The Atlantis Bank Oceanic Batholith is a 660 km2 gabbro massif representing the plutonic foundation of a major ridge magmatic center. It was continuously accreted, emplaced, and exposed in the rift mountains of the paleo-SW Indian Ridge from 13 to 10·3 Ma. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 735B, drilled to 1508 m at Atlantis Bank, recovered evolved intercalated olivine and oxide gabbros representing the upper levels of the lower ocean crust. Within this section, ∼5·6 m of primitive chromian-spinel-bearing troctolites (0·1–2 m thick), with sharp modal contacts with the host gabbros, were cored between 410 and 500 m depth. Here we present new mineral (chromian spinel, clinopyroxene, olivine, and plagioclase) major and trace element and petrographic data for the troctolite suites (i.e. troctolites, clinopyroxene-rich troctolites, troctolitic gabbros) from 410 to 528 mbsf (meters below seafloor) and olivine gabbros in the 0–274 mbsf and 410–500 mbsf intervals, and examine the origin of these troctolite layers. Equilibrium melts for the troctolites are primitive to moderately evolved, with Mg# [= 100Mg/(Mg + Fe), 48–68 mol%] comparable with those of Atlantis Bank basalts. By contrast, equilibrium melts for both the 0–274 mbsf and 410–500 mbsf host olivine gabbros are highly to moderately evolved (Mg# 27–63 mol%). The 410–500 mbsf troctolite suites maintain high clinopyroxene Mg# (81–89 mol%) and mineral concentrations of compatible elements (i.e. clinopyroxene Cr2O3 0·1–1·2 wt%, Ni 151–330 μg g–1 and olivine Ni 1055–1559 μg g–1) with the increase in incompatible trace element abundances (i.e. clinopyroxene TiO2 0·3–2·1 wt%, Zr 5·8–112 μg g–1 and olivine Ti up to 293 μg g–1). Combined with abundant dissolution–reprecipitation textures, our results indicate that the troctolites were formed by the reaction between a spinel-bearing, troctolitic mush, from which they inherited the high Mg#, Ni and Cr, and percolating melts adding incompatible trace elements. Moreover, the spinel (NiO versus TiO2) and olivine (Ti versus Y) trace element compositions indicate that the troctolites were affected by low-degree Fe–Ti-rich melt metasomatism. In contrast, both the 0–274 mbsf and 410–500 mbsf olivine gabbros display a prominent decrease in clinopyroxene Mg# (from 88 to 66) and mineral compatible element concentrations (i.e. clinopyroxene Cr2O3 from 1·1 to ∼0 wt%, Ni from 208 to 34 μg g–1 and olivine Ni from 1200 to 136 μg g–1) with increasing incompatible trace element abundances (e.g. clinopyroxene Zr from 4·8 to 157 μg g–1). These features are compatible with the reactive porous flow of slightly to highly evolved melts through the cooling crystal mush zone. Our results, combined with the literature data, indicate that most olivine gabbros between 410 and 500 mbsf were formed prior to the troctolite layers. We document that the troctolites represent conduits for mid-ocean ridge basalt melt transport through the lower oceanic crust, whereas the olivine gabbros represent crystallization of a large crystal mush, recording initial gabbro emplacement, hyper- and sub-solidus deformation, and melt–rock reaction owing to upward penetrative flow of intercumulus melt.


A radio link recovery method and apparatus, the method comprising: detecting a radio link to a terminal; when detecting a radio link problem, a radio link recovery during the waiting time, the first terminal provided in advance alternately attempt to recover the radio link between a fixed frequency. Case of the embodiment of the present invention, for a CR wireless communication system, when detecting a radio link problem, i.e., the terminal can not communicate with the base station, the terminal between the first predetermined frequency is set alternately attempt to recover a radio link; enable rapid switching terminal target frequency point, together with the base station handover complete spectrum, recovery operations, to maintain service continuity.


According to the problems in adult coorespondence higher education, we must take some practical measures, such as having an explicit orientation, enlarging input and organizing teaching carefully to improve the quality of adult coorespondence higher education to meet the needs of society for high quality talents.


In this study, a new type of highly efficient and recyclable magnetic-fluorine-containing polyether composite demulsifier (Fe3O4@G-F) was synthesized by the solvothermal method to solve the demulsification problem of oil–water emulsion. Fe3O4@G-F was successfully prepared by grafting fluorinated polyether onto Fe3O4 and graphene-oxide composites. Fe3O4@G-F was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Taking the self-made crude-oil emulsion as the experimental object, the demulsification mechanism of the demulsifier and the influence of external factors, such as the temperature and pH value, on the demulsification performance of the demulsifier are discussed. The results show that the demulsification efficiency of the Fe3O4@G-F emulsion can reach 91.38% within 30 min at a demulsifier dosage of 750 mg/L, pH of 6, and a demulsification temperature of 60 °C. In neutral and acidic environments, the demulsification rate of the demulsifier is more than 90%. In addition, Fe3O4@G-F has been proven to have good magnetic effects. Under the action of an external magnetic field, Fe3O4@G-F can be recycled and reused in a two-phase system four times, and the demulsification efficiency is higher than 70%. This magnetic nanoparticle demulsifier has broad application prospects for various industrial and environmental processes in an energy-saving manner.


The approximately homogeneous, isotropic turbulence (HIT) produced by three grids with different geometries was measured over the range 30 ≤ x/M ≤ 80. The scale-by-scale budget of decaying grid turbulence obtained from the transport equation for 〈 (δq) 〉 is used to study the effect of grid geometry in an attempt to quantify the influence of initial conditions of the turbulence decay. Although Rλ is too small for a scaling range to exist, the initial conditions show negligible effect on scales smaller than λ. The solidity of the grid influences only the very large scales. The shape of the grid elements can significantly affect the overall shape of the inhomogeneous term in the transport equation for 〈 (δq) 〉 .


The goal of this work was to reconstruct on a numerical model natural groundwater circulation systems of the studied area located within the municipality of Chmielnik in the region of Kielce (South Poland). The area is characterized by a complex geological structure, which along with the existing hydrographic network, makes the scheme of groundwater circulation complicated and difficult to map on a numerical model.


Smoke was discovered in the jet airliner's lavatory. Airport firefighters reached the jet as soon as its emergency landing was completed. But, says the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): "About 60 to 90 seconds after the exits were opened, a flash fire engulfed the airplane['s] interior.... 23 passengers were unable to get out and died." That was in 1983. Now, the Federal Aviation Administration is requiring that, within three years, slower-burning seat coverings (of material to be selected by the airline but conforming to federal requirements) be installed in planes designed for 30 or more persons. Within two years, the agency says, these larger aircraft also must have emergency escape path markings or lighting on or near the floor to help guide passengers to safety when overhead emergency lighting is obscured by smoke. And, by the end of this month, the agency is expected to decide whether to require the


The paper proposes a novel computational impact analysis framework to proactively manage dynamic constraints and optimally promote the inception of central banks' regulatory policies. Currently, central banks are encountering contradictory challenges in developing and implementing regulatory policy. These constraints mainly comprise of incomplete or anomalous information (information asymmetry), and very tight temporal and resources limitations (bounded rationality) when the efficiency of a policy is determined at a system-level. The complex relationships of the policy attributes and their interactions generate very dynamic emergent behaviours due to the complex causal relationships. This paper adopted and tailored the hierarchical change management structure framework to design a first step framework called 'computational regulatory policy change governance'. The methodology uses interviews, focus-group workshop and the application of empirical data. The results of the evaluation and case study validate its applicability in computing policy parameters and the impacts of their interactions. The evaluation of the framework gained a remarkable score, averaging a 130 per cent improvement compared to the existing methods. However, the research paper used a single case study, and its outcomes require further evaluation and testing. Accordingly, we invite regulators, banks, scholars and practitioners to explore the uniqueness and features of the proposed framework.


US Hispanics with rheumatoid arthritis experience worse functional outcomes compared to whites. The determinants of disability, however, are not well established in large Hispanic cohorts. In the present report, we identified factors associated with disability in a cross‐sectional design, and evaluated their individual contributions to disability over time.


Objective To investigate the role of telomerase activity in ovarian epithelial tumors, and to evaluate its significance in diagnosis and as a tumor biological marker. Methods Telomerase activity was measured quantitatively in 25 ovarian epithelium tumors, including 8 benign, 3 borderline and 14 malignant tumors, and 6 normal ovarian epithelia as control by PCR
- ELISA. Results Telomerase activity was detected in 2 of 8 benign, 2 of 3 borderline, 12 of 14 malignant tumors, and lof 6 cortices of normal ovaries. The absoption values of telomerase activity in four lesions were 0.080±0.070 ., 0.408±0.208-, 1.659
± 0.930 and 0.086±0.060, respectively, suggesting that telomerase activity of malignant tumors was higher than that in other tumors. Additionally, telomerase activity was increasing with the histologic grades of malignant ovarian tumors. However, no significant relationship was found between telomerase activity and tumor clinical stage and histologic types. Conclusions Our data suggest that the reactivity of telomerase may play an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis and progression which is hopeful to be a useful marker for the diagnosis of ovarian epithelial tumors, since the PCR- ELISA assays is specific and sensitive method.


We present multi-epoch, intermediate-dispersion linear spectropolarimetry of the pathological Wolf-Rayet star EZ CMa. The continuum polarization shows long-term quasi-periodic variations, in both polarization magnitude (range 0.8 per cent) and position angle (60 degrees), and we observe changes in the polarization vector at emission-line wavelengths. We argue that the interstellar polarization (ISP) can be estimated from the convergence point of continuum-to-line polarization vectors, and we find that the ISP at 5800 Angstrom is 0.47 +/- 0.02 per cent at a position angle of 164 degrees +/- 2 degrees.We subtract the new ISP estimate from our spectra to yield intrinsic polarized line profiles of unprecedented quality. We discuss the characteristics of the profiles, and compare them with synthetic profiles computed using radiative-transfer codes. Measurements of the line profiles provide some evidence for ionization stratification in the wind.The polarization variation produced by rotational modulation of an azimuthally structured wind is investigated by using a simple single-scattering model. An 'orange-segment' wind structure is capable of reproducing the amplitude of the observed polarization variations, although the shape of the polarized light curve cannot be matched using a simple model.


According to the Start-up and Stopping Model of PEMFC generator, the non-linear equations with two unknown parameters about the model are found in this paper. By comparing several current optimization algorithms with themselves, the optimal solution of the equations solved by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is provided. The algorithm with high efficiency and precision is indicated through computational solution. In the end, by comparing the algorithm with optimization tools of Matlab, the advantage of the algorithm is proved.


Transparent conductive polymer of PEDOT/PSS has been applied to top electrodes of flexible electronic‐paper display. High resolution electrode patterning of the polymer materials in a line shape has been performed by laser ablation method. An 8.4‐in. diagonal and 82 dpi flexible electronic paper using quick response liquid‐powder technology has been prepared by applying the patterned flexible substrates. The flexible electronic paper with PEDOT/PSS electrodes has exhibited comparable display properties to that consisting of ITO electrodes.


In this paper, a new type of sliding mode controller with gain-scheduled variable hyper plane for position and force control is presented. In this controller, the hyper plane in the sliding mode controller is continuously adjusted according to the environmental stiffness identified in real time. This controller is applied for force control using a one-degree-of-freedom manipulator system, and the performance of this controller is verified for both simulation and experiments.


Aiming at the problem that the inference rules are large and the parameters are difficult to identify in multidimensional fuzzy reasoning, a TS-type fuzzy RBF neural network model is constructed based on the TS-type fuzzy inference system and the RBF neural network function equivalence principle, and a TS fuzzy model based on TS fuzzy model is proposed. The adaptive learning algorithm of RBF neural network can not only dynamically adjust the number of hidden nodes in TS-type fuzzy RBF network, but also adaptively change the data center value of the network. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by MATLAB software simulation. The feasibility shows that the TS-type fuzzy RBF network can quickly approximate any multivariable nonlinear function and has better adaptive ability and generalization ability.


The alignment method of the laser synthetic wavelength interferometer is studied.A method for the alignment of the laser synthetic wavelength interferometer is proposed by using a four-quadrant detector.The alignment principle of the laser synthetic wavelength interferometer and the signal processing method are described.The alignment measuring experiment of the reference corner cube is carried out.The experimental result shows that the standard deviations are reduced from 7.038 mV to 1.6 mV in the direction of x and from 30.118 mV to 1.119 mV in the direction of z.The alignment measuring experiment of the measurement corner cube is carried out.The experimental result shows that the standard deviations are reduced from 3.2049 mV to 1.202 mV in the direction of x and from 2.831231 mV to 0.673 mV in the direction of y.These results show that the proposed alignment method is reasonable and feasible.


A method is presented for determining the optimum length of the connecting line between microwave circuit modules that enables the flattest transfer characteristic to be obtained. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to verify that a small change in the phase of the S/sub 11/ and S/sub 22/ parameters of the connected modules is desirable for obtaining a flat transfer characteristic.


Magnetic loss decomposition, going beyond the conventional power frequencies, and first-order reversal curve approach have been combined to assess the anisotropy of magnetization process inside the shifted ring stacks, made either of grain-oriented or non-oriented Fe–Si steel, endowed with helical distribution of easy magnetization axes. By applying the Statistical Theory of Losses, the loss contributions are analyzed as the functions of shift angle from DC to 2 kHz at peak inductions up to 1.5 T. The angle-dependent behavior of field-resolved domain wall processes is revealed in the micromagnetic maps of pinning and interaction fields.


The article is based on some well-known conclusion.We picked out participants from middle school.The purpose of the study was explore the relationship between teachers'job burnout and their job stress,social support.The results were that teachers'job burnout was significantly correlated with their job stress and social support;job stress and social support significantly predicted teachers'job burnout.


The detection performance of radars is usually limited by clutters. Clutter models are necessary factors in the simulation and modeling of radar systems. Therefore, Knowledge of clutters is important to identify targets and The impact of clutter cannot be ignored. Statistical distributions are established models which are widely used in radar clutters performance calculations. Gaussian, Weibull, Rayleigh and K-distribution are four common clutter models. The design of radar detectors and clutter classification are really complicated issues. For clutter classification, the different methods such as Bayesian classifier are used. But in this paper we propose a new classifier for radar clutters. We use Artificial Neural Network to classify four common radar clutter models. First we simulate clutter models then extract their important features like skewness and kurtosis. Finally, we make neural network with two hidden layers which has twenty and fifteen neurons in each layer and we separate clutter models with high accuracy. The results prove the validity of proposed method.


Studies concerning soil contamination by enteroparasites have been carried out in different regions of Brazil, particularly in areas that may represent risks to human health, such as daycare playgrounds and public parks. In this study, contamination of soil by eggs of Toxocara spp., Ascaris spp., trichostrongylids as well as by oocysts of protozoa was reported in a rural community located close to the Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brazil. The results highlight the risk of people living in communities with precarious sanitary conditions in relation to parasitic infection.


Whether to screen for type 2 diabetes mellitus in asymptomatic adults is controversial (1). No trial has established that systematic screening for diabetes and early treatment improve health outcomes more than treatment after routine clinical diagnosis (2). The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently recommended testing adults for diabetes if they have symptoms of diabetes or evidence of diabetic complications, including vascular disease (2). It also recommended screening adults for diabetes if they have sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80 mm Hg, because lowering blood pressure below conventional target values in patients with diabetes reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality (2). Although the ongoing ADDITION (Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment in People with Screen Detected Diabetes in Primary Care) (3) may settle the benefits of screening and early treatment, the USPSTF currently recommends against screening asymptomatic adults for diabetes, largely because evidence of benefit is lacking (2). If we do not screen asymptomatic adults for diabetes, we miss an opportunity to identify those who are at increased risk for diabetes because they have dysglycemia (impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] or impaired fasting glucose [IFG]). Randomized, controlled clinical trials from Asia, Europe, and North America have conclusively shown that treating people who have dysglycemia with lifestyle interventions (46) or medication (68) can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. The USPSTF recognized that intensive lifestyle modification programs can reduce the incidence of diabetes (2). It concluded, however, that the recommendation to eat a healthful diet, be active, and maintain a healthy weight applies to everyone, not just those at high risk for diabetes (2). To reduce the burden of diabetes, the USPSTF would target entire populations of healthy people rather than persons at especially high risk (2). Either approach benefits from accurate prediction of risk for diabetes. Intensive lifestyle modification programs may entail substantial costs (9), and medication interventions incur costs and may cause harm. Therefore, potential harms may outweigh benefits when these interventions are applied to persons at relatively low risk for diabetes. Clinicians need simple, sensitive, and specific methods to identify persons who are at increased risk for diabetes and are therefore most likely to benefit from intensive diabetes prevention interventions. Simple self-assessment questionnaires and more complex scoring systems can identify persons at high risk. Some investigators have used cross-sectional data to develop models to detect prevalent IGT, IFG, and diabetes (1013). These models have a substantial advantage because efficacy trial results apply directly to the patients these models detect; all such trials have enrolled patients with diagnosed IGT, IFG, or both (48). Other investigators have used longitudinal data from cohorts who are free of diabetes at baseline. These models predict the development of diabetes in 8 to 10 years (1417) and identify persons who may respond to interventions to prevent diabetes. Both types of models have included readily available demographic, anthropometric, and clinical risk factors and diagnostic tests (1017). Models to identify patients with dysglycemia or to predict future risk for type 2 diabetes should be simple, parsimonious, and accurate. The choice of predictors depends in part on how the model will be implemented. A clinician could use the model during an office visit, or a health plan could search an electronic database to find patients who are at increased risk. Demographic risk factors, such as race or ethnicity; anthropometric risk factors, such as waist circumference; and clinical risk factors, such as family history of diabetes, are easily obtained at face-to-face encounters but may not be available in electronic databases. Similarly, test results that help to define risk, such as fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, may be obtained from electronic databases but may not be readily available during an office visit. Finally, knowing whether a patient has clinical risk factors, such as a history of glucose intolerance, gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovary disease, depends on the patient's access to care and local standards of care, which may vary by socioeconomic status and other factors. The feasibility of implementing any screening model will depend on the context in which it is used and the availability and completeness of the requisite risk factor data. In developing a screening strategy, one must accept a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity (1), which depend on the threshold value (or cut-point) used to define a positive test result. For example, if one chooses a lower glucose cut-point to define a positive result for dysglycemia, sensitivity increases but specificity decreases. A lower cut-point results in more complete ascertainment of persons with dysglycemia but will identify substantially more persons who do not have dysglycemia on further diagnostic testing (18). To set the cut-point, one must first decide the desired level of sensitivity and specificity, which means weighing the consequences of leaving cases undetected (false-negative results) against those of classifying healthy persons as abnormal (false-positive results). Highly sensitive tests are preferable if screening is performed infrequently, the disease is relatively common, and serious health consequences result from failure to diagnose and treat early. Highly specific tests are preferred if false-positive results can harm the person emotionally, physically, or financially; the target disease is uncommon; screening will be repeated over time; and delayed diagnosis has few adverse consequences. It has been suggested (18) that in diabetes screening, tests with moderate sensitivity (about 60%) but high specificity (about 90%), repeated every 3 years, optimize the trade-off between disease detection and avoiding false-positive results. Kahn and colleagues (19) present 2 models to predict the future risk for diabetes in patients who do not have diabetes at baseline. Their basic model includes demographic, anthropometric, and clinical risk factors. Their enhanced model includes these risk factors plus fasting laboratory test results (19). Kahn and colleagues developed this model by using data from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, the same research database Schmidt and colleagues used (16) to develop a model to predict future diabetes. Unlike the earlier study, Kahn and colleagues included data from additional patients and had longer follow-up, and their models are simple enough to calculate with pencil and paper. The investigators validated the models in a separate ARIC study population. The proposed models have several limitations. The most predictive variables in the basic model include waist circumference, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, and height, which are easily obtained during an office visit but are often not available in an electronic database. Although fasting glucose and waist circumference were the strongest predictors in the enhanced model, they also are often unavailable in electronic medical records. In 1 large managed care organization, we found that fewer than 5% of nondiabetic patients older than 45 years had received a fasting glucose test in the previous 2 years (20). A second limitation relates to the cut-point used to define a positive test. The optimal cut-point for the basic model resulted in a sensitivity of 69%, which is good, but a specificity of only 64%, which is quite low for a screening test and yielded many false-positive results. Indeed, the probability of developing diabetes over 10 years for persons with positive screening test results was only 29%; 71% of those identified by the basic model did not develop diabetes over 10 years. Although lifestyle interventions for persons with positive results would be safe, the resources might be better used for other purposes. The riskbenefit ratio of drugs to prevent diabetes could be disadvantageous for those with positive screening test results because relatively few would develop diabetes without the intervention, whereas everyone who received treatment would be at risk for harms. A third limitation relates to the number of variables included in the proposed models. Screening tools must be parsimonious. Most of the previously published models (1017) have included only 5 to 8 risk factors. The inclusion of 11 risk factors in the basic model and 13 in the enhanced model improved Kahn and colleagues' models relative to earlier models with fewer predictors. However, when comparing alternative models, performance must be weighed against simplicity, and model fit should be assessed as a function of the number of terms in the model, with a penalty for additional variables. Furthermore, when the model is implemented, missing data for individual risk factor variables will predictably decrease model performance relative to that observed in the derivation data set. With many variables in the model, missing data are more likely, particularly for infrequently measured analytes, such as uric acid. The models Kahn and colleagues propose clearly advance the cause of identifying persons at risk for diabetes who are likely to benefit from focused clinical interventions. Their models should be applicable to both white and African-American persons in the United States who are 45 to 64 years of age. Factors to consider when choosing a model for screening include the availability of risk factor data in the clinical setting, the optimal cut-point to define a positive test, and the simplicity of the model. Experience indicates that applying strategies to populations with different demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical


Recently, studies have applied advanced machine learning methods, e.g., convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer architecture, to extract features from functional connectivity networks (FCNs) for brain disease analysis and classification. However, CNN based methods usually extract local features from FCN, ignoring global representation of FCN. Transformer based methods typically extract global features of FCN but are challenging to capture local information of the brain network. To address this problem, in this paper we propose Con-Trans, a novel learning framework that integrates both convolutional operation and transformer for brain disease classification, with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Experimental results on 174 subjects with resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Con-Trans method.


Abstract : The ultimate goal is to develop direct-simulation/physics-based forward and inverse capabilities for radiance prediction in a dynamic ocean environment. The simulation-based model includes and integrate all of the relevant dynamical processes in the upper ocean surface boundary layer into a physics-based computational prediction capability for the time-dependent radiative transfer (RT). The model is applied to investigate and characterize the ocean surface using underwater radiance measurements. This research builds the foundation for advancing above water imaging as well as sensing of surface and near-surface wave and flow features using passive underwater optical measurements.


In structure of mortality, the leading cause of death of adults in economically developed countries is heart disease with heart failure. Early risk stratification before clinical manifestation of decompensated heart failure is relevant and extremely important task. Aim. The study was aimed at searching for new diagnostic biomarkers and predictors of high risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. A total of 206 patients, enrolled in the study, were assigned into 3 groups: group 1 comprised 94 patients with postmyocardial infarction or ischemic remodeling where the prognostic importance of growth factors of VEGf, PDGF-AB, and FGF basic was studied; the diagnostic importance of TIMP-1 was studied in 52 patients with HF NYHA classes II- IV (group 2); and the predictive value of Lp-FLA2 was analyzed in 60 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 associated with HF NYHA class II (group 3). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves used for assessing the accuracy of predictions revealed high positive predictive values for growth factors VEGF (the area under a curve 0.71+0.05; r=0.000) and FGF basic (0.71+0.05; r=0.000), for PDGF-AB (0.66+0.06; r=0.009). Plasma level of TIMP-1>485.7 ng/mL was found to be an independent, highly sensitive prognostic factor of progression of HF and mortality (specificity of 100%; sensitivity of 80.4%). We found high correlation (r=0.66; p=0.000) between concentration of Lp-FLA2 and a frequency of a stenosis of coronary arteries in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (cutoff level of Lp-FLA2 983 ng/mL, sensitivity of 80%; specificity of 100%). Prognostic value of TIMP-1 as an independent marker of risk for progressing of HF and mortality is great and it should be used more widely in cardiology practice. Our study suggests that the levels of growth factors and Lp-FLA2 can be used as candidate markers associated with ischemic dysfunction of the heart, atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, and metabolic disorders. Larger studies are required to verify these findings.


In planta validation and an appropriate in vitro assay confirmed the existence of carboxin resistance within some European field isolates of Ustilago nuda. Carboxin resistance was not found within the 1988-1989 Canadian population (260 field isolates tested) of U. nuda, nor within a worldwide population collected before the use of carboxin (96 field isolates tested). Indirect in vitro evidence was obtained, which indicated that the in planta effects of seed treatment with carboxin were fungicidal rather than fungistatic (...)


In recent times many critics view Samuel Taylor Coleridge epoch-making work 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' from many different perspectives. This paper mainly tends to unify all major perspectives of critics in one single reading. 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' as a supernatural poem, a lyrical ballad, a Christian allegory of sin, sufferings and exploitation leading to spiritual elimination along with ecocritical conscious with which 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' recently associated by the Eco critics and environmentalist. Within the structural framework of seven parts, the poem is formally designed as a romantic lyrical ballad in which the basic ingredients of medieval gothic ballad tradition are satisfactory found how an adventurous journey change into a journey of sin and how the mariner harm the natural world and how he realises his sin and bent before God for forgiveness. The main motto of this paper is to discuss the above mention aspects of the poem which can give a new light to the poem as well as to bring forth the poetic genius of Coleridge.


Carisa Ramming is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where she obtained degrees in Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering Construction Management. She worked in industry for six years as licensed engineer and structural consultant for Wallace Engineering in Tulsa, OK before returning to Oklahoma State as a visiting faculty member in the School of Architecture. In 2009, Professor Ramming joined the faculty full time as an assistant professor of architectural engineering. Since that time, she has taught classes in structural analysis, timber and steel design, engineering mechanics: statics, building foundations and numerical analysis. Professor Ramming has recently been named Halliburton Outstanding Young Faculty and the Outstanding Teacher for the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. She has also published books for Project Lead the Way and a text on Numerical Structural Analysis. Professor Ramming enjoys spending time with the students of CEAT as the advisor of the Architectural Engineering Institute, Tau Beta Pi, Women Inspiring Successful Engineers, and CEAT Student Council.


Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), led by trauma to the basal layer, can prevent the endometrium from growing, resulting in complications in females, such as infertility and amenorrhea. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) plays a crucial role in inducing and promoting the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal cells, in the secretion of extracellular matrix‐associated components, and is a major cytokine in initiating and terminating tissue repair downstream of the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. Some evidence supports that TGF‐β1 is closely associated with the occurrence and development of IUA, and is regarded as an early risk factor of disease recurrence. Furthermore, the role of TGF‐β1 has been demonstrated to be potentially regulated by a variety of cytokines, hormones, enzymes, and microRNAs. This review provides an overview of the expression, function, and regulation of TGF‐β1 in IUA, with a brief discussion and perspectives on its future clinical implications on the diagnosis and treatment of IUA.


Objective To discuss the methods of operative resection of 150 cases with HCC and clinical efficacy.Methods Retrospective analysis was made on location and size,blokage of blood flowing into liver,way of resection,blood volume and drainage.Results The partial resection of HCC was 77.3%,irregular resection 74.7%,blockage operation 125 cases(83.3%).The blood volume is from 200~1000 ml,complication after operation 10 cases(6.7%),death 3 cases(2.0%),cure 58.7%.Conclusion To master the key points of operation and every details can improve the success of operation,reduce the complication and mortality rate.


the cells with one or two nuclei-upto 64.3%-with a correspondingdecreasein thosewith four or more nuclei, this figure being 5%. The figure for the trilobed nucleatedpolymorpho-nuclearcells was little altered. The condition of affairs remains somewhatsimilar for a while, until the day following the injection it is seen that the percentagecount approaches closely that prior to the injection. This state of affairs invariably happens,even though the contrast is not always so marked as in the caseunder discussion. One always obtains a general impression that there is an increasedpercentageof immature cells to be seenfollowing the rigor or reaction. As hefore remarked, these differences become the more pronouncedthe greaterthe reaction. It might reasonablybe assumed,therefore, that the effect of injections of Bacilli coli communis, as shownby a studyof the blood cells, are: (i. セ A diminution of polymorpho-nuclearcells. (ii.) A consequentreactionin the shapeof a leucocytosis,the predominantcells being-of an embryonic type. This suggestsa rapid responseby the hrematopoiettcsystemto the introductionof Bacillus coli communis emulsioninto the blood stream. In conclusion,let me thank Dr. A. J. Trinca for his valuablehelp and also the staff of the X-ray department of the Alfred Hospital for their assistanceinthe preparationof the lantern slides. •


1. The lifestyle with which we were familiar with may become only a memory, as life is changing because of the coronavirus pandemic, but whether it will be changed forever depends on our coping strategy. 2. According to Henry Kissinger, the global pandemic will "forever alter the world order". Yet our world is changing with or without the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, the world was changing drastically – it was replete with unilateralism, populism and inequality, which are arguably attributable to economic globalisation, neoliberalism and even the refugee crisis. However, the coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated these issues. It has also created many new problems affecting life, society and the world. 3. We may be witnessing "the end of globalism as we know it". Governments and people in many countries are shifting from globalism to isolationism, from multilateralism to unilateralism, from multiculturalism to racism. Ultimately, one of our most


In order to find out a reasonable mining scale,the two-pit scheme is compared with the one-pit scheme.For the two-pit scheme,the pit No.2 and No.3 are mined separately,with the output of 15 Mt/a and 14 Mt/a,respectively;while for the one-pit scheme,these two pits are combined into one,with the output of 29 Mt/a.The result shows that the reasonable mining scale for open-pit mine is 29 Mt/a.Both the semi-continuous technology and the pull shovel technology are suitable for open-pit mines.According to the comparison of economic indices,the comprehensive mining technology consisting of dragline stripping technology and semi-continuous technology are preferred.The semi-continuous technology with shovels and mobile crusher stations may be adopted on upper benches,the pull shovel technology may be adopted at the middle depth of the pit,and the combination of semi-continuous technology with shovels,trucks and underground belt conveyors may be adopted for the lower part.


This research was conducted at the elementary school No.. 102 103 Rambutan. Type of research is classroom action research using the discussion with the main objective that aims to improve student learning outcomes in basic mathematics with material factors and multiples in the sixth grade elementary school No.. 102 103 Rambutan District High Cliff Bedagai Serdang.
Formulation of the research issue is whether to use the discussion method can improve student learning outcomes sixth grade elementary school No.. Rambutan Years Learning 102103 2012/2013


Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and adverse effects between chrono-chemotherapy with navelbine(NVB) combined with cisplatin(DDP) and conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of non small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Sixty-two patients with NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups: chrono-chemotherapy group and conventional chemotherapy group.Thirty-two patients in chrono-chemotherapy group were given NP chrono-chemotherapy regime: NVB 25 mg/m2 was diluted with normal saline to 100ml and intravenously infused at 17:00 for 10 min(days 1,8);DDP 25 mg/m2 was diluted with normal saline to 500 ml and intravenously administrated from 14:00 to 18:00(days 2-4),with the highest plasma drug level at 16:00.A sinusoidal infusion pump(BodyGuard323,Germany) was applied.Thirty cases in conventional chemotherapy group received NP regime in the morning.The efficacy was evaluated after chemotherapy was given repeatedly for at least 2 cycles.Results The effective rate in chrono-chemotherapy group was 59.4%,higher than that of conventional chemotherapy group(33.3%).There was significant difference between the two groups(P0.05).The main adverse effects included hematologic toxicity,gastrointestinal toxicity and hair loss.The occurrence of leucopenia above grade II,nausea and vomiting in chrono-chemotherapy group was lower than that in conventional chemotherapy group(P0.05).Conclusion the NP chrono-chemotherapy regime for treating NSCLC had better therapeutic effect and fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy,therefore,it has obvious advantages in improving patient′s life quality and is worthy of further study.


Fault isolation is the task of localizing faults in a process, given observations from it. To do this, a model describing the relations between faults and observations is needed.
In this paper we f ...


In these notes we compute the Plancherel measures associated with genuine principal series representations of n-fold covers of p-adic SL(2,F). Along the way we also compute a higher dimensional metaplectic analog of Shahidi local coefficients. Our method involves new functional equations utilizing the Tate Gamma-factor and a metaplectic counterpart. As an application we prove an irreducibility theorem.


Kang et al. (Reports, 19 June 2020, p. 1381) report a structure of the nitrogenase MoFe protein that is interpreted to indicate binding of N2 or an N2-derived species to the active-site FeMo cofactor. Independent refinement of the structure and consideration of biochemical evidence do not support this claim.


This paper analyses the over-indebtedness of micro-borrowers of Nirdhan Utthan Bank in Birgunj, Nepal. Descriptive analytical research design is attempted to explore the scenario of factor of over-indebtedness and impact of multiple borrowing. The research is primary data based on 150 sample respondents from Birgunj and convenient and structured questionnaire had been used to collect response of the respondents and data was collected through face to face interview with the clients. In this study majority of the clients are involved in multiple borrowing 82 %, it finds that loss of income and multiple borrowing is the major factor that leads to over-indebted. The paper also shows the association between factors of over-indebtedness and multiple borrowing and how frequently micro-borrower repeats them and for this cross tabulation analysis and chi-square test was used to analyze the data. The results show that over-indebtedness is significantly associated with multiple borrowing. The risk of over-indebtedness further increases with the occurrence of multiple borrowing. Results show that small size of loans issued by MFIs and needs of the clients was one of the major reasons for multiple loans contracts. Other reasons for multiple borrowing include family obligation, loan recycling, and relaxed or simple loan procedures, and influence from friends who are taking multiple loans, delayed loan disbursement from the MFIs in which the client first applied.


The possible binding of 3H-dexamethasone (Dx)to the anterior pituitary and the effect of the steroid on neo-synthesis and release of ACTH of glands incubated with crude CRF extracts were ex


The main issues of this study is how environmental factors influence green product purchase. The purposes of this research are (1) to analyze and to find out the environmental knowledge, environmental concern and environmental attitude has simultaneous influence to the purchasing behavior of ADES in Surabaya; (2) to analyze and to find out the environmental knowledge, environmental concern and environmental attitude has partial influence to the purchasing behavior of ADES in Surabaya; (3) to analyze and to find out the purchasing behavior differential based on gender. The samples are 170 people which are selected by using convenience and purposive sampling. The result is simultaneously the environmental knowledge, environmental concern and environmental attitude has simultaneous influence to the purchasing behavior of ADES in Surabaya. While the result of partial test are the environmental concern and environmental attitude partially has significant influence to the purchasing behavior, but the environmental knowledge hasn't significant influence to the purchasing behavior. However, no gender differences in the purchasing behavior of ADES in Surabaya.
Key words : Environmental Knowledge, Environmental Concern, Environmental Attitude and Purchasing Behavior.


UNDER NORMAL PHYSIOLOGIC CONDITIONS, when an attempt is made by means of a voluntary muscle effort to maintain a limb in a stationary position or to exert a constant force, a mechanical tremor can be detected in the limb. Various theories have been developed to account for the occurrence of this "physiologic" tremor, but none is entirely satisfactory.lr2 The current theories suggest that physiologic limb tremor may be due to one of the following mechanisms: [l] "driving" of the part at the relevant frequencies of oscillation by a neuromuscular input reflecting either a cyclic process in the central nervous system or an incomplete degree of desynchronization of muscle unit activity, [2] forcing of an underdamped resonant mechanical or reflex system by the asynchronous firing of muscle units over a wide range of frequencies, and [ 3 ] forcing of an underdamped resonant mechanical or reflex system by energy derived from the action of the heart. In view of the multiplicity of explanations of the origin of limb tremor, it seems possible that theories which propose a single underlying mechanism to account for this tremor may be incomplete. It is more likely that limb tremor is a composite phenomenon and that the magnitude of the contribution of any one mechanism will vaiy with the body site at which the tiernor is detected, with variation in the external mechanical support of the limb (so that tliffeient segments of the limb are involved individually or in combination in the oscillation of the part) and with changes in the level of contractile activity in the limb musculature. In the present investigation, the site at which the tremor was detected was kept constant (the index finger) during a sustained, constant,


Essentials Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) failure is associated with myocardial infarction and death. We tested whether more frequent dosing improves aspirin (ASA) response following CABG surgery. Twice‐daily compared with once‐daily dosing reduces ASA hyporesponsiveness after CABG surgery. The efficacy of twice‐daily ASA needs to be tested in a trial powered for clinical outcomes.


We consider standard bases of ideals of free associative algebras over rings. The main result of the article is a criterion for a subset of a free associative algebra to be a standard basis of the ideal it generates. Based on this result, we present an infinite algorithm to construct the reduced standard basis of an ideal. A generalization in case of some semigroup algebras is presented. We also describe a way to construct weak standard bases and reduced standard bases of ideals of a free associative algebra over an arbitrary finitely generated ring (over a finitely generated algebra over a field). Some examples of constructions of standard bases and of solutions of the equality problem are included.


Food culture is a kind of non-material culture with authenticity. To achieve sustainable development of translocal heritage and food culture, we must protect its authenticity. By selecting the cases of the Dongbeiren Flavor Dumpling Restaurant and the Daozanjia Northeast Dumpling Restaurant and using the in-depth interview method, this study discusses how northeastern Cuisine in Guangzhou balances the inheritance and innovation of authenticity, how producers and customers negotiate, and how to realize sustainable development. The main conclusions are: first, there are two different paths of translocal food culture production, which are "authentic food culture production" and "differentiated food culture production". Second, what translocal enterprises produce is not objective authenticity, but constructive authenticity, or even existential authenticity. Third, compared with differentiated food culture production, authentic food culture production is helpful for the sustainable development of local food culture production. It protects the locality while transmitting and developing the local culture. Fourth, translocal food culture production is a process in which the producers and consumers continue to interact to maintain a state of equilibrium, which informs the sustainable development mechanism with a high degree of authenticity.


Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and microsurgery for carotid artery aneurysms in the ophthalmic segment.Method Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 40 cases with carotid artery aneurysms in the ophthalmic segment from December 2006 to September 2010.There were 13 male cases and 27 female cases.Among them,1 case was associated with anterior communicating aneurysm,4 cases with bilateral carotid artery aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment,4 cases associated with internal carotid - posterior communicating artery aneurysm,1 case associated with posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm,1 case associated with MCA aneurysm,1 case associated with basilar artery aneurysm.Results Prognosis of surgical patients was evaluated according to GOS rating,restored good in 33 cases,middle disabled in 1 case,severely disabled in 2 cases,died in 4 cases.The postoperative follow - up time was 2 to 46 months (mean 21.3 months),and all aneurysms were totally clipped that confirmed by CTA or DSA examination.Conclusions Carotid - ophthalmic aneurysm clipping by pterional approach is a safe and effective method.Individual treatment strategies should be applied to each patients according to the aneurysm location,size,shape,preoperational Hunt - Hess Grade,and the condition of the hospital.Comprehensive preoperative imaging examinations and the application of microvascular Doppler(MVD) during the operation have important significance for reducing postoperative complications and improving prognosis.

Key words:
Intracranial aneurysm ;  Ophthalmic segment of carotid artery ;  Microsurgery ; Microvascular Doppler


The purpose of this study is to investigate the age -related improvement of defecation function in high type anorectal malformation in relation to the assessment of the internal anal sphincter. The function of defecation was studied every 5 years up to 15 years postoperatively according to the Japanese scoring system in our hospital in 50 patients operated for high type (recto-urethral fistula) imperforate anus with posterior sagital anorectoplasty (PSARP) procedure in 25 patients, and 25patients with endorectal pull-through (ERPT). The internal anal sphincter was assessed by anorectal manometry and histology, and the results were analyzed with the clinical outcomes. The defecation scores of the PSARP cases exceeded those of ERPT cases at all age groups, the averaged total score were 7.0 in the PSARP cases vs. 4.6 for ERPT cases at 5 years old, 7.5 vs. 5.2 at 10 years old, and 8.0 vs. 6.7 at 15 years old. The anorectal reflex was seen in 17 of 25 (68%) PSARP cases examined, whereas seen in 5 (20%) of ERPT cases examined. Histologically, the well-developed and thickened internal circular muscle at the rectal end was found only in 40% of the cases, whereas discontinuation and hypoplasty of the muscle were seen in most of the cases examined. The present results indicate that the internal sphincter muscle at the rectal end may be histologically maldeveloped in high type anorectal malformations; however, they can potentially develop after transplanted and contribute to the improvement of passive continence in the late post-operative period.


Grape production is important source for creation employment and income in sistan and Baluchistan province, especially in sistan area. Natural and geographical condition very suitable for production and export of grape if may be companation with reasonable production acts, marketing, will be high comparative advantage. This is at present that breeding formers face to face with different difficult that recent drought years had violent. this study performed with aim of economic analysis yaghoti grape production in sistan area with production function, one degree and cobb douglas method ordinary least square and Ewies software. Data of this investigation was collected in 2005-2004 year with questionnaire and with sampling method of random classification from breeding formers. Independent variable of production functions, costs: fertilizer of herbivorous animal, chemical fertilizer, labor, machinery, poison, another cost, land (m 2 ) and depended variable was production value include grape. The result showed that determine coefficients 0.63and 0.55 and all of calculated determine (except about chemical fertilizer) is positive. Negative coefficient of chemical fertilizer result of decrease rainfall, was perfect water and fertilizer and gardener difficult for adoption with drought condition. This subject obligation use from method of water consumption productivity. The sum of coefficient cobb douglas higher than one show increase return to scale. Production elasticizes except chemical fertilizer that is negative, all of positive and less than one and labor production elasticizes is higher than other inputs. With the attention to difficult violent unemployment in sistan and Baluchistan province, high labor production elasticizes can provide appropriate field for creation employment and decrease unemployment in province.


Performance of Nigerian public service has been a major concern to policy makers and researchers as well. This is because despite all measures put in place to arrest the performance failure, the service, it seems, has defied all approaches towards tackling the problem of inefficiency and capacity collapse. The paper, therefore, looked at how ethics and motivation of public servants can enhance public service performance in the area of service delivery by linking strict adherence to ethics and motivation to performance. It adopted content analysis as a method of data gathering and analysis. It suggested viable options for effective and efficient service-oriented public service. Keywords: Approaches, Capacity, Delivery, Measures, Policy


Background: The study aims to compare the efficacy of submucosal diathermy and partial inferior turbinectomy in terms of improvement in nasal obstruction, pain, haemorrhage, crusting and wound healing. Methods: A prospective sequentially randomized comparative study involving fifty patients, divided into two groups of 25 patients each. Group A consists of patients who underwent SMD and group B consists of patients who underwent PIT. Post-operative assessment was done at day 1, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Results: Post-operative improvement in nasal obstruction was seen in both groups. 80% showed significant improvement in SMD and 32% in PIT group at the end of second week. By sixth month, 40% in SMD group and 80% in PIT group showed significant improvement. Mild pain was observed in 12% of PIT group at 2 weeks. In SMD group, 8% developed reactionary haemorrhage. In PIT group, 24% developed minimal soakage and 12% developed moderate soakage. Severe nasal crusting was seen in 64% of the cases in PIT group and in 40% of the cases in SMD group at second week. By 1 month, 44% in PIT group and 12% in SMD group showed severe crusting. Conclusions: Short term complications like pain, obstruction and haemorrhage was noted to be higher with PIT. On long term evaluation, PIT showed better results in terms of improvement in nasal obstruction scores.


Twenty years ago in a seminal article, Modan et al,1 fueled the interest in metabolic abnormalities of hypertension by showing that independent of obesity but frequently associated with it, patients with hypertension are glucose intolerant and hyperinsulinemic. This is now commonly acknowledged as the metabolic syndrome (or parts of it).

An enormous volume of research had emerged that tried (somewhat in vain) to attribute hypertension to hyperinsulinemia. Despite the large progress in understanding the fascinating and expanding interrelationship between obesity, adipose tissue, sympathetic drive, renin angiotensin system, leptin, adiponectin, NO, etc, there is still much to learn about the diversity of their relationships and the heterogeneity of effector and signaling systems.

At more or less the same time period, out-of-office measurements of blood pressure evolved gradually from research to clinical tools. These are now accomplished by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and self-measured or home blood pressure (HBP), as the recent American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement recommends.2

The advantages of ABPM is objectivity, independence of the alerting reaction, evaluation of blood pressure during sleep, and better correlation with hypertensive target organ damage and outcome than clinic blood pressure. Those of HBP are convenience, ability to repeat measurements without limitations, lower costs, and involvement of patients in their care as well as their empowerment.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has issued an …


Information Operations Under International Law: A Delphi Study Into the Legal Standing of Cyber Warfare by Kenneth A. Gualtier MPA, Troy University (2007) MS, Troy State University (2004) BS, University of Maryland University College (2002) Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University March 2015 Abstract The ever-growing interconnectivity of industry and infrastructure through cyberspace has increased their vulnerability to cyber attack. The lack of any formal codification of cyber warfare has led to the development of contradictory state practices and disagreement as to the legal standing of cyber warfare, resulting in an increased risk of damage to property and loss of life. Using the just war theory as a foundation, the research questions asked atThe ever-growing interconnectivity of industry and infrastructure through cyberspace has increased their vulnerability to cyber attack. The lack of any formal codification of cyber warfare has led to the development of contradictory state practices and disagreement as to the legal standing of cyber warfare, resulting in an increased risk of damage to property and loss of life. Using the just war theory as a foundation, the research questions asked at the point at which cyber attacks meet the definition of use of force or armed attack under international law and what impediments currently exist in the development of legal limitations on cyber warfare. The research design was based on using the Delphi technique with 18 scholars in the fields of cyber warfare and international law for 3 rounds of questioning to reach a consensus of opinion. The study employed qualitative content analysis of survey questions during the first round of inquiry in order to create the questions for the 2 subsequent rounds. The first round of inquiry consisted of a questionnaire composed of 9 open-ended questions. These data were inductively coded to identify themes for the subsequent questionnaires that consisted of 42 questions that allowed the participants to rank their responses on a Likert-type scale and contextualize them using written responses. Participants agreed that a computer attack is comparable to the use of force or armed attack under international law, but fell short of clearly defining the legal boundaries of cyber warfare. This study contributes to social change by providing informed opinions by experts about necessary legal reforms and, therefore, provides a basis for greater legal protections for life and property. Information Operations Under International Law: A Delphi Study Into the Legal Standing of Cyber Warfare by Kenneth A. Gualtier MPA, Troy University (2007) MS, Troy State University (2004) BS, University of Maryland University College (2002) Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University March 2015


As climate change increases fire frequency in Mediterranean‐type shrublands, it is essential to understand the links between common postfire plant assemblages and soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling during succession. In California chaparral, periodic fire removes shrub cover, deposits ammonium (NH4+‐N) on soils, and allows herbaceous assemblages to dominate for 3–5 years. Herbs influence soil biogeochemistry through several mechanisms, including nutrient uptake, litter decomposition, and rhizodeposition. Controlled experimental removal of select plant groups from wild assemblages can demonstrate interactions between plant groups and how plant traits influence belowground processes. In a two‐year herb‐removal experiment, we investigated the impact of N‐fixing and non‐N‐fixing herbs on soil N and C cycling. Treatments were (1) all herbs, (2) only non‐N‐fixing species, (3) only N‐fixing species, and (4) no herbs. In high‐N environments, N‐fixers were predicted to compete poorly against non‐N‐fixing neighbors. N‐fixers doubled in abundance when non‐N‐fixers were removed, but non‐N‐fixers were unaffected by N‐fixer removal. Two years after fire, no‐herbs plots had the lowest soil microbial respiration rates, and total accumulated C and N were lower than all‐herb plots. Two treatments, no‐herb and N‐fixer plots, had elevated mineral N concentrations, net N mineralization, and net nitrification in the second year of the experiment. Our findings underscore the importance of fire‐following herbs for postfire N retention and organic matter accumulation. A combination of both N‐fixing and non‐N‐fixing herbs maximized total soil C and N, although the accumulation of TC and TN in all‐herb plots was not significantly higher than in non‐N‐fixer plots. Results demonstrated the key role of non‐N‐fixing herbs in accumulating soil C and herbaceous communities for retaining N. Elevated soil nutrient availability two years postfire may contribute to the long‐term recovery of shrubs, even after herbs are no longer dominant. Future investigations should also consider the magnitude of soil microbial N retention in plots with different herb functional groups, along with the species‐specific contribution of non‐N‐fixing herbs to postfire C and N cycling.


Felsic volcanic rocks in the northeastern Yilgarn Block form two major groups with distinctive petrochemical characteristics and tectonic settings. Discrete calc‐alkaline volcanic centres composed predominantly of andesite were formed during the development of a major volcano‐sedimentary basin and were erupted contemporaneously with tholeiitic basalt. Parental calc‐alkaline melts were derived by shallow, hydrous partial melting of LIL‐enriched mantle; Y‐ and HREE‐depleted, Sr‐enriched dacitic volcanic rocks and dacite to rhyolite undepleted in Y and HREE and depleted in Sr associated with andesite in some of the volcanic centres were derived from an intermediate parent by crystal fractionation involving variable proportions of the modal minerals. Calc‐alkaline volcanism is believed to have been triggered by "hot spot' activity rather than subduction. Rhyolite enriched in Zr, Nb, Y and HREE was deposited in a linear trough in a tectonic zone which disrupted the western margin of the volcano‐sedimentary bas...


The article is devoted to the problems of interactive methodology usage in profession-oriented English teaching for aviation specialists. Nowadays profession-oriented teaching based on interactive methods implies collaboration learning, individual differentiated ap-proach and professional communicative interaction aimed at collective mastering of special knowledge. Proper communicative and behaviour strategies are formed on the basis of interactive tasks that simulate real professional situations.


The theory of extremely low freq uency radio \\'ave propagation from vertical an .! horizontal electric dipoles in a half space, separa ted by a n infini te s lab from anot her half space, is dis cLlssed a nd a pplicat ion is madc to t he specific case of t he sea water-at.mosphert:ionosphere problem , with dipoles located in the sea water. Each of the media is aSS Llm ed homogeneous and isotropic . When attention is restricted to t he freq uency range 1 to ] ,000 cis, integration in t he co mplex plane leads to consid erat ion of t he pole corresponding to the T E M mod e of trans miss ion a nd two branch cut in tegrals. One of t hese (that gi "i ng rise to propagation of energy a long a nd in t he ionosphere) is found to be important in Lhe C,lse of t he horiwntal d ipole.


A simple analytic expression for human visual contrast sensitivity as a function of space frequency has been developed which is dependent only on brightness. This approximation yields results generally within the + 20% uncertainty of most such human measurements when compared to what little published data exists. This approximation is applicable for contrasts greater t4an 1% and space frequencies greater than 0.1 cycle per mrad and for brightness down to 10-4 ft. L which covers the region of most practical modeling interest.


Summary:  Purpose: Patients with focal seizures often have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in the brain region of their presumed seizure focus. Neoplasms, ischemic infarctions, inflammatory processes, and other specific pathologic entities have been diagnosed by biopsies of such MRI abnormalities. Two patients with this presentation had brain lesion biopsies with a leading presumptive diagnosis of glial neoplasm but were found to have indistinct histopathology.


. Human resources in the industrial revolution era 4.0 are expected to master and to be able taking advantage of digital literacy. Graduates from the Department of Home Economics (PKK) are prospective vocational teachers who will be the agents of reformation to habituate the digital literacy to the students. Because of that reason, the learning activities in the Department of Home Economics is using a blended learning model. The data analysis technique used in this study was descriptive percentages. Statement items related to facilities, motivation, material and tasks, time and cost, independence, communication/ interaction, and responses to tasks with categories ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree were used as the data collection instrument. The results show that the overall perception of students as prospective vocational teacher was "agree" with the percentage of 53.5%, while the smallest was 0% in the category of "strongly disagree", the second largest was 34% "less agree". Then 10% "strongly agree" and 1.9% "disagree." .


We have introduced two crossover operators, MMX-BLX exploit and MMX-BLX explore , for simultaneously solving multiple feature/subset selection problems where the features may have numeric attributes and the subset sizes are not predefined. These operators differ on the level of exploration and exploitation they perform; one is designed to produce convergence controlled mutation and the other exhibits a quasi-constant mutation rate. We illustrate the characteristic of these operators by evolving pattern detectors to distinguish alcoholics from controls using their visually evoked response potentials (VERPs). This task encapsulates two groups of subset selection problems; choosing a subset of EEG leads along with the lead-weights (features with attributes) and the other that defines the temporal pattern that characterizes the alcoholic VERPs. We observed better generalization performance from MMX-BLX explore . Perhaps, MMX-BLX exploit was handicapped by not having a restart mechanism. These operators are novel


This Article examines the adverse impact theory of employment discrimination under Title VI. The author begins by discussing the development of adverse impact in the case law, and by scrutinizing its theoretical underpinnings. He demonstrates that Congress did not intend to mandate adoption of adverse impact theory when it established Title VII The author then argues that the Courts have exceeded their authority under Title VII by embracing the theory of adverse impact. He concludes that the courts should therefore return to a narrower theory of employment discrimination, namely, a theory based on the legal concept of "intent."


Abstract In this work, a technical–economic assessment of the double-wire MIG/MAG welding process was carried out for flat-position welding of filler passes, employing controlled short-circuiting (CSC) operating mode in the trailing wire, as a way of improving control of the molten pool and reducing splashes. The assessment was based on a comparative study between the conventional double-wire MIG/MAG technique (using pulsed current in both wires) and a combination of pulsed current in the leading wire and CSC in the trailing wire. The following were kept constant: the values of average current for each wire, the volume of material deposited per unit length of weld, the type and size of the bevel and the wire, the composition of the shielding gas and the CTWD. The surface finish and geometry of the weld beads, deposition rate and deposition efficiency and the maximum welding speeds resulting from the use of each technique were assessed. The results show that the use of the CSC mode in the trailing arc increases the production capacity of the process slightly, leads to less splashing, improves the finish of the bead, produces smaller fusion zone and smaller HAZ and yet maintains a similar operational envelope (with respect to the range of useful welding speeds), which are positive factors. On the other hand, as a disadvantage, the use of CSC led to beads that are more convex and have less penetration.


One of the ways organizations are saving development costs nowadays is to share code between internal projects. Shared frameworks with highly reusable components are usually desired, but their development and maintenance processes usually generate important challenges. This paper describes development processes and methodologies that can be used to reduce costs in developing and maintaining this kind of shared framework inside an organization considering distributed development and collaboration between teams which have limited resources. Technical aspects for providing extensibility, components reusing and tools that assist the process of integration, release, and development are also presented. The work is sustained by the experiments and best practices taken from the development of such a shared framework inside a real organization.


I thought the quality was a little bit mixed. As a probabilist, I perhaps feel defensive about the possibility that four short sentences could possibly constitute 'preparation for probability'. It also felt like some natural opportunities to identify common misconceptions were wasted. For example, in the aforementioned CayleyHamilton section, the notion of adding a scalar and a matrix appeared within a determinant. Although we're confident Cayley knew what he was doing, this is a fairly classic moment for undergraduate error, and at the very least a note might have helped avoid confusion. However, the sections with the most worksheets, namely analysis, linear algebra and, in particular, group theory, were excellent, and would I'm sure be valuable to a wide range of students. Overall, I personally started with considerable scepticism, and ended with slightly reduced scepticism concerning the principles, and considerably reduced scepticism concerning the execution. While I think it would be dangerous if the entirety of all undergraduate programmes were reduced in the style of this textbook, at present we are obviously very far from that situation, and I can imagine the style of learning promoted by these worksheets being invaluable to students struggling over some of the traditional stumbling points of the early phases of an undergraduate degree. 10.1017/mag.2018.145 DOMINIC YEO Technion, Israel Institute of Technology e-mail: email@example.com


Supercapacitors are nowadays considered to be one of the most important electrochemical storage devices. These devices display high power and extraordinary cycle life, and they are currently used in an increasing number of applications. However, in order to further increase the applications of supercapacitors, an increase in their energy capacity appears to be necessary. Moreover, the development of safe and environmentally friendly supercapacitors is also required. In this article, we illustrate the contributions ionic liquids (ILs) might play in the development of high energy and safe supercapacitors. First, the use of ILs as electrolytes in supercapacitors is considered, and the advantages as well as challenges related to the use of this kind of electrolyte are analyzed. Next, the interaction between ILs and electrode materials is taken into account, with particular attention paid to inactive components of supercapacitor electrodes. The introduction of natural cellulose as a binder is used as an example of the contribution ILs might provide to the development of environmentally friendly supercapacitors.


The bodies and brains of fish have evolved to achieve control objectives beyond the capabilities of current underwater vehicles. One route toward designing underwater vehicles with similar capabilities is to better understand fish physiological design and control strategies. This paper has two objectives: 1) to review clues to artificial swimmer design taken from fish physiology and 2) to formalize and review the control problems that must be solved by a robot fish. The goal is to exploit fish locomotion principles to address the truly difficult control challenges of station keeping under large perturbations, rapid maneuvering, power-efficient endurance swimming, and trajectory planning and tracking. The design and control of biomimetic swimming machines meeting these challenges will require state-of-the-art engineering and biology.


This paper describes a series of harmonic calculations to predict the voltage distortion on an offshore oil production platform following the installation of variable frequency drives. A series of field tests is also described which provided measured values to compare with those calculated. I t is concluded that the calculation technique is accurate providing adequate information i s available to describe the converlor loading and the operating pattern. Both calculated and measured rcsults demonstrate the advantageous feature that harmonic voltage distortion does not increase linearly with converlor loading.


The inadvertent waiver doctrine is part of the attorney-client privilege but its application lacks uniformity and thus is a major cause for distress for lawyers and clients. The concerns about an inadvertent waiver of the privilege intensify as technology changes the way attorneys and clients interact. Accordingly, seeking legal advice has become a dangerous activity. This Article first demonstrates that courts treat inadvertent waiver as a type of accident without duly attending to the implications of the concept. Drawing on economic analysis of tort law, this Article identifies how the liability regimes and unique harm rules applied by courts to determine whether inadvertent waiver has occurred undermine the objective of the privilege to encourage full and frank exchange of information between attorneys and clients. The second part of this Article asserts that imputing inadvertent disclosure of privileged evidence by attorneys to their clients contradicts the prevalent rationale of the attorney-client privilege. Imputing inadvertent waiver by attorneys to their clients creates a moral hazard problem. This problem is not sufficiently mitigated by incentives such as the attorney's ethical duties, concerns about malpractice liability, or professional reputation. This Article suggests that the practice should be eliminated or at least minimized.


There is disclosed an actinic-radiation-curing, hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, which com prises a mixture in a limited mixing ratio of an acrylic high-molecular-weight polymer that is made up of main chain having a molecular weight of 8,000 to 100,000 and a glass transition temperature of -75 to -20 C., and branched chain, in which the main chains and/or branched chains have or at least one ethylenically unsat urated group; and a low-molecular-weight polymer having a molecular weight of 500 to 8,000 and a glass transition temperature of lower than 100° C., which polymer has or does not have an ethylenically unsatu rated group in the molecule.


The editor died during the printing of the work, leaving some of the final revision to others. cf. Prefatory note, signed by W. S. H., L. W.


Objective:To establish a HPLC-MS-MS method for determining the concentration of ambroxol in human plasma.Methods:Ambroxol and diazepam (internal standard) in plasma were extracted by diethyl ether af- ter being alkalized by NaOH,and determined by LC/MS/MS method with the mobile phase consisting of acetoni- trile-H_2O(85:15),at a flow rate of 0.2 mL·min~(-1).ESI source was applied and operated in the positive ion mode. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode use the transitions of m/z 130.2→71.0 and m/z 206.1→59.9 were used to quantily the ambroxol and the diazepam,respectively.Results:The linear range of ambroxol was 0.26~200μg·L~(-1) (r=0.9998).The lower limit of quantitation of metformin was 0.26μg·L~(-1).At low,middle and high concentration (0.78,12.5,100μg·L~(-1)),the intra-day RSDs were 9.1%,8.3% and 2.7%;the inter- day RSDs were 10.0%,7.2% and 12.4%;and the accuracy rates were 109%,114%和106%.Conclusion:The method is sensitive,specific,reproducible and accurate,and suitable for the study of pharmacokinetics and bioequiv- alence of ambroxol in human body.


The aim of this paper is to explore how international contracting firms maintain their competitive position. The adopted stance is positioned against the positivist and rational perspectives, which currently dominate the construction competiveness literature. In contrast to previous studies, the focus lies on the interpretations of senior executives within Turkish contractors, which have in recent years competed highly successfully in international markets. Emphasis is given to the dynamic capabilities view (DCV) and the extent to which it provides into the strategy of Turkish contractors. In contrast to other theoretical models, DCV is notable in the (rhetorical) emphasis given to dynamic environments within which firms continually re-position themselves. Static rationalist models of strategy have limited explanatory power in the context of the highly unstable markets within which Turkish contractors operate. An empirical research agenda is outlined together with a proposed set of research methods.


The polarization compositions of fundamental quasi-TE and quasi-TM modes of a strip silicon waveguide are characterized with free-space polarizers, and their polarization extinction ratios depend on the sizes of various apertures in the experimental setups.


Signature Features Extraction is a method for deriving informative values of image signature for indexing and signature identification. It is a dimensionality reduction of image data to be manageable for processing. Image texture is a key spatial attribute used for feature extraction and image coding. However, Android environment lack of efficient algorithm for automatic extracting texture features which may cause serious security issues and unreliability problem in the Android application (app). The challenge in Signature Features Extraction of a mobile app is to be as robust and stable as possible. For that, the present paper presents an efficient algorithm for extracting signature texture features using a gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The image signature is quantized into five texture features of energy feature, entropy feature, contrast feature, dissimilarity feature, and homogeneity feature. The processes developed in the android studio environment to be used in mobile phone cell applications as a tool for signature detection. The results show that the present method provides significant results due to obtained average values and acceptable computational time.


A spectrophotometric method for the determination of chlorhexidine acetate is described. The reaction between chlorhexidine acetate and chloranil took place in an alcohol-acetone solution at room temperature. The composition of the charge transfer complex is 1:2. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 15--270 μg·mL-1 with correlation coefficient 0.9995. The apparent molar absorptivity is 2.21×103 L·mol-1·cm-1 at 412 nm. The method is accurate (with a recovery of 100±1.6%) and precise (RSD=1.0%). It was successfully applied to determine chlorhexidine acetate in suppository or disinfectant solution.


In order to obtain a specific polymer adsorbent for atrazine removal, the poly(divinylbenzene) beads were synthesized in radical polymerization using suspension polymerization, and modified with maleic anhydride in Diels-Alder reaction with subsequent base hydrolysis. The porous structure of the adsorbent was obtained by using various mixtures of solvents during the polymerization step; both porous and gel materials were prepared. The objective of the study was to investigate the sorption of atrazine by polymeric adsorbent and thereby evaluate the possibility of the pesticide residues' removal from the aqueous solution. Implementation of carboxylic groups into the polymer structure resulted in obtaining specific interactions between modified poly(divinylbenzene) and atrazine, and therefore, intensification of adsorption was observed. To characterize the hydrogen bond between the herbicide and the adsorbent, quantum mechanics calculations were performed.


From time to time, manuscripts submitted to Acta Radiologica are considered duplicates or ''redundant'' publications. A duplicate is defined by the publication of a paper that overlaps substantially with one already published, without clear, visible reference to the previous publication (1). Such duplicates should be distinguished from plagiarism, which is taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. Duplicate publication can be categorized into the following three levels: grade A, ''covert duplicate publication,'' includes studies with identical material, methods, and conclusions; grade B, ''suspected or potentially duplicate publication,'' that has almost identical material, methods, and conclusions; and Grade C, sometimes referred to as ''salami-slicing,'' has the data of the index research project separately reported in multiple publications (2). Authors are rewarded for publishing many articles and editors are rewarded for publishing them rapidly. Doctors with research ambitions are expected to carry out research with the aim of publishing several papers (3). Scientific data may be covertly published more than once due to a fearsome brew of ambitions, economic benefits, and reputation. Such unethical conduct appears to be prevalent; approximately 5% of scientists admitted they had published the same data in one or more publications during the previous 3 years (4).


Objective To evaluate the significance of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adenosine monophosphate bronchoprovocation test in asthmatics.Methods Twenty-two cases with controlled asthma and 20 cases with partially controlled asthm were enrolled.Twenty-six healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls,22 patients with upper respiratory tract infection(URI) and 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) with stage I were also included.Adenosine monophosphate(AMP) bronchoprovocation test(AMP-BPT) was performed.PD20FEV1-AMP 38.4 mg was set as a cut-off value of positive response to AMP.Positive rate,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and adverse reactions of AMP-BPT were evaluated.Values of PD20FEV1-AMP were represented as median and quartile range(M).Results No positive responses to AMP were found in healthy,URI and COPD stage I subjects.On the other hand,positive responses to AMP were found in 14 cases(63.6%) controlled asthmatics with PD20FEV1-AMP as 9.6 mg(31.87 mg),in 17 cases(85.0%) partially controlled asthmatics with PD20FEV1-AMP as 2.4 mg(24.58 mg).The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were 73.8%,100%,and 90.0%,respectively.Percentage of subjects who experienced cough,expectoration,chest tightness,dyspnea and swallows stimulation during AMP-BPT were 21.8%,12.7%,10.9%,10.9% and 8.2%,respectively.No severe adverse reaction was found.Conclusion AMP-BPT is helpful to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of bronchial asthma.Moreover,AMP-BPT is well tolerated with little adverse reaction.


Significance The entry of a virus into a cell is a fundamental step during infection. In certain herpesviruses, including Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a viral glycoprotein complex, gH/gL, plays key roles in entry and is found in two different forms on virions. The relative abundance of the two different types of gH/gL complexes is influenced by the type of cell from which the virus is produced and influences the tropism of the virus for different cell types. We have identified a viral glycoprotein, UL148, that influences the cell tropism of HCMV virions by regulating the relative amounts of these two gH/gL complexes. Our findings have implications for understanding how herpesviruses navigate through host tissues. Viral glycoproteins mediate entry of enveloped viruses into cells and thus play crucial roles in infection. In herpesviruses, a complex of two viral glycoproteins, gH and gL (gH/gL), regulates membrane fusion events and influences virion cell tropism. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gH/gL can be incorporated into two different protein complexes: a glycoprotein O (gO)-containing complex known as gH/gL/gO, and a complex containing UL128, UL130, and UL131 known as gH/gL/UL128-131. Variability in the relative abundance of the complexes in the virion envelope correlates with differences in cell tropism exhibited between strains of HCMV. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying such variability have remained unclear. We have identified a viral protein encoded by the UL148 ORF (UL148) that influences the ratio of gH/gL/gO to gH/gL/UL128-131 and the cell tropism of HCMV virions. A mutant disrupted for UL148 showed defects in gH/gL/gO maturation and enhanced infectivity for epithelial cells. Accordingly, reintroduction of UL148 into an HCMV strain that lacked the gene resulted in decreased levels of gH/gL/UL128-131 on virions and, correspondingly, decreased infectivity for epithelial cells. UL148 localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, but not to the cytoplasmic sites of virion envelopment. Coimmunoprecipitation results indicated that gH, gL, UL130, and UL131 associate with UL148, but that gO and UL128 do not. Taken together, the findings suggest that UL148 modulates HCMV tropism by regulating the composition of alternative gH/gL complexes.


Logistics system is a complex system, the reliability of the logistics system is a very important impact for society and enterprise. How to improve the logistics system reliability in the stage of planning and design is great significance for the logistics system running. This paper builds a multi-objective logistics network model, considering the logistics network construction costs and logistics system reliability based on the discussion of the reliability and methods of computation of the logistics unit; and using a numerical example illustrates the application and reference value of the model.


Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have historically been attuned to protecting the privacy of their clients. The recent proliferation of Internet-based communication for telepractice ha...


Antitumor vaccination using synthetic long peptides (SLP) is an additional therapeutic strategy currently under development. It aims to activate tumor-specific CD8+ CTL by professional APCs such as DCs. DCs can activate T lymphocytes by MHC class I presentation of exogenous antigens - a process referred to as "cross-presentation". Until recently, the intracellular mechanisms involved in cross-presentation of soluble antigens have been unclear. Here, we characterize the cross-presentation pathway of SLP Melan-A16–40 containing the HLA-A2-restricted epitope26–35 (A27L) in human DCs. Using confocal microscopy and specific inhibitors, we show that SLP16–40 is rapidly taken up by DC and follows a classical TAP- and proteasome-dependent cross-presentation pathway. Our data support a role for the ER-associated degradation machinery (ERAD)-related protein p97/VCP in the transport of SLP16–40 from early endosomes to the cytoplasm but formally exclude both sec61 and Derlin-1 as possible retro-translocation channels for cross-presentation. In addition, we show that generation of the Melan-A26–35 peptide from the SLP16–40 was absolutely not influenced by the proteasome subunit composition in DC. Altogether, our findings propose a model for cross-presentation of SLP which tends to enlarge the repertoire of potential candidates for retro-translocation of exogenous antigens to the cytosol.


Seismic fragility relationships, including the soil–structure interaction (SSI) of a common bridge configuration in central and eastern USA, are derived in this study. Four different modelling methods are adopted to represent abutments and foundations of the bridge, namely, (a) fixed abutments and foundations, (b) lumped springs developed from conventional pile analysis of piles at abutments and foundations, (c) lumped springs developed from three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) analysis of abutments and foundations and (d) 3D FE models. Seismic demand on the bridge components is estimated from inelastic response history analysis of the SSI systems. Finally, fragility curves of the components and bridge system are derived. The four different SSI approaches result in different seismic fragility. The implication of this work is that careful consideration is necessary when selecting an analytical representation of a soil and foundation system to obtain reliable earthquake impact assessment. In addition, it is found that abutment bearings are the most critical components for the studied bridge configuration.


A plurality of surface-mounting components are mounted on a mother printed-circuit board provided with component-connecting electrodes, engagement holes, and case-fixing electrodes provided inside the engagement holes. Soldering paste is applied in the vicinity of the engagement holes or in an area covering a portion of each of the engagement holes and the vicinity of the engagement holes on the mother printed-circuit board from the side of the component-mounted surface such that soldering paste is not entirely filled in the engagement hole. A plurality of shielding cases are engaged in the mother printed-circuit board by inserting engagement protrusion portions of the shielding cases into the engagement holes. Then the engagement protrusion portions of the shielding cases are soldered to case-fixing electrodes inside the engagement holes by melting solder in the soldering paste. The mother printed-circuit board is then cut and divided into individual electronic components.


As the population ages, the proportion aged ≥75 years is expected to increase. Many studies on peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as treatment for esophageal achalasia have already been reported; however, few studies have been designed on patients aged ≥75 years. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of esophageal achalasia in patients >75 years and to evaluate the outcomes of POEM.


The application of bacterial cellulose (BNC) could be widely expanded if the production costs were reduced. This study aims to determine factors simultaneously affecting the yield and tensile strength of BNC in a newly designed surface air-flow bioreactor (SAF). For this purpose, a two-stage study was done. Firstly, the most important factors for high yield were determined based on the Plackett–Burman Design. Secondly, impact of the chosen variables on both responses was assessed in a wide range of factor values. The greatest influence on the yield and mechanical strength was proved for such factors as air-flow ratio, glucose concentration, and culture time. The productivity in a SAF bioreactor with controlled air-flow ratio was enhanced by 65%. In terms of mechanical properties, the stress of BNC membranes varied from 0.8 to 6.39 MPa depending on the culture conditions. The results of the performed tests make a useful basis for future optimizations.


Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a singular entity, recognized as malignant fibroblastic sarcoma variant, which deviates from classic type due to the indolent progression and late metastasis. Typically occurring in middle aged adults, it presents a predilection for deep soft tissues, particularly skeletal muscle. It often involves the fascia or periosteum, and less frequently it may invade or arise from bone. Diagnosis and recognition are critical, as the generally bland appearance or when intraosseous similarity with an osteoid lesion, can lead to misdiagnosis. We herein present a case showing an unusual location and challenging radiological morphological and surgical features.


Objective To test the ability of the spinal cord to resist compression and adapt to th e deformation without marked functio nal impairment by measuring the chan ges of the spinal canal dimensions in subacute compressive injuries of th e spinal cord.Methods The model of subacute spinal cord com pression was produced by a small water sac plac ed in posterior extradural space of t he L 1 segment in cats.The extent of the cord compression was evaluated b y monitoring cortical somatosensory evoked potential(CSEP).When the amplitude of CSEP decreased about 50%,the water sac was ligated and assem bled in the back of spinal canal.CSEP and Tarlovs score were recorded later on in a daily and weekly basis.Then the cats were sacrificed for histo-pathological studies.The ch anges in dimensions of the spinal cords were also measured.Results1)As the compression was exerted,CSEP showed a slight delay in latency concurrent with the reduction of am-plitude.However,if decrease of the amplitude was less than 50%,the ampl itude and latency could partly recover after one week.2)The critical cord compression ratio was 0.49±0.09,Pavlovs ratio was 0.52±0.12,the spinal canal narrow ratio i n the sagittal plane was 36.51%±8.82%,the canal occupation rate was23.04%±2.36%.3)Tarlovs score was 3.21±0.58.There was no apparent difference compared with the control group after 1week of the inju ries.4)No significant pathological change s were observed in the white and gray matter under the light micro scopic examination in experimental groups.Conclusion The spinal cords have the ability to resist comp ression and adapt to the deformation without marked functional loss.The diagnosis of compressive myelopath y not only depends on radiological ap pearance but also on clinical neurologic signs.[


Abstract While many people are claiming health is a major issue in the food business there are signs that this may be a fleeting trend. Data indicates the downward trend is caused by confusion and lack of trust in many of the institutions that have reported the health research findings. This paper shows both the opportunities and pitfalls in using the health claim as a major product positioning in the future.


This paper examines one of the approaches to the challenge of estimating the values of the dynamic objects under changing environmental conditions. In most cases, the developers consider only fluctuation noises in order to simplify the systems of equations and increase the efficiency of the algorithms. Neglecting the current environment conditions can lead to data mismatch and even loss of control of the dynamic object. A simple method for detecting and reducing the systematic component of the error in the measurement process under external conditions (that significantly differ from laboratory ones) is proposed. The main goal of the authors was to find an algorithm for solving such problems with no loss in performance while estimating values. The results of measurements from heterogeneous sensors (processed with the proposed algorithm) may serve as a priori data for further processing or evaluation using any other method.


An AC/DC microgrid integrating renewable energy sources and electric-hydrogen hybrid energy storage system (HESS) can play a vital role in the future low-carbon society. Owing to the nonlinear and strong...