6-Methylenetricyclo[3.2.1.02,7]oct-3-en-8-one oxime derivatives (Ia) and (Ib), upon irradiation, afforded 3-methylenetetracyclo[22.214.171.124.2,804,6]octan-8-one oxime derivatives (IIa), (IIIa) and (IIb), respectively. The photorearrangement leading to IIa and IIb were ascribed to a novel di-π-methane type rearrangement involving the oxime moiety.


th Spl. Independentei, Bucharest-050096, Romania Betulin is one of the main components of birch bark which possess a wide range of biological activities (antiinflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer actions). Free fatty acids are often used in mediteranean diets due to their potential to reduce the blood concentration of low-density lipoproteins. In the present study, betulin - fatty acid mixtures were obtained and were encapsulated inside polyurethane nanostructures. There were studied the size and stability of the nanostructures and the thermal behaviour of samples. In vitro cells culture assays were used to observe the cytotoxic potential of synthesized products and Balb/c Nude mice were used to evaluate the skin irritation potential of these products. The results suggest that were obtained nanostructures containing betulin-fatty acid mixtures with a good size and stability, which did not present any skin irritation potential.


In this retrospective study data of 386 children with solid malignant tumors treated in Children's Hospital Zagreb during ten years period (1999.-2008) were collected. Data od age and gender of children, tumor type and stage at time of diagnosis, and pain characteristics as intensity, type and duration were analysed. Tumors were divided by their localisation to abdominal, musculo-skeletal and tumors of central nervous system. Tumor stages were lokalised, operable tumor, infiltrating, inoperable and disseminated tumor. Incidence of pain, pain characteristics (somatic, visceral, neuropatic, mixed somatic and neuropathic and mixed somatic and visceral pain), pain intensity and duration were compared with types and stages of solid malignant tumors. Results from two five years intervals were compared (1999.-2003. and 2004.-08) as possible indicator of improvement in the quality of pediatric health care. Incidence of pain in children with solid malignant tumors was 71,5%. Incidence of pain in abdominal tumors was 64,6%, in musculo-skeletal 83,5% and in central nervous system tumors 67%. Incidence of somatic pain was 47,2%, of visceral pain 12,2%, of neuropathic pain 5,2%, mixed somatic-neuropathic pain 4,4% and incidence of mixed somatic-visceral pain was 2,6 %. Comparison of pain intensity, duration and pain type and type of solid malignant tumor showed positive correlation between duration of pain, pain type and type of tumor. Comparison of pain intensity, duration and pain type and tumor stage positive correlation was found between intensity and pain type and stage of tumor. Comparing two five years periods statistically significant difference was found in pain intensity and extensity of tumors. Conclusion is that in the second period the quality of health care of children with SMT was better because diagnosis has been made when intensity of pain was lower and tumors in less extensive stage. This study is the beginning of further studies of incidence and prevalence of pain in children with solid malignant tumors and foundation of guidelines for early recognition of SMT with emphasis on intensity, duration and characteristics of pain.


Vector quantization is a classical problem that appears in many fields. Unfortunately, the quantization problem is generally nonconvex, and therefore affords many local minima. The main problem is finding an initial approximation which is close to a "good" local minimum. Once such an approximation is found, the Lloyd--Max method may be used to reach a local minimum near it. In recent years, much improvement has been made with respect to reducing the computational costs of quantization algorithms, whereas the task of finding better initial approximations received somewhat less attention. We present a novel multiscale iterative scheme for the quantization problem. The scheme is based on redistributing the representation levels among aggregates of decision regions at changing scales. The rule governing the redistribution relies on the so-called point density function and on the number of representation levels in each aggregate. Our method focuses on achieving better local minima than those achieved by other contemporary methods such as LBG. When quantizing signals with sparse and patchy histograms, as may occur in color images, for example, the improvement in distortion relative to LBG may be arbitrarily large.


Through teaching practice,the teaching content and teaching pattern are reformed according to the feature of Theory and Technology of Advanced Process Control.The teaching content is designed legitimately through deeply analyzing its knowledge system,meanwhile in classroom teaching the Matlab programs of advanced process control are embedded into the PPT courseware to implement real-time running and show the feature of advanced process control system,and satisfied teaching effects are achieved.


In this special issue, the contributing authors address several emerging marketing and operations interface problems and develop innovative approaches for solving them. Specifically, by explicitly modeling active consumer behavior under different pricing schemes, the papers in this special issue examine how firms can coordinate their marketing and operations to improve their competitiveness and profit. The papers also provide insights on how to develop and operate new and innovative market mechanisms.


A young male patient came to OPD with complaints of excessive sweating over palms and soles since 8 months which
was affecting his routine activities. He had taken treatment from few doctors but didn't get satisfactory results from
anyone. Eventually he came to us with the same complaints.
After taking detailed history & physical examination, we found some other findings which we thought were not related to
his primary complaints like greying of hair. But eventually while searching for some syndromic associations, we
unexpectedly found this rare case of Book's syndrome. Currently patient is having excellent results & responding nicely
to our treatment.


Since reporting the preliminary results (1) of therapy with a new hematinic agent (Simron'), an additional 46 cases of iron-deficiency anemia have been treated with this compound. This paper reports the results in a total of 56 patients, including 10 from the first study in whom treatment was continued. In the preliminary investigation, the duration of therapy ranged from 4 to 104 days, with an average of 64.9 days. The age range for the 26 patients was 20 to 82 years. In 25 of the 26 cases, the hemoglobin level rose; the average utilization of iron was 28.8 per cent. Since 6 of the patients had received other types of iron therapy (in dosages of 120-240 mg. of iron daily) prior to treatment with Simron, a comparison of responses was possible. Simron was absorbed and utilized better than ferrous sulfate, ferroglycine sulfate complex, or a ferrous sulfate and cobalt preparation. The new data support the conclusion of the preliminary study that Simron has the advantages of a lower daily dose of iron, a higher rate of utilization, and few side effects. Simron is supplied as soft gelatin capsules, each of which contains ferrous gluconate (equivalent to 10 mg. of elemental iron) plus 400 mg. of polyoxyethylene glucitan monolaurate (Sacagen2). Wissler and associates (2) have reported on the safety of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate and its enhancement of the gastrointestinal absorption of iron.


Objective: To study the chromones of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.Methods: Various chromatographic techniques were used to isolate the chromones of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum,their structures were identified by analysis of their spectral data,physical and chemical properties.Results: Five compounds were obtained and identified as 6-hydroxy-2-【2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)ethyl】chromone(Ⅰ),6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone(Ⅱ),6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone(Ⅲ),6-hydroxy-2-【2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl】chromone(Ⅳ),6,7-dimethoxy-2-【2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)ethyl】chromone(Ⅴ).Conclusion:Compounds Ⅲ and Ⅳ were obtained from this plant for the first time.


Aming at the real-time demand of field bus communication, a kind solution of CAN bus based on DSP is put forward, designing the hardware circuit based on network node of CAN, but also compiling the programme. This design takes full advantage of CC4.10 software of TI and TDS510USB2.0 of Wintech. The experiment on the automobile platform showed that this design realized Node-to-Node's CAN communication. The result of the experiment indicated that in the case of 125Kb/S(Baud Rate),data transfer is stable, accurate, and reliable. The basic idea of this scheme can be also used in other controller system based on CAN bus.


Abstract : The purpose of this project was to study the composition, genesis and evolution of oceanic crustal rocks by investigating the relationships between mineralogy, porosity, seismic velocity and seismic attenuation. These properties are dependent on the processes which form the oceanic crust and change as the crust evolves.


The article is devoted to the development of transport infrastructure, the problems of logistics and transit potential of the Republic of Belarus. The review analysis of the logistics potential is given taking into account its development prospects. The monitoring of the dynamics of transit revenues was carried out, relevant conclusions are given, recommendations on its increase are presented. The article presents the dynamics of cargo transportation by type of transport indicating the structural elements of logistics centers and their localization in the Republic of Belarus. Efficiency indexes of the development of the country's logistic system according to the World Bank are analysed. Reasonable conclusions are given.


This paper describes a method to estimate the implementation cost of the hardware part in a mixed hardware/software system, as well as the related performance. These estimations try to avoid the use of many implementation details in order to keep the complexity order of the process under control. The concepts of hardware sharing and parallelism are exploited to make a picture of the whole hardware cost associated with a given partition.


Discovery of motifs plays a key role in understanding gene regulation in organisms. Existing tools for motif discovery demonstrate some weaknesses in dealing with reliability and scalability. Therefore, development of advanced algorithms for resolving this problem will be useful. This paper aims to develop data mining techniques for discovering motifs. A mismatch based hierarchical clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper, where three heuristic rules for classifying clusters and a post-processing for ranking and refining the clusters are employed in the algorithm. Our algorithm is evaluated using two sets of DNA sequences with comparisons. Results demonstrate that the proposed techniques in this paper outperform MEME, AlignACE and SOMBRERO for most of the testing datasets.


Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod-decorated graphene sheets have been synthesized by a simple non-hydrolytic sol–gel approach and demonstrated to be a highly effective dispersing material for electrorheological fluids. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the TiO2 nanorods with a high crystallinity are well-dispersed and successfully anchored on the graphene sheet surface through the formation of covalent bonds between Ti and C atoms. Furthermore, electro-responsive properties of graphene sheets decorated with TiO2 nanorods are investigated on the basis of the dielectric loss model. The dielectric property analysis based on the dielectric loss model clarifies that an introduction of TiO2 nanorods has been coupled with the larger achievable polarizability and short relaxation time of interfacial polarization. Consequently, the TiO2 nanorod-decorated graphene sheets exhibit consistently higher ER efficiency than that of GO sheets and show unprecedented electro-responsive performance in extremely low concentration ER materials (<0.2 wt%).


Radiocarbon dating of mire sediments is useful tool for reconstruction of time scale of wet and dry phases during the Late Glacial and Holocene. The method is applied here to determine palaeohydrological conditions of some Polish regions. On the basis of 14 C dating of sediment profiles from North Podlasie Lowland and southern piedmont of Holy Cross Mts., duration of wet (1100-1400, 2100-2600, 4700-5000, 7300-7500, 8000-8400, 8800-9200 and 10,500-10,850 BP) and dry (1700-2200, 2600-2800, 3400-3700, ca 4000 and 4500, 5100-5700, ca 6400, 6900-7100, 9200-9300, ca 10,100 and 10,900 BP) periods is suggested.


Stress influences health and wellbeing, altering many physiological systems including the immune system. Herbal concoctions including teas impact immunity and mitigate the negative effects of stress. Moringa oleifera is a tree that is exceptionally rich in medicinally relevant and immune modulating nutrients and phytochemicals. The goal of this experiment was to determine whether tea prepared from dried Moringa oleifera leaves influenced acute stress induced changes to the levels of circulating lymphocyte and neutrophils. Balb/c mice were offered either water or Moringa tea ad libitum for four days and then randomly selected for either restraint for 1h or 12 h to induce stress or left alone (unstressed). Post stress the levels of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytesin the blood were determined by differential cell staining. While, mice that consumed water had significant (p<0.05) increases in circulating blood neutrophils after 1h of restraint, the level of neutrophils in the mice dosed with tea remained unchanged. Post 12h of restraint stress significant (p<0.05) increases in neutrophil levels were observed in mice that consumed tea but not in mice that consumed water. In the case of lymphocytes, consumption of Moringa tea had no effect. Compared to unstressed mice, 1 h or 12 h of restraint stress resulted insignificant (p<0.05) decreases in circulating lymphocytes of similar magnitude in both the water and Moringa tea groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed no significant differences in CD3+ T cells or CD19+ B cells levels. These data suggest that consumption of the Moringa tea can influence stress induced variations to circulating neutrophils but not lymphocytes.


FIELD: physics. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an optical pumping structure for a laser which includes: an active medium in the form of a cylindrical rod (1) with a circular cross-section, wherein ends of the rod are inserted into two rings (11) made of a thermally conductive material; at least three stacks (21, 22) of small pumping diode rods arranged in the form of a star around the rod; and a support (5) temperature-regulated by a Peltier-effect module (8). The rings (11) are in contact with the support (5), and a stack of diodes, called the bottom stack (21), is situated between the rod (1) and the support (5), and has for each other stack (22), a thermal conduction block (7) forming a support for said stack (22), these blocks (7) being mounted on the cooled support (5) and not being in contact with one another or with the rings (11). EFFECT: high cooling efficiency with smaller dimensions of the device. 6 cl, 3 dwg


Sepsis causes marked derangements in the flow of glutamine among organs.During sepsis,skeletal muscle exhibits increase in glutamine release which is associated with a significant increase in endogenous glutamine biosynthesis.However, the release rates exceed that of synthesis.The liver appears to be the major organ of glutamine uptake,the bowel displays a decrease in glutamine utilization and the cells of the immune system are also major glutamine consumers.


Velocity-selective (VS) MRA is a promising non-contrast-enhanced angiography method allowing for high 3D spatial resolution and high angiographic contrast. This study proposes a VS-MRA protocol which includes field error compensation and slab-selective inversion for improved visualization of neck arteries. Initial in-vivo test shows that the proposed VS-MRA better depicts small vessels (such as facial and occipital arteries) and yields higher contrast enhancement ratio than clinical 3D TOF.


The objective of this text is to argue the politics of development in Santa Catarina
by means of the state planning from 1955 to 2002. The text is divided in four
parts. Initially an introduction will be made discoursing on the new standard of
growth that emerges in Santa Catarina from 1962 commanded by the great
industrial and agro-industrial capital and for the State; in second place it will be
pointed the structural deficiencies that strangled the catarinense industry in years
50; after that the 2002 will be analyzed the plans of 1955 government approaching
the investments in transport, energy, telephony and in the system of credit,
divided in four periods: approach to the politics of development
(1955-1960), politics of development (1961-1978), continuation of a age (1979-
-1990) and the liberal return (after-1990). And finally, will be made a general
analysis of the politics of development in Santa Catarina.


The subject around which this study is conducted relates to arbitration, as a method or alternative way of resolving disputes from the insurance policy. The topic discussed in this paper is of particular importance because industry respectively insurance activity represents a rather delicate activity, which wakes up considerably the interest of citizens, because through insurance they secure the most basic goods such as life, wealth, and so on. During the course of this study, I have focused on the provisions of various laws covering the insurance sector such as the Law no. 04/L-077 on Obligations, Law no. 05/L-045 on Insurance, etc., as well as in the legislation, which covers the field of arbitration, respectively in the Law no. 02/L-75 on Arbitration of the Republic of Kosovo. The settlement of disputes by the insurance policy between the parties through arbitration, gives this subject a specific character, because the use of arbitration in this field, is not studied and analyzed as much as is necessary. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with general knowledge on arbitration as an alternative way of resolving disputes between the parties to the insurance.


Background : Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. With current trends of increase in life expectancy and increasing numbers of elderly women, it is a global public health issue. Moreover, this problem is expected to reach epidemic proportions by 2050. Aim: The current study investigates the effect of environmental factors on the development of osteoporosis among urban and rural women and its relation with the dietary habits. Subjects women with ± 3.11 and risk All meticulous full anthropometric measures, assessment using 24 hours recall and bone density assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Results: There were significant higher values in the urban sample than that of the rural sample in nutrient analysis of 24-hour recall for the following parameters: Kcal, protein, CHO, total lipid, K, P, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Fe, vitamin C, A, B1and B2. However, there was a highly statistically significant difference between rural and urban areas as regard the cause of a previous fracture, the duration of sun exposure and vitamin D intake. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 4.5% of the studied women and 27.75% had osteopenia. Conclusion: No difference in the prevalence of osteoporosis between rural (55.6%) and urban (44.4%), nutrient profile was nearly similar in osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic women, obesity protect from osteoporosis. Recommendation: Future research about osteoporosis among lean women is recommended.


Turkey contains a high, flat region known as the Central Anatolian Plateau, which formed in multiple phases over the past 8 million years. This high plateau formed in the upper plate of a subduction zone, above the subducting African plate. There has been great scientific interest in kilometre-scale rise of this plateau as an ideal place to study the interplay between subduction dynamics and surface uplift. The precise cause of uplift however, is hotly debated, and forms part of a wider debate in earth sciences: what drives the formation of high topography? The southern mountainous margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau is known as the Tauride Mountains. This mountain belt may contain a long-term geological record of subduction below Central Anatolia. In this thesis, I aim to use this record to establish the initial geodynamic conditions of plateau rise. To do this, I reconstruct the kinematic evolution of the Taurides fold-thrust belt and surrounding regions using balanced cross sections, fault kinematic observations, paleomagnetic data, and plate reconstructions. In addition, I use low-temperature thermochronology to constrain the surface evolution that followed the formation of the Taurides. I constrain the orogenic and topographic evolution of the plateau crust for the past ~100 million years, and define the subduction configuration at the onset of plateau rise. Previous models that aimed to explain plateau rise lacked these constraints, and therefore assumed initial geodynamic conditions that were inconsistent with the modern architecture and long-term evolution of Turkey. I conclude that the rise of the Central Anatolian Plateau occurred as a result of the interplay of four processes, on different temporal and spatial scales: 1) Local, slow crustal delamination in the western Central Taurides; 2) Previously proposed 'drip-delamination' in Central Anatolia; 3) Break-off of the African slab below southern Turkey; 4) Collision of the African continental margin in the southern Taurides and Cyprus.


Objectives: In population approach, individual parameters are usually estimated as the maximum a posteriori (MAP). The standard errors (SE) and shrinkage of individual parameters, which depend on individual designs, proportion of data below the limit of quantification (LOQ) and the method for handling them, can be predicted from the Bayesian Fisher Information Matrix (BFIM) [1,2]. Here, we developed a method to account for data below LOQ in BFIM and illustrated the use of BFIM to predict SE and shrinkage of individual parameters.


Committee I of the International Commission on Radiological Protection has recommended that the Quality Factor for neutrons should be changed from 10 to 20. This article is an interesting recount of the tale of Q from the viewpoint of an observer which illustrates many of the problems that the selection of protection standards pose. 32 refs., 5 tabs.


Schlichting conjectured that the negative K-groups of small abelian categories vanish and proved this for noetherian abelian categories and for all abelian categories in degree -1. The main results of this paper are that $K_{-1}(E)$ vanishes when $E$ is a small stable infinity-category with a bounded $t$-structure and that $K_{-n}(E)$ vanishes for all $n\geq 1$ when additionally the heart of $E$ is noetherian. It follows that Barwick's theorem of the heart holds for nonconnective K-theory spectra when the heart is noetherian. We give several applications. On the one hand, we prove the vanishing results for the negative K-groups of a large class of dg algebras. On the other, we prove that various localization sequences a la Blumberg-Mandell and Barwick-Lawson hold in nonconnective K-theory. This leads to the first computations in negative K-theory of nonconnective ring spectra arising in chromatic homotopy theory. For example, $K_{-n}(KU)$ vanishes for all $n\geq 1$.


Leptospirosis is one of the emerging infectious diseases caused by Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria were transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis) through contaminated animal urine. Leptospirosis is a public health problem throughout the world, including in Indonesia. In Yogyakarta city, the mortality rate of leptospirosis was quite high. Sanitary condition of the physical and social, as well as biotic environmental, has been linked to the incidence of leptospirosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the risk factors of biotic environment that affect the human leptospirosis cases in Yogyakarta. The study was observational case-control design. The samples numbers were 60 cases and 60 controls. Samples were leptospirosis patients who lived in Yogyakarta from 2011 to 2013, based on the medical record from Hospital in Yogyakarta. Controls were individuals without a n y clinical leptospirosis report. Data was collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Information was gathered inclu...


Previous studies have shown that gradual progressive hypoxia specifically inhibits the synthesis of the major myelin lipid galactosylceramide (GalCer) in cultured neonatal rat Oligodendrocytes (OLG) (Kendler and Dawson, J Biol Chem 265:12259–12266, 1990). The inhibition of de novo synthesized GalCer (measured by [3H]palmitate incorporation) was accompanied by an increase in the [3H]labeled pool of nonhydroxy fatty acid ceramide, the precursor of GalCer. The decreased galactosylation of NFACer was not due to an inhibition of UDP‐Gal:ceramide:galactosyltransferase activity or to a depletion in available UDP‐Gal. Analysis of subcellular fractionations of OLG membranes on Percoll gradients indicated that NFA ceramide was accumulating in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during hypoxia, suggesting that the transport of NFACer from its site of synthesis (ER) to its site of galactosylation, presumably the Golgi, was blocked by hypoxia. This accumulation of ceramide was replicated by lowering ATP levels to 80–90% of control by treating OLG with 12 nM oligomycin, and was reversed by reoxygenation of. the cells. Conversion of [3H] palmitate‐labeled NFACer to GalCer in semi‐intact OLG required both exogenous UDP‐Gal 1 and ATP, further suggesting that the transport of NFACer from the ER to its site of synthesis (cis‐ Golgi) is an energy‐dependent step that is highly susceptible to relatively minor ATP depletion associated with early hypoxic injury. Our results further suggest that ceramide appears to be a good marker for ER eland GalCer is a good marker for the cis‐Golgi.


In this paper, we introduce the concept of direct statistical simulation for astrophysical flows. This technique may be appropriate for problems in astrophysical fluids where the instantaneous dynamics of the flows are of secondary importance to their statistical properties. We give examples of such problems including mixing and transport in planets, stars, and disks. The method is described for a general set of evolution equations, before we consider the specific case of a spectral method optimized for problems on a spherical surface. The method is illustrated for the simplest non-trivial example of hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics on a rotating spherical surface. We then discuss possible extensions of the method both in terms of computational methods and the range of astrophysical problems that are of interest.


This paper presents an economic model of the testing process. This model is used to analyse the costs associated with producing and testing systems designed using self-testing ICs. A comparison is made between the costs arising from the use of self-testing ICs and those associated with the use of both LSSD and traditional test methods.


A hydrothermal approach was developed for the synthesis of N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) by cutting N-doped graphene. The N-GQDs obtained have a N/C atomic ratio of ca. 5.6% and diameter of 1–7 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the N-GQDs were investigated. It was found that the N-GQDs possess bright blue PL and excellent upconversion PL properties.


In this essay we review the major developments in the history and techniques of landscape visibility analysis, providing a number of examples and identifying a few critical challenges to the community of those who would seek to evaluate visibility—and related characteristics such as visual quality or preference—in landscapes. We argue that visibility per se is a necessary prerequisite, but insufficient in itself, as a basis for the common planning, design, and public policy questions in the context of which many visibility analyses are instigated.


in the first 15 patients enrolled in the placebo groups, and the authors' assumption of 30% less pethidine consumption in the verum groups (#18,19). However, the aim was to compare paracetamol with dipyrone, and not verum with placebo. These studies are probably underpowered to detect any differences. As analgesic consumption generally has a highly skewed distribution, it is an uncertain method of measuring analgesia. As additional pethidine was administered, the value of pain scores when addressing analgesic efficacy is questionable (#17). Pain relief cannot be solely attributed to dipyrone or paracetamol, as "pethidine as needed" masks the analgesic effects of the nonopioid analgesics. Whether doses of rescue medication per se are a relevant outcome is discussed. Opioid-sparing measures are relevant if they result in fewer opioid-related side effects. However, there was no difference in nausea/vomiting, sedation, or need for antiemetic treatment between verum and placebo (#17,19). Looking at opioid-sparing effects, a multiple-dose scheme seems to be more appropriate. Patients received paracetamol, dipyrone, or placebo after initiation of spinal anesthesia before lower abdominal surgery (#17). Pain scores measured 15-60 minutes after surgery are problematic, as spinal anesthesia might not have worn off in all children (no information on initial spread of the block). Additional propofol was given for sedation (paracetamol, 35%; dipyrone, 40%; placebo, 45% of the patients), underlining some differences between study groups. In one trial, analgesics were administered via PCA (#19). The 4.5 mg/kg loading dose of paracetamol or dipyrone was rather low; a clinically relevant reduction of severe pain cannot be expected. Sufficiently high initial doses are crucial before commencing PCA, as it is hardly possible to titrate analgesics against the pain due to lockout times (30 minutes) and low PCA demand doses. Twenty-fourhour consumption amounted to 832.1 375.9 mg dipyrone, resulting in 27.2 mg/kg/d, much lower than recommended. In summary, evidence from high-quality studies is still needed to determine whether dipyrone is an ineffective, a valuable, or a superior alternative to paracetamol and NSAIDs. ETHICAL APPROVAL


The development of effective pharmacotherapies to combat the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is critically dependent upon: (1) the development of clinically-relevant animal models; (2) identification of inflammatory mediators centrally involved in eliciting lung injury; (3) understanding the inter-relationships or 'cross-talk' between pro and anti-inflammatory mediators which modulate the lung inflammation; and (4) the application of molecular techniques to isolate potentially novel genes involved in the development of ARDS. In this paper, we will present evidence from a rat model of microvascular lung injury produced by interleukin-2 (IL-2), that pulmonary TNFα is a primary and pivotal mediator of lung injury and that different modes of TNFα inhibition may represent feasible strategies to prevent ARDS. Furthermore, we will describe how the application of Differential Display Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (DDRT-PCR) can allow the rapid isolation of partial fragments of potentially new genes involved in ARDS. The products of such genes could represent future target sites for pharmacotherapeutic intervention.


I was lying in my bath on a recent Monday morning listening to Radio 4's Start the Week (freelance journalists choose their working hours to suit themselves) when the talk turned to the "book police." Authors have been claiming that publishers have rejected their manuscripts on the grounds of political correctness—by which they mean that their views are unacceptable because they do not conform to the current consensus in literary circles, generally perceived to be liberal and permissive.

Assertions of this kind are usually made by authors and their agents without any documented evidence, and I suspect that in many cases it is a publicity exercise—getting a book talked …


Wall wetting phenomena were investigated in a light-duty diesel optical engine operating under typical diesel particulate filter regeneration conditions through the use of liquid spray imaging during late-cycle post-injections. Three post-injection timings were explored: 1) an 'early' timing (44.5°aTDC) where high ambient temperatures and densities were expected to decrease the liquid penetration, 2) a 'conventional' timing (78.5°aTDC) that is typically used to produce the necessary aftertreatment regeneration exhaust conditions, and 3) a 'late' timing (133.5°aTDC) where in-cylinder flows generated by exhaust valve opening-induced blowdown can disrupt the liquid penetration. In addition to a 2007 US certification diesel fuel, a palm-derived B20 biodiesel blend and soy-derived B100 biodiesel were examined since liquid spray impingement is thought to worsen for biodiesel blends due to the higher fuel distillation temperature, density, and viscosity. No significant wall wetting was observed for the early post-injection. However, considerable impingement occurred for the conventional and late post-injections. Liquid penetration and the persistence of liquid fuel in the cylinder were found to increase with biodiesel content, while exhaust blowdown flows were ineffective in reducing the severity of wall wetting. Negligible distortion of jet structure was observed for the liquid spray at the late post-injection. Short pulse durations decreased the severity of liquid penetration with the soy-derived biodiesel during the early post-injection SOI, but were otherwise ineffective.Copyright © 2010 by ASME


Self-enucleation (oedipism) is an exceedingly rare form of self-mutilation generally associated with severe psychiatric disorders.14 We describe a case in a patient with no psychiatric history that sustained a skull fracture in a motor vehicle crash. Toxicology studies revealed the presence of multiple substances including methamphetamines, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines and the patient reported illicit use of the dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine. A 25-year-old man crashed his vehicle at high speed on a surface street, exited his car, and repeatedly struck a fire hydrant with his hands. He then put broken glass into and then digitally self-enucleated his left globe. Emergency medical service personnel found the patient ambulating and disoriented with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 12. He was noted to have multiple lacerations to his face consistent with injuries sustained from the motor vehicle crash, as well as bleeding from his left orbit (Fig. 1A). His enucleated globe was also located and transported to the hospital with him. Upon presentation to the emergency department, the patient was combative and was intubated for airway protection and to facilitate further evaluation. On physical examination, the patient's left orbital vault was filled with edematous tissue and active bleeding. Bleeding was successfully controlled with packing. The globe was inspected and noted to have attached muscle bodies as well as 3.5 cm of the optic nerve and a transected ophthalmic artery (Fig. 1B). CT scans of his head, face, chest, and abdomen revealed a nondisplaced right frontoparietal calvarial fracture with trace subdural hemorrhage, as well as a small left temporal subarachnoid hemorrhage not in continuity with the enucleated left eye (Fig. 2). Urine and blood toxicology tests were positive for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids. The patient remained intubated for two days due to difficulty weaning sedation and aspiration pneumonitis. Upon extubation, the patient had no abnormal psychiatric symptoms. On tertiary survey, the patient complained of left hand pain, and plain films revealed fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures. In discussing the case, the patient stated that he was under the influence of benzodiazepines and methamphetamines at which point he smoked a "shrem" that he defined as marijuana mixed with tobacco and dipped in phencyclidine. He subsequently experienced intense feelings of paranoia, urge to self-harm, and auditory hallucinations. At that point, he stated that he placed a lit cigarette in his left eye and was attempting suicide by crashing his motor vehicle. His family was interviewed and reported no history of psychiatric disorders, other than a history of auditory hallucinations while acutely intoxicated. The remainder of the patient's hospital course included treatment of an aspiration pneumonia with antibiotics and operative fixation of his metacarpal fractures on hospital day 6. After neurosurgical clearance for surgery in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage, the patient was taken to the operating room for orbital implant placement on hospital day 9. Autoenucleation is among the rarest forms of selfmutilation, and is usually associated with chronic and severe psychiatric disorder, namely schizophrenia.14 It has been associated with a first psychiatric episode, which often occurs late in the second decade of life. No association of autoenucleation with acute skull fracture has been previously described. Association with amphetamine use has been described.2 The exact cause of the patient's acute psychosis is likely multifactorial. The immediate goal of care for this patient was preventing further self-harm and evaluation for intracranial hemorrhage. If the ophthalmic artery is severed anterior to the optic foramen bleeding will be into the orbital vault and can be controlled with packing or direct ligation in the setting of a very difficult exposure. If the artery is transected posterior to Address correspondence and reprint requests to Nicolas Melo, M.D., Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Suite 8215N, Los Angeles, CA 90048. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com.


In the present investigation a non-linear mathematical model is developed for the analysis of multiple effect evaporators (MEE) system. This model is capable of simulating process of evaporation and takes into account variations in -boiling point rise (BPR) due to variation in concentration and temperature of liquor, -overall heat transfer coefficient (OHTC) of effects and -physico-thermal property of the liquor. Using mass and energy balance around an effect, a cubic polynomial equation is developed to model an effect, which is solved using generalized cascade algorithm. For this purpose, a Septuple effect flat falling film evaporator (SEFFFE) system with backward feed flow sequence, being used for concentrating weak black liquor and operating in a near by paper mill, is selected as a typical MEE system. This system supports different operating strategies such as steam splitting and condensate-, feed- and product- flashing. The empirical correlations for BPR, OHTCs of flat falling film evaporators and heat loss have been developed using the plant data. Using these correlations, average errors of 3.4%, ± 10% and -33 to +29% have been observed for the predictions of BPR, OHTC and heat loss, respectively.


Introduction: Cardiac dysfunction directly caused by spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a poorly understood phenomenon, and its impact on outcome is still uncertain. Aim of this study is...


Beclomethasone dipropionate is a synthetic adrenal cortex hormone that is used in aerosols for the treatment of nasal-allergies. Recently, Aldecin AQ Nasal® (AQ) has been put on the market as an alternative to Aldecin® (AD) in which chlorofluorocarbon is used as the propellant. In this study, the spraying characteristics of AQ and AD were examined.The amount sprayed in one puff with AQ vemain constant from the 7 th to 110 th spray, while that with AD was remained constant from the first to 120 th spray. Therefore, a patient should be requested to spray the AQ at least 7 times prior to the first usage. When the patient spray AQ or AD 4 times a day in both nostrils, then AQ and AD can be for about 14 days and 15 days, respectively.After the spray tests using different lengths of cylinders and filter paper, a fractal analysis was performed on the sprayed morphology drawn on the filter paper. At a suitable distance from the nozzle of AQ the dispersed particles uniformly settled.The principal agent was concentrated on the nasal cavity near by the nostrils when the spray test was done by using a plastic nasal cavity model.This findings suggests that pharmacists must give properly advise patients on how to use AQ while breathing gently.


Lanbo Shi, Charles D. Sohaskey, Carmen Pheiffer, Pratik Datta, Michael Parks, Johnjoe McFadden, Robert J. North and Maria L. Gennaro First published: 21 November 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07399. This article corrects: Carbon flux rerouting during Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth arrest Volume 78, Issue 5, 1199–1215. Article first published online: 6 October 2010 In the article by Shi, et al. (2010), the following error was published in the author byline: Carmen Pfeiffer The author name was incorrect and should have read: Carmen Pheiffer We apologize for this error. Corrected Reference Shi, L., Sohaskey, C.D., Pheiffer, C., Datta, P., Parks, M., McFadden, J., North, R.J., et al. (2010) Carbon flux rerouting during Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth arrest. Mol Microbiol 78: 1199–1215.


Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMVs) are currently derived operationally with geostationary satellite data or single polar orbiting satellites. The geostationary AMVs generally cover a latitude band between 60 degrees south and 60 degrees north, whereas polar orbiting satellites are used for the derivation of polar cap winds, covering generally speaking high latitude areas beyond 60 South and 60 North. Due to the difference characteristics of the products, high viewing angle for the geostationary satellites, limited overlap for the polar satellites, the 10 degree latitude band around 60 degrees North and South are not well covered. In addition research missions like MISR that would provide global coverage have not yet achieved full operational maturity for the products. With the launch of Metop-1 (entering operations as Metop-B) EUMETSAT will be in a unique position to acquire global AVHRR data at a 1 km resolution from two spacecrafts in the same orbit. The foreseen orbit separations is roughly 48 minutes providing roughly a half-a-swath overlap at the equator for the two AVHRRs onboard Metop-A and –B, and better in the high latitudes. Therefore there is an unprecedented opportunity to derive global AVHRR winds using data from these two spacecrafts, providing a significant increase in data in this data sparse band around 60 North and South. In addition the global AVHRR winds provide an excellent opportunity to perform consistent cross-validation between AMVs derived from polar orbiting satellites and all geostationary satellites. This paper will introduce the justification and concept for the global AVHRR winds from dual-Metop operations comparing the differences imposed on the derivation as compared to pure polar cap winds as derived from a single spacecraft.


Summary. Background. Hemostasis in COVID-19 has been studied in detail. The state of hemodynamics and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with COVID-19 at the height of the disease and during rehabilitation has not been fully studied. Objectives: to study microcirculation and HRV in patients with severe COVID-19 during the course of the disease, after discharge from the hospital and after rehabilitation course. Patients/Methods. We examined 43 patients with COVID-19 treated at City Clinical Hospital No 1 (Chita) and underwent rehabilitation at Darasun resort (Trans-Baikal Territory). The control group consisted of 69 people of same sex, age and concomitant diseases. Blood flow and HRV were studied using mDLS sensor (Dynamic Light Scattering, Rehovot, Israel) and an original algorithmic approach. The signal was decomposed into frequency components associated with hemodynamic sources of different shear rates of blood layers (hemodynamic indexes) that largely reflected hemostasis state. Results. In patients with COVID-19, the absolute values of hemodynamic indexes were significantly higher than in controls, it was the evidence of microcir- culatory intensification. The HI1 and HI2 values increased especially sharply, that was associated with increased endothelial and intermediate blood flow. This was also evidenced by an almost 4-fold increase in the HI1/HI3 ratio in seriously ill patients that does not restored after recovery, as well as after rehabilitation. At the same time, at the height of the disease, there was a signif- icant increase of pulse (PULSE 1 and 2) and a sharp decrease of respiratory (RESP1, 2 and 3) oscillatory indexes, that remained stable both in recovered patients and in those who underwent a course of rehabilitation. Conclusions. In patients with COVID-19 at the height of the disease pronounced shifts in microcirculation and HRV are noted due to increased tonus of sympathetic nervous system that persisted after discharge and rehabilitation.

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Objective:To investigate the value of applying internal fixation of Apofix tehcnigue to treatment of odontoid facture.Methods:Included in this study were 25 cases of atlantoaxial unstabitity treated.Apofix technigue was used to treat 17 cases of fresh odontoid fracture and 1 case of old odontoid fracutre.Skull traction was performed in each patient preoperatively.Results:After three to twenty-four months of follow-up survey,the healing of odontoid fracture and reduction fusion of atlas were found,and no internal fixation rupture ocurred.Conclusion:It is a perfect method to treat odontoid fracture with internal fixation of Apofix technique.


In this paper, we propose to use one dimensional (1D) photonic band gap (PBG) structure to enhance the florescence excitation and collection for single molecule level imaging and sensing applications. In the setup, the incidence of excitation and the collection of the florescence are located on separate sides of the 1D PBG structure. The 1D PBG structure creates total internal reflection for the excitation wavelength. With carefully chosen 1D PBG structures, an enhanced evanescent field for the excitation wavelength at the interface between the last layer of the PBG and sample can be obtained. Meanwhile, the 1D PBG structure is designed such that it also serves as an omnidirectional reflector for the florescence signal, leading to higher collection efficiency. The combination of stronger excitation field and improved detection efficiency gives rise to two orders of magnitude enhancement of florescence signal.


As the primary tool for studying cells and biological tissues, micro-imaging technology has significantly promoted the bio-medical development. The microscopic ghost imaging system is designed to meet the diverse needs of microscopy imaging. In this method, the original optical path of a research-grade upright fluorescence microscope was modified to be an optical path of ghost imaging. Three different matrixes were adopted as the preset pattern of the digital micromirror device. The experimental results demonstrate that the gold matrix can obtain a relatively perfect result under weak and unstable lighting conditions. This method is expected to promote the application of ghost imaging technology in microscopy imaging of cells and biological tissues.


Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), especially those based on ternary AgInX2 (X = S, Se) QDs, suffer from very low power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) owing to presence of high density of trap states and imperfect surface coverage by surfactants. This has a similar adverse effect on water photolysis when the solar cells are integrated with the electrolyzer. Passivation of the QD surface with an inorganic shell is vital and temporally regulated cation exchange can come to the rescue, whereby an alloyed shell can minimize the interfacial trap states which are mostly abundant in core/shell QDs with sharp interfaces. Herein, Zn–Ag–In–Se (ZAISE) core QDs were cation-exchanged with Cd2+ ions to create an alloyed shell of Ag–In–Zn–Cd–Se. When the QDs were used as absorbers, the PCE was enhanced from 3.01% for core ZAISE QDs to 4.71% for core/alloyed shell QDs by optimizing the shell thickness; 4.71% is also one of the superior PCEs in AgIn(S/Se)2-based photovoltaic systems. The density of states invest...


Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Docetaxel-based and Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer(AGC)in different Lauren types. Methods Retrospective analysis of 311 AGC cases in PLA hospital was involved. Among them, 199 cases had follow-up results, in which, 88 cases were intestinal types, 105 were diffuse types and 6 were mixed types. One hundred and nine and 54 cases were treated with Docetaxel-based and Oxaliplatin-based first line chemotherapy, respectively. Other 36 cases accepted other regimens. The median evaluated cycles were 4 cycles and the efficiency were evaluated. Results The overall response rate(ORR) of Docetaxel-based chemotherapy in intestinal-type group was 26.7%, the disease control rate(DCR) was 86.7%, the median progression-free survival(mPFS) was 4.50 months, and median overall survival(mOS) was 15.67 months. The ORR of Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was 15.0%, the DCR was 85.0%, the mPFS was 6.33 months, and the mOS was 21.50 months. The ORR of Docetaxel-based chemotherapy in diffuse-type group was 18.9%, the DCR was 67.9%, the mPFS was 2.53 months, and the mOS was 7.23 months. The ORR of Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was 10.7%, the DCR was 67.9%, the mPFS was 3.57 months, and the mOS was 7.23 months. Considering the number of patients was too small, the data of mixed type was not analyzed. Conclusion Patients with diffuse-type AGC have poorer prognosis than those with intestinal-type. There is no statistically significant difference of ORR, DCR, mPFS and mOS between two different chemotherapy groups of advanced gastric cancer in Lauren type(P 0.05).


Load adjusting in a distributed system enables a distributed service path to perform its task without getting overloaded. This is achieved by accepting into the path only the amount of messages the path can serve within the acceptable bounds. A distributed algorithm is proposed to take care of this problem. The algorithm which has two distributed parts is shown to perform well under reasonable conditions, and even under a multitude of faults it still performs better than the original system. A major problem faced by the algorithm is the prediction of the system's behavior in the uncertain interval between the entrance of the messages into the system and their exit. To this end, several techniques are used and the comparison among them is done by simulation.


My work is focused on the analysis of the working of the flow meter. Its installation had already been arranged, but just in this moment it could be possible to introduce it and test it. Instead in the second part of the thesis I will report the experimental study on the behavior of the pressures in the device, both in conditions of constant and pulsatile flow


The present invention discloses a cellular communication network during handover and after the header compression optimization method. The method for optimizing a data packet header for IP stream ROHC RTP (Robust Header Compression Real Time Protocol) compression, thereby using more compact format makes it possible to maintain a stable state, making it possible not to discard the received packet and such radio resources may be provided, without modifying the ROHC specifications. In this method, when starting to switch or migration process, as long as the handover procedure is ongoing, or migration, it is normally compressed to a sliding window to add a new reference value, the reference value is not removed from the window. After the handover or the migration process is complete, when a new radio link for a number of values of the transmission error characteristics to overcome on the new link, can all be removed at once from the compression values older window to return to the normal window operation.


Besides their wide existence in various industrial processes, nanoscale particle suspensions are 16 also the important media for some emerging technologies such as photocatalytic hydrogen 17 production. The circulating flow properties of the nanoparticles in the fluid are of great concern 18 for their practical use. In our study, a modified experimental system was set up based on Malvern 19 laser particle analyzer that can estimate the nanoparticle concentration and size distribution in a 20 laminar nanoparticle circulating flow. We found that the particle concentration and size 21 distribution were periodical oscillation with time in such flow. Understanding the oscillation 22 mechanism is capable of promote the energy efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. A 23 simulation based on Discrete Element Method (DEM) was conducted to understand this particular 24 oscillation mechanism by counting the single particle movement and trajectory properties in the 25 solid-liquid suspension. The simulation results agree well with the tendency obtained by the 26 experimental results and capable of better understanding the oscillation characteristics. The 27 simulation results reveal that the nanoparticles tend to gather in the middle region (the higher 28 velocity region) of the tube after several cycles. Moreover the gravity is of great significance in and distribution of photocatalyst particles in the tubular photocatalytic reactor, which is believed to significantly affect the incident radiation distribution and finally the energy conversion 35 efficiency of the photocatalytic process. 36


Starting from a no-dynamic-arbitrage principle that imposes that trading costs should be non-negative on average and a simple model for the evolution of market prices, we demonstrate a relationship between the shape of the market impact function describing the average response of the market price to traded quantity and the function that describes the decay of market impact. In particular, we show that the widely assumed exponential decay of market impact is compatible only with linear market impact. We derive various inequalities relating the typical shape of the observed market impact function to the decay of market impact, noting that, empirically, these inequalities are typically close to being equalities.


The distribution of abnormal haemoglobins and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in ten Greek populations was presented in two previous studies (Barnicot et al. 1963; Allison et al. 1963). In this paper the distribution in the same populations of four serum proteins that show polymorphic variation is given. These are the haptoglobins, transfenins, /3-lipoproteins, and group-specific components (Go).


Nonlinear FEA technique is used to simulate the whole process of two-roll straightening dynamically based on LS/DYNA module of ANSYS.The characteristics of stress and strain distribution during the two-roll straightener were obtained by the finite element analysis,and the quality and accuracy of straightening in different angles were analyzed to guide on-site engineering personnel to quickly adjust straightening roll angle.The straightening forces and the guide plate forces have been calculated,which will provide theoretical basis for the development of new equipment.


Abstract This article examines developments in the memoir form in Palestinian literature over time, concentrating on the period since the Oslo Accords of 1993. It begins by briefly looking at new, general theoretical perspectives on the memoir form relevant to recognizing the importance of memoirs by Palestinians. A shift from viewing memoirs as purely the product of individuals to validating the notion of collective recollection occurs in the theoretical literature and can be documented in the Palestinian memoir. Similarly, attention to the idea of recollection as fluid and as a process enriches our understanding of what Palestinian memorists are trying to achieve. This section draws upon the work of such foundational figures as Maurice Halbwachs, Paul Ricoeur, Sidonie Smith, and Julia Watson. It also incorporates the insights of those who have focused more specifically on the Palestinian memoir form, such as Rashid Khalidi and Susan Slyomovics. These theoretical views are then tested through the examination of fourteen works using the memoir format, ranging from the time of the dissolution of the Palestinian Mandate (Sakkakini, Jabra, Boullata) to the beginning of the new millennium and the decade beyond (Darwish, Barghouti, Amiry and Karmi). The article shows that any literary history of the memoir form in modern times would be incomplete without recognizing and incorporating the Palestinian contribution to this increasingly popular literary genre.


The conventional method used to determine the tide-bound water level is applicable for piers with natural deep water which meet the draft,but it is inappropriate when it is used in large open wharf for large ships with non-natural deep water.This paper proposes a method to define the time of berthing and departure according to the wave condition,and determine the tide-bound water level in the water basin and channel afterwards.The result of a project's combined calculation and comparison shows that this method has been well applied in non-natural deep water large open wharf.


Ti−50.8% Al has been cast using unidirectional solidification to produce specimens with a highly directional structure. Each specimen consisted of the intermetallic phases, TiAl and Ti_3Al. Both phases existed as single crystal lamellae which were parallel to each other throughout the specimen and aligned along specific crystallographic orientations. Mechanical properties were assessed by deforming specimens such that slip occurred in different directions relative to the lamellae. High-temperature stability was assessed by heating for various times and examining the microstructure. Deformation revealed a highly anisotropic structure since ductility depended upon the principal direction of slip. Poor slip, occurring in a direction through the lamellae, was attributed to the Ti_3Al phase where cracking initiated. Heating at 1200 °C resulted in recrystallization of the TiAl phase. The recrystallization started at the ends of the specimens as a result of residual mechanical damage, before spreading along individual lamellae into the bulk.


The coalesced hashing method is one of the faster searching methods known today. This paper is a practical study of coalesced hashing for use by those who intend to implement or further study the algorithm. Techniques are developed for tuning an important parameter that relates the sizes of the address region and the cellar in order to optimize the average running times of different implementations. A value for the parameter is reported that works well in most cases. Detailed graphs explain how the parameter can be tuned further to meet specific needs. The resulting tuned algorithm outperforms several well-known methods including standard coalesced hashing, separate (or direct) chaining, linear probing, and double hashing. A variety of related methods are also analyzed including deletion algorithms, a new and improved insertion strategy called varied-insertion, and applications to external searching on secondary storage devices.


We are living today a fast transition in lighting systems from classical filament lamps or more economical halogen lamps and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) to Solid State Lighting (SSL), which is in fact based on LEDs. In the same time, beside incomparable advantages in energy savings and multiple control possibilities, the massive introduction of solid state lighting will cause major disturbances in the power grid networks. These disturbances are an effect of harmonics present in the voltage and current of the network, as a direct cause of non-sinusoidal waveforms of these quantities. We present in the paper quantitative investigations on distorted sinusoidal regime for LEDs and different lamps, based on a proprietary FFT algorithm, intended to offer useful information regarding the presence of harmonics. For a quick comparison of complex distortion effects, a procedure to calculate the global power factor is employed. We will present also the effect of dimming process on light flicker, situation in which the distortion is produced by simultaneously distortion of LED voltage and current.


Background: Agitation in mechanically ventilated patients with decreased consciousness is a challenge in the ICU and a threat to the process of mechanical ventilation. On the other hand, controlling agitation through medication and imposing physical limitations is associated with a number of undesirable side effects. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of auditory and tactile stimulation by a family member on the level of agitation in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and decreased consciousness. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 80 TBI patients with decreased consciousness who were admitted to the ICU of two teaching hospitals in southeastern Iran in 2019. Qualified patients were selected by convenience sampling and then randomized into the intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. Data collection tools included a demographic form and the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS). For patients in the intervention group, the researcher first completed the demographic form and the RASS. Then, they underwent the experiment, which consisted of auditory and sensory stimulation by a family member for 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the agitation level was measured again. This experiment was performed for seven consecutive days between 16:00 and 18:00 o'clock. Patients in the control group, however, did not receive any intervention other than routine care in the ICU. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 21 by using descriptive statistical tests and independent t-test, paired t-test, [analysis of] covariance, and chi-square test at the significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The results indicated no significant difference in the level of agitation in the intervention and control groups between the first and fifth days; however, independent t-tests and analysis of covariance revealed that the patients who received auditory and tactile stimulation on the sixth and seventh days experienced significantly lower levels of agitation than the control group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Auditory and tactile stimulation by family members is effective in decreasing the agitation of TBI patients with decreased consciousness. Therefore, it is suggested as a helpful intervention in nursing care programs.


This report presents an overview of two studies conducted by the American Public Works Association which would be of use to managers of road maintenance systems. The first study established specifications for hardware, software and other physical factors for the development of a computerized mapping and record system (CAMRAS), while the second carried out the transfer to local government of a pavement management system (PAVER) developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 286189. (TRRL)


Bone mineralization is impaired in alcoholic non cirrhotics admitted to hospital for withdrawal. The defect is more marked in women than in men. Low 25-OH vitamin D plasma values may be observed in these patients and seem to be related to malnutrition. The degree of bone demineralization is not statistically correlated to 25-OH vitamin D plasma level.


Observations inside the November 1994 Antarctic stratospheric vortex and inside the April 1993 remnant Arctic stratospheric vortex by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) Fourier transform spectrometer are reported. In both instances, elevated volume mixing ratios (VMRS) of carbon monoxide (CO) were measured. A peak Antarctic CO VMR of 60 ppbv (where 1 ppbv = 10(exp -9) per unit Volume) was measured at a potential temperature of 710 K (about 27 km), about 1 km below the altitude of a pocket of elevated NO(y) (total reactive nitrogen) at a deep minimum in N2O (<5 ppbv). The Arctic observations also show a region of elevated vortex CO with a peak VMR of 90 ppbv it 630-670 K (-25 km) but no corresponding enhancement in NO(sub y) perhaps because of stronger dynamical activity in the northern hemisphere polar winter and/or interannual variability in the production of mesospheric or lower thermospheric NO. By comparing vortex and extravortex observations of NO(y) obtained at the same N2O VMR, Arctic vortex denitrification of 5 +/- 2 ppbv at 470 K (at approximately 18 km) is inferred. We show that our conclusion of substantial Arctic winter 1992-1993 denitrification is robust by comparing our extravortex observations with previous polar measurements obtained over a wide range of winter conditions. Correlations of NO(y) with N2O measured at the same potential temperature by ATMOS in the Arctic vortex and at midlatitudes on board the ER-2 aircraft several weeks later lie along the same mixing line. The result demonstrates the consistency of the two data sets and confirms that the ER-2 sampled fragments of the denitrified Arctic vortex following its breakup. An analysis of the ATMOS Arctic measurements of total hydrogen shows no evidence for significant dehydration inside the vortex.


Fengyue jinnang is the earliest anthology of Chinese operas.This paper tends to make a supplement to the book Emending of Fengyue jinnang published by Zhonghua Press.


A McAb-FLISA sandwich method was developed using polyclonal antibody (anti - SF.B in rabbit) as coating antibody , and horseradish peroxidasc ( HRP ) labeled monoclonal antibody as second (sandwich ) antibody for detecting food specimens artificially contaminated with SF.B . The lower limit of sensitivity of the method has reached 1.5 μg/ L . The effects of Tween - 20, bovin scrum albumin ( BSA ). low - fat milk and 8 species of normal sera used as inhibitors to remove non - specific reaction in the tests were compared . The results show that optimal concentrations of sheep or rabbit scrum and Twecn -20 are 2%-10% and 0.05%-0.15% respectively, and sug-gest that there arc synergistic inhibitory effects between the two sera and Twecn-20 mentioned above .


Previous studies have indicated that hydrocarbon induction of the hepa t~c microsomal monooxygenase Cytochrome P450 1A (CYPlA) is attentuated in certain species of fish by low temperature and in sexually mature female fish by estradiol. This enzyme 1s used as a biomarker for petroleum hydrocarbon exposure, and with impending oil exploration of the Arctic, in particular the Barents Sea, the current studies were carried out to establish the nature of the response of hepatic CYPlA to dietary petroleum hydrocarbon injestion in Polar cod at their natural environmental temperatures during the breed~ng season Polar cod Boreogadus salda maintained at 0°C contain a hepatic CYPlA which displays immunochernical and nucleotide homology with other piscine CYPlAs and displays typical transcnptional induction by R-napthoflavone or crude mineral oil. The enzyme is induced in both male and female fish fed artificial diets contaminated by crude oil during the period of sexual maturation despite an overall suppression of activity in female fish and a cessation of feeding for 3 wk immediately prior to spawning. The results Indicate that use of CYPlA measurements in this species for biomonitoring oil exploration and production in the Arctic environment is a valid procedure.


In recent years, extensive study has been performed to recognize road signs. Many methods have been developed over these years for road sign detection. Signs are used to represent some special circumstantial information of environment. Road signs provides important information for warning, guiding people to make their movements easier, safer and more convenient. This paper presents two different methods for road sign detection and recognition which has based on color and shape. The first method is Gielis curve fitting. In this method algorithm is applied to different shapes like circular, triangular, octagonal. Fitting contour points into a Gielis curve takes a lot of time, which naturally cannot be acceptable in a real-time system. Hence, further investigation and improvement is required to decrease the processing time. It gives 85% accuracy for road sign recognition. The second method is based on Neural network. The Neural network stages were performed to recognize the traffic sign patterns. The first step is to reduce the number of MLP inputs by preprocessing the traffic sign image, and the second step is to search for the best network architecture by selecting a suitable error criterion for training with LMA. Using neural network, road sign classification gives 90% accuracy for different type of signs (circular, triangular, octagonal).


The ANSI S3.4-2007 standard gives a method for calculating the predicted loudness of stationary sounds for an average listener. Glasberg and Moore (2002) provide an extension of the method to time-varying sounds. The mathematical structure of the excitation in the loudness calculation is amenable to significant acceleration in MATLAB by expressing portions of the calculation, notably those representing the cochlear filtering process, in terms of matrices. Thus, procedures to achieve rapid processing of loudness are set forth. Possible extensions of this approach to other metrics within the same family are considered.The ANSI S3.4-2007 standard gives a method for calculating the predicted loudness of stationary sounds for an average listener. Glasberg and Moore (2002) provide an extension of the method to time-varying sounds. The mathematical structure of the excitation in the loudness calculation is amenable to significant acceleration in MATLAB by expressing portions of the calculation, notably those representing the cochlear filtering process, in terms of matrices. Thus, procedures to achieve rapid processing of loudness are set forth. Possible extensions of this approach to other metrics within the same family are considered.


Studies showed that Malaysians possess low financial literacy. Consequently, bankruptcy cases among young adults in Malaysia are rising. The government and its relevant institutions, that is, credit counseling and debt management agency, provide different training and awareness programs to minimize the bankruptcy rates. Muslims are among the majority that declared bankruptcy; hence, Islamic financial literacy (IFL) may have a considerable role to minimize bankruptcy cases by changing the attitudes and behaviors of debtors. Furthermore, studying IFL is pertinent to Malaysia because it is a Muslim-majority country with the leading Islamic banking market in the world. Therefore, this study aims to construct the theory of IFL from the sources of the Shariah and examines whether it is suitable to implement IFL in different financial awareness programs in Malaysia. The study concludes that IFL provides a comprehensive guideline for borrowers, lenders, financial institutions, and society to reduce bankruptcy. Furthermore, findings from the field study confirmed that IFL could be used in Malaysia to raise awareness among the related parties. This is a qualitative study that employed an inductive and deductive approach to review the sources of the Shariah to come out with Shariah rulings. Furthermore, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with the officials of related government bodies and agencies. It is expected that the outcome would have a direct implication on the policymakers and loaning institutions in Malaysia.


The aim of this paper is to study the asymptotic behavior of a system of birth and death processes in mean field type interaction in discrete space. We first establish the exponential convergence of the particle system to equilibrium for a suitable Wasserstein coupling distance. The approach provides an explicit quantitative estimate on the rate of convergence. We prove next a uniform propagation of chaos property. As a consequence, we show that the limit of the associated empirical distribution, which is the solution of a nonlinear differential equation, converges exponentially fast to equilibrium. This paper can be seen as a discrete version of the particle approximation of the McKean-Vlasov equations and is inspired from previous works of Malrieu and al and Caputo, Dai Pra and Posta.


A 51-year-old woman who had undergone repair of type 1 aortic dissection with Dacron graft 9 years ago presented to our outpatient clinic for routine follow-up. Her blood pressure was 140/85 mmHg with a pulse of 78 beats per minute. A mild systolic murmur was detected at left sternal border and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm. Chest x-ray revealed abnormal elevation of the right diaphragm and increased cardiothoracic index (Fig. 1A). At two-dimensional echocardiographic examination, cardiac chambers and thoracic aorta were all of normal size. There was no evidence of pericardial effusion or ventricular dysfunction. However, a hypoechogenic and homogeneous mass located posterior to


Standardization in the area of automation has led to positive developments not only in functionality but also in minimizing initial installation costs. The introduction of standards has major advantages over systems based on proprietary solutions. One of the most important benefits is that enterprises are no longer reliant on (at the mercy of) single suppliers for their products. The integration of "best in class" has now become a reality. Nevertheless, one must not neglect potential dangers arising from these trends. Even though it seems attractive to use e.g. standard office products to reduce purchasing costs, one must not ignore the original purpose of the design. Commonly lamented situations in the office world, like sporadic paralysis of network access or the necessity to reset an e-mail server, are too frequently tolerated. This is unacceptable in business. This paper highlights examples from the world of automation, underlining the need for divergence from the standard office environment and the implementation of a new approach.


Cnoidal wave solutions in the quantum lattice gas model in the presence of the Aharonov_Bohm flux in a ring are found. The energy gap, the effective mass and the bind energy of cnoidal waves are given. It is pointed out that the spin_wave_like and the soliton are the special cases of the cnoidal wave. The effects of the Aharonov_Bohm flux on the soliton is considered. It is shown that the width, the peak, the bind energy and the effective mass of the soliton and the energy gap are affected and a Josephson_like current is induced by the Aharonov_Bohm flux.


Recognizing intergenerational differences sets the stage for sharing and learning across the generations. An intergenerational land transfer education class was designed to engage families around the issue of parcelization and development of forested lands. A post-class survey of the Intergenerational Land Transfer class was used to evaluate outcomes. Recognizing intergenerational differences in learning was found to be important in catalyzing family discussion and protect working forestlands. This article provides an example of a multi-generational approach to teaching. This approach has implications for program areas beyond agriculture and forestry.


The attachment allows scanning powder samples over a range of 0 degrees -52 degrees , under either low hydrothermal conditions i.e. 240 degrees C and 34*105 Pa or with temperatures up to 400 degrees C and pressures from low vacuum to 6 MPa in any gas atmosphere.


Decommissioning efforts are underway at the reactor where the accident occurred, namely the damaged Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP). However, a large amount of groundwater flowing into the site has become contaminated with radioactive substances and is stored in tanks on site, which has hampered the decommissioning work. Although the inflow of groundwater has been greatly reduced through measures such as the construction of frost walls, approximately 170 m3 of water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) is being stored in tanks, each day. The tanks used to store this treated water are expected to become full by around the summer of 2022. It is not easy to get people to understand the efforts of all concerned parties, and providing clear information to these concerned parties is also a challenge. Questions have also been raised regarding whether other alternatives have been fully explored in the ALPS subcommittee. Some people have commented that the answers to the questions raised regarding the biological effects of tritium transmutation are inadequate. Some suspect that the answers are too detailed and incomprehensible, and that the respondents may be manipulating the public with some malicious intent. In any case, each possible plan presents both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the people who are involved. That makes it an ethical and vexing issue that can sway decisions, as perspectives change. While the environmental release plan is scientifically safe, it may represent a painful alternative. On the other hand, a more careful and imaginative approach to the idea of continued storage in tanks or other forms of storage may reveal some troublesome hidden disadvantages. Under these circumstances, experts must be prepared to answer people's questions in a comprehensive and robust manner.


Artikkel kasitleb lugemist eesti keeles emakeelena ja teise keelena ulikooliopingute kontekstis. Uurimuse eesmark oli valja selgitada, missuguseid strateegiaid uliopilased enese hinnangul kasutavad oppeulesannete taitmiseks vajalike tekstide lugemisel eesti keeles ning missuguseid teksti moistmise raskusi nad seejuures teadvustavad. 80 Tartu Ulikooli eesti ja muu emakeelega uliopilast 27 erialalt taitsid kusimustiku, millega kogutud andmeid analuusiti nii emakeelest kui ka oppeastmest lahtuvalt. Tulemused naitasid, et 1) uliopilased on eesmargiparased ja teksti uksikasjadesse suuvivad lugejad; 2) emakeel mojutab lugemist noudva ulesande taitmise kiirust ja tundmatute sonadega tegelemise viisi; 3) taustteadmised on teksti moistmisel olulisel kohal soltumata emakeelest ja oppeastmest.  *** The use of reading strategies in academic studies  The aim of the study was to ascertain the difficulties students encounter when reading Estonian texts for academic purposes, in order to support them in their studies. 80 native and non-native students from the University of Tartu (Estonia) from 27 programs participated in the study. Data was gathered using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire and analyzed by the following subgroups: L1, L2, BA (years 1–3) and MA (years 4–5). As regards the reading strategy students used, both L1 and L2 students strategically plan their reading by thinking carefully about the task and using support strategies. Compared to L1 readers, the L2 group more frequently uses different strategies, and they can be characterized as more careful readers on both a local and a global level. Finding out the meaning of unknown words was the most commonly used strategy for both L1 and L2 students, which indicates problems with word recognition processes. However, while L2 readers mostly do so using a dictionary, the L1 readers tend to rely on guessing the meaning using context or background knowledge. Compared to L2 students, L1s tend to be better at expeditious reading. The top perceived reading difficulties were related to background knowledge (e.g. complicated topic, insufficiency of required knowledge) and vocabulary (struggling with unknown words). In the former, about half of respondents in all subgroups (L1, L2 and years 1 to 5) reported having difficulties. In word recognition, the difficulties were experienced more often by L2 students and BA students. The results suggest that, in addition to Estonian language courses for academic purposes, more attention should be paid to developing students' academic reading skills in various specialised courses by providing the background knowledge needed to understand texts and supporting them in interpreting complicated texts.


A seed germination experiment has been conducted by choosing two species Bidens bipinnata and Platycladus orientalis that both were widely distributed plants in the world.The goal is that on the basis of being grasped their germination characteristics,comparing and discussing the germination differences between these two species(woody plants and herbaceous plants),so as to provide some references for related research and vegetation restoration of both sides of expressway.The results showed as follows:First,the water content of B.bipinnata and P.orientalis seeds was 14.15% and 9.59%,respectively.Second,the seed clarity of B.bipinnata and P.orientalis seeds was 91.83% and 82.8%,respectively;Besides,their TKW was 1.64 g and 8.46 g,respectively.Third,the seed of P.orientalis has dormancy characteristics.In contrast,the B.bipinnata seed can germinate in winter at room temperature and it not has dormancy stage.Last,so long as temperature wasn't less than 9 ℃,the B.bipinnata could germinate,but the P.orientalis can sprout after low temperature dormancy in winter and its most suitable temperature range for germination was 24.5 ~ 27.5 ℃.


Fast dissolving tablet are the novel dosage form wh ich is well accepted now a days by geriatric and pe diatric patients as it does not need water to swallow. The aim of the present article is to study the natural polymers and the technology used in fast dissolving tablets. Nat ural polymers like plantagovata seed mucilage, Mangiferaindica gum, gum karaya, Hibiscus rosasinenses mucilage, dehydrated banana powder, orange peel pectin, Locust bean gum, improve the properties of tablet and used as binder, diluent, superdisintegra nt, increase the solubility of poorly water soluble dru g, decrease the disintegration time and provide nut ritional supplement. Natural polymers are obtained easily fr om the natural origin and they are cost effective, non-toxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly, devoid of any side eff ect, renewable and also provide nutritional supplem ent. It is proved from the studies that natural polymers are m ore safe and effective than synthetic polymers.


Aim. To compare the nature and degree of influence of different types of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) on the general and specific quality of life (QoL) of patients with asthma and control over the disease.Materials and methods. 234 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, aged from 18 to 60 years old, were interviewed and examined. Depending on the presence of one or another type of AHR, 4 groups were formed: group 1 included 60 patients with cold AHR, group 2 – 75 patients with hypoosmotic AHR, group 3 – 35 patients with hyperosmotic AHR, group 4 – 64 patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). QoL and the state of the emotional sphere were assessed using the SF-36, AQLQ, HADS questionnaires. The level of asthma control was determined using the ACT questionnaire. Lung function was assessed by spirometry.Results. When comparing QoL between groups, statistical differences were obtained for most of the SF-36 scales, with the exception of the domains "Role Physical" (RP) and "Bodily Pain" (BP), and their presence and significance varied depending on the types of AHR being compared. The lowest QoL indices were found in group 1 of patients with cold AHR according to the domains "Physical Activity" (PA), RP, BP, and "Role Emotional" (RE). The lowest indices for the domains "General Health" (GH), "Vitality" (V) and "Mental health" (MH) were found in the respondents of the 2nd group. Most of the highest QoL indicators in the compared groups were found in patients of group 4 with EIB in the domains PA, RP, V, RE, and MH. When carrying out a comparative analysis, the maximum number of significant differences was found between the groups with cold AHR and EIB. A comparative study of QoL using a special AQLQ questionnaire showed the lowest indices for the "Activity" and "Symptoms" domains in groups 1 and 2 of asthma patients. In addition, in group 1, the minimum QoL values were recorded for the "General QoL" domain (3.6±0.2 points), and in group 2, for the "Environment" domain (2.9±0.3 compared with 3.9±0.2 points in group 3, p<0.01).Conclusion. This study has demonstrated the multifaceted effect of AHR on health-related QoL, dependent on sensitivity to a particular physical stimulus and the season of maximum trigger action. The subjective assessment of psychosocial functioning is most differentiated according to the GH domain of the SF-36 questionnaire. The greatest negative impact on the QoL indices is exerted by the cold and hypoosmotic AHR, the least – by the EIB. The assessment of QoL allows to get a full picture of the perception of the patient's health level at the moment and in the given conditions.


Let J? be a ring and M and N be 7?-modules. The sequence 0 — > N ]\I is called pure exact ( or f is pure monomorphism ) if for any J?~m()dnle K the sequence 0 — > N © K — > M ® K is exact. In this case ????/ is called a pure submodule of M. In other words TV is a pure submodule of M if and only if for any /^-module K the sequence 0 —> N ® K •巴의 M ® K is exact. The proposition that a submodule N of M is a pure submodule of M if and only if for any finite sets of elements mz G M, ng E N and rt3 E R (? = 1,2,... = 1,2,... ,n) , the relations n3 = C드】 gi* im ply the existence of elements at € N su시] that n3 = atrtj , was proved by P.M.Chon[2]. An J?-module M is called pure simple if M has no proper pure submodules. Similarly an J?-module M is called pure semi simple if is the direct sum of pure simple submodules of M. By using the concept of coi rect modules and strongly correct modules we will define pure correct modules and strongly pure correct mod ules respectively. We will investigate some similar results about pure concct modules and strongly pure correct moduels corresponding to those about correct modules and strongly correct modules. Through out this paper R will mean an associative ring with identity and every J?-moclule will be a right unitary module.


This chapter proposes a practical approach to determining where investments in technology should be made. Research shows that nearly 50 percent of community college students enroll in only the top twentyfive courses. These courses are the target for increasing access and flexibility and for reducing costs—for getting the "biggest bang for the buck."


40 cases of bi le duct carcinoma gathered over a 6.year period at Kosin Med ical College were reviewed and their clinica l and cho langiographic findings were as fol lows 1. There were 29 males and 11 females (the ratio of men to women, 2.6:1) ranging from 37 to 74 years of age The majority (70% of cases) were in 4th & 5th decades 2. Clin ica l symptoms and signs: jaundice in 95%, RUQ or epigastri c pain in 75%, pruritus in 52 .5%, dark urine in 35%, weight loss in 32.5%, fever and chills in 22.5%, clay co lored stool in 12.5%, and palpable mass in 12.5% 3. Lab. findings: elevated seru m total bilirubin (above 20.0mg% in 45%, 10.0'1 9.9mg% in 22.5%, 5.0-9.9mg% in 20%, 1.3-4.9mg% in 5%), elevated alkaline phosphatase in 95% Clonorchiasis were noted in 17.5% 4. Histologic findings were adenocarcinoma in most cases 5. The location of bi le duct carcinoma were common hepatic duct in 35%, common bile duct in 32.5%, porta hepatis in 12.5%, junction w ith cystic duct in 10% and diffuse form in 10% 6. In 33 cases, PTC or post.operative cholangiographic examination were done. And the most frequent findings were dilatation of the proximal bile duct and abrupt narrowing or complete obstruction of distal lumen In 27 cases (82%), complete obstruction of bil e duct was noted Attempts were made to analyze the type of obstruction : Constricted type in 39%, Nipple type in 18%, round 。 r flat type (smooth or slightly irregu lar) in 15%, and serrated type in 9%. Incomp lete obstruction we re noted in 6 cases (1 8%). Among them, abrupt narrowing of lumen was noted in 9% and diffuse narrowing in 9% 7. ERCP was done in 7 cases Findings were: constricted type in 42 .6%, constricted and slightly irregular type in 14.3%, downward convexity in 14.3%, diffuse irreg비 ar narrowing in 14.3% and intraluminal filling defect in 14. 3%


The survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) continues to improve. The discovery and cloning of the CFTR gene more than 21 years ago led to the identification of the structure and function of the CFTR chloride channel. New therapies based on the understanding of the function of CFTR are currently under development. The better clinical status and improved survival of patients with CF is not only a result of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CF but also a result of the development of therapeutic strategies that are based on insights into the natural course of the disease. Current CF treatments that target respiratory infections, inflammation, mucociliary clearance, and nutritional status are associated with improved pulmonary function and reduced exacerbations. Patients benefit from treatment at a specialized CF center by a multidisciplinary dedicated team with emphasis being placed on frequent visits, periodic testing, and monitoring adherence to therapy. The purpose of this review is to survey recent developments in CF care that are responsible for the improved survival and quality of life of patients with CF.


The concept of information on emissions into the environment derives directly from the Aarhus Convention. But there is little case law clarifying the interpretation of the concept, despite its wide-ranging consequences for the possibility to claim confidentiality of documents used in regulatory and administrative processes. On 23 November the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered its judgment in two separate cases dealing in detail with the concept of information on emissions: appeal Case C-673/ 13 P European Commission v Greenpeace Nederland and Pesticide Action Network Europe and preliminary reference Case C-442/14 Bayer Crop Science v College voor de toelating van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden (Board for the authorisation of plant protection products and biocides). Both cases confirm a somewhat broad interpretation of the concept in the context of EU Regulation 1367/2006 and Directive 2004/3, which implement the Aarhus Convention's provisions on access to environmental information held by EU institutions and national public authorities respectively. According to the Regulation and the Directive, public authorities, including the EU institutions, can refuse to disclose information that would harm the commercial interests of a third party unless there is an overriding public interest in doing so. And if the information relates to emissions into the environment, there is an irrebuttable presumption that disclosure is in the public interest and no exception based on commercial confidentiality can be claimed. The long list of international, European and American pesticide lobbies, and Member State governments, that intervened to defend commercial interest shows that these cases may have widespread consequences, not only for information on pesticides but for all substance-related information.


A study of the permanent magnetic properties of Pr(Mo, Fe)12Nx powders has been carried out by using a mechanical alloying technique. The variations of coercive force and remanence as a function of composition and crystallizing temperature have been investigated. A coercive force of up to 6.0 kOe was obtained. The temperature dependence of the coercive force is presented in comparison with that of Nd2Fe14B‐type magnets.