Taxus is a genus of trees and shrubs with high value in horticulture and medicine as a source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel. The taxonomy of the group is complex due to the lack of diagnostic morphological characters and the high degree of similarity among species. Taxus has a wide global geographic distribution and some taxonomists recognize only a single species with geographically defined subgroups, whereas others have described several species. To address these differences in taxonomic circumscription, phylogenetic analyses were conducted on DNA sequences using Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian Inference and TCS haplotype networks on single and combined gene regions obtained for the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and the plastid trnL intron and trnL-F intergenic spacer. Evidence is presented for the sister group status of Pseudotaxus to Taxus and the inclusion of Amentotaxus, Austrotaxus, Cephalotaxus and Torreya within Taxaceae. Results are consistent with the taxonomic recognition of nine species: T. baccata, T. brevifolia, T. canadensis, T. cuspidata, T. floridana, T. fuana, T. globosa, T. sumatrana and T. wallichiana, but evidence is found for less species distinction and considerable reticulation within the T. baccata, T. canadensis and T. cuspidata group. We compare the results to known taxonomy, biogeography, present new leaf anatomical data and discuss the origins of the hybrids T. ×media and T. ×hunnewelliana.


The toughness of martensitic steels is strongly related to their fine and complex morphologies. To con-trol the toughness of martensitic steels, the effect of carbon content on the morphology of lath martensite must be studied. However, these morphological changes are difficult to clarify using conventional two-dimensional observations because their morphologies are complex and tangled. Previously, we analysed and reported the three-dimensional microstructures of ultra-low-carbon lath martensite. Here we look further at three-dimensional microstructures of low-carbon lath martensite. Lath martensite in both specimens contains a few coarse packets in a prior austenite grain. The coarse packets in low-carbon lath martensite contain plate-like blocks stacked from end to end of the coarse packets and many fine blocks embedded in the coarse packets. The fine and included blocks are much smaller than the plate-like blocks in size. A part of the fine blocks belongs to the crystallographic packets different from the surrounding coarse packet, which should be regarded as 'fine' packets. The fine packets are also observed in ultra-low-carbon martensite. On the other hand, low-carbon martensite contains fine blocks that belong to the same crystallographic packet as the surrounding coarse blocks. These results suggest that the block structure in the coarse packet of low-carbon martensite is more entangled with each other than that of ultra-low-carbon martensite.


The present study has undertaken the Friedel-Crafts benzylation of aromatics over the V2O5/ZrO2 catalysts systems. Catalysts with different V2O5 content (0-15wt %) was prepared by wet impregnation method and characterized by XRD, BET surface area, FTIR and 5'V NMR techniques. The surface acidic properties were determined by temperature programmed desorption of NH3, cumene cracking and perylene adsorption. Under the optimized reaction conditions, these catalysts are found to be very effective and considerably more selective than the conventional homogeneous Lewis acid catalysts. The investigation of vanadia systems-catalyzed benzylation of o-xylene with benzyl chloride revealed that the catalytic activity and product selectivity are sensitive to the precise reaction parameters and can be related to the Lewis acidity of the systems. The reaction is found to be very clean and produces the desired monoalkylated product with high yield.


This landmark case provides much needed guidance on the approach the NDRC will take to analyzing complex issues at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. H. Stephen Harris, Jr. (Winston & Strawn)


The effects of parental alcoholism on young adult dating relationship quality (trust, intimacy, commitment, and satisfaction) were considered in the context of the mediating variable of family process (cohesion, conflict resolution, and family competence). A model was tested with a sample of 287 young adults (95 were adult children of alcoholics) that suggested that healthier family process mediates the negative effects of having an alcoholic parent on dating relationship quality. Structural equation modeling results showed that the model fit the data. Young adults from alcoholic families in which family process was less negatively affected by parental alcoholism were less likely to report lower dating relationship quality than those from families in which family process was more negatively affected by parental alcoholism. Parental divorce was directly related to lower relationship quality. Clinical implications for working with young adult children of alcoholics are discussed.


Prison overcrowding is a major problem in the Belgian criminal justice system, with 40% of the current population consisting of prisoners remanded in custody. Driven by a goal of prison overcrowding prevention, electronic monitoring has been implemented nationally since 2000, but only as an alternative to the execution of the entire, or a part of the prison sentence imposed. This article aims to report some final results of recent research on the possible application of electronic monitoring as an alternative to remand custody in Belgium, more particularly with regard to some important legal, practical and organisational questions.


One of the more difficult issues discussed in the meetings leading to the Ottawa Principles on Anti-terrorism and Human Rights was whether they should address or endorse any definition of terrorism. The fact that the group that met in Ottawa spent considerable time on this issue and had difficulty reaching agreement on it should not be surprising. It is well known that a general definition of terrorism has so far eluded international agreement. Instead, the existing conventions on terrorism focus on specific forms of terrorism such as hijackings, bombings, and most recently nuclear terrorism.


While the benefits of using post-editing for technical texts have been more or less acknowledged, it remains unclear whether post-editing is a viable alternative to human translation for more general text types. In addition, we need a better understanding of both translation methods and how they are performed by students as well as professionals, so that pitfalls can be determined and translator training can be adapted accordingly. In this article, we aim to get a better understanding of the differences between human translation and post-editing for newspaper articles. Processes are registered by means of eye tracking and keystroke logging, which allows us to study translation speed, cognitive load, and the use of external resources. We also look at the final quality of the product as well as translators' attitude towards both methods of translation. Studying these different aspects shows that both methods and groups are more similar than anticipated.


The subalgebra A of a Leibniz algebra L is self-idealizing in L, if A = IL (A) . In this paper we study the structure of Leibniz algebras, whose subalgebras are either ideals or self-idealizing. More precisely, we obtain a description of such Leibniz algebras for the cases where the locally nilpotent radical is Abelian non-cyclic, non-Abelian noncyclic, and cyclic of dimension 2.


We present a lower bound on the entropic uncertainty relation for the distinguished measurements of two observables in a d-dimensional Hilbert space for d up to 5. This bound provides an improvement over the best one yet available. The feasibility of the obtained bound presenting an improvement for higher dimensions is also discussed.


Tests for illegal drugs were performed on unknown, white powder substances obtained from over-the-counter cold medicines such as Sudafed and Contac. Both presumptive tests and confirmatory tests were conducted. It was shown that substances that tested positive for the qualitative Marquis color test were found to be false positives for illegal substances such as heroin or methamphetamine when samples were subjected to GC–MS analysis. The samples that contained dextromethorphan hydrobromide or pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were first extracted from the white powders as free base amines. Scopolamine hydrochloride, the identification of which can be confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, shows a false positive for cocaine hydrochloride with the cobalt thiocyanate reagent.


Light echoes (LEs) are the reflections of astrophysical transients off of interstellar dust. They are fascinating astronomical phenomena that enable studies of the scattering dust as well as of the original transients. LEs, however, are rare and extremely difficult to detect as they appear as faint, diffuse, time-evolving features. The detection of LEs still largely relies on human inspection of images, a method unfeasible in the era of large synoptic surveys. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) will generate an unprecedented amount of astronomical imaging data at high spatial resolution, exquisite image quality, and over tens of thousands of square degrees of sky: an ideal survey for LEs. However, the Rubin data processing pipelines are optimized for the detection of point sources and will entirely miss LEs. Over the past several years, artificial intelligence (AI) object-detection frameworks have achieved and surpassed real-time, human-level performance. In this work, we leverage a data set from the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System telescope to test a popular AI object-detection framework, You Only Look Once, or YOLO, developed by the computer-vision community, to demonstrate the potential of AI for the detection of LEs in astronomical images. We find that an AI framework can reach human-level performance even with a size- and quality-limited data set. We explore and highlight challenges, including class imbalance and label incompleteness, and road map the work required to build an end-to-end pipeline for the automated detection and study of LEs in high-throughput astronomical surveys.


An asymptotic expansion for the distribution density Wz of the length h of a freely jointed polymer chain neglecting volume effects is derived up to order Z-2; Z-1 is the number of chain bonds. The derivation is performed on the basis of the exact Chandrasekhar form of this distribution. The relationship between the asymptotic expansion and the original and amended Langevin distribution has been found as well as the values of these distributions for h = 0. These values lead in turn to a better agreement of the approximations with the exact distribution than do the values determined from normalizing conditions. Further, the relationship of asymptotics to the gaussian distribution is shown and the range of its applicability is determined. In this way the topic of the exact distribution and its approximation is completed.


Sea clutter is described as random processes. Statistical characterization of the clutter requires marginal probability density functions of its samples. In addition, the clutter may be highly correlated. In this paper, a method generating a random sequence with a specified pdf and auto-covariance is described. The modeling and simulating of sea clutter is showed. The generated signal can be used in the simulation of the Radar system.


Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type2 (HER2) is closely associated with aggressive progression and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we generated an EGFR-scFv-arginine nonamer peptide fusion protein (scFv-9R) as a cargo to deliver HER2 specific siRNA into HER2-positive NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. HER2-siRNAs delivered by scFv-9R effeciently silenced HER2 expression in EGFR-positive NSCLC cells, and consequently resulted in G1 arrest and cell growth inhibition. Importantly, intravenous injection of scFv-9R/HER2-siRNA complex markedly suppressed growth of EGFR-positive NSCLC xenograft in nude mice, resulting from downregulated HER2 expression, reduced cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis. Collectively, our study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of EGFR-positive, HER2-overexpressed NSCLC.


The article presents a technique of work efficiency estimation among executives of internal affairs departments developed by the author. As a result of the research, significant social-demographic and social-psychological features of successful executives of internal affairs departments are distinguished. The author proposes a formula for psychological forecasting of management activity efficiency among employees of internal affairs departments, who are promoted to executive posts.


Quantum technology accelerated computing may have the capacity to provide solutions that are much better compared to their best known classical solutions. Quantum Algorithms reducing the complexity of problems like factorisation and searching of unstructured data has triggered a panic mode among cryptographers to analyse the security state of current cryptography schemes. The paper proposes applying Quantum enhanced State Vector Machine to the Frequency Analysis Attack on Ceaser Cipher, the simplest substitution cipher. The method is message length agnostic as it analyzes the frequency of characters and improves in accuracy with increasing message length. Previous attempts at applying QSVM were focused on using the entire ciphertext and required twice as many qubits as the length of plaintext. Our method uses a quantum circuit only as the kernel for the SVM method and can be implemented with only as many classifiers as the size of the alphabet being used in the ciphertext, irrespective of message size.


Introduction: Randomized controlled trials indicate that a Mediterranean-style Diet (MSD) reduces the risk of recurrent CVD, protects against adverse cardiovascular events, and improves biomarkers ...


Abstract The incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure in shared patient rooms was low at our institution: 1.8 per 1,000 shared-room patient days. However, the secondary attack rate (21.6%) was comparable to that reported in household exposures. Lengthier exposures were associated with SARS-CoV-2 conversion. Hospitals should implement measures to decrease shared-room exposures.


The use of covert‐channel methods to bypass security policies has increased considerably in the recent years. Malicious users neutralize security restriction by encapsulating protocols like peer‐to‐peer, chat or http proxy into other allowed protocols like Domain Name Server (DNS) or HTTP. This paper illustrates a machine learning approach to detect one particular covert‐channel technique: DNS tunneling.


The QCD evolution of both unpolarized and polarized generalized parton distributions (GPDs) to next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy is presented, in both the DGLAP and ERBL regions, for two appropriately symmetrized input distributions based on conventional parton density functions. To illustrate the relative size of the NLO corrections a comparison is made with leading order evolution of the same distributions. For the first time, NLO results are given for both small and large values of the skewedness parameter, $\zeta = x_{bj}$, i.e. for all of the kinematic range relevant to HERA and HERMES.


Embedding techniques can be used to represent words using word embedding [1] , images using image-to-vector techniques [2] , [3] and even database queries [4] . As a result, many more real-world objects can be represented by matrices. For example, a matrix can represent a document where each row (i.e., each vector) of the matrix stands for a word in the document. Figure 1 shows the key steps of representing an object (e.g., a document, a video or an audio stream) by a matrix. The intermediate step is to divide the object into small pieces and to convert the small pieces into vectors. The vectors of the object are then put together to form a matrix. These objects represented by matrices require new data management systems to support efficient indexing and retrieval.


The absence of the common carotid artery (CCA) and the common origin of the left external carotid artery (ECA) and the right CCA are rare anomalies of the cervical vascular system. We report here a case involving the coexistence of these vascular anomalies with an aberrant right subclavian artery, which is a common congenital anomaly in the aortic arch, and review the embryologic mechanism and clinical importance of this case.


The work summarized in this paper comprises more than eighty nondiabetic tuberculosis cases. Several New York tuberculosis specialists kindly referred volunteers from their charity services to receive the first treatment in Morristown, and Eli Lilly & Co., furnished insulin for this purpose. A preliminary announcement was previously published. 1 The observations were then extended in two parts, which will be published in detail in separate papers. One of these comprised a series of twenty-six cases studied in the Valley View Sanatorium, Paterson, N. J., in collaboration with Drs. William E. Pottinger, Stephen A. Douglas and Earl Warren. The second comprised forty-five cases observed in the City Hospital, Welfare Island, New York City, in collaboration with Dr. James S. Edlin. This work was a natural development from certain studies of diabetes. On the practical side, I 2 was apparently the first to publish observations on the use of insulin in diabetic


This paper forms is one of three talks which reflect on the use of participatory design methods, especially in the context of design for mental health and wellbeing. In them we: introduce the Person-Centred Approach as a framework for conducting Participatory Design; outline the method of Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR); and present a heuristic case study of these approaches being developed by a multidisciplinary design research team with Mind, a UK mental health charity. In this paper, we introduce the Person-Centred Approach (PCA) as found in psychotherapy, education and conciliation processes. We propose that this approach can help the field of Participatory Design recognise that researchers and research teams constructively inform their practice through the attitudes they bring to what is necessarily a relational situation. The PCA will be of interest to researchers working with mental health and wellbeing communities in particular, but may also be valuable in offering a framework for Participatory Design as a broad field of practice. The paper describes different modes of practice to be found in psychotherapy and outlines key aspects of the PCA, before discussing its implications for doing Participatory Design.


BACKGROUND/AIMS
The aim of this retrospective study was to establish whether patients with different reconstruction after total gastrectomy (duodenal bypass without pouch (subgroup Ia, n = 88); duodenal bypass with pouch (subgroup Ib, n = 27); continuous duodenal transit (subgroup II, n = 27)) differ concerning abdominal symptoms, nutrient assimilation, and medico-social functioning.

METHODS
The 142 patients (49 females, 93 males; mean age 57.2 years, (95% confidence interval 55 to 59)) after potentially curative total gastrectomy for gastric malignancy 500 days earlier (mean: 95% confidence interval 334 to 666) were evaluated for abdominal symptoms, biochemical and haematological parameters, endoscopic findings, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, oro-caecal transit time, objective signs of malassimilation, and the degree of medico-social functioning.

RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the subgroups in any of the parameters examined.

CONCLUSION
In this study, neither subjective nor objective patient data support preference for any single mode of the examined reconstructions after total gastrectomy. However, small patient numbers, unstandardised reconstruction procedures and a recruitment bias might influence these findings.


We introduce a security-enhanced optical verification system using dual phase-only correlation based on a novel correlation algorithm. By employing a nonlinear encoding, the inherent locks of the verification system are obtained in real-valued random distributions, and the identity keys assigned to authorized users are designed as pure phases. The verification process is implemented in two-step correlation, so only authorized identity keys can output the discriminate auto-correlation and cross-correlation signals that satisfy the reset threshold values. Compared with the traditional phase-only-correlation-based verification systems, a higher security level against counterfeiting and collisions are obtained, which is demonstrated by cryptanalysis using known attacks, such as the known-plaintext attack and the chosen-plaintext attack. Optical experiments as well as necessary numerical simulations are carried out to support the proposed verification method.


With the development of internationalized medical education,the education of international students has become an important part of higher education in China.Aiming to improve the quality of international student teaching,this article discusses the following aspects: being aware of the special features of international student teaching,careful before-class preparation,elaborate in-class teaching,emphasizing experiment teaching,and enhancing tutorial and question-answer after class.


Open spina bifida is a non-lethal fetal anomaly. Significant advancesin the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of open spina bifida havebeen made over the past 75 years. The most significant strategy forthe prevention of open spina bifida has been with folic acid sup-plementation; however, further investigation into the complicatedrole that genetics and the environment play in metabolism arecoming to light. Ultrasound is the gold standard diagnostic tool forspina bifida. Three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonanceimaging are also beginning to play a role in the characterisation ofthe open spina bifida spinal lesion. Lesion level has been closelycorrelated to short and long-term outcomes, and prenatal charac-terisation of lesion level on ultrasound is important for patientcounselling. Long-term outcomes of people living with spina bifidaare available and should be used for non-directive patient coun-selling about pregnancy choices for women with open spina bifida. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


According to many social commentators and psychologists, our modern high-tech, fast-paced world is becoming increasingly frenzied and fragmented. In a time when we possess more financial wealth, material goods, and technological conveniences than ever before, we suffer from chronic stress and anxiety, information and choice overload, a decrease in perceived happiness, feelings of loss of control, deterioration in interpersonal trust and connectivity, and an epidemic of escalating depression. Of special significance, there are various writers who believe that our conscious sense of the future is narrowing and weakening. We are becoming lost and forlorn in an overpowering present. What is going wrong, and more importantly, what can we do about it? In this paper, we examine the chaotic and disruptive aspects of our contemporary society, identify its key features, and outline a constructive approach for addressing these problems and improving the quality of our lives and mental well being. This approach proposes that happiness, purpose, and meaning in life, as well as a strong sense of future consciousness, are created through the exercise of a core set of character virtues.


PurposeTo compare the advantages of scalp acupuncture and body acupuncture in treating sequela of ischemic apoplexy. MethodsThe patients were divided into scalp acupuncture trea tment group and body acupuncture treatment group and separately treated accordi ng to the course of treatment. ResultsScalp acupuncture treatment had a significant effect. SOD was increased and NO decreased in both groups. ConclusionScalp acupuncture should be first selected for the treatment of apoplectic sequela.


The concept of cooperative dehydration, defined as the simultaneous dissociation of the bound water molecules from the polymer chains in correlated sequences, is applied to study the collapse of cr...


Discourse analysis in psychology provides a range of conceptual and methodological resources for thinking critically about the discipline of psychology. These conceptual and methodological resources also reorient researchers in the discipline away from a search for causes of behaviour inside the head of individuals to social contexts in which human beings construct and challenge what have been presented to them as "facts" about their nature or possibilities for change. It is for this reason that discourse analysis has sometimes even been treated as synonymous with critical psychology or has operated as a code word for politically progressive alternative approaches to subjectivity. This article organises the many different ways of doing discourse analysis into eight approaches at four different levels in which we move from the micro level of analysis to more social macro levels of work. This enables us also to review connections with critical psychological approaches and, more broadly, with dimensions of critique in research.


We examine the computational energy requirements of different systems driven by the geometrical scaling law (known as Moore's law or Dennard Scaling for geometry) and increasing use of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) over the last decade. With more scientific and technology applications based on data-driven discovery, machine learning methods, especially deep neural networks, have become widely used. In order to enable such applications, both hardware accelerators and advanced AI/ML methods have led to the introduction of new architectures, system designs, algorithms, and software. Our analysis of energy trends indicates three important observations: 1) Energy efficiency due to geometrical scaling is slowing down; 2) The energy efficiency at the bit-level does not translate into efficiency at the instruction-level, or at the system-level for a variety of systems, especially for large-scale AI/ML accelerators or supercomputers; 3) At the application level, general-purpose AI/ML methods can be computationally energy intensive, off-setting the gains in energy from geometrical scaling and special purpose accelerators. Further, our analysis provides specific pointers for integrating energy efficiency with performance analysis for enabling high-performance and sustainable computing in the future.


The resistance loss of sprinkler irrigation system is an important parameter, it has significance and practical value for studying its device characteristics. In this study, according to the selected materials and setting modes, both the pressure drop along the pipe and the local resistance loss were calculated out. The theoretical device characteristics of one sprinkler irrigation system was analyzed. A calculating schema has been carried out in order to apply the method to any sprinkling system. Experimental study was carried out for this system. Water distribution maps for the sprinklers were drawn using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). The hydraulic characteristics were as follow, 7.2, 3.0, 10.0 mm/h was the average, minimum, and maximum irrigated intensity, respectively. It supplied theoretical foundation for the reasonable application of sprinkler irrigation system for the future.© 2010 ASME


Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CADx) schemes have been proposed to serve as a supplementary image analysis tool in mammography. Experienced radiologists tend to be more assertive to such schemes in assisting their interpretation rather than solely relying on their ability to detect suspicious signals. This study focuses on a simplified version of a previously developed mammography CADx scheme, which was initially designed for digitized film, but is now specifically aimed at classifying breast nodules marked as regions of interest on digital images. This "driven" CADx scheme provides prompt indications regarding whether the selected nodule is deemed normal or suspicious. Its performance was evaluated through tests conducted on different mammograms sets – one with large number of images selected from DDSM database for training, testing and validation of classification parameters, and other comprising direct digital images from InBreast database. Remarkably, similar rates were observed for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy across these two sets (83%, 67% and 72%, respectively). The classification attributes were associated to contour, density and texture. Furthermore, a third test was conducted involving radiologists analyzing digital mammograms obtained from a specific full field digital mammography (FFDM) unit. Results showed that the Driven CADx scheme positively influenced the final diagnoses made by 3 radiologists, consistently increasing accuracy rates. This promising result allows establishing this software as a valuable tool for radiologists in the analysis of masses in digital mammography. The scheme can be implemented on any operating system, or even accessed online.


An opioid agonist and antagonist, given together, decrease cocaine abuse in rodents without causing dependence and provide a potential treatment for cocaine addiction. Cocaine Addiction: Three Drugs Are Better Than One Some drug addictions can be treated with other drugs. Methadone, for example, is given to people addicted to heroin, where it acts at opioid receptors to decrease withdrawal symptoms and, at higher doses, block the euphoric effects of heroin—allowing addicts to successfully wean themselves off heroin. Now, Wee and colleagues report that a particular combination of drugs (a synthetic opioid and a μ opioid antagonist) may be able to interrupt the cycle of behaviors that underlie cocaine addition. Rats can be induced to show cocaine addiction-like behavior, compulsively pushing a lever that injects the drug directly into their bloodstream. Simultaneously giving them a synthetic opioid such as buprenorphine, which acts at μ and κ opioid receptors, inhibits the addictive process and blocks the compulsive drug taking—but at a cost. The animals become dependent on buprenorphine itself, abolishing any positive effect of preventing the cocaine addiction. This approach is also not a good one to use in humans. To get around this problem, the authors of this paper added another agent to the mix. Along with buprenorphine, they gave the rats different doses of naltrexone, an antagonist at μ opioid receptors. At low doses of naltrexone, the drug combination interrupted the cocaine addiction cycle but did not produce dependence on buprenorphine itself. The lesson from these studies is that appropriate dosages of drugs with the correct specificities can profitably manipulate the powerful opiate system in the brain—to the advantage of the physician trying to help addicted patients. The winning combination for treating cocaine addiction described in this paper will need to be tested in people, but the pharmacology is likely to be similar. In this case, three drugs may be better than one. Buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid that acts at both μ and κ opioid receptors, can decrease cocaine use in individuals with opioid addiction. However, the potent agonist action of buprenorphine at μ opioid receptors raises its potential for creating opioid dependence in non–opioid-dependent cocaine abusers. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone (a potent μ opioid antagonist with weaker δ and κ antagonist properties) could block compulsive cocaine self-administration without producing opioid dependence. The effects of buprenorphine and various doses of naltrexone on cocaine self-administration were assessed in rats that self-administered cocaine under conditions of either short access (noncompulsive cocaine seeking) or extended access (compulsive cocaine seeking). Buprenorphine alone reproducibly decreased cocaine self-administration. Although this buprenorphine-alone effect was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by naltrexone in both the short-access and the extended-access groups, the combination of the lowest dose of naltrexone with buprenorphine blocked cocaine self-administration in the extended-access group but not in the short-access group. Rats given this low dose of naltrexone with buprenorphine did not exhibit the physical opioid withdrawal syndrome seen in rats treated with buprenorphine alone, and naltrexone at this dose did not block κ agonist–induced analgesia. The results suggest that the combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone at an appropriate dosage decreases compulsive cocaine self-administration with minimal liability to produce opioid dependence and may be useful as a treatment for cocaine addiction.


This paper attempts to provide an overview of previous studies and on-going research on languages and dialects of Sarawak. The paper compiles existing literature and identifies gaps in research on the subject, and discusses UNIMAS role in the development of this body of knowledge. Relatively, Sarawak is a linguistically heterogeneous populated territory, with 44-45 Austronesian languages occupying 124.450 km2. Language and dialect boundaries in the territory can be indistinct. The dichotomy of some these languages, whether they are dialects of a language, or a language in its own right, has yet to be supported by further comparative studies. Published work on linguistic groupings may not always correspond to native speakers' perceptions of their languages. Ethnic category may not reflect the diversities of speech communities that it subsumes. As a result, ethnic categorisation and the languages they speak were misleadingly represented. This is one area of research that is critically in need of further research. Thus far, literature on Sarawak has not advanced much from the initial categorisation of language families by earlier studies (e.g. Hudson, 1970/0978; Blust, 1974/1977 Asmah, 1983). Postgraduate theses and dissertations on linguistic description of languages are on an increase. Nonetheless, long term projects in the language documentation have yet to be outlined. A major attempt at initial documentation of selected communities by Asmah Omar was carried out in 1983. Researches by Summer Institutes of Linguistics (SIL) have also contributed to the development of literature on documentation of these languages. Nonetheless, literature on language planning of indigenous languages remains unexplored. The lack of local linguists' involvement is partly the factor for the inadequacies (of literature on languages and dialects of Sarawak). In addition, concerted language planning is also lacking, which is evidence from the non-existence of a language faculty in the territory that addresses these issues.


Based on field investigation of morphological characteristics and DNA molecular markers technology,seven S.krylovii populations in different geographical conditions in Inner Mongolia were studied.The results showed that: variation degrees of morphological traits of seven S.krylovii populations were different in corresponding to different environmental conditions.Reproductive tiller length,vegetative tiller length,thousand kernel weight,caryopsis length and awn length got shorter and smaller following the decreasing precipitation,however,caryopsis diameter increased little by little following the decreasing precipitation.It demonstrated that 129 loci were amplified with 16 effective primers,including 128 polymorphic loci which was 99.22% in total by random amplified polymorphic DNA(RAPD) technology.35.05% of genetic variation was in inter-populations and 64.95% had been found among populations by AMOVA analysis.The genetic diversification of population was correlated with annual average temperate(r=0.802,t=3.003t0.05=2.571),however,the genetic distance among populations was not correlated with geography distance.S.krylovii was treated as a kind of preferred grass in revegetation and grassland ecological construction because of bigger morphological changes,abundant genetic diversity and stronger environment adaptation.


The invention relates to a device for replacing a high-speed shaft of a wind turbine gearbox. The device comprises a fixing unit, a support, a slide rail beam, a lifting rod and a high-speed shaft fastening ring, wherein the support is arranged on the fixing unit, the slide rail beam is shaped like a long rod and horizontally arranged on the support, the lifting rod is arranged on the slide rail beam and capable of sliding along the slide rail beam, the high-speed shaft fastening ring is shaped like a circular ring and arranged at the bottom of the lifting rod, the lifting rod is vertical to the slide rail beam, and the central axis of the high-speed shaft fastening ring is parallel to the slide rail beam. When the high-speed shaft of the gearbox needs to be replaced, the device for replacing the high-speed shaft of the wind turbine gearbox is arranged on a supporting support of a brake disc of the wind turbine gearbox through the fixing unit. The lifting rod can slide along the slide rail beam, and at this moment, one end of a chain block is connected to the lifting rod, and the other end of the chain block is connected to a fixed part in a cabin. The chain block slowly applies force to drive the lifting rod to move along the slide rail beam, so that the high-speed shaft is conveniently and rapidly taken out of the gearbox.


This essay challenges consensus that Lady Brett Ashley ends the affair with Pedro Romero by sending the bullfighter away after several days with him in a Madrid hotel. In fact, Romero leaves Brett. Through Jake Barnes's words and actions, as well as the inconsistencies of Brett's story, her desperate need for rescue, her acute depression, her lack of self-control, her self-contempt—especially in her references to her fiancé Mike Campbell—and finally her self-pity, Hemingway shows that Brett could not hold on to Romero's affection in Madrid any more than she could physically hold Romero down in Pamplona.


We have studied the effect of cryomilling (high-energy ball milling under cryogenic temperature) on the thermal behaviors of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by comparing with original PET and quenched PET. Cryomilling induced the amorphization of crystalline PET, but the thermal behaviors of amorphous PET obtained from cryomilling are significantly different to those of amorphous PET obtained from quenching. Unlike amorphous PET obtained from quenching, the heating curve of amorphous PET obtained from cryomilling shows no cold crystallization peak, but evidences are found that its cold crystallization occurs within a wide temperature range. In addition, the stability of amorphous PET obtained from cryomilling is higher than that of amorphous PET obtained from quenching. The difference is proved to be attributed to the stored energy in cryomilled PET. The hot crystallization behaviors of PET improve a lot after cryomilling, and the heat stability of cryomilled PET is also better than those of original PET during reheating. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006


Introduction: Long-term functional cognitive impairments are common sequelae of stroke, often resulting in decreased participation in daily life activities. Earlier research showed the benefits of training paradigms targeted at memory, attention, and some executive functions. Methods: The current study examined the feasibility of a functionally relevant training program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART). The SMART program teaches strategies to improve abstract reasoning skills and has been shown to enhance aspects of functional cognition, strengthen brain networks, and improve participation in daily life activities across clinical populations. The current study describes the benefits of the SMART program in adults (N = 12) between 54 and 77 years (64.46 ± 8.14 years) with chronic stroke. Participants had 10 sessions of the SMART program over a period of 6 weeks. Results: The findings showed significant gains in abstract reasoning (p < .05) and participation in daily activities after the SMART program. These gains were relatively stable 6 months later. Conclusion: These findings offer the promise of cognitive gains, even years after stroke. Limitations of the study include a small sample size, potential confounding as a result of additional ongoing therapy, and a relatively short period of follow-up. Further research is needed to examine the benefits of the SMART program. [Annals of International Occupational Therapy. 2020;3(3):109-118.] Original Research


The structure and strength of Al−xSi−2wt.%Cu (x = 15, 17 and 20wt.%) alloys obtained by directional solidification at a rate of 0.1 and 0.8mm/s are investigated. It is shown that the tensile strength increases with an increase in the rate of solidification due to a decrease in the size of eutectic silicon and the transformation of its crystal flake into a fine-fiber one. In addition, there was an increase in tensile strength due to an increase of the share of the intermetallic phase, exceeding the reduced tensile strength due to an increase in the amount of the α-Al phase. An increase in the silicon content in the samples during solidification at a rate of 0.1 mm/s does not lead to a change in structure and strength. At a higher rate of solidification, there is a reduction of the share of eutectic and a decrease in strength.


A body of literature produced through the decades overwhelmingly supports the assertion that nonverbal immediacy plays a vital role in communication. The present study reviewed a substantial portion of the nonverbal immediacy research focusing primarily on communication in the classroom. Research has shown that teacher nonverbal immediacy in the classroom context produces positive learning outcomes for students. The present study examined perceived student nonverbal immediacy behaviors in the classroom with regard to their potential relationship with teachers level of positive affect toward those students. The results of this research found that teachers who perceived their students to be more nonverbally immediate with them in their classrooms expressed more positive affect for the students than did teachers who perceived their students as engaging in less nonverbally immediate behaviors.


Due to higher computational complexity of anthyperbolic function,that was used in complex maximization of nongaussianity algorithm,influenced convergence speed of algorithm,the fast complex maximization of nongaussianity algorithm that based a new lower computational complexity nonlinear function was proposed. Computational complexity of the new function is about third of anthyperbolic function. In the same condition,the convergence speed of fast maximization of nongaussianity algorithm that based on the new nonlinear function was half of maximization of nongaussianity algorithm,so it is more suitable for dealing the received signals in time. The algorithm had smaller error and could apply to any proper and improper sources. Simulation proved efficiency and correctness of the algorithm.


A brushless diode exciter system for a multiphase ac generator was developed. The system is used for exciting 200 and 300 MW turbogenerators. Tests have confirmed the operating reliability and high-speed response on the excitation system. The problem of manufacturing 400 to 500 Hz turbogenerator exciter systems are described.


The aim of this paper was to describe the time‐course of the sedative effect of rectal chloral hydrate (75 mg/kg) in children undergoing CT scan or MRI. Twenty children (2.13 ± 1.43 years old) were administered 75 mg/kg chloral hydrate rectally (chloralhydrat‐rectiole rectal formulation, Dr Mann‐Pharma Lab, Berlin, Germany), before a CT scan or an NMR imaging. Sedation was measured at specific times using a sedation score of 1–6. Patients were continuously monitored for respiratory and heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and oxygen saturation. About 82.35 and 94.11% of the patients had a score of sedation ≥ 3 within 15 and 30 min, respectively. The mean time to effective sedation (score ≥ 3) was of 0.30 ± 0.14 h (median time, 0.25 h). The mean duration of effective sedation (score ≥ 3) was 1.29 ± 1.05 h (median duration, 0.75 h). A total of 93.1% of the X‐ray sections were obtained without artifact and sedation was considered by radiologists to be efficient for 83.3% of the procedures. This sedation procedure appeared efficient and safe during ambulatory CT scan and NMR imaging. The long‐term effect of chloral hydrate, however, remains to be evaluated.


The invention relates to a multilayer system containing (I) at least one component (IA) which contains mesomorphic polyelectrolyte complexes or at least consists of the same and which can be produced by reacting at least one polymeric and/or oligomeric, organic, anionic polyelectrolyte (IC) with at least one polymeric and/or oligomeric, organic, cationic polyelectrolyte (ID) and/or at least one cationic tenside (IE) or at least one polymeric and/or oligomeric, organic, cationic polyelectrolyte (ID) with at least one anionic tenside (IF) in a stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric ratio in a liquid phase (IB), pouring the resulting liquid phase (IG) onto a support or into a mould and allowing it to solidify and tempering the resulting solid (IH); and (II) at least one three-dimensionally cross-linked layer (IIA) which can be produced by applying at least one aqueous, thermally hardenable coating material (IIB) containing at least one binding agent (IIC) and at least one cross-linking agent (IID), to the surface of component (IA) and thermally hardening the resulting wet layer (IIE).


Clinical probation teaching in neurology is a practical process of theory combining clinical practice.The key point is to edu cate medical student to establish the clinical ability of thinking of diagnosis of nervous system diseases.It is important to prepare lessons carefully,to strengthen training of related basic theory and basic skill in neurology,and to carry out case discussion.


Private trusteed pension fund assets increased from $2.47 trillion at the end of second quarter 1994 to $2.5 trillion at the end of third quarter 1994. Pension fund assets increased 1.0 percent between year-end 1993 and September 30, 1994, with the greatest growth (2.3 percent) occurring during the third quarter. Private trusteed pension assets decreased 3.9 percent between year-end 1993 and the end of the first quarter 1994. Between year-end 1992 and year-end 1993, private trusteed pension assets increased 8.9 percent, compared with an average annual growth of 11.8 percent between 1983 and year-end 1993. Returns in the stock and bond markets increased during the third quarter 1994. The Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 returned -3.8 percent during the first quarter 1994, compared with a 0.4 percent return during the second quarter and a 4.9 percent return during the third quarter of 1994. The Shearson Lehman Brothers' Kuhn Loeb Government/Corporate Bond Index returned -3.1 percent during the first quarter of 1994, increasing to -1.2 percent during the second quarter and increasing to 0.5 percent during the third quarter. Net flows of private trusteed funds increased to a positive $56 billion during the third quarter of this year, with $89 billion in earnings and -$34 billion in net contributions.


Based on EIGEN6C4 gravity field model data and ETOPO1 topographic data, we adopt the correlation analysis method based on Fan wavelet to calculate and analyze the distribution characteristics of effective elastic thickness (Te) and load ratio (F) of lithosphere in surrounding of Ordos block. On this basis, the relationship between the lithosphere Te and geological structure, seismic distribution, terrestrial heat flow and crustal deformation is analyzed. The results show that the lithosphere Te in the surrounding area of the Ordos block is obviously different among the tectonic blocks. The lithosphere Te value is low in the south of Qinling orogenic belt and the east of Fen-Wei graben basin. The maximum lithosphere Te value is distributed in the northwest and northeast margin of Ordos block. The lithosphere Te value is negatively correlated with the load ratio F. Earthquakes mainly occur in areas with low lithosphere Te value. Small lithosphere Te value indicates low strength of lithosphere. In such areas, the ability to resist crustal deformation is weak, and it is easy to generate stress accumulation and breed earthquakes. The area with high terrestrial heat flow value corresponds to low lithosphere Te value, showing a negative correlation. However, this negative correlation does not exist in the northwest margin of Ordos Block and Alashan border area, and the eastern margin of Ordos Lvliangshan area. Haiyuan-Liupanshan area has strong tectonic activity, frequent earthquakes and low lithosphere Te value. The internal strain accumulation of Ordos block is small, and the lithosphere Te value is high. The strain rate of the northern Shanxi fault depression zone is large, but the lithosphere Te value is also large, it is speculated that the terrestrial heat flow is the main factor affecting the lithosphere Te value.


Extensive hard bubble diameter measurements as a function of bias field and temperature have been made on several epitaxial garnet film compositions including Y2.6Sm.4Ga1.2Fe3.8O12, Y1Eu1.85Yb.15Al1.2Fe3.8O12, Y1.7Eu.65Tm.65Ga1.2Fe3.8O12, Y.9Gd1.1Yb1Ga.9Fe4.1O12, YGdTmGaFe4O12 and Y1.8Ca1.1Sm.1Ge1.1Fe3.9O12. The data for each bubble were fitted to a detailed hard bubble model and the number of Bloch lines, N, was extracted. Comparing N with the bubble diameter at collapse provides broader support for the previously suggested idea of a maximum density of Bloch lines. The maximum density of Bloch lines (5 to 11 pairs/μm at 298°K) is found to be approximately linear in Q = Hk/4πMs with a slope dρm/dQ = 0.2 to 1.4 pairs/μm for this group of compositions. Values of Q range from 2–5 at the highest temperature, TH, where hard bubble generation is possible.


The growing importance of precision farming requires new data acquisition systems and techniques to obtain detailed information about the vegetation status. It is well-known that the reflection of vegetation depends on a multiplicity of different factors of influence (e.g. LAI, plant components or nutrient supply). Common multispectral sensors are able to supply limited information about these factors. Imaging spectrometry using hyperspectral sensors extends these possibilities substantially. The most important characteristics and specific advantages of this technology can be shown by the hyperspectral imaging spectrometers AVIS (Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer) and GVIS (Groundoperated Visible/Near-Infrared Spectrometer), which were developed by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Munich (LMU).


Multi-goal decision-making and ideal point method is used to assess air quality of Huaibei.The results show that air quality of Huaibei is superior to national Ⅱ standard,which can reach the requirements of air quality of different functional areas.


Selection of the optimal machining parameter combination for achieving improved process performance, e.g., material removal rate, electrode wear rate and surface roughness, is a challenging task in EDM operation due to the presence of a large number of process variables and complicated stochastic process mechanism. Derringer and Suich describes a multiple response method called desirability. It is an attractive method for industry for optimization of multiple quality characteristics problems. The method makes use of an objective function D(X), called the desirability function (Utility transfer function) and transform an estimated response into a scale-free value (di) called desirability (Kansal et al., 2007 a and Chiang, 2008). The desirable range are from 0 to 1 (least to most desirable, respectively). A value of 1 represents the ideal case; 0 indicates that one or more responses are outside their acceptable limits.


In this chapter the latest progress in the preparation of functional polymers using radiation induced emulsion polymerization technique is presented. A brief encounter for basic fundamentals, advantages, methods and parameters of radiationinduced emulsion polymerization is presented. A number of potential applications of the obtained functional polymers such as ionic adsorbents, chelating agents, polymer catalysts and polymers with controlled biodegradability are reviewed with special attention given to fast emerging environmental applications.


In the system of measures on a safety of movement of trains, improving the efficiency of the work, the preservation of occupational health and longevity working railway important role belongs to the activities of the medical expert committees, which on the basis of regularly conducted pre-trip medical examinations of employees of the group risk for various diseases and on the basis of a scientific approach provide qualified medical treatment to patients on different medical specialties.


Branched and isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) are membrane lipids of bacteria and archaea, respectively, and their core lipid distributions are used as proxy indicators in paleolimnological studies. In addition, the amount and composition of intact polar lipid (IPL) GDGTs yield information on the presence and abundance of GDGT‐producing microbes within the water column. GDGTs are, however, not always easily recovered from cultured microbial cells by commonly applied extraction methods, and this may also apply to suspended particulate matter (SPM) in aquatic systems. In order to investigate potential biases induced by incomplete GDGT recovery, we analyzed both core‐ and IPL‐GDGTs in SPM from Lake Lugano (Switzerland) using (1) ultrasonic solvent extraction with mixtures of methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM), and (2) two modifications of the Bligh–Dyer (BD) protocol. Acid hydrolysis of the post‐extraction residues revealed that particularly branched GDGTs were poorly recovered from SPM by the MeOH/DCM mixtures (25–62%). Much better extraction yields (> 85%) were achieved with the BD method, however, during subsequent phase separation, up to 75% of the extracted branched IPL‐GDGTs partitioned into the aqueous phosphate buffer that is usually discarded. In contrast, when this buffer was substituted with 5% trichloroacetic acid, only 13% were lost into the aqueous phase. Depending on the protocol used, the distribution of the IPL‐derived GDGTs varied substantially. Our results indicate that both bacterial‐ and archaeal IPL‐GDGTs can be difficult to extract from lacustrine microbial communities, and caution is advised when targeting the "viable" GDGT pool.


As the history has come to the 21st century,it is necessary to innovate on the textbooks in the traditional form of the Marxist theory of literature and construct its contemporary form in order to meet the requirements of teaching in the study of art and literature.In the textbooks in the traditional form of the Marxist theory of literature,there are two main kinds of defect-external closure and internal closure.Thus,we must at first break up these kinds of closure in constructing this contemporary form.At present,we can begin on this task in two ways:firstly,to improve the exposition of the theoretical circumstance of the Marxist thought of art and literature and to bput it into the background of the modern trend of thoughts;secondly,to stress its mulitiplicity and processes and to reinforce the study on the theoretical achievement of the Marxist writers besides the Marxist classical writers.


Design of Parallel Kinematics Machine is difficult because of more restriction condition,complicated motion and interference,longer design periods.This paper researches design of structural parameter and simulation of 6 DOF Parallel Kinematics Machine.Firstly,restriction condition is established,structural parameter of machine is calculated and interference verification is developed in theory.Secondly,3D design is developed through Pro/E software,and interference verification and assembly are processed in 3D design.Lastly,3D model is diverted to Adams software and simulation is processed,so interference phenomena can be observed in motion.The project improves design efficiency,decreases design cost and reduces design period.


In the early 1980s, two F-16 airplanes were modified to extend the fuselage length and incorporate a large area delta wing planform. These two airplanes, designated the F-16XL, were designed by the General Dynamics Corporation (now Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems) (Fort Worth, Texas) and were prototypes for a derivative fighter evaluation program conducted by the United States Air Force. Although the concept was never put into production, the F-16XL prototypes provided a unique planform for testing concepts in support of future high-speed supersonic transport aircraft. To extend the capabilities of this testbed vehicle the F-16XL ship 1 aircraft was upgraded with a digital flight control system. The added flexibility of a digital flight control system increases the versatility of this airplane as a testbed for aerodynamic research and investigation of advanced technologies. This report presents the handling qualities flight test results covering the envelope expansion of the F-16XL with the digital flight control system.


In the last decade, a number of bacterial species were shown to possess the ability to transmit morphological and biochemical characters to deficient strains. Tumor-inducing ability or virulence in crown-gall bacteria is such a biochemical character, and the acquisition of virulence is here taken to be the acquisition by avirulent strains of bacteria of the ability to synthesize a tumor-inducing principle active in a given host (Klein and Tink, 1955). In an earlier paper, (Klein and Klein, 1953) we reported that a bactrin, a culture filtrate, and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of virulent crown-gall bacteria were each capable of transmitting the property of host-specific virulence to avirulent strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The property of virulence, once acquired, was permanent and it was concluded that crown-gall bacteria are capable of undergoing transformation reactions. Since our first paper appeared, a quantitative bioassay for crown-gall tumor formation was developed. This new test system has been used to reinvestigate and to extend various aspects of the transformation of virulence in crown-gall bacteria.


Based on the explicit analytical equation for the stable manifold of the post fault stability region determined by the controlling unstable equilibrium points, this paper develops the explicit analytical equation for the local dynamic security region of network-reduction power systems. It presents the linear (QL method) and quadratic (QQ method) approximations for the dynamic security region based on the quadratic approximation for stable manifold and sensitivities. Furthermore, this paper compares the proposed methods to the linear approximation (LL method) of the dynamic security region based on the linear approximation for the stability region. The simulations in SMIB and IEEE 9-bus systems show that in the small-scale power systems, the LL method is robust but it may result in relative serious deviation. It is also shown that the QQ method may display fairly accurate estimation but it is sensitive to the initial parameters, and fortunately, the QL method is robust and it may meet the engineering requirements.


Antineutrino detection using inverse beta decay conversion has demonstrated the capability to measure nuclear reactor power and fissile material content for nuclear safeguards. Current efforts focus on aboveground deployment scenarios, for which highly efficient capture and identification of neutrons is needed to measure the anticipated antineutrino event rates in an elevated background environment. In this submission, we report on initial characterization of a new scintillation-based segmented design that uses layers of ZnS:Ag/6LiF and an integrated readout technique to capture and identify neutrons created in the inverse beta decay reaction. Laboratory studies with multiple organic scintillator and ZnS:Ag/6LiF configurations reliably identify 6Li neutron captures in 60 cm-long segments using pulse shape discrimination.


Cone snails (genus: Conus) are groups of marine mollusks that make a group of toxin compounds (conotoxins) for different purposes. Several studies proved the medical properties of conotoxins and existence of different toxic compounds in different parts of venom apparatus. So, recognizing the simplest and the most suitable method for separating the venom apparatus and purification of conotoxins is necessary. For this purpose, several specimens of Conus terebra thomasi were collected from the Northern sandy coast of Larak Island and the shells of samples were cracked by vice. After pulling out the snail from its shell, drawing out of the venom apparatus was done by cutting the posterior section of foot muscle. Venom apparatus was divided into three parts, venom bulb, proximal and distal venom duct and each sample was freeze-dried. Extraction was done by three solvents (Acetone 100%, A mixture of Acetone100%-Methanol20% and Phosphate Buffered Saline) and the total protein of each extract was determined by Bradford protein assay. The results showed that the amount of total protein in two extracts (Acetone and Acetone-Methanol) were very low and cannot be measured by this method, but it is measurable in third extract (venom bulb: 38.79, proximal venom duct: 52.4 and distal venom duct: 46.01 mg/g dried tissue). By using electrophoresis method, different conopeptides were shown in different parts of venom apparatus. Also, the most suitable solvent between the checked solvents in this study is phosphate buffered saline because of high concentration of extracted conopeptides, and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Meanwhile, the extracted compounds are suitable for investigating their bioactivity.


As placement numbers expand, there is a concern that the quality of student experience and learning may diminish. Furthermore, there is a paucity of evidence for evaluation and quality improvement in clinical health placements and there have been few studies undertaken to assess quality. Valid and reliable measures of placement quality are needed to provide an evidence-base to guide decisions about the most efficient and effective placement models in health. A two-phase mixed methods design, using a modified Delphi process, focus groups, and surveys, developed and tested items to measure placement quality. Thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to analyse the data. Twenty-three participants took part in the Phase 1 stakeholder focus groups, and 150 useable surveys were returned by 161 who took part in Phase 2 to test validity and reliability of the student survey items. Results show broad agreement on the features of a quality clinical placement across allied health dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy professions. The student survey was found to be a valid and reliable measure of placement quality, with the EFA showing one component accounting for 58.5% of the variance in the survey data. The findings offer a framework and approach that others can adopt to measure placement quality in their setting. The measures may be adaptable to contexts outside health.


We successfully fabricate p-type ZnO:N films by using rf magnetron sputtering and in situ annealing in O2 atmosphere. These p-type ZnO:N films can be used as p-type window materials for extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells composed of quartz glass/p-ZnO:N/i-ZnO/CdSe/i-ZnO/n-ZnO:Al. The short-circuit photocurrent density, open circuit voltage, fill factor and conversion efficiency of the ETA solar cells can be determined to be 8.549 mA/cm2, 0.702V, 0.437 and 2.623%, respectively, through measurements of photovoltaic properties under illumination with a 100mW/cm2 at air-mass (AM) 1.5.


The carrier with active epoxy group was prepared by suspension polymerization.Effect of initial enzyme concentration and reaction time on the K.fragilis β-D-galactosidase immobilization efficeiency was evaluated,and the factors which influenced the synthetic amout of galactooligosaccharides by immobilized K.fragilis β-D-galactosidase were researched.The results showed that the prepared epoxy group carrier was single scattered and approximate spherical spheres with particle size about 150~200μm.When initial enzyme concentration was 3.0mg/mL,the quantity of immobilized K.fragilis β-D-galactosidase,which has the higher recovery of immobilized enzyme activity 70%,achieved the maximum(69.8mg/g).With immobilized time increased,The amount of immobilized enzyme increased and reached the maximum at 10h .Under the optimum condition (substrate concentration:150g/L,reaction time:4h),the yield of GOS synthetized by immobilized K.fragilis-β-D-galactosidase enzyme was the best.


ZeroG is a new over-ground body-weight support system that allows individuals with gait disorders to practice walking over smooth or uneven surfaces, over obstacles, and up and down stairs in a safe, controlled manner. The system consists of a body-weight support system mounted onto a trolley that rides along a horizontal guide rail. The patient wears a harness that connects to the body-weight support system via a rope. This paper focuses on enhancing the patient tracking capabilities of ZeroG. The aim is to develop a controller that accurately tracks the patient and follows their translational movement as they walk in order to minimize the horizontal forces they may experience.


Pricing is the procedure whereby a business sets the cost at which it will offer its items and benefits, and might be a piece of the business' promoting plan. In setting costs, the business will consider the cost at which it could procure the merchandise, the assembling cost, the commercial centre, rivalry, economic situation, brand, and nature of item.


This paper describes a novel combined approach to targeting GBM with multiple RNA-based therapeutics. Overall, the results demonstrate the good potential of a smart safe and clinically applicable combined regimen for the treatment of glioblastoma, opening up a new avenue in the treatment of this aggressive disease


Abstract : The linewidth and frequency associated with the ground state hyperfine energy fo Rb 87 has been studied. A stable single mode semiconductor laser is used to optically pump Rb, in order to obtain a highly collimated, monochromatic light source. The laser is stabilized by locking its optical frequency to the Rb absorption line center. The dependence of the hyperfine frequency and resonance linewidth have been measured as a function of temperature, light intensity and microwave power; and a theoretical description of the linewidth vs. temperature data is presented. Keywords: Optical pumping; Rubidium; Frequency standard; Frequency shift; Light shift; Density matrix; Buffer gas; Linewidth; and Magnetic resonance.


Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy using organic materials. A promising material for improving the efficiency of OPV cells is magnetite, also known as iron oxide (Fe3 O4), which acts as a semiconductor with high electrical conductivity. In this study, Fe3 O4 magnetite nanoparticles were initially synthesized and incorporated into the hole transport layer (HTL) of the OPV, which consists of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), a conductive polymer blend. It is well known that the efficacy of OPV cells is significantly affected by the preparation conditions, including the magnetite content and thickness of the active layer. To investigate the effect of magnetite on OPV cell efficiency, varying amounts of magnetite were added to the organic layer. A comparative analysis was performed between doped PEDOT:PSS (PEDOT:PSS with added magnetite) and pristine PEDOT:PSS (a reference sample without magnetite). Characterization studies were carried out using various techniques such as FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and UV transmittance measurements. These analyzes aimed to gain insight into the structural, morphological and optical properties of doped and undoped layers, providing a deeper understanding of how magnetite affects the performance of OPV cells.


PDF Version November 30, 2017 TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED: Subject: Senate Bill 1843, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, Overview and Expected Timeline for Implementation This correspondence is to provide an overview of Senate Bill (SB) 1843 (85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session,


It was analyzed that the intrinsic limitation of present accelerated creep test methods,especially creep design method through stress relaxation tests with an exceeding pre-strain to elastic-strain.A set of short term stress relaxation tests of 1Cr10NiMoW2VNbN steel were carried out.Based on the relationship between stress relaxation and creep,the creep strain rate corresponding to the steady state creep stage were achieved through the stress relaxation test by using numerical analysis and a cross-plotting approach.And then,the second stage creep curves were constructed for high temperature strength design.An integrated accelerated creep test methodology through stress relaxation tests was therefore established.Results of creep tests indicate that the developed method can lead to a good agreement with the experimental data and thus is recommended in the creep performance prediction and strength design of high temperature components.


Computer Science (CS) education has caught a wave -- of media attention, public support, public/private commitments, broad-based participation by educators, and a surge in student enrollments at the undergraduate level. It is a startling change over just the last 5 years. Over that 5 years, much has been accomplished at the high school level. The Exploring Computer Science and Advanced Placement® CS Principles courses were created to engage and inspire a diverse mix of students. Hundreds of teachers and university faculty have collaborated to develop course materials, assessments, MOOCS, and models of teacher professional development. Over 2,000 high schools now offer new CS courses, but that leaves out more than 34,000. Even then, students will need more than a single course, they will need a K-16 CS pathway. At the K-8 level, CS does not have the decades of research on the teaching and learning that is available to many other, more established disciplines. A stronger evidence base is needed as the basis for pedagogy, curricula, standards, and teacher preparation. The CS community must put greater emphasis on research in CS education and broadening participation, and it must build stronger collaborations with researchers in related disciplines. Over the last 5 years, college-level CS departments have been inundated with students. This growth is fueled by a strong job market for CS majors and an increasing awareness that computation is fundamental to many other industry sectors and academic disciplines. How will departments cope with increasing numbers without sacrificing access or quality? How will they respond to increasing diversity of ethnicity and gender, but also of interests, and career goals of their students? For those interested in CS education, it's an exciting time, but it comes with some urgency. This talk will discuss how to catch the current wave, using it to full advantage.


A further development of a new method for frequency control of the external cavity diode laser without the use of direct injection current modulation is reported. FM sideband heterodyne technique with AOM operating in a Raman-Nath diffraction mode as an external phase modulator and the atomic or the optical cavity resonances as the frequency references have been used to produce the error signals for highspeed servo-loop.


Background: The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine during the anesthesia induction of intracranial tumor patients remain unknown. We wondered whether loading infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 min to intracranial tumor patients was as efficient and safe as to those abdominal disease patients. Methods: Patients aged 18-60 years, male or female, ASA I or II, scheduled for intracranial tumor resection (Group N, n = 30) or abdominal operation (Group A, n = 30) were enrolled in this observational trial. Dexmedetomidine was administrated with a loading dosage of 1 μg/kg over 10 min following with continuous infusing of 0.5 μg/kg/h. Fentanyl, propofol and rocuronium were sequentially administered for anesthesia induction. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), bispectral index (BIS) and other adverse effects were recorded from the beginning of loading infusion of dexmedetomidine to the end of endotracheal intubation. Results: Among with loading infusion, HR and BIS value decreased and were significantly lower at the end of infusion than before infusion (P P > 0.05). One patient of Group N dropped out from this trial because of a serious headache. 14 of 29 patients during dexmedetomidine loading infusion suffered hypoxemia (SpO2 P Conclusion: A loading dosage of 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine was not suitable for the anesthesia induction of intracranial tumor patients as compared to patients undergoing abdominal operation.


The authors studied purposes,ways,expenses and influential factors of physical exercises of people in residential communities in Wuhan City in order to push forth the execution of Nation-wide fitness Program and to provide theoretical references for healthy development of the community physical exercises and culture.


This abstract aims to present a research carried out on a project which organizes knowledge transfer based on digital media in order to promote health of young people. One of the two websites created as part of this project is dedicated exclusively to professionals. They find in it reliable information on different topics. Since then, we may wonder how digital media promote knowledge transfer? And what are the consequences on professional practices?
 The study conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 uses quantitative and qualitative methods. Professionals were asked about the way in which they mobilized online content in the implementation of actions in promoting young people's health. Participants all work with children or teenagers and represent different professional groups: school nurses, social workers, workers in childcare facilities, teachers etc.
 One of the major findings of this study is to account for the knowledge transfer that exists through digital media. Websites facilitate professional's access to content that increase their capacity to act in health promotion. For example, they are developing a more participatory approach (workshops, educational games or debates). However, the evolution of professional practices implies at the same time an appropriation of the information provided by websites. Knowledge transfer can't be based only on digital media.
 In matter of fact, a major resource for knowledge transfer is related to the partnership dynamic driven at the local level. Exchanges of practices organized in real life allow professional to meet and share effective intervention strategies. There is a tangible complementarity between digital media and partnership network in terms of knowledge transfer. Finally, the presentation will search to better understand the role of digital media in public health. The uses in context told by professionals will invite to highlight the innovative character ok knowledge transfer associated with digital media.

 This abstract focuses on knowledge transfer in the age of digital media. What innovations can be identified in professional health promotion practices for young people? The aim of this abstract is to discuss how the knowledge transfer based on digital media is organized and the consequences on professional practices: what are the impacts?


The European debt crisis impacted the international monetary status of the euro as well as triggered a large number of discussions and opinions on the design of the monetary mechanism of the eurozone in academic circles. This study adopts DEA method and takes the euro area as an example to evaluate the two different monetary systems from the perspective of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. Through empirical analysis, it can be found that when the one main stem with many other branches monetary system is suffering from crisis, the system is more stable. In contrast, the current scale of the euro monetary system is inefficient which cause a lot of waste of resource. This article gives a new currency system based on blockchain, which can maintain the existing euro-structured currency system, and is compatible with the euro zone sovereign countries to issue their own sovereign electronic currency, and the technology is more efficient. This article has reference significance for trying to solve or improve the European debt crisis.


Chondrites. K. Abe, N. Sakamoto, H. Kojima, A. N. Krot and H. Yurimoto Department of Natural History Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, JAPAN. E-mail: email@example.com, Isotope Imaging Laboratory, Creative Research Institution Sousei, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 001-0021, JAPAN, Antarctic Meteorite Research Center, National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, JAPAN, Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.


Objective To present experience on the diagnosis and treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) caused by bladder neck fibrosis. Methods 30 cases of BOO caused by bladder neck fibrosis were studied. All the patients were treated by transurethral partial resection or incision of the cervix vesicae combined with alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonists such as tamsulosin and terazosin or parazosin. Results Urination has been improved in all.The patients have been followed up for 3 to 30 months.On repeated uroflowmetry,the 30 patients showed the urine flow rates have been more than 15ml/s. IPSS scores was 5.3±1.7(25.4±4.2 preoperative) and quality of life scores was 1.4±0.6(4.1±0.8 preoperative).Fibroblast proliferation was noted in all the 30 and obvious chronic inflammation in 18. Conclusions Clinical symptoms, pressure rate measurement and cystoscopy are the reliable diagnostic methods.Transurethral partial resection or incision of cervix vesicae combined with alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonists is effective.


The invention relates to an extended-range electric automobile power system adopting a planetary transmission. The extended-range electric automobile power system adopting the planetary transmission is characterized in that a bent axle of a combustion engine is connected with a shell of a dual-clutch transmission gear; a first clutch of the dual-clutch transmission gear is connected with a planetary gear mechanism through a transmission shaft; a second clutch is connected with a first motor rotor; a second motor rotor can be connected with any one of the three elements such as a sun wheel, a planet carrier and a gear ring of the planetary gear mechanism, and a set second element outputs power; a movement state of a third element is controlled to achieve two gears; a second motor drives the vehicle when running at a low speed; low-speed and low-load work of the engine is avoided; economical efficiency and an emission performance of the entire vehicle are improved; the power system works in parallel to drive the vehicle when running at a high speed; energy transfer efficiency is high, a driving range of the vehicle is further extended on the basis of ensuring a dynamic performance of the entire vehicle.


How can market leaders avoid the innovator's dilemma and continually develop disruptive innovations to retain their leadership position? We argue that the capability to successfully develop and commercialize one type of disruptive innovation—technological innovation—is based on the interaction between a firm's strategic orientation (Prospector, Analyzer, Defender) and (1) its selection of target market; and (2) the way it implements its market orientation. The insights offered by this framework assist in predicting whether a firm's strategic orientation enhances or thwarts its ability to successfully commercialize disruptive innovations and also suggests the development of critical, yet contradictory, skill sets in order to remain successful over time. How can industry leaders reinvent themselves by developing and successfully commercializing disruptive innovations that challenge their existing business models? Known as the innovator's dilemma, Christensen (1997) argued that market leaders have difficulty diverting resources from the development of sustaining innovations, which address known customer needs in established markets, to the development of disruptive innovations, which often underperform established products in mainstream markets but offer benefits some emerging customers value. Christensen's (1997) initial research focused primarily on technological innovations, broadly defined as those that introduce a different set of features, performance, and price attributes relative to existing products and technologies. In other words, technological innovations create new products based on new underlying technological underpinnings. Over time, further developments improve the new technology's performance on the attributes mainstream customers do value, to a level where the new technology begins to cannibalize the existing technology. This progression reflects the classic S-shaped curve prevalent in the


The present invention is to include a mounting portion where the portable terminal apparatus case that the wireless communication function is not included with the portable terminal device according to a built-in wireless communication function is mounted, is connected to the portable terminal device and the electrical or mechanical, from the portable terminal device a reception data to be transmitted to the wireless terminal device, or a wireless transceiver for transmitting data received from the wireless terminal device to the portable terminal device portion, and may include a battery to charge the mobile terminal apparatus. According to the present invention, by (housing) equipped with a portable terminal apparatus in case of such a wireless communication function it is not mounted BMP three and phones to an existing can use a wireless communication function (for example, wireless audio function), the built-in battery by it is possible to charge the mobile terminal apparatus. Wireless communications, the portable terminal apparatus, the case, the built-in battery


We present the results of a computational study of coronary trees obtained from CT acquisition at resolution of 0.35mm x 0.35mm x 0.4mm and presenting significant stenotic plaques. We analyze the cardiovascular implications of stenotic plaques for a sizeable number of patients and show that the standard clinical criterion for surgical or percutaneous intervention, based on the Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), is well reproduced by simulations in a range of inflow conditions that can be finely controlled. The relevance of the present study is related to the reproducibility of FFR data by simulating the coronary trees at global level via high performance simulation methods together with an independent assessment based on in vitro hemodynamics. The data show that controlling the flow Reynolds number is a viable procedure to account for FFR as heart-cycle time averages and maximal hyperemia, as measured in vivo. The reproducibility of the clinical data with simulation offers a systematic approach to measuring the functional implications of stenotic plaques.


The word stigmatized is often used in sociology in expressions like "stigmatized schools" or "stigmatized neighborhoods." Unfortunately, this term, for lack of an accurate definition, is a vague understatement of social exclusion. This shift in meaning almost overshadows the coherent sociological theorization on "stigma" by Erving Goffman, more precisely on "stigmatization" as, first and foremost, a social process. It is individuals, not schools or neighborhoods, who are stigmatized in a particular social relationship. From a critical perspective, we examine "tribal" (ethnic) stigmatization within a school setting, as theorized by Goffman. Other forms of stigmatization at school should be examined as well. The scope of those tackled by the author from a 1950s sociological perspective was too limited to provide a critical approach to the school institution. Indeed, Goffman only considered the stigmatization in a school to be the ostracism by a peer group, which largely excuses the institution and ignores the stigmatizing effects of school judgments.


SUMMARY We examined IL-iaandIL-1igene expression andprotein production inhumandermal fibroblasts frompatients withsystemic sclerosis (SSc) toinvestigate theabnormalfunction of SScfibroblasts. Humandermal fibroblasts werebiopsied from13patients withSSc, threepatients withrheumatoid arthritis (RA)andfivehealthy normalcontrols (NC).Cells were cultured in serum-free mediaandtotal RNA was collected fromsecondor third passagefibroblasts. In cultured SScfibroblasts, IL-laandIL-1,fl mRNAs wereconstitutively expressed andintracellular pro-IL- I a was present. Theseobservations suggest that anautocrine effect ofIL- I a contributes to thefibrosis inSSc.


The use of the medicinal herbs for curing disease has been documented in history of all civilizations. With introduction of scientific procedures, researchers isolated active constituents of the medicinal herbs and after testing, some were found to be therapeutically active. Trace elements are important constituents of active principles of medicinal plants which affect the human body. The aim of this study was to determine qualitatively and quantitatively trace elements in these plants and their medicinal roles in the human body. Analysis of medicinal plants of various biological activities, commonly used in Northern India, was carried out using PIXE technique. Plant samples were collected from Chandigarh (India), which is located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, which form a part of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. PIXE measurements were carried out using 2.4 MeV collimated protons from the 3 MV Tandetron (accelerator) of NCCCM, Hyderabad, India. Various elements namely S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se etc. were detected with different concentrations. Many of these elements play significant roles in human metabolism and are very important with regards to life processes in man.


A method for the calculation of the size of catalysis sphere (that is, the sphere around the catalyst granule containing more chlorine atoms generated by the surface than on the thermal pyrolysis) is proposed. An increase in the number of chlorine atoms capable of chain propagation comprises the contribution of the heterogeneous catalyst to the radical chain nonbranched pyrolysis of dichloroethane. The sphere size is shown to determine the optimal granule size of the catalyst used and its location in the reactor.


Soccer had been played for decades prior to World War I, but the experience of war transformed it from a marginalized pastime into an established part of the American sporting tradition. The chapter tells the stories of Joe Cunat and Maurice Hudson to illustrate how the war contributed to the growth of soccer in the United States. A foundation of soccer clubs, leagues, and players already existed in many communities, including areas around Chicago and San Francisco where the two men competed. The government along with the YMCA spent enormous resources to encourage at soldiers to play and watch soccer. Such investments introduced the game to hundreds of thousands of men, thus providing a new cohort of players and spectators that could support the competitions that had emerged over the previous decade. The experience of war led to a golden age of soccer in the 1920s.


Perception of one's ability as a reader is a key construct for improving adolescent literacy outcomes, but this research has not yet been extended to students with disabilities. The current study attempted to address this research gap with a sample of 152 secondary students with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Results include a description of these students' reader self-perceptions, a comparison to a larger sample of students without EBD, and exploration of variables associated with self-perceptions of reading ability. Demographic variables (e.g., sex, race), degree of behavior problems, and physiological states were significant predictors of self-perceptions. Discussion focuses on how practitioners can assess students' self-perceptions to guide their instruction and on future directions for research.


There are several paradoxes in the propaganda war against Israel. The most puzzling of them perhaps would be the way many Christian groups and churches side with the Palestinians. On the evidence one would expect the opposite. Believing Christians have every logical reason to be pro-Israel, where alone in the Middle East Christendom's holy sites are protected; where Christians may pray openly; and where Christian followers face no pressures to convert. On the Palestinian side none of those freedoms exist. How in that case can one explain groups like the Presbyterians, the World Council of Churches, Christian Aid and so forth aiming their missiles at the Jewish state? Bringing together religious doctrine, life-preserving motives and naked bias, this article seeks to provide answers to the paradox of Christianity against Christian-friendly Israel.


We present a semi-automatic workflow aimed at extracting quantitative structural data from point clouds obtained with avionic and terrestrial laser scanners (Lidar and TLS). The workflow is characterized by a calibration phase followed by an automatic data-collection phase. The large datasets of "fractures" mapped in this way are analysed with statistical methods allowing to define representative parameters of the fracture network.


The present invention disclosed is ejection means for preventing damage in the vehicle, the steering wheel is provided, and the front seat and a rear seat front seat front portion, for emitting air at a sudden stop. Ejection means for preventing damage of the steering wheel includes a nozzle disposed at the rear, the front portion and the front passenger's seat and the front seat, for transmitting compressed air through it; and gas tank for receiving the feed to a sudden stop when a car compressed air nozzle. According to this structure, the compressed air ejected from the rear of the steering wheel, driver's seat and the front seat and the front portion of the front seat for the body when the upper body of the driver and passenger of the vehicle due to the sudden stop suddenly tilted forward, to prevent driver and passenger extreme tilt forward and play a role in another seat belts.


This research takes headline about opportunity forecast analysis of activity opportunity and labour productivity in Kabupaten Lombok Barat 2010-2025. Analytical technique applied in studying this research is exponential trend analytical method depicting an movement of uptrend or downwards on a long term obtained from average of alteration from time to time and its(the value enough flattening ( smooth) From here can be suggested that, Local Government Level Of II Kabupaten Lombok Barat need determine target which must be reached that observation of developer of business field sectors capable to can be made balance to with improvement of its(the labour productivity.


The current paper is meant to be an approach of what could be the selfregulation
of Neuromarketing in Spain. We must remember that it is about a
new area so that there is not much information or national research. The only
ethics code that we can find is the one given by Neuromarketing Science &
Bussines Association (NMSBA), accepted internationally.
Basing on the already existant code and after studying and contrasting it with
the ethics codes in publicity, regulated by the association Asociacion para la
Autorregulacion de la Comunicacion Comercial en Espana (AUTOCONTROL),
we submit a proposal of an ethics code in Neuromarketing with the intention
that it may be the start for many other researchs.


Rapid determination of germination potential is important in seed production programs. Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) seeds for planting are marketed with a wide range of water contents because of doubt as to the appropriate values for maintaining seed viability during storage. The non-destructive LERCAFE test, based on sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), correlates well with germination tests and is rapid, cheap and simple to execute and interpret. We assessed different LERCAFE test NaOCl concentrations (2.5, 3.5 and 4.5% ative chlorine), seed immersion times (1, 2 and 3 hours) and temperatures (25, 30 and 35 oC) for determining the viability of manually hulled Arabic coffee variety Catuai IAC 44 seeds with different water contents (33, 23 and 13%, wet basis). The seeds were also assessed by a standard germination test, which indicated that there was no significant difference in germination frequency between seeds with the different water contents studied. The LERCAFE results showed that immersion in 2.5% active chlorine at 35 oC for three hours or 3.5% active chlorine at 30 oC for two hours were most efficient for estimating germination, indicating that this test can be used over a wide range of water content. To reduce seed immersion times, 30 °C and 3.5% active chlorine appear to be the best parameters


A γ-lactam siderophore antibiotic effective against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli The increased expression of efflux pumps or lactamases are two mechanisms that can manifest in multidrug resistant (MDR) bacilli which reduce the efficacy of lactam-containing antibiotics. To mitigate these mechanisms, either siderophores can be incorporated into inhibitors to exploit bacterial iron-transport [1] or the β-lactam pharmacophore can be modified to reduce hydrolysis by lactamases. This article combines both approaches with YU253434 [2], a novel γ-lactam pyrazolidinone pharmacophore appended by a catechol-phthalimide siderophore [3]. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies of YU253434 against MDR clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli compare favorably against contemporary clinical β-lactam therapeutics, including ceftazidime and carbapenem. Uptake of YU253434 via iron-transports was supported by the observation that increased iron concentrations negatively affected MICs in a manner similar to the siderophore cefiderocol. Stability studies of YU253434 showed significant resistance to hydrolysis against four classes of β-lactamases and drug-like properties are comparable with conventional intravenous-dosed β-lactam antibiotics. Target elucidation studies showed that the transpeptidase PBP3 enzyme showed an inhibitory doseresponse with YU253434 in conjunction with a positive shift in thermal melt temperature of PBP3 and YU253434 (DSF assay). A crystal structure of YU253434 bound to PBP3 was also resolved (PDBid 6VOT). – Written by CA Brown


Background A keloid is a benign human skin tumor that resulted by fibrous overgrowths during wound healing. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are indicated to involve in the development of keloid. However, the role of lncRNA LINC01615 in regulating keloid development and the underlying mechanism are still unknown. Methods The expression levels of LINC01615, miR-590-3p and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagens and FGF2 were measured by western blot. The effect of LINC01615 on keloid development was assessed by cell proliferation, apoptosis and collagen deposition of keloid fibroblasts which were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry assay and the protein levels of collagens, respectively. The relationships between LINC01615 and miR-590-3p, miR-590-3p and FGF2 were predicated by online software and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Results We first found that LINC01615 was upregulated in keloid tissues and fibroblasts, and LINC01615 promoted cell proliferation and collagen deposition and suppressed apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts. LINC01615 targeted miR-590-3p and downregulated miR-590-3p expression, and overexpression of miR-590-3p inhibited the development of keloid. Then, FGF2 was identified as a target of miR-590-3p. LINC01615 facilitated keloid development via regulating FGF2 expression through miR-590-3p. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that LINC01615 contributed to keloid development via the miR-590-3p/FGF2 axis.