital to Analog) converter and an optical relay module. A repeater interface unit and a signal converting method using the same comprise the followings: a first reference wave generating unit(314) for generating a first reference wave; a first mixer(312) for mixing the first reference wave and an input signal and generating an intermediate band signal; a second reference wave generating unit(324) for generating a second reference wave; a second mixer(322) for mixing the intermediate band signal and the second reference wave and generating output signals; and a second filtering unit for selecting minus mixing signals among the mixed signals as an output signal.


The recent developments in research on preparation and application of activated carbons at home and abroad are reviewed. The mechanisms involved in different activation processes and the influences of the activation on the properties of activated carbon are discussed. The important impact and role played by activated carbons in the development of society in 21st century are highlighted.


The viscosities and partial molar volumes of bis(tetra methyl ammonium) mercuric tetrachloride in dioxane-water mixtures of various composition in the temperature range 298-318 K have been measured. The experimental results of viscosimetry have been analysed using the Jones-Dole equation. Impact of solute on viscosity is studied in terms of Grunberg-Nissan parameter (d'). Mechanism of viscous flow has been studied in the light of activation parameters. Apparent molar volume (Φ v ) of this electrolyte at different concentrations have been estimated using Masson's equation


By using a cold cathode ion gun to ionize the nitrogen gas, the molecular‐beam‐epitaxy growth of GaN is carried out. The zinc‐blende structure GaN epilayer grown on the GaAs(100) substrate with a narrow x‐ray diffraction peak width (FWHM) of 23 min and a low carrier concentration of 1017 cm−3 is achieved. The surface optical phonon energies of cubic and hexagonal GaN are experimentally determined to be 82 and 90 meV, respectively.


Early in the laser era, a wide variety of laser beam deflection techniques were explored. The most enduring among these have been acousto-optical and driven-mirror methods, which have been successfully applied in many electro-optical systems and are generally preferred for new systems. Some progress has also been made in electro-optical deflectors, which have produced deflection resolutions of hundreds of lines in both digital and phased-array embodiments. These methods are reviewed with respect to resolution. and scanning frequency capabilities now attainable.


A self-oscillating class-D audio amplifier adopting the phase-shifting looap filter in the feedback filter is proposed. To validate the design, a mathematical model is proposed. It is alleged in a very simple form which describes the switching frequency variation as the function of the modulation depth to be applied to any general structure: phase shifting, time delay of the loop, and the hysteresis window at the comparator. The main focus is set on the analysis of the phase-shifting filter which shows the least dependency on the modulation depth.


African Journal of Range & Forage Science is co-published by NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited (trading as Taylor & Francis Group) Interactions between aboveand belowground biota, often mediated by plants, are now recognised as being fundamental to functioning in terrestrial ecosystems, but this is a relatively new insight. the interactions of soil biota, from microbiota (bacteria, fungi and protozoa) to mesofauna (springtails and mites) and macrofauna (e.g. earthworms, insect larvae, Coleoptera) remain cryptic, compared with those aboveground. although we may not understand all the mechanisms, it is emerging that a familiarity with interactions in both aboveand belowground compartments is critical for sustainable land management, conservation and restoration. this book is the first multi-authored, edited volume providing insights into evolutionary, community and ecosystem consequences of aboveground-belowground (ag-Bg) interactions. this against a background of global efforts to understand all dimensions of diversity (genetic, phylogenetic and functional; e.g. Peay et al. 2016), as well as develop the tools to do so, such as advances in high-throughput sequencing for meta-barcoding and metagenomics. as noted in Chapter 2, this may eventually bypass the necessity for culturing organisms and allow us to identify soil microbes and fauna from a single soil sample. the book appears to anticipate these efforts by placing complex details into mechanistic frameworks and the context of general evolutionary and ecological theory. the text summarises current research, methodology, and prospective research in this rapidly expanding field and accordingly is indeed 'timely', as claimed by the publishers. a previous review (Frew 2019) recommends this cross-disciplinary book, because it challenges the reader to take new approaches to understanding ag-Bg community ecology and sees it as being relevant across a wide range of fields, including ecology, evolution, biodiversity, agronomy, soil science, entomology and microbial ecology, for the undergraduate and advanced researcher alike. Overall, the book provides an exciting platform from which to explore a relatively new discipline, one that is likely vital to understanding global environmental change, including on rangelands.


A dynamic analysis of two-phase face seals including squeeze film effects and thermal transients is presented. Axial responses to perturbations from equilibrium for various sets of typical seal operating conditions are examined, and the sensitivity of these responses to certain parameters is discussed. Sample calculations indicate damped transient responses which often decay as steady state is approached asymptotically. In some cases, however, stable and unstable oscillations are observed


INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy is a potential treatment of pituitary adenoma, after incomplete excision or when hormone secretion remains problematic. We audited outcomes of patients in NHS Tayside who have received radiotherapy for pituitary tumours. METHOD: Patients between 2000 and 2014 were identified using the departmental database. Patient notes and computer records reviewed. Type of pituitary adenoma, dose of radiotherapy, dates of treatment, tumour re-growth, control of hormone production, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: 38 patients identified, 3 excluded due to lack of data. 35 assessed, with 10 non-functioning and 25 functioning tumours. Of the functioning tumours, 7 growth hormone (GH); 7 adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH); 7 follicular stimulating hormone (FSH); 4 prolactin (PL) and 1 leutenising hormone (LH). Of these, one was mixed producing both PL and GH. All patients with functioning-pituitary tumours had hormone secretion brought under improved control. Median follow-up 80 months. 9/10 (90%) patients with non-functioning adenomas had no evidence of tumour recurrence on serial MRI. One patient had tumour recurrence and died at second surgery. Median follow-up 78.5 months. No long term complications identified. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy is an effective adjunct in managing both functioning and non-functioning pituitary tumours, with 100% and 90% control rates respectively. Long term neuro-imaging and endocrinological assessments are essential, as delayed complications can arise after treatment, but our practice of 45Gy in 25 fractions appears to be safe with no long-term negative sequelae.


Methodology of teaching of «Computer Electronics» course offers division «Theory of electric and magnetic chains» in the conditions of the distance form of teaching.


Objective To study the resistance mechanism of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) to erythromycin.Methods The susceptibility of 73 clinical isolates of Uu to erythromycin was evaluated by using broth dilution techniques. PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to screen hot spot mutations at the variable region of 23S ribosomal RNA in erythromycin-resistant strains of Uu. Moreover, erythromycin resistance methylase genes (ermA, ermB, ermC) and efflux pump genes (mefA/E, msrA/B, mreA) were screened by using PCR with specific primers. Results There were 35 (47.95%) resistant Uu strains out of the 73 isolates, and the minimal inhibitory concentration varied from 8 to 32 mg/L among these resistant strains. The ermB gene was detected in 19 (54.29%) resistant strains, and msrA/B gene in 9 (25.71%) resistant strains. Two resistant strains harbored both ermB gene and msrA/B gene. No mutation at 23S ribosomal RNA or amplification of resistance-associated genes was noted in sensitive or reference strains of Uu. Conclusion The ermB and msrA/B genes may be responsible for the erythromycin resistance of Uu.

Key words:
Ureaplasma urealyticum;  Erythromycin;  Drug resistance, microbial


The utility model relates to a conveying device of a storage battery polar plate. The conveying device of the storage battery polar plate comprises a rack. A material stirring device, a conveying device and a guide rail are arranged on the rack. The material stirring device comprises a material stirring piece, the conveying device comprises an end product conveying chain, a material loading device is arranged on the end product conveying chain, and the loading device comprises an end product vertical plate and an end product base board. The material stirring device pushes the polar plate to enter into the material loading device along the guide rail. The end product conveying chain is provided with the material loading device which runs back and forth along with the end product conveying chain in a circulation mode, and when the end product vertical plate is parallel with a horizontal plane, the end product vertical plate is just connected with the guide rail. The material stirring device pushes the polar plate into the material loading device, the end product vertical plate then runs to the above of the end product conveying chain, and the polar plate is then vertical along with the end product vertical plate. The conveying device of the storage battery polar plate not only can convey the polar plate but also can enable the polar plate to be vertical.


Although the donation rate for deceased and living kidneys has been increasing, the donor organ availability meets only the 30% of kidney needs in Italy. Consequently, hemodialysis patients stay for a long time, an average of 3.2 years, on a waiting list for a kidney transplant with consequent relevant psychological distress or even full-fledged psychiatric disorders, as diagnosed with traditional psychiatric nosological systems. Recent studies report, however, a higher prevalence of other psychosocial syndromes, as diagnosed by using the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) in medically ill and kidney transplant patients. Nevertheless, no data regarding DCPR prevalence are available in patients waitlisted for a renal transplant (WKTs). Thus, the primary aim of this study was to identify sub-threshold or undetected syndromes by using the DCPR and, secondly, to analyze its relationship with physical and psychological symptoms and daily-life problems in WKTs. A total of 30 consecutive WKTs were assessed using the DCPR Interview and the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the Canadian Problem Checklist were used to assess physical and psychological distress symptoms and daily-life problems. A total of 60% of patients met the criteria for at least one DCPR diagnosis; of them, 20% received one DCPR diagnosis (DCPR = 1), and 40% more than one (DCPR > 1), especially the irritability cluster (46.7%), Abnormal Illness Behavior (AIB) cluster (23.3%) and somatization cluster (23.3%). Fifteen patients met the criteria for an ICD diagnosis. Among patients without an ICD-10 diagnosis, 77.8% had at least one DCPR syndrome (p < 0.05). Higher scores on ESAS symptoms (i.e., tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, feeling of a lack of well-being and distress), ESAS-Physical, ESAS-Psychological, and ESAS-Total were found among DCPR cases than DCPR non-cases. In conclusion, a high prevalence of DCPR diagnoses was found in WKTs, including those who resulted to be ICD-10 non-cases. The joint use of DCPR and other screening tools (e.g., ESAS) should be evaluated in future research as part of a correct psychosocial assessment of WKTs.


This study aimed to investigate the career advancement strategies of women in leadership positions at Universities of Technology (UoTs) in South Africa. The study focussed on female vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors; registrars and viceregistrars; directors and deans, as these ranks are classified as senior management. It is argued in the study that research has focused more on the challenges women face in their careers, while little has been said about the experiences of women who have advanced to leadership positions. The lack of progress is as a result of inflexibility and unpredictable scheduling at the workplace, networking, mentoring, stereotypes at the workplace, work-life balance, organizational structures and policies, socio-cultural perceptions and societal values that continue to oppress women. However, there is limited literature on the experiences of women who have advanced to leadership positions despite these challenges. Therefore, it is for this reason that this study sought to investigate how women managed to advance to leadership positions in the higher education sector. The researcher believes that focusing on the advancement strategies of women in leadership would provide a more effective response in handling the challenges that women face in advancing to leadership positions in higher education because solutions that are based on analyzing challenges are hypothetical and may not be feasible in real situations, while success strategies are more reliable solutions as they are factual and proven. Furthermore, strategies that have negatively impacted women's progress were highlighted. It is in this regard that this study adopted the Social Cognitive Theory to investigate the strategies that women in higher education leadership have used to advance in their careers. The central role of this theory is that, the individual in his or her environment can observe others and reflect on their interests, career choices and performance, and alter his or her development accordingly in their careers. The study was conducted at all six Universities of Technology in South Africa, with a target population of 37 women in executive management positions. The study used a qualitative research design. Telephonic and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. An interview guide containing open-ended questions was used in guiding the interview process. A thematic approach was used to analyze the advancement strategies of women in leadership. Themes that emerged were organized and coded accordingly. The findings revealed that socio-economic status affected women's career advancement, as was how these women viewed and balanced their complex roles in society. The findings also revealed that women's advancement to leadership positions was through their own creative ways and abilities, as well as through the support structures inside and outside their organizations. With women's low representation in leadership positions, the participants agreed that policies and support to increase women's advancement to leadership positions were not enough. They also noted that women had to work harder and show strong determination to become leaders. This may imply that in order for women to advance in their careers, women themselves need to focus more on their strengths and ability, and stop focusing on their weaknesses or challenges.


The aim of this study is to investigate internal organ motion using the profiles of the PTV dose gradients independent of DVH. In this study, the four‐beam box (4BB) and 5‐beam IMRT of three prostate patients were analyzed. Patients with small (17.3 cm3), medium (51.6 cm3) and large (87.1 cm3) prostate volumes were selected from Grand River Regional Cancer Center (GRRCC). A Pinnacle3 planning system was used to determine the PTV dose profiles crossing the isocenter in the L‐R, A‐P and S‐I directions. The convolution of the "static" dose and the Gaussian distribution were used to describe the discrepancy between the prescribed and delivered dose affected by patient repositioning and internal organ motion. The "shoulder" shape of the PTV profile determines the dose delivered to the tumor and critical organs when internal organ motion was considered. A "line equivalent uniform dose" (LEUD) was used to evaluate the shoulder dose deviation. The profile shapes influence the organ at risk (OAR) dose distribution more significantly for 4BB in comparison with IMRT especially in the posterior direction. The LEUD deviation in the range from 7.7% to 2.8% for S‐I and A‐P directions, respectively, was observed for the standard deviation of 1. The analysis of the PTV profile shape is a powerful tool for further improvement of IMRT treatment plan optimization. The results can be included as a parameter in the objective function used in the IMRT optimization.


Computational biology has opened a gateway to omics data analysis and shifted the focus from molecules to systemic molecular networks in the domain of hypobaric hypoxia (HH). Yet there are no meta‐analytical investigations circumventing constraints such as organism (rat/human), HH exposure conditions (acute/chronic), and the tissues that can be investigated simultaneously in the realm of wet lab experiments.


Permeable textual discussion occurs when the unofficial texts and discursive practices and personal histories that are already recognized and valued in students' cultures are scaffolds to academically sanctioned literacies. Ideally, permeable textual discussions are safe havens where students' identities (racial, gender, world views) are intentionally interwoven with classroom texts, and classroom communities are formed that responsively address matters of student identity. Yet the social contexts and instructional practices of academic tracking may shape how students reveal their identities during textual talk. This project examines the conditions of permeability during textual talk in tracked classrooms taught by the same teachers using the same texts. Using ethnographic methods and discourse analysis, the author examines how two tracked urban middle school language arts students of African American heritage revealed and hid their identities during textual talk and the instructional moves that precipitated textual talk.


Lenin's Imperialism. The Highest Stage of Capitalism formed part of the canon of mainstream Marxist writing for much of the 20th century, and also represented a critical reference point for Marxist attempts to interpret international relations for much of the same period. At one and the same time both a stinging condemnation of the betrayal of the European working class by their political leaders in 1914, and a synthesis, with some original elements, of existing contemporary Marxist theory on imperialism, Lenin's 'popular outline' subsequently (from around the time of the 'New Left' onwards) came under increasing fire for being incoherent, irrelevant and overrated. This article revisits both the contemporary genesis of the text, and the question of its longer term pertinence and relevance in the light of capitalism's current crisis.


Metaphor is the basic characteristic of poetry,and has various expressing ways,which is one of the difficulties when we appreciate a poem.Departing from the point of view of stylistics,this paper will analyze the metaphorical meaning of The Tyger written by the famous British poet William Blake from the aspect of rhythm and meter,written forms,and lexical semantics.


The popularity of additive manufacturing has been growing over the last few decades. Additive manufactured composites have a wide range of applications in engineering sectors specifically in aerospace structures. In addition to mechanical loads, they are subjected to thermal loads caused by aerodynamic heating. Temperature increases cause changes in material properties, which complicates thermal stress analysis. The thermal loading was simulated with specific boundary conditions similar to the experiments where the sample was placed inside the oven chamber. While for the mechanical (tensile) testing loading, the sample's geometry was created with gripping lines to be in accordance with ASTM D3039 standards for tensile tests used in experimental work and surface traction for the applied load. The highest modulus and strength were achieved from the intact sample while the lowest mechanical modulus and strength were obtained in the sample with heat treatment at prolonged temperature of 145◦C. At high temperatures, matrices soften affecting matrix-dominated properties such as transverse and in-plane shear stiffness and strength. A good correlation between the predictive models and experimental results is obtained.


significant because Keeler apparently agrees that corporatism requires the presence of institutionalized group-state contacts. Institutionalization, it seems to me, must at a minimum mean that the relationship would survive changes in government or group leadership. I contend that the easy and near-complete dissolution of the corporatist features of the relationship between the agriculture community and the new Socialist government proves the French government's mastery of such contacts. When it chooses to work with the farmers or other groups because it shares their viewpoint or wants their electoral support, it involves those groups in the policymaking process; when it does not so choose, it can and does exclude them. Thus corporatist bodies are not the signs of an entirely new system of interest group-government interaction. These and other presumably corporatist forms of interest groupgovernment interaction are simply some of a panoply of avenues of influence that French groups may resort to within what remains a complex pattern of interest groups politics.


The paper1 describes the use of field study data to identify and quantify the individual contribution's of adaptive actions by subjects in order to achieve thermal comfort. These actions include operating building controls, responding to spatial variation of room conditions, modifying posture and clothing, and metabolic rate. In order for these actions to occur, the adaptive opportunity must exist, which to some extent is a property of the building. Suggestions for the integration of adaptive effects into comfort-predicting models are made including a way of avoiding temperature as an input, which is shown to have poor correlation with reported thermal satisfaction.


There is limited information on outcomes of prostate carcinoma treatments given to screened patient populations for whom cancer is usually detected at an earlier stage.


Abstract In this research, frequency and resonance area information of a size-dependent electro-elastic rotary non-classical piezoelectric microdisk via modified couple stress theory (MCST) is presented. The computational formulation of the electrically microdisk, non-classical governing equations of electrically annular microdisk are derived by adding the symmetric rotation gradient and higher-order stress tensors to the strain energy. The current non-classical approach is capable for capturing the size-dependency in the electrically annular microdisk by using single material length scale factor. Finally, the non-classical governing equations are solved using generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). Afterward, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the effects of applied ampere, length scale factor, applied voltage, and radius ratio on the resonance area and frequency responses of the electrically microdisk by considering MCST. The meaningful of resonance area in the current research is that, all designers should have attention to the lower values of natural frequency for obtaining the accurate results. Afterward, a parametric study is done to present the impacts of the radius ratio, length scale parameter, circumferential and radial mode number, geometry of piezoelectric material, applied voltage, and boundary conditions on the frequency responses of the piezoelectric microdisk by considering MCST. The results show that, when the foundation is considered, the effect of the radius ratio on the critical voltage of a piezoelectric microdisk reduces.


Poetry is the art of language,poetic language can make poem surpass real world and reach a perfect level.Luofu,the famous poet from Taiwan,pays much attention to creat poetic language,makes reality become strange and thus creats an all new aesthetic space.using the necessary techniques such as metaphor,symbol,association,metre and euphemism,etc.to improve every-day language into poetic language.Moreover,the poet is very good at applying the tradition of Chinese classic poetry in composing modern poem,and creating a new style of poem,that is,"Yinti poem".


Studies of differentiated meteorites have revealed a diversity of differentiation processes on their parental asteroids; these differentiation mechanisms range from whole-scale melting to partial melting without the core formation [e.g., 1]. Recently discovered paired achondrites GRA 06128 and GRA 06129 (hereafter referred to as GRA) represent unique asteroidal magmatic processes. These meteorites are characterized by high abundances of sodic plagioclase and alkali-rich whole-rock compositions, implying that they could originate from a low-degree partial melt from a volatile-rich oxidized asteroid [e.g., 2, 3, 4]. These conditions are consistent with the high abundances of highly siderophile elements, suggesting that their parent asteroid did not segregate a metallic core [2]. In this study, we test the hypothesis that low-degree partial melts of chondritic precursors under oxidizing conditions can explain the whole-rock and mineral chemistry of GRA based on melting experiments of synthesized CR- and H-chondrite compositions.


The structural and the magnetic properties of (111)Pt/Co/Ag, Pt/Co, and Ag/Co/Pt superlattices (SLs) were studied. The samples were grown at 373 K on Ag buffer layers preformed on 7×7‐(111)Si substrates by molecular‐beam epitaxy. Reflection high‐energy electron diffraction indicated that in‐plane lattice constants of Co, Pt, and Ag layers changed continuously during layer growth in Pt/Co/Ag SLs with thin Co layers and Pt/Co SLs. The effective magnetic anisotropy energy Keff of a Pt/Co/Ag SL was similar to Keff, an average of Keff values of a Pt/Co and an Ag/Co SL with the same Co layer thicknesses. This suggests that the origins of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the Pt/Co system are different from those in the Au/Co system investigated earlier, in which the difference between the Au/Co and Au/Co/Ag SLs is small in Keff value.


Coreopsis queretarensis, a new species from northeastern Mexico belonging to sectionPseudoagarista, is described and illustrated. It is closely related toC. mevaughii of Nueva Galicia but is readily distinguished by leaf shape, involucral bracts, and details of corolla.


The B.S.R. group of 10 and&over covers a variation from 10 to 100, and in Table IV a further subdivision is made of these values, taking 35 as an arbitrary dividing-line. The numbers at risk are so small that the trend of the death rates can be accepted as only suggestive; but the indication they give is that later mortality is likely to be lower with B.S.R. remaining steady at 10-35 or improving during treatment to that level from ever 35 than it will be with an unimproved level of 35 or over at admission and discharge or a rise from 10-35 to over 35.


. We have used the effect of Shapiro delay of the pulsar radi ation in the gravitational lensing approximation. The microlensing prob abilities for pulsars located in globular clusters 47 Tuc (NGC 104) and M15 (7078) in the case of rather large impact parameters was calculated. The problem of the dark matter detection in our Galaxy is very important nowadays. General relativistic effects - gravitational lensing and time delay of pulsar's signal in the gravitational field of a point mass can help, in principle, to solve this problem. The gravitational lensing manifestation is the magnification of the radiation flux which will be accompanied the time delay of the pulsar's signal (Krauss & Small 1991). For instance, unusual shape of residuals of the pulsar B0525+21 may be explained in terms of such a relativistic time delay in gravitational field of a massive compact object (Larchenkova & Doroshenko 1995). The time delay in propagation of pulsar's pulse consists of two terms: geo metrical time delay, and Shapiro delay (Kopeikin et al. 1999). In the case of pul sar timing observations the geometrical time delay can be neglected. To calculate the Shapiro delay we use the gravitational lensing approximation (Larchenkova & Doroshenko 1995). Since the pulsar and lens are moving the Shapiro de lay is a function of the observation time. The delay reaches a maximum value at the instant corresponding to the minimal value of the impact parameter d. For example, assuming d = 100AU, the relative velocity Vp = lOOkm/s of the pulsar projected in the plane of the sky, with respect to a single gravitating mass M = 0.1M e , and precision of the timing


A study of the relationship between diet compositions of housefly Musca domestica and the fecundity of the insect was carried out. Fecundity was increased more than 30% by adding a protein source and inorganic salts into the larval and adult diets. Also, adding a protein source into the adult diet prolonged the oviposition period of adult houseflies.


After describing the technique of performing the Gelle test with Bekesy audiometry, and following the definition of the range of normal values, this paper is devoted to the findings in cases of salpingitis. It could be confirmed that negative intratympanic pressure is counteracted by negative meatal pressure. At that moment, the hearing loss resulting from tubal obstruction is temporarily corrected.It appears that negative pressure application during the Gelle test closes the air-bone gap of salpingitis momentarily. For this reason, the normal threshold shift, observed with negative meatal pressure, is inverted to an improved hearing level. Three patterns of Gelle test results are discussed, which seem to reflect the degree of tubal obstruction.


For a bounded linear operator on Hilbert space we define a sequence of so-called minimal vectors in connection with invariant subspaces and show that this presents a new approach to invariant subspaces. In particular, we show that for any compact operator K some weak limit of the sequence of minimal vectors is noncyclic for al] operators commuting with K and that for any normal operator N, the norm limit of the sequence of minimal vectors is noncyclic for all operators commuting with N. Thus, we give a new and more constructive proof of existence of invariant subspaces. The sequence of minimal vectors does not seem to converge in norm for an arbitrary bounded linear operator. We will prove that if T belongs to a c ertain class C of operators, then the sequence of such vectors converges in norm, and that if T belongs to a subclass of C, then the norm limit is cyclic. INTRODUCTION In this paper we will study diSerent types of extremal vectors for operators on Hilbert space and their connection to invariant subspaces. We present a new method to find invariant subspaces, which we feel is more constructive then the known ones and which gives hyperinvariant subspaces for all compact and all normal operators in a unified way. We feel that the method may give invariant subspaces for several other classes of operators, but so far we have only succeeded in proving this under extra assumptions. The second author started this study by considering the best approximate solutions of the equations Tny = x() for the case when T has dense range and xO is not in the range of T. More precisely, he considered the Yn of smallest norm such that {lTnyn-xoll < 6. Using these backward minimal points, Tnyn's, he proved Theorem 4. The first author introduced forward minimal points vn's such that llvn-xOll < e and ItTnvnll is minimal. This gives even a simpler proof of Theorem 4, and there is a duality between the forward and the backward minimal points as given in Proposition 2. In this paper we also study geometric properties of vn and Tnyn involving scalar products and limit points. These geometric properties have a connection to invariant subspaces. We show that (Tnyn) converges in norm for normal operators. In relation to the norm convergence of the extrerrlal vectors, we introduce a new class of operators, called operators of class 1z. This class generalizes C1-contractions, and we feel that it is of interest in its own right too. Sections 1-2 are due to the second author, 3-4 are due to the first and the appendix is due to both. Received by the editors October 16, 1995. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 4P7A15. Partially supported by NSF grant number 441003. (D)1998 American Mathematical Society


The article is focused on the justification of the practicability of involvement of the re-sources from solid waste landfills in the eco-nomic circulation. A large number of landfills located on the territory of Russia have prac-tically exhausted their resources as waste disposal facilities; however, they can be used to obtain secondary energy resources even at the final stage of their life cycle. The optimization model presented by the authors makes it possible to develop an action plan for the phased creation of a biogas collection system based on the zoning of land plots and calculating the return on capital from their use. As an example, the landfill of solid waste "Severnaya Samarka" in the Lenin-grad region is considered.


Peacemonger By Marrack Goulding £25.00, 389 pages John Murray, 2002 ISBN:071955540X Paths of Glory ‐The French Army 1914–18 By Anthony Clayton £20, 238 pages Cassell, 2003 ISBN 0–304–35949 The Imperial War Museum Book of the War in Burma 1942–1945 By Julian Thompson £30.00 456 pages Sidgwick and Jackson 2002 ISBN 0 283 07280 6 Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order By Robert Kagan £10.00, 103 pages Atlantic Books, 2003 ISBN 184354 177 7 Iraq: A Report from the Inside By Dilip Hiro £839, 271 pages Granta Books, 2003 ISBN: 1862076278 Unusual Undertakings: A Military Memoir By James Wilson £25.00, 224 pages Pen & Sword Books/Leo Cooper, 2002 ISBN: 0850529050 Wars and Shadows: Memoirs of General Sir David Fraser £18.99.328 pages Allen Lane. 2002 ISBN: 0713996277 The Use of Force in UN Peace Operations By Trevor Findlay £40.00 (Hardback), 498 pages, Oxford University Press, 2002 ISBN 0–19–829282–1 From Biological Warfare to Healthcare: Porton Down, 1940–2000 By Peter M. Hammond and Gradon Carter £55.00, 304 pages Palgrave, 2002 ISBN: 0333753836


Several schemes for improved A/D conversion using optics have recently been described. Here it is proposed and demonstrated that optical techniques can also provide D/A convertors of at least 8-bit accuracy which are small, cheap and rugged, and which are potentially capable of operation at many GHz.


CBS's Charles Collingwood and NBC's John MacVane played crucial roles in reporting on the political controversies that surfaced in the aftermath of the Torch landings in French North Africa in 1942. Material circumstances combined with the skill of these journalists to enable the broadcast networks to cover the confusing events in North Africa in a more timely and accurate manner than did American newspapers. Collingwood and MacVane won for broadcast journalists a place at the table, and Torch would be the last major campaign that was planned with radio something less than a full partner in coverage of the war. Moreover, Collingwood and MacVane fiercely resisted the political censorship imposed by the Allied military authorities there. In this light the relationship of the media and the military in World War II looks surprisingly more like that of later wars than most accounts would lead us to believe.


Using the EFES3D program that developed by Xi'an University of Technology,base on the equivalent viscoelastic constitutive model used in the 3D effective stress FEM analysis,the analysis for the permanent residual deformation, liquefaction and slope stability from earthquake response at Xibanchagou tailings dam in Lunan county Hehan province.By finite element calculation,for the static dam slope stability,the minimum safety factor is 1.9,for the dynamic slope stability,at the end of seismic response safety factor is 1.19.The results show that the Xibanchagou tailings dam is stable in the static calculation and the seismic response.


Planning is a problem solving technique where knowledge about available actions and their consequences is used to identify a sequence of actions, which, when applied in a given initial state, reach a desired goal. Planning technology has been employed in a variety of application domains including robotics, process planning, Web-based information gathering, and spacecraft mission control. Over the past decade, applicability of planning technology to the service composition problem, the process of constructing flexible, and complex services from atomic ones have been progressively explored. This chapter presents how automated service composition can be considered as a planning problem. Furthermore it identifies the following three specific technical requirements for planning systems in order to handle service composition problem: (1) richness of domain description, (2) control constructs for assembling complex actions, and (3) a mechanism for plan optimization. This chapter illustrates a number of existing planning systems and discusses their applicability to automated service composition. The chapter then describes a service composition framework, based on a forward chaining planner, and how the abstract plan is instantiated into an executable service. Finally, the chapter discusses future research directions in planning based service composition. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-485-1.ch010


The relativistic generalizations of both molecular orbital and spin-valence (the Kappa valence method) theories are used to investigate the covalent bonds that can be formed by the ground relativistic configuration of a heavy element containing a non-closed subshell of p¯ or p valence electrons. Both theories predict that p¯-H and p -H bonds are not greatly weakened compared with normal covalent α bonds and that covalent com pounds based on the p2 relativistic configuration will be bent with an equilibrium interbond angle of 90°. Both p¯-H and p-H bonds are predicted by the Kappa valence method to be a mixture of a normal covalent a bond and the triplet bond formed by the interaction of two electrons occupying orthogonal orbitals. This method predicts that the bond formed between a heavy element and a group of rather different electronegativity may be weakened by relativity more than a p¯-H or p-H bond because only the non-orthogonal Heitler-London singlet portion of such a bond can be stabilized by ionic-covalent resonance.


PRTF RSG-GAS is an irradiation facility that used especially for testing fuel pin element of nuclear power plant reactor. Before, during and after the testing, reactor shall remain in critical and steady state condition. In this research, we determine the PRTF readiness before testing. Pre-experimental analysis was performed using Monte Carlo method by MCNP- 6 software. Keff value of RSG-GAS obtained in this study is 1,10234±0.00011 at power operation (15 MW). The total power was obtained 13.6 MW with difference of 9.3% to the actual operating power at RSG GAS. The maximum power released by one fuel and the average rod power at operating power reach 2.4 × 10−2 MW and 9.5 × 10−3MW. The total neutron flux of PRTF at J7 and K7 grid position respectively are 0.64 × 1014 n.cm−2 s−1(70.80% thermal neutron flux and 29.20% fast neutron flux); and 0.26 × 1014 n.cm−2 s−1(84.89% thermal neutron flux and 15.11% fast neutron flux). Both testing location show that neutron profile dominated by thermal neutron. This condition enables to use irradiated fuel elements. However, if the neutron flux present in PRTF is generate to excessive fission reactions, it will adversely affect to the fuel element which testing and the reactor. Therefore, the existence of thermal neutrons and their changes when the irradiation proccess take place becomes an interesting topic to do.


Recent studies suggest a protective effect of glucocorticoid against progression of bone erosion and periarticular osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although this steroid hormone itself is believed to increase bone loss. To understand the antagonistic effect of glucocorticoid for osteopenic process in RA patients, we examined the effect of dexamethasone on Fas-mediated apoptosis of cultured human osteoblasts induced by either anti-Fas IgM or activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Human osteoblastic cell line MG63 and primary osteoblast-like cells obtained from biopsy specimens were used in this study. PBMC isolated from healthy donors were cultured with or without recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) followed by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (PMA) with ionomycin in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. Fas was functionally expressed on MG63 and primary osteoblast-like cells, and treatment of these cells with dexamethasone affected neither Fas expression nor an...


We describe a case of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva with severe aortic regurgitation treated by transcatheter device closure. The regurgitation was purely due to leaflet entrapment because of the hemodynamic Venturi effect which was effectively treated.


MICRO, an acronym for Microscopy In Curriculum—Research Outreach, is the outreach program for middle schools sponsored by the Microscopy Society of America (MSA). Middle schools are the battleground for minds of young people because this is an important time for students to make decisions about whether to take science classes in high school. Unfortunately, the majority of middle school teachers are not adequately prepared to teach science; therefore, additional exposure to science may encourage students' interest.