Background: The aim of the study was to compare the study of continuous epidural and continuous adductor canal block for postoperative pain management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: A total of 150 cases were recruited with 75 cases in each group; patients participated in the study were divided into the adductor canal block (ACB) group and continued epidural group. All the patients received the standardized anesthesia and analgesia on hospitalization. Outcome evaluations included the visual analog scale (VAS) scores during activity and at rest, range of motion, quadriceps strength, complication occurrence, total opioid consumption and sleep disruptions caused by pain, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) before discharge in all groups. Results: The lateral VAS scores of the knee were lower in the continuous epidural group at rest and during activity as compared with the ACB group. However, the overall knee VAS score, complication occurrence, total opioid consumption and sleep disruptions caused by pain, and PONV were similar between ACB and epidural groups. The urinary retention in patients receiving continuous epidural was common compared to no retention in the adductor group, early mobilization in the adductor group, and no muscle weakness in the ACB group. Conclusion: The ACB does not relieve the lateral knee pain at an early stage but offers comparable analgesic effect and enhanced effectiveness of the early rehabilitation compared to an epidural in patients who underwent TKA.


(57) is a power control circuit for a device such as a personal computer, including [Abstract laptop or notebook computer, which saves battery usage, prevent power surges, the charging of the battery longer, life of the battery can be a made longer, to ensure that the circuit is correctly biased. The power control circuit of the present invention achieves these objectives by appropriately staggering the power-on of the circuit components of the computer. Circuitry for achieving these objectives, stored in at least one memory for storing power control state data (the 20, 22, 24) at least one memory (20, 22, 24) in the it can be characterized by a multiplexer (15) for receiving power control state data. Further, a plurality of power control output circuit (21 to 30) which are serially connected are connected to a multiplexer (15), at least one memory (20, 22, 24) to the power control state data stored in the based to output a power control signal. A first plurality of serially connected power control output circuit has a minimal delay, which subsequent plurality of serially connected power control output circuit having a delay that increases.


This study is concerned with the effects of changes in sales tax rates, per capita personal income, and population upon sales tax revenues. The rate elasticity is found, on the average, to be 93; that is, a 100% increase in the sales tax rate will increase revenue by 93%. Differences in base, with limited available data, do not appear to affect the elasticity significantly. The income elasticity is found to be less than one, while the population elasticity is found to be highly variable, but in some instances in excess of one.


This paper introduces a passive dance partner robot for realizing the effective human-robot cooperation. Different from the active-type robot with servo motors, the passive robot is controlled by the servo brakes attached to the wheels of the robot and its driving force is the actual force/moment applied by a human. We also propose a control architecture referred to as CAST (Control Architecture for Step Transition) for passive dance partner robot. This paper especially focuses on the Motion Generator in CAST. The Motion Generator controls the brake torque of each wheel with servo brake attached to the mobile base of the robot and realizes the ballroom dancing of the robot together with a human partner.


Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related coronaviruses -2 (SARS CoV-2) infection posed unprecedented challenges to the world SARS Co-V 2 shows similarity with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and are distributed broadly among humans and animals and cause respiratory tract infections It is imperative for identifying appropriate therapeutic options in response to the SARC CoV-2 outbreak Here, we discuss the potential drug options for repurposing against Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 outbreak has emphasized the urgent need for repurposing drugs We focus here on the existing drugs, based on therapeutic application in influenza and human coronaviruses: SARS and MERS Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has a long-standing history in the prevention and treatment of malaria and has immunomodulatory effects used in various autoimmune disease Multiple research studies show that HCQ improved virologic clearance, and a combination of HCQ with Azithromycin (AZ) is better in viral clearance These drugs are relatively safe and may improve the clinical outcome in the patient


The paper illustrates the main content of traditional agricultural technology in Tujia nationality,explores its modern values and utilization conditions and expresses deep rethinking on it from the perspective of Chinese modernization and modern technology.


The project SWELL 1 aims to support knowledge workers to self-manage their well-being. We extend traditional approaches (like questionnaires and department wide interventions) by developing an interactive system that can provide situated support. In our approach (see Figure 1), behaviour data is captured with sensors and then interpreted into a format that is intelligible, e.g. the users current working context and mental state (Koldijk et al., 2012). This captured information can then be used to provide tailored interventions which are proven to be more effective than nontailored (Hawkins et al., 2008).


Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) were measured online in Beijing during the heating season of 2021, during which Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were hosted. The characteristics of PM2.5 and water-soluble inorganic ions were investigated in general, as well as during the clean period, polluted period, and Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games periods. It was found that most of the polluted episodes occurred under conditions of low wind speed, temperature inversion, and high relative humidity. The total mass concentration of water-soluble inorganic ions during the polluted period and the clean period accounted for 38.2% and 61.4% of the PM2.5 mass concentration, respectively. Both the sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) showed a strong relationship with relative humidity. During the polluted period, the concentrations of secondary aerosols such as sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA) increased significantly. Secondary transformation was enhanced compared with that in the clean period. A polluted process after a snowfall event was selected to explore the mechanism of sulfate and nitrate formation under high relative humidity. The results would be beneficial to understanding the causes of pollution and helping the government to formulate effective measures to control air pollution in winter.


States that people are vital to the success or failure of services. Companies are now becoming people‐oriented, not profit‐centred, providing training and technology and investing in people. Examines three amusement parks, including Disney, and considers several common practices and some unique ones. Covers recruitment, orientation, customer service strategies, employee programmes, morale and motivation. Concludes that although companies perceive customer service as being vital, most copy Disney's models, including those of staff motivation and employee morale.


Wind turbine drivetrains consist of components that directly convert kinetic energy from the wind to electrical energy. Therefore, guaranteeing robust and reliable drivetrain designs is important to minimize turbine downtime. Current drivetrain models often lack the ability to model both the impacts of electrical transients as well as wind turbulence and shear in one package. In this work, the capability of the FAST wind turbine computer-aided engineering tool, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is enhanced through integration of a dynamic model of the drivetrain. The dynamic drivetrain model is built using Simscape in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and incorporates detailed electrical generator models. This model can be used in the future to test advanced control schemes to extend life of the gearbox.


Patent for a wheeled, horse-drawn machine, "whereby plants are firs dampened with water and then overspread with poisonous powder, the latter being caused by the former to adhere to the plant" (para. 9).


To analyze how two incentive schemes, promotion and pay for performance, interact to determine CEO compensation and within-firm wage inequality, I embed a pay for performance framework into a tournament structure. The model shows that when CEO and managers contribute to a firm's output independently, it is optimal for the firm to provide the CEO a compensation far beyond her reservation value if there are many managers who compete for the CEO position. In particular, promotion incentives for managers generate the high CEO pay and the wage gap between CEO and managers. However, I find that the promotion incentive motive can disappear if there is interdependency between the CEO's and managers' outputs. In this case, the main purpose of a high CEO compensation is to induce the CEO to exert effort, not to provide promotion incentives for managers. The tension between incentives for CEO and managers makes it difficult to interpret the meaning of within-firm wage gap. As a possible solution, this paper suggests the use of CEO's base salary to identify which incentive factor is driving the pay gap. ∗The previous version of this paper is circulated under the title "A Hybrid Incentive Scheme: Promotion beyond Pay for Performance". † Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Caltech. Email : firstname.lastname@example.com. I am grateful to Jakša Cvitanić, Jean-Laurent Rosenthal and Michael Ewens for their numerous helpful suggestions. I also thank Federico Echenique, Lawrence Jin, Marcelo A. Fernández, Tatiana Mayskaya, Lucas Núñez, Welmar E. RosadoBuenfil, and especially So Hyun An for helpful discussions. I have also benefitted from comments from seminar participants at Caltech. All remaining errors are mine.


The debate over the processing mechanism for inflectional morphology has focused largely on the German plural system because it seems to contain a minority default, a form that has low frequency but high productivity in diverse contexts. Child overgeneralization patterns, phonological similarity effects, restrictions on compounding, reaction times, and neural dissociations have all been used to argue that the German plural supports either the single-route model or the dual-route model of inflectional morphology. However, lack of modeling evidence limits the reliability with which researchers can attribute empirical patterns to either model. This thesis first examines whether a connectionist model can reproduce child acquisition and overgeneralization patterns. A three-layer perceptron is used to map singular forms to plural class, and the resulting learning and generalization patterns are compared with empirical data. Several similarities emerge, including early overgeneralization of the –e and –n plural classes, later overgeneralizations involving all plural classes, and poor learning and generalization of the umlaut plural class. The network also displays some key differences to child acquisition data, particularly lack of overgeneralizations on null plural target items. The next question involves the emergence of a default form in the network. This is examined by removing all familiar features from the input, yielding an input vector that contains only zeroes. Of ten trained networks tested with this vector, five produce an –n plural and two produce an –s plural, with one network activating both –n and –s and two networks producing no plural form at all. None of the other plural markers show signs of activation. Though the –n plural default is expected due to its high frequency in the training corpus, the –s plural cannot have emerged as a default form simply on the basis of frequency. These results suggest that the default-like characteristics of the German –s plural are compatible with the single-route model.


The most efficient and connected alternative for increasing the use of local renewable energy sources is a hybrid microgrid, these systems face additional challenges due to the integration of power electronics, energy storage technologies and traditional power plants. The hybrid alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) microgrid that is the subject of this research uses a primary-droop control system to regulate state variables and auxiliary services, thus, it is composed of batteries, solar panels and a miniature wind turbine (PDC) and controls how each energy source in a microgrid contributes to the final product. To achieve the given objectives, this paper will create appropriate models for each part of the microgrid design and define, among them, the energy storage batteries and power electronic converters required for each level of each of these systems. Finally, the dynamic nature of the system will be critically evaluated and characterized, to distribute the load and reduce imbalances, modify the primary drop of the resulting microgrid using MATLAB simulation.


Conformational analysis of double‐stranded helical polynucleotides was carried out in terms of internal and external parameters, using semiempirical energy potential functions. The results obtained show that the structures proposed on the basis of the X‐ray analysis for A‐DNA and RNA's are almost identical to those corresponding to the conformational energy minima, whereas that proposed for B‐DNA still appears to suffer from conformational strains. On the other hand, the B‐DNA structure theoretically predicted is stabilized by both van der Waals energy and possible specific interactions with water molecules and counterions. This may explain the stability of the B form with respect to the A form at high relative humidity and ion strength. A possible role of the A + T fraction in stabilizing the B‐type DNA emerges in connection with its preferential ability to bind ions. This agrees with the results on the crystalline structures of GpC and ApU. For RNA's, the occurrence of only A‐type structures is explained as being due to the C(3′)‐endo puckering of ribose in a double helix.


Mastocytosis is an emerging differential diagnosis in patients with more or less specific mediator‐related symptoms. In some of these patients, typical skin lesions are found and the diagnosis of mastocytosis can be established. In other cases, however, skin lesions are absent, which represents a diagnostic challenge. In the light of this unmet need, we developed a diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected mastocytosis. In adult patients with typical lesions of mastocytosis in the skin, a bone marrow (BM) biopsy should be considered, regardless of the basal serum tryptase concentration. In adults without skin lesions who suffer from mediator‐related or other typical symptoms, the basal tryptase level is an important parameter. In those with a slightly increased tryptase level, additional investigations, including a sensitive KIT mutation analysis of blood leucocytes or measurement of urinary histamine metabolites, may be helpful. In adult patients in whom (i) KIT D816V is detected and/or (ii) the basal serum tryptase level is clearly increased (>25–30 ng/ml) and/or (iii) other clinical or laboratory features suggest the presence of 'occult' mastocytosis or another haematologic neoplasm, a BM investigation is recommended. In the absence of KIT D816V and other signs or symptoms of mastocytosis or another haematopoietic disease, no BM investigation is required, but the clinical course and tryptase levels are monitored in the follow‐up. In paediatric patients, a BM investigation is usually not required, even if the tryptase level is increased. Although validation is required, it can be expected that the algorithm proposed herein will facilitate the management of patients with suspected mastocytosis and help avoid unnecessary referrals and investigations.


Physical computing consists of the design and realization of interactive objects, installations and support student's creativity to develop tangible and concrete products of the real world. This paper describes the basics and benefits of integrating physical computing with block-based language MakeCode or Micropython using microcontroller BBC micro:bit. It provides cross-curricular hands-on learning opportunities. We used the microcontroller during the lessons with pupils at a different age. After the first use of the programming with hardware concept, we noticed the rise of the motivation to learn programming even among the 'non-informatics' pupils, among the girls and the in-service teacher. The great benefit of "getting physical" is a holistic view of computer science which encourages creativity, promotes learning by doing and engaging the whole mind and body learning. The paper shows a set of tasks how to present the concept of sequence, variable, random number generator and conditions in such way that pupils need to change the sitting activity by playing activity or hands-on activity realized besides. We conclude that using BBC micro:bit is the right decision for those who want the powerful device to learn programming and to understand the principles of how the hardware works at the same time.


We describe a synopsis structure, the Difference Digest, that allows two nodes to compute the elements belonging to the set difference in a single round with communication overhead proportional to the size of the difference times the logarithm of the keyspace. While set reconciliation can be done efficiently using logs, logs require overhead for every update and scale poorly when multiple users are to be reconciled. By contrast, our abstraction assumes no prior context and is useful in networking and distributed systems applications such as trading blocks in a peer-to-peer network, and synchronizing link-state databases after a partition. Our basic set-reconciliation method has a similarity with the peeling algorithm used in Tornado codes [6], which is not surprising, as there is an intimate connection between set difference and coding. Beyond set reconciliation, an essential component in our Difference Digest is a new estimator for the size of the set difference that outperforms min-wise sketches [3] for small set differences. Our experiments show that the Difference Digest is more efficient than prior approaches such as Approximate Reconciliation Trees [5] and Characteristic Polynomial Interpolation [17]. We use Difference Digests to implement a generic KeyDiff service in Linux that runs over TCP and returns the sets of keys that differ between machines.


This Article is a follow-up to a recent symposium on the future of law practice, the proceedings of which were published in the Quinnipiac Law Review.' The symposium was sponsored by the Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation in cooperation with the Connecticut Bar Association. The principal focus of the symposium was the future of the legal profession in Connecticut. This Article focuses on the future of the legal profession nationwide and on recent significant changes that have occurred in the legal profession in some or all states. Many of the recent changes are indicative of trends likely to continue and to result in further important changes in the U.S. legal profession. This Article also considers potential changes lying ahead in the near-term future, and then speculates on some of the possible changes that may occur in the legal profession in the long-term future. In its coverage of recent and prospective changes in the legal profession, the Article also provides a general overview of the current U.S. legal profession. The term "legal profession" as used in this Article includes not only those individuals licensed to practice law, and their occupational activities, but also the law firms and other organizations of lawyers that provide legal services to clients, the judiciary and other adjudicators, bar associations, and law schools. There are three principal parts in the Article: Part I, Underlying Causes of Recent Changes in the Legal Profession; Part II, Major Sectors of the Legal Profession and Recent


Facial Recognition with unique feature extraction and matching of similarities from thermal infrared images is presented. The proposed work is an integrated approach that consolidates the extraction of consistent features through the use of morphological operators, registration using Image Registration tool and matching these features through newly developed similarity measures for authentication. The new approach is developed with a thermal signature template formed using four images which is to be taken at various instant of time ensured that it does not affects any biometric matching process based on consistent thermal features. Thirteen subjects were used for developing the algorithm in a thermal imaging system. The highly accurate results were obtained in the similarity measures for skeletonised signature and also for anisotropic ally diffused signature. The present work is implemented in MATLAB and the results clearly demonstrates the ability of the infrared system to extend its application to other thermal imaging based systems images. The results show that the highest similarity value, 0.5432 or 54.32%, is obtained between the signature and the template of subject 10, this is a positive match. The 36 similarity value for the positive match between template and signature for subject 10 is less than the positive match between the templates for subject 10, this is expected as the template vs. template similarity is a one-to-one match and thus the resulting distance between features is zero. However when the template and the signature are compared the one-to-one correspondence no longer exists.


PurposeThe authors answer calls for research on the experiences of international professionals' career transitions by investigating how highly skilled immigrants make sense of their career changes in the host country's labor market.Design/methodology/approachThe authors report on a qualitative, inductive and elaborative study, drawing on sensemaking theories and career transitions literature and nine semi-structured reflective interviews with highly skilled Canadian immigrants.FindingsThe authors identified four career change narratives: mourning the past, accepting the present, recreating the past and starting fresh. These narratives are made sense of in a transnational context: participants contended with tensions between past, present and future careers and between relevant home and host country factors affecting their career decisions. Participants who were mourning the past or recreating the past identified more strongly with their home country professions and struggled to find resources in Canada. In accepting the present and starting fresh, participants leveraged host country networks to find career opportunities and establish themselves and their families in the new environment.Originality/valueA transnational ontology emphasizes that immigrants' lives are multifaceted and span multiple national contexts. The authors highlight how the tensions between the home and host country career contexts shape immigrants' sensemaking narratives of their international career change. The authors encourage scholars and practitioners to take a transnational contextual approach (spatial and temporal) to guide immigrants' career transitions and integration into the new social environment.


The kinetics of mechanochemical copolymerization of the ternary system based on acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, and α-methyl styrene, by vibratory milling activation was studied. A general relation for expressing the reaction rate is proposed as follows:

Kinetics has been followed by measuring the amount of unreacted monomer by gas chromatography. Partial reaction orders – related to each comonomer, had almost unitary values, being determined from the conversion-time curves for 7 ternary systems with different comonomer ratios. The values of the reaction rate constant – taken for three temperatures – permitted the computation of the activation energy (18.82 kJ mol-1), such a low value showing that the contribution of the thermal energy in this type of synthesis is unsignificant.


762 cute adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal hemorrhage is an unusual but life-threatening condition although autoimmune destruction of adrenal gland is the main cause of the disease. Adrenal hemorrhage following meningococcal septicemia, known as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, is the typical representation.1 Additionally, anticoagulation therapies,2,3 thromboembolic diathesis,4 surgical stress, orthotropic liver transplantation,5 trauma and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration6 may trigger adrenal hemorrhage. Diagnosis may be difficult due to non specific symptoms, and requires high index of suspicion. Furthermore, corticosteroid replacement therapy can be life saving.7 Adrenal Insufficiency Due to Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage Following Coronary Bypass Surgery: Case Report


We present a novel frequency comb based on thin film lithium niobate. We utilize the electro-optic effect and parametric amplification in an optical resonator to generate a comb of more than 1,000 lines.


Strigais problematic weed causing difficulty in cultivation of sorghum in areas of eastern hararghe where low and erratic rainfall is prevalent and soils are characterized by poor fertility. Knowing these different options of management has been tried however; its cost benefit has never been studied. Therefore, to assess its economic analysis and effect of integrated Striga management on Striga incidence, a field experiment was conducted during the cropping season of 2015 on heavily Striga-infested field in Fedis District, Boko site to determine the effect of trap crops (cowpea, soybean, desmodium, control) and N fertilizer rates (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha-1) on management of Striga incidence and its economic analysis. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Trap crops were uprooted at maximum above ground fresh biomass. The results indicated significant (P<0.05) main effects of trap crop on emergence of Striga where the lowest (26%) Striga emergence of about was recorded over the control with use of cowpea.Striga count at harvest of sorghum was significantly (P< 0.05) affected by the interaction effect of trap crop and N fertilizer where 46 kg N ha-1 and use of cowpea as trap crop reduced the number of Striga seed bank by about 52.3% over the control treatment. The partial budget analysis also showed that the highest(47998.8 Birr ha-1) net benefit was obtained with the use of cowpea as a trap crop and 46kgN ha-1 application. Thus, the use of cowpea as trap crop and 46 kg N ha-1was found to be promising both agronomical and economically


The spectral window of mixed AgClxBr1-x (0≤x≤1) crystals and polycrystalline fibers was investigated as a function of composition. Both visible edge, resulting from electronic transitions, and infrared edge due to multiphonon processes, behave as the one-mode (amalgamation) type of mixed crystals, shifting continuously with composition. The extruded polycrystalline optical fibers preserve the spectral window of silver-halide crystals. Deviations which slightly broaden the window in the infrared regime are explained by the fibers small-grain structure.


BS>Results of experimental investigation of controllable secondary electron emission from KCl low-density dielectric films of different thicknesses and densities in high electric field at the passage of 50-MeV electrons are given. (auth)


As efforts to protect the environment have advanced, the use of inverters in industrial applications and green energy systems have continued to grow rapidly as a way to achieve low-power motor control and reduce power conversion loss. In recent years, this demand has been increasing more and more in relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further improvement in accuracy and downsizing of equipment are required. This white paper focuses on the new Renesas Photocoupler RV1S9x61A and RV1S9x62A for IPM drive which resolve these market demands. These products make it possible to reduce the dead time of the inverter, and are isolation devices with optimum characteristics for driving high-speed power devices which reduce switching loss.


Abstract This paper presents the design of electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure using fractals geometry and its effect on antenna performance. The EBG structure has been designed on substrate εr=4.3 and thickness h=1.53 mm. The 1st iterative EBG structure offers the surface wave suppression around 20 dB down from 2.94 to 4.58 GHz corresponds to 43.62% bandwidth. The experimental results of 2nd iterative EBG structure revealed the surface wave suppression in two bands from 2.45 to 3.36 GHz and from 8.52 to 11.02 GHz. The surface wave suppression bandwidth for both the bands is 31.325 and 25.59%, respectively. The antenna designed with the proposed EBG in same plane exhibits improvement in the bandwidth by 20.5%, gain by 2.44 dB and reduction in back lobe in comparison to antenna without EBG.


We propose a novel approach to analyze the rendering error of image-based rendering (IBR) algorithms with depth information. We do not use the assumption of band-limitedness as existing approaches. Instead, we use the framework of the propagation algorithm that allows to rigorously analyze the rendering error via the framework of nonuniform interpolation. In this framework, using the depths, we propagate all the intensity information to the virtual cameras, and by doing so, turning the IBR problem into a nonuniform interpolation problem at the virtual image planes. The proposed approach then can systematically analyze the rendering quality for different interpolation methods, including commonly used linear interpolation. We can furthermore analyze the effect of depth estimation error on the rendering quality.


The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an analytical study on optimization problems involving large structures subjected to impulse type loading. The impact due to aircraft landing, aerodynamic gust, and the effect of blast waves are a few examples of impulse-type loadings on aerospace structures. The method of optimization presented in this paper is called designing in the dynamic mode. The dynamic mode may be a single natural mode of the structure or a combination of a set of natural modes depending on the spatial distribution and dynamic characteristics of the forcing function. The aperiodic forcing function is represented by Fourier integral in determining the dynamic response. A procedure for determining the participating modes in the dynamic response is discussed. The illustrative examples are a wing structure and a circular arch.


Jeju coastal landscape has been changed from 1980's. Construction of coastal road, rearing fm, restaurant and condominium are main reasons of destroying the Jeju coastal area. Recently, the law for preserving coastal landscape is effective to prevent diverse construction activities, the land is comparatively restricted in the coastal landscape preservation districts. The resident's attitude toward restricted landlord has been carried out in Jeju province and compensation program has been developed for landlord in the coastal landscape preservation district. To speak compensation programs, First, land compensation as if cash compensation and right of purchase claim, Second, incentive as if tax reducement or regional support, Third, assignment of development right.


Describes a closure assembly for a bottle (1), comprising a cage (100), the closure cap (200) and the sealing nut (300), wherein: the cage comprises a side wall (102), having a sidewall an inner surface, the inner surface includes a first annular protrusion (110) and a second annular protrusion (120), said first and second annular projections are spaced apart so as to form a collar for bottles ( 4) the carrier; said closure cap comprising a head (210) and a shank portion (220); said side walls comprises a seal nut (302); an inner surface of the sidewall of the cage comprises one or more retention the teeth (130), for holding the head of the closure cap; the retaining teeth are cantilevered and inclined with respect to the inner surface of the sidewall of the cage; relative to the retaining teeth, is provided a recess (131), retractable tooth into the recess, so that the head of the seal cap may be pushed to the base of the cage (101).


The article proposes a heuristic approximation approach to the bin packing problem under multiple objectives. In addition to the traditional objective of minimizing the number of bins, the heterogeneousness of the elements in each bin is minimized, leading to a biobjective formulation of the problem with a tradeoff between the number of bins and their heterogeneousness. An extension of the Best-Fit approximation algorithm is presented to solve the problem. Experimental investigations have been carried out on benchmark instances of different size, ranging from 100 to 1000 items. Encouraging results have been obtained, showing the applicability of the heuristic approach to the described problem.


The technology of packet filter based on IP content is related to the kernel-mode of Window operation system.By comparing the characteristic of user-mode and kernel-mode,analyzing the network programming interface of Window kernel,adopting the Windows driver model(WDM) and the architecture complying with the network driver interface specification(NDIS),the intermediate driver with miniport and protocol interface is realized according to the I/O request packet(IRP) protocol.It is transparently hooked,which intercept and analyze the IP packet.The programming solution of implementing IP packet filter is provided in WDM model of windows 200x system.


In multi-Agent problem solving,the obvious question is how to plan the action of the Agent group.The multi-Agent planning means that user strengthens multiple Agents' cooperative performance through adjusting individual Agent's behavior,thereby,system's consistency is improved.The multi-Agent system planning cooperation process is illustrated from the angle of coordinative coherence principle,and the process is divided into six phases including finding the cooperation potentiality,mediating cooperative desire,building cooperative team,formulating cooperative plan,realizing team action and measuring the performance result,explanations are given for these phases.Also the master-slave overlaying structure multi-Agent plan pattern is researched,and the basic model based on this cooperative structure is formulated.


Labour provisions have been increasingly included in bilateral and regional trade arrangements. One recent example was the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), signed by twelve countries in 2016 but abandoned by the US in early 2017. Even though the ratification of the TPPA remains uncertain, it has set a precedent in trade policy. This is likely to influence the formulation of trade agreements involving ASEAN countries in the future. This paper examines the implications of the TPPA labour chapter in the context of ASEAN countries that have participated in the agreement. It discusses the extent these countries need to undertake domestic reforms in terms of labour rights and standards. Keyword: International Trade, Labour Provisions, TPPA, ASEAN JEL Code: F15, F16, J88. 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119614 6778 0955 6778 1735 email@example.com www.iseas.edu.sg No. 2017-1


The present document is a report on the analysis of existing programming model frameworks (PMF) developed by the partners of the project: GRID-TLSE (IRIT), SALOME (EDF-CEA), ULCM and HLCM (INRIA). The main characteristics of these PMF are presented as well as expected improvements in the framework of the COOP project. They differ in their expressiveness but express common requirements with respect to resource management systems. ANR COSINUS COOP. ANR-09-COSI-001-01 Page 1


Increasing evidence has showed that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are activated and involved in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to verify the expression of snoRNA SNORD76 in human glioma. 40 surgically resected glioma tissues and 6 non-tumoral white matters, as well as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines were collected and expression of SNORD76 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, we analyzed the potential relationship between SNORD76 expression and the clinical outcomes of glioma patients. We confirmed that SNORD76 expression was associated with the WHO classification and was remarkably decreased in GBM (WHO grade IV) tissues. Meanwhile, SNORD76 was also downregulated in U87 cells, comparing with that in other cell lines. In addition, survival analysis showed a positive and significant correlation of SNORD76 expression with poor overall survival of glioma patients. Functional and mechanism study showed the tumor suppressing roles of SNORD76 by targeting cyclinD1 and p21. The present study adds to a growing body of evidence that SNORD76 expression was decreased in GBM, and it might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for malignant GBM.


Salmonella typhimurium exhibits a weak adaptive response when compared to E. coli. The weak induction results from poor transcriptional activation by the self-methylated Ada protein. It harbours only a constitutive glycosylase activity, lacking an equivalent of the alkA gene of E. coli which codes for an inducible 3-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase II. Thus, all S. typhimurium strains are much more sensitive to alkylating agents than E. coli ones.DMS, a classic SN2 alkylating mutagen methylates purines at positions N3 and N7, primarily inducing GC-AT transitions. However, the applied doses were very low, considering biological relevance, allowing the minimal cell survival to 20 percent and assuring the possibility of screening for histidine prototrophic (his+) mutants. Our interest was to see whether in conditions of overproduced ALkA protein the deficiency of an inducible glycosylase activity could be suppressed, decreasing toxicity and mutation induction in the S. typhimurium strains which differ in their nucleotide excision repair capabilities.


Peter Eisenman's essay, (originally published in Opposition 15-16, Spring 1979),is self-consciously and deeply theoretical in its analysis of the very basic three slabs and six columns of Masion Dom-ino. Different from his mentor Colin Rowe's late humanist reading,Eisenman writes the Dom- ino in a Modernist context to challenge the very fundamental architectural issues,such as what is the difference between"building"and"architecture".


The article studies the issues dealing with various approaches to the analysis of the term «discourse» in the humanities. The detailed characteristics of the discourse, both in the narrow and broad meanings, allows to reveal the concept in terms of methods of teaching foreign languages. Here the discourse is treated as a foreign-language-communication model (a broad meaning) and as a communication unit performed by text (a narrow meaning).


Abstract This article argues that major cases of electoral reform across democracies in Asia in recent years can be explained as institutional measures aimed at curbing corruption and 'money politics'. More specifically, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand rid themselves of their extreme candidate-centered electoral systems as a means to encourage politicians to invest in 'clean' collective party labels, while Indonesia discarded its extremely party-centered electoral system to increase the accountability of individual politicians. The article thus disagrees with scholars who argue that recent electoral reform should be understood as part of a wider project by Asian governments to engineer a majoritarian form of democracy. Instead, the comparative analysis shows that democracies across Asia, in line with global trends in institutional design, have been 'normalizing' their electoral systems, moving them closer towards the ideal of electoral 'efficiency'.


The single scattering properties of clouds are mainly determined by the effective radius of the droplet size distribution. There are only few exceptions where the shape of the size distribution affects the optical properties, in particular the rainbow and the glory directions of the scattering phase function. Using observations by the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) in 180 degree backscatter geometry, we found that high spatial resolution observations of the glory provide unique new information which is not available from traditional remote sensing techniques: Using only one single wavelength, 754 nm, we were able to determine not only optical thickness and effective radius, but also the width of the size distribution. In addition to providing new information, the method has the advantage of being not affected by three-dimensional cloud inhomogeneity effects because the glory is a single scattering phenomenon. Applying this technique to the ACE-2 CLOUDYCOLUMN experiment, we found that the size distributions were much narrower than previously suggested in the literature which is in agreement with in-situ observations during this campaign. While the shape of the size distribution has only little relevance for the radiative properties of clouds, it is extremely important for understanding their evolution. The potential of the method as a satellite or aircraft-based remote sensing tool will be outlined in the talk.


An information processing apparatus is disclosed. The information processing apparatus includes a display unit which displays a screen in which is performed an operation for controlling another apparatus; and a control unit which manages an error occurring in the other apparatus and controls displaying/non-displaying of error information which indicates an occurrence of the error, wherein the control unit controls the displaying/non-displaying of the error information based on a relationship between the error occurring and the screen displayed by the display unit.


The almond skin powder is one of the biodegradable and biocompatible food wastes that can be used as reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA) for preparation of biomedical scaffolds/implants (for high mechanical performance) by fused filament fabrication. The present study deals with the melt processing of almond skin powder as reinforcement from 0 wt% to 5 wt% in the PLA matrix by twin-screw extrusion process. The results of the study suggested that reinforcing the almond skin powder as 2.5 wt% in the PLA matrix mechanically strengthens the feedstock filaments but the increase in the proportion up to 5 wt% reduces the mechanical strength to a significant level. A similar trend has been observed in differential scanning calorimeter observations for thermal stability analysis. As regard to the rheological property is concerned, the melt flow index shows a significant reduction with reinforcement of almond skin powder in PLA. The results are also supported by photomicrographic analysis (for surface properties) and Taguchi-based optimization of twin-screw extrusion process parameters (for multifactor optimization).


Objective High-resolution helical computerized tomography scan and MRI high-resolution 3D-CISS were performed on middle and inner ear on the patients with implantation of electronic cochlea preoperatively,the clinical values were analyzed and compared between them.Methods 30 deaf patients with planning of the implantation of electronic cochlea were chosen.High-resolution helical CT scan was performed with 1 mm thickness,1 mm interslice gap,2 times amplifination.MRI 3D-CISS sequence was performed(TR 12.30 ms,TE 5.9 ms) with flip angle 70°,slice thickness 0.7 mm,no gap,MIP reconstraction.The information from CT and MRI were compared.Results CT scans showed the structure of bony structure of middle and inner ear.MRI scans showed the membranous structure of middle and inner ear and nerves of inner acoustic meatus.Conclusion The combination of High-resolution helical computerized tomography scan and MRI high-resolution 3D-CISS could provide more precise information for implantation of electronic cochlea.


A semi-inverse method from stress functions is used to obtain elasticity solutions of a simply supported beam with different modulus under uniformly distributed load and its approximate solutions derived from mechanics of material are also checked. The results show that because the materials with different modulus are employed, the stress redistributes across section in a large extent and the maximum normal stress obtained from mechanics of materials is underestimated to a certain degree. These errors fluctuate according to different modulus of materials and enlarge especially in the case of deep beams.


We show the enhancement of the photoluminescence at λ = 1:5 μm in highly-doped (> 1021 cm-3) Er-Al2O3 samples by controlling the vertical distance between the Er-ions using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Er2O3 and Al2O3 were deposited on top of silicon in an alternating fashion with ALD. Five Er2O3-Al2O3 samples were fabricated by keeping the amount of Er2O3 constant but changing the thickness of the Al2O3-layers between the Er2O3-layers. The PL spectra of the samples reveal that the PL signal enhances up to 90% when the vertical distance (the number of Al2O3-layers) between the Er-ions increases. The PL enhancement can be related to the reduction of up-conversion signal at 532 and 650 nm in the Er-ions. Our results demonstrate that ALD is an excellent technique to fabricate and to optimize Er-doped materials due to its unique depositions properties.


Flow characteristics and pollutant dispersion characteristics of a mechanical upper vent of a tunnel under various discharge patterns and ambient wind were studied by using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical method and an experimental model. On this basis, variations in the environmental impact radius rcriti changing with the ambient wind velocity U for pollutants from vertical and horizontal outlets were also analyzed with the set discharge capacity. According to our findings, the pollutant emission of the upper vent under a vertical discharge pattern can be considered as free buoyant jet diffusion under the impact of the momentum of ambient wind, while the emission under the horizontal discharge pattern can be regarded as semi-confined buoyant jet diffusion under the impact of the momentum of ambient wind. Moreover, the rcriti of the vertical outlet increased with the increase of U when U ≤ 3 m/s and was minimally affected by U for U > 3 m/s. Additionally, the rcriti of the horizontal outlet decreased with the increase of U. When the discharge capacity was constant, the rcriti of the upper vent under both vertical and horizontal discharge patterns declined with the increase of the discharge velocity V0. Note that the rcriti of the vertical outlet was smaller than that of the horizontal one for the range of parameters considered. These results can provide a theoretical reference for optimizing the design of a vent on the top of an urban tunnel.


Experimental investigation on an exhausted-heat-powered adsorption refrigeration system with water cold storage tank is presented. The system has only one adsorber and the cooling output is realized by the cold storage during desorption process. The process of the refrigeration cycle as well as the function and the influence of the cold storage are studied. Comparison of the performance of this system and that of the continuous one with two absorbers has been made. Also the cold discharging process of adsorption cold storage, which has no cold loss during storing process, has been analyzed experimentally.


The perturbation technique of Shtokalo shows that we can approximate the solution vector of the Lindstedt equation by \[ x = \left[ {Ue^{iRt} + \sum\limits_{n = 1}^m {\varepsilon ^n y_n (t)} } \right] \left[ {\exp t\left( {\sum\limits_{k = 1}^m {\varepsilon ^k A_k } } \right) } \right] \]The main result in this paper is that for all but a finite number of $\omega $, the approximations to the Lindstedt equation are stable for $\varepsilon $ small enough.


Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify imported apparel selection behavior according to Mongol women's conspicuous consumption orientation. A self -administered questionnaire was used for data collection. First, factors of conspicuous consumption orientation were high price and luxury brand, fashion style, altruism, prestige, and brand. Mongol women were segmented into the price and prestige pursuit group, the fashion and brand pursuit group, the altruism pursuit group, and the conspicuous consumption retard group. Second, factors of motivating the selection of imported apparel were value, symbolism, and aesthetics, and Mongol women considered the aesthetics of imported apparel important. Married Mongol women in their 30's chose imported apparel because of its symbolism. More married women selected imported apparel because of its value and more educated women selected imported apparel because of its aesthetics. Women with higher apparel expenditure selected imported apparel because of its value and symbolism. Quality, diversity, and the fit of imported apparel were the selection criteria for Mongol women and they were satisfied with the quality, diversity, and fit of the imported apparel. Brand awareness was very important when selecting imported apparel but the women's satisfaction level was significantly low. Third, more women in their 30's, unmarried, or with a lower educational level were found in the price and the prestige pursuit group, and the price and prestige pursuit group and the altruism pursuit group selected imported apparel for its aesthetics. More unmarried women in their 30's with a higher educational level were found in the fashion and brand pursuit group and selected imported apparel for its value, symbolism, and aesthetics. More unmarried women in their 20's with a higher educational level were found in the altruism pursuit group, but unmarried women in their 20's with a lower educational level were found in the conspicuous consumption retard group.Keywords: imported apparel(수입의류), apparel selection behavior(의류선택행동), conspicuous consumption orientation(과시적 소비성향), Mongol women(몽골 여성)


Humic substances are a general category of naturally occurring, biogenic, heterogeneousorganic substances that can be characterised as being yellow to black in colour, of highmolecular weight and refractory. Surface tension measurement defined humic substances assurface active substances. Unless micellar structural model of humic substances has beensuggested, in the same time there are only a few studies about the factors that affect thesurface activity of humic solutions. The objective of this study was to study changes insurface activity depending on the origin and properties of humic substances.The surface tension-pH curves of humic substances featured a minimum for all solutions,declining steeply from higher and lower pH values. The decrease in surface tension withdecreasing pH reflects the gradual neutralization of acidic sites, which created amphiphilicspecies that migrated to the surface. Surface tension of solutions of humic substancesdecreased with increasing concentration, as well as in presence of metal salts. Manyindustrially produced humic materials demonstrated no or insignificant impact on surfacetension of their solutions, but humic substances isolated from natural environments (water,soil, peat, sediments) demonstrated significant impact of surface tension of their solutions.Thus there exist direct links between origin, structure of humic substances and their ability toinfluence surface tension of aquatic solutions.


The invention discloses a method for recovering recuperator tower heat energy applied to chemical absorption solution regeneration, wherein the advantages of low rich fluid boiling point and high enthalpy of vaporization are fully exploited, the heat energy reclamation is realized by a parallel fractional flow mode, which can minimize heat consumption during the regenerative process.


GaN small particles are sensitive to water molecules and easily hydrolyzed into GaOOH when exposed to atmosphere. One of the perfect solutions is to coat them with SiO2, which serves as a protective layer against adsorption of water molecules on the GaN surface and effectively prevents the hydrolysis of GaN. Herein, the synthesis of GaN@SiO2 with morphologies of microrhombuses and microrods is demonstrated. The products of GaN@SiO2 were characterized by XRD, indicating that there was almost no hydrolysis of GaN@SiO2 after one year exposition in the air. The photoluminescence (PL) of GaN microrhombuses and microrods exhibited emission peaks in the blue region, as did the GaN@SiO2 products. The luminescence intensity increased after SiO2 coating, while the PL position was not shifted. The silica shell effectively prevented the hydrolysis of GaN and successfully preserved the luminescence properties of GaN microrhombuses and microrods.


The present invention relates to a pad portion of the liquid crystal display apparatus to lower, in particular, the contact resistance to a liquid crystal display device. Feature of the present invention by forming a data pad, a contact hole so as to have a plurality of sides, to increase the data pad contact hole perimeter. Due to this, the data pad and the data pad electrode auxiliary electrode are here to broaden the contact area in contact with each other can reduce the contact resistance. By thus reducing the contact resistance, it is possible by the conventional contact resistance to avoid the problems which had a decrease in image quality of the liquid crystal display device thereby to delay the signal to be supplied to the liquid crystal panel. A data pad, a contact hole, the contact resistance, the contact area


pkkimgchosun.ac.kr Abstract- Tobridge thegapbetween computational models for activity detection systems havebeendeveloped inthelast spatio-temporal relations andpeople's useofmotion verbsin decades. Through researching abouttheformer workswe their natural language, amodelforthespatio-temporal relations found that wehavetospend alotoftimeonexplaining and wascalibrated formotion verbs. So,inthespecific domain, we annotating thehumanaction evensuchasatiny action: raising introduce recognition ofhumanaction/activity fromvideos usingarm,moving theheadorassort. Notevenreferring tothe motion verbs onontology ofWordNet. event, we canimage howittime andlabor consuming for Keywords-Motion verbs, WordNet,Spatio-temporal analyzing. Inorder toimprove thesystem efficiency, inthis Keywiors - paper, weaimtodefine anevent ontology that allows natural


Annual counts of larvae of western spruce bud worm, Choristoneura occidentolis Free., from beating samples of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb.) Franco) were analyzed over 30 years. Sampling points which most frequently yielded high budworm counts and also had detectable defoliation were analyzed and compared with results from all the samples. When the purpose of sampling was to predict populations, the 98 points sampled since 1949 could be reduced to 17, thus enabling a significant reduction in the cost of data collection.


Electromagnetic linear actuators, as key executive components, have a vital impact on the performance of fully flexible variable valve trains. Considering that the conventional moving coil electromagnetic linear actuator (MCELA) has the disadvantages of low force density and a lack of end-passive self-holding ability, a novel composited electromagnetic linear actuator (CELA) is proposed by combining the performance advantages of MCELA and moving iron electromagnetic linear actuator (MIELA) in this work. Firstly, the structure and magnetic circuit design scheme of the proposed actuator are introduced and the finite element simulation model is established. The magnetic field distribution and force characteristics of the actuators are assessed by finite element simulation. Secondly, the construction of the prototype of the actuator is outlined, based on which the feasibility of the design scheme and the steady-state performance of the actuator are verified. Finally, the coordinated control strategy is proposed to realize the multi motion coordination control of the actuator. The research results show that the maximum starting force of the CELA with the end-passive self-holding ability is 574.92 N while the holding force can approach 229.25 N. Moreover, the CELA is proven to have excellent dynamic characteristics and control precision under different motion modes and to have an improved adaptability to the complex working conditions of internal combustion engines.


The effect of treating the surface of shungite filler particles with a mean particle size of 4 μm on the properties of PP-based composites was studied. When the untreated shungite filler was introduced into PP, the adhesive strength of adhesive joints with a steel wire was increased by 22-27%. Upon ozonation of shungite particles and removal of organic compounds from their surface, an increase in the adhesive strength was as high as 45-50%. A variation in the adhesive strength with the shungite concentration was described by a curve with a maximum at 2.5-5.0 wt %. Filling of the composite with shungite particles that were heated (at 800°C) and coated with stearic acid caused a reduction in the adhesive strength. Unexpected concentration dependences of the adhesive strength are proposed to be determined by the packing of PP molecules in layers adjoining the fiber and the defectiveness of the fiber-adhesive interface, which in turn depends on the procedure of treating shungite particles.


ABSTRACT: The accounting profession has raised concerns that excessive liability exposure renders audit firms unwilling to provide audit services to risky clients, limiting the prospective clients' ability to raise external capital. We address this concern in a model in which the auditor evaluates the riskiness of the client before accepting the client engagement. We consider a setting in which a shift to stricter legal liability regimes not only increases the expected damage payments from the auditor to investors in case of audit failure, but also increases litigation frictions such as attorneys' fees. The main finding is that the relationship between the strictness of the legal regime and the probability of client rejection is U‐shaped. Our model suggests that in environments with moderate legal liability regimes, the client rejection rate is lower than in environments with relatively strong or relatively weak legal regimes.


Each year the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal publish the Index of Economic Freedom. This major study compiles economic data on more than 150 countries. The compilers divide the data into ten categories, ranging from business freedom to labor freedom. One of the ten categories is fiscal freedom. The variables for fiscal freedom include individual income and corporate income taxation and tax revenues as a percentage of GDP. These three variables are weighted equally. The range for each variable is 0 to 100. Table 1 shows the extent of fiscal freedom for the transition economies that were included in the study. The figures are for the 2007 study. The perfect score is 100. The scoring of fiscal freedom is computed using a quadratic cost function where each component is converted to a 100-point scale, using the following equation: FFij = 100 - 200(Componentij)2 where FFij represents fiscal freedom in country i for component j and Componentij represents the raw percentage value, which is between 0 and 1, in country i for component j. The present study analyzes the scores and compares them between countries and between years for 28 transition countries. A comparison is also made with OECD countries to determine how well or how poorly transition economies are doing in the total scheme of things.


In this paper,a kind of chuck balancing device is introduced,which adopts dismountable structure and is connected by lock nut.It is only to adjust or change the sleeve for different chuck,and then the components and structure are reused.Thus,it greatly reduces labor of fixture design and manufacture,and technical preparation time is also shortened for production.The fixture has advantages of compact structure,easy adjustment,and strong versatility.


ABSTRACT Experiments were performed to investigate the boundary layer flow over rough surfaces of sawn boards in a lumber drying stack. The measurements were conducted with hot-wire anemometry in a range of free-stream velocities of from 0.6 to 7.0 m/ over the rough surface of sawn boards. Boundary layer properties were calculated to demonstrate the development and structure of the flow for various free-stream velocities. The effect of the boundary layer flaw on the drying of lumber was discussed.


Finite element simulations of mixed convection flow (Re < 100, Gr < 10{sup 6}) are presented for two gas flow reactors characteristic of those used in the manufacture of microchips. The simulations demonstrate the usefulness of FIDAP (a finite element, Navier-Stokes code developed by Fluid Dynamics International, Inc.) as a tool to design new reactors and to assess the effects of varying operating conditions in present reactors. The calculations predict the existence of thermal plumes and recirculation regions within reactors. These flow nonuniformities are important since they can result in fatal defects in microchips. Comparisons between solutions obtained using a Boussinesq model and FIDAP's variable density model are presented. The FIDAP calculations agree with previous simulations using more detailed models, supporting the use of FIDAP as a design tool in the semiconductor industry. 7 refs., 9 figs.


Objective: To investigate left atrial parameters and its effective factors by left atrial tracking in healthy adults.Methods: 202 randomly elected nornmal healthy adults underwent echocardiography, 99 were male with mean age(41.5±12.5)years old, 102 were female with mean age(44.9±13.1) years old. The left atrial endocardial surface was traced by left atrial tracking(LA Tracking), to obtained long-axis length-time curve of left atrium, circumference-time curve, area-time curve, volume-time curve, volume change rate curves of left atrium. Then measure maximum long-axis length of left atrium(LALmax),minimum long-axis length(LALmin), maximum circumference(LACmax), minimum circumference(LACmin), maximum area(LAAmax), minimum area(LAAmin), maximum volume(LAVmax), minimum volume(LAVmin), pre-systolic volume(LAVp), systolic illing rate(dv/dt S), early diastolic emptying rate(dv/dt E), emptying peak fraction at late left ventricular diastolic(dv/dtA), normal value ranges were drew from the above parameters, and then research the above mentioned parameters, which standardized by body surface area(BSA), whether affected with gender and age. Results: The differences of left atrial parameters between male group and female group had no significance statistically(P0.05). All parameters in each age groups were significant statistically(P0.05), and these parameters increased with age. Conclusion: The parameters of normal left atrium increase with age by left atrial tracking, but not with gender. LA Tracking, as a new technology, has certain feasibility on left atrial normal configuration and function.


Complications from diabetes often result in poor outcomes for patients, even after optimized interventions. Forkhead transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) is a key angiogenic regulator that plays a pathologic role in the progression of diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of FoxO1 in the development of diabetic vascular complications and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Comparative studies were carried out in wild‐type (WT) versus FoxO1‐selective inhibitor AS1842856 (AS)‐gavaged rats at 8 weeks after STZ injection, as well as in human aortic arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). We found that AS prevented both aortic wall morphological changes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats and recruited SMCs in carotid artery media. Treatment with pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of FoxO1 prevented increases in pro‐inflammatory factors and adhesion factors, and NLRP3 (NOD‐like receptor family protein 3) inflammasome activation. Furthermore, downregulation of FoxO1 attenuated diabetes‐induced phenotypic switch both in vivo in rat carotid artery, and in vitro in human smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). FoxO1 knockdown also reversed the synergic effects of TNF‐α and high glucose responsible for inducing cellular death, NLPR3 inflammasome and HASMC phenotype switching. Furthermore, FoxO1 pharmacological inhibition restored FoxO1‐3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase 1 (Pdk1) binding, restraining FoxO1 nuclear translocation, which served as the basis for subsequent transcriptional regulation during hyperglycemia. Taken together, our data suggest that FoxO1 is a novel promoter of vascular remodeling in STZ‐induced diabetes, and thus may have important therapeutic implications for diabetes‐caused cardiovascular diseases.


Objective: To discuss the importance of standardized management of medical equipment. Methods: By using the method of documentary and practice investigation, the experience and best practice on standardized management of medical equipment were concluded. Results: After implementing standardized management on medical equipment, the level of medical treatment and nursing will continuously to be improved, and in favor of the development of the new technical activities. Conclusion: Standardized management of medical equipment is one of the most important actions in the development of the modern hospital.


The "state-of-art" treatment approach for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (eg, bladder cancer or other urothelial tumors of urinary tract) is platinum-containing chemotherapy, however, despite the high immediate efficacy of therapy (up to 70% of the objective response rate), long-term results of treatment remain unsatisfactory, median progression-free and overall survival usually do not exceed 6 and 12 months respectively, patients with visceral metastases or poor performance status have a particularly dismal prognosis. The most effective treatment for this disease is cisplatin-containing chemotherapy, ddMVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, cisplatin) and GC (gemcitabine, cisplatin) regimens are most effective, however, in real world setting a minority of patients can tolerate these treatment options. Recent advances in the treatment of urothelial cancer are associated with discoveries in the field of immunotherapy for this disease by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. The most promising results in the first line of treatment for this disease based on the sequential use of cisplatin-containing chemotherapy with maintenance avelumab therapy, the latter drug has been proven to increase the overall survival of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer. This article discusses key data on the immediate and long-term effectiveness of systemic therapy for metastatic urothelial cancer, as well as potential ways to improve the results of treatment of patients with this disease, primarily through the introduction of maintenance immunotherapy into real world clinical practice and expanding the category of patients who are eligible for platinum-containing chemotherapy.


Temporal power spectral density models of noise in continuous crustal deformation measurements obtained with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and high-quality strainmeters are compared. The crossover frequency at which GPS measurement noise is less than that of strainmeters is determined. Assuming GPS precision of 0.1 to 1 cm in horizontal components for baselines up to 100 km in length, local deformation monitoring with GPS may be preferable to strainmeters for observations of short-term deformation in under 6 months of continuous (at least daily) measurements. Short-period tropospheric path delays and multipath effects, which may obscure GPS-determined strain signals in local network measurements, also are discussed.


The epidemiology of tinea capitis has changed over the past 40 years. The major organism responsible for tinea capitis today is Trichophyton tonsurans. This dermatophyte accounts for more than 90% of ringworm infections of the scalp in the United States and replaces Microsporum audouinii and to a lesser extent Microsporum canis, which were associated with the ringworm epidemics of the 1940s.1-4
 Trichophyton tonsurans is an anthropophilic organism producing endothrix invasion of the hair shaft that does not fluoresce on Wood's light examination.5 Tinea capitis is epidemic in black school-age children, but only rarely in whites. The reason for this racial predilection is not known.1


Well-designed energy management strategies are essential for the good operation of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in terms of fuel economy and pollutant emissions reduction, regardless of the specific powertrain architecture. The goal of this paper is to propose two innovative supervisory control strategies for HEVs derived from different optimization algorithms and to assess HEVs' fuel consumption reduction (compared to conventional vehicles). These approaches are derived from the literature and modified by the authors to present novel algorithms for the optimization problem. One is based on Dynamic Programming (DP), here referred to as the Forward Approach to Dynamic Programming (FADP) and introduces a different implementation of the DP to achieve computational and accuracy benefits. The other is based on the Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) approach, and it adapts to the latest driving conditions using information gathered in a finite-length backward-looking horizon. These techniques are used to achieve the optimal power share between the thermal engine and the battery of a parallel HEV. Their performances are compared and analysed in terms of achieved fuel economy and computational time with respect to conventional DP and Pontryagin's Minimum Principle (PMP) approaches.


HIV remains a significant and stigmatised disease in the United Kingdom, and estimates suggest that a third of people infected with HIV are unaware of the fact. HIV prevalence is increasing and mortality has dramatically decreased following the introduction of effective treatment. General practitioners are ideally suited to the care of patients with chronic diseases, which now include HIV.HIV.

Figure 1

Sara Madge, Philippa Matthews, Surinder Singh, Nick Theobald

Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health (MedFASH), pp 91 Free (to GPs and primary care teams in England) from MedFASH on 020 7383 6345 or available to download at www.medfash.org.uk/publications/ documents/HIV_in_Primary_Care.pdf ISBN 0 9548615 1 5

Rating: ★★★★

All general practitioners should spend an hour reading this excellent little book, which could alter practice and save lives. Written by and for British GPs, it neither assumes knowledge nor patronises, yet addresses most of the primary care questions about HIV.

The book is well laid out and illustrated, with important points clearly highlighted, related internet links throughout and a useful summary chapter. It lends itself to a practice development session, from working through ways of broaching HIV in a consultation with assessment of a patient's risk, to looking at practice protocols for post-exposure prophylaxis and how HIV can be coded and displayed in patient electronic records. The book also includes many useful tips, such as the necessity for planning international travel (some countries restrict entry) and advising the drawing up of wills for gay men whose long term partners can otherwise be excluded from inheritance.

HIV is a diagnosis not to be missed. Confirmation of diagnosis affords the opportunity to ensure access to what is now life saving treatment and to interventions to decrease spread to others. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better.

This book is rightly aimed at primary care, but is also ideal reading for students and qualified secondary care clinical staff.


Abstract : To meet the stringent closed-loop performance specifications of flexible space structures will require very accurate dynamical models for control design. Ground-testing is not likely to produce the on-orbit dynamics to within the requisite accuracy. This report examines the feasibility of on-orbit identification for robust control design. A simulation model of the ASTREX facility is used as a testbed. It is demonstrated that robust control design can be used to dictate the accuracy requirements of on-orbit identification. It is also shown that prior knowledge of the system dynamics together with on-orbit data can lead to an estimate of a frequency dependent uncertainty profile associated with an identified model. These methodologies are necessary for an on-orbit adaptive robust control design procedure.


Introduction:
 In patients with advanced chronic diseases, such as heart failure, provision of appropriate palliative care is critically important to improve or maintain good quality of life until the end of their lives. To provide appropriate palliative care, nurses need to have appropriate level of self-efficacy in palliative care (self-efficacy). However, assessment methods of nurses' self-efficacy are limited in Korea.

 Hypothesis:
 The reliability and validity of the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale would be supported in Korean nurses.

 Methods:
 Data on self-efficacy, advanced directive (AD) counseling, and AD education were collected from 272 nurses (Mean age: 30 years). Validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (SPSS and Mplus) and the relations of AD counseling and education to self-efficacy (independent t-tests). Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and item analyses (SPSS).

 Results:
 The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (Figure 1) supported the four-factor structure (communication, patient management-physical, patient management-psycho-spiritual, and multiprofessional teamworking) with factor loadings > .60 and with good model fit: root mean square error of approximation = .07, Tucker-Lewis Index = .94, comparative fit index =.95, and standardized root mean square residual = .04. The scores of self-efficacy were higher in nurses with experiences of AD counseling (p < .001) and AD education (p = .009) compared to nurses without the experiences. Cronbach's alphas for the total scale and each of the subscales ranged from .883 to .965. The corrected item-total correlation coefficients of all items in the total scale and each subscale ranged from .61 to .90.

 Conclusions:
 The findings of this study supported the hypothesis. This instrument can be used to assess nurses' self-efficacy in palliative care and to test the intervention effects on nurses' self-efficacy in palliative care.


Template classes in C++ raise issues for instructors, as there are several ways to represent and instantiate them and compilation and linking issues. Some integrated development environments mandat...


At the beginning of the III millennium in connection with the features of modern technologies survival, feed, considerable part of population has surplus mass of body. In the fight against the given problem of humanity it is useful to use employments in a water environment. It is linked that at swimming from horizontal position of body the static tension directed on maintenance of pose is taken to the minimum, work of heart is considerably facilitated in this connection. In addition, at swimming it is easier to measure out loading.


A self‐avoiding walk on a lattice, confined between two planes, is examined as a model of the stabilization of a colloidal system by adsorbed polymer. If the walk interacts with neither plane, there is a repulsive force on the planes due to the decrease in the volume of configuration space available to the walk. This effect is larger for a self‐avoiding walk than for a random walk. If the walk interacts with only one of the planes, with an attractive potential, there is a decrease in the magnitude of the stabilizing effect as the temperature decreases, but the force on the planes remains repulsive. If the walk interacts with both planes, with an attractive potential, there is a stabilizing effect at high temperatures but a destabilization (sensitized flocculation) at low temperatures.


An interrnpted tone (on-fraction 0.5; tonal duration 2000 msec; 3000 cps, 95 db (SPL)) was applied to induce TTS for 10 normal ears.The relation between the total duration of the interrupted stimuli and the degree of TTS was studied for both ATP-applied group and non-applied group (Fig. 1).From these results it was found that ATP was effective to reduce the degree of TTS, and the recovery time from it.Authors studied also on the intraauralmusle reflex and on the intensity duration threshold.Considering these results, they concluded that the preventing mechanism of ATP from TTS was due to the process of time constant elamant in perceptional mechanism.


Crop yield responses to nitrogen (N) fertilizers and associated changes in field N balances were gathered from fertilizer trials by MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Potato Research Institute and Sugar Beet Research Center, to facilitate renewal of the Nitrate decree in Finland. Moreover, data from practical fields were retrieved from the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira) and other sources (starch potato data, yield competition data) for comparison with the research data. In both the experimental and farm data, N balances increased along with increasing N fertilizer rates. Moreover, at a given N fertilizer level, N balances increased in the order: yield competition, experimental field data, farm data. Environmentally acceptable N fertilizer rates were proposed by considering the variability in the different datasets in yield responses and N balances, and by using a simple model to estimate the leaching risk.


In his controversial speech at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Frankfurt Book Fair, Luiz Ruffato proclaimed that the greatest dilemma human beings have ever faced is dealing with the dichotomy between self and other. He went on to point out how this dichotomy lies at the heart of Brazilian identity, indeed his first example of the clash between cultures that has gone on to shape his country's identity and national ideology was the original encounter between the indigenous peoples and the European colonizers. Brazil, Ruffato declared, was born under the aegis of genocide. The subject arose again a year later in Ruffato's column for the Spanish newspaper El Pais, where he further highlighted some shameful facts about the disgraceful way that indigenous people are treated in Brazil, including the horrific data that according to a UNICEF study the rate of suicide among the indigenous (36% of whom are aged under 14) was four times higher than that of the rest of the population, and in some places as much as 34 times higher. Ruffato's signalling of the plight of the indigenous peoples as well as recognizing their effective lack of visibility despite their fundamental place in Brazilian national identity echoes the protests made directly by indigenous groups or their representatives for their rights as citizens to be respected, especially their rights to ancestral lands, which are so often ignored. It also reminds readers of the symbolic power of the indigenous people, their portrayal (romanticized, demonized, hyperbolized) almost always skewed to fit a particular agenda and almost always clashing with reality. Essentialised and caricatured in literature, art, film, history, anthropology and politics, indigenous peoples paradoxically represent numerous contradictory elements in the Brazilian national ideology: they are savage yet passive, both backward and wise, the emblematic and incompatible Other who is also an ancestor.


(1) The authors acknowledge the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for a leave fellowship and research grants and the University of Calgary Research Services Office for a research grant that made the research for this paper possible.


Autonomous mobile robots are required to know precisely their position and orientation in order to successfully perform their mission. Since multi-robots collaboration has outstanding advantages, multi-robot collaborative localization method has been studied widely in recent years, but robots should have high performance in this method. As wireless sensors became smaller and cheaper in the recent years, applications with many nodes for tracking and monitoring are now feasible. The process of localization based on Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) depends on estimating the position of the features within the environment. However, this methodpsilas localization accuracy is not satisfactory. So a new localization method is presented that multi-robot collaborative localization was combined with localization technology of WSN. This kind of combination method hasnpsilat been introduced before. The combination method uses WSN to calculate the position of the tracked robot first, and then applies a particle filter based estimator for tracking and building of the robot model. The distance measured in WSN is calculated based on received signal strength indicators (RSSI), and particle filter is used to realize multi-robot collaborative localization. The efficacy of this approach is shown by simulation. The simulation results show that the algorithm works well. Furthermore, it can achieve comparable or better localization than some existing methods.


We observe the impact of using category averaged feature vectors as intermediaries in predicting object categories from fMRI(Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) voxel activations. The validation accuracy of state-of-art prediction methods falls drastically when multiple classes are used at the same time, pointing towards the overlapping nature of representations in the voxel activations. To overcome this disadvantage, we map these overlapping representation to a more separable representation. The equivalent of these representations in the field of Computer Vision is a Convolutional Neural Network(CNN) feature vector. After taking into consideration the structural trade-offs the Ventral Temporal Cortex possesses to achieve efficient categorization, we designed a model whose architecture tries to mimic these functional nuances. There are two parts to the implementation - Estimation of feature vectors and efficient category prediction from the estimated feature vectors. We inspected the perceptual similarity of the estimated feature vectors by the use of Annoy tree. We found that Deep ReLU-MLP(Rectified Linear Unit-Multilayer Perceptron) performs better at decoding fMRI voxel activations compared to Sparse Linear Regressor. While inspecting the perceptual neighborhood of the decoded feature vector, we found a significantly higher percentage of the feature vectors predicted from visual perception experiments mapped to the correct neighborhood than in the case of visual imagery experiment.


In Ad-Hoc network there are many problems, which can be categorized as an optimization problem such as energy consumption, routing, localization, node deployment. Many researchers have done research to solve these problems and recently new class of routing algorithms came up which is based on Swarm Intelligence. Ant Colony algorithm is inspired from self-organizing behavior of ants which fall under Swarm Intelligence. In this paper, a survey is done on various ant colony based routing algorithms for Wireless Sensor network (WSN) and Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANETs). A comparison of various algorithms is made based on performance metrics, pheromone function to select next node, simulator used, energy awareness, etc.


Individual-breed assignments were implemented in six swine populations using twenty six microsatellites recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Society for Animal Genetics (FAO-ISAG). Most microsatellites exhibited high polymorphisms as shown by the number of alleles and the polymorphism information content. The assignment accuracy per locus obtained by using the Bayesian method ranged from 33.33% (CGA) to 68.47% (S0068), and the accumulated assignment accuracy of the top ten loci combination added up to 96.40%. The assignment power of microsatellites based on the Bayesian method had positive correlations with the number of alleles and the gene differential coefficient (G s t ) per locus, while it has no relationship to genetic heterozygosity, polymorphism information content per locus and the exclusion probabilities under case II and case III. The percentage of corrected assignment was highest for the Bayesian method, followed by the gene frequency and distance-based methods. The assignment efficiency of microsatellites rose with increase in the number of loci used, and it can reach 98% when using a ten-locus combination. This indicated that such a set of ten microsatellites is sufficient for breed verification purposes.


The paper observes the algorithm of the BWA design on the base of stated task of multistage optimization. The software employment is presented with simulation of a one-layer and two-layer structure of BW. Advantages of the two-layer structure are shown and the optimal parameters being entry requirements for the following design stages are determined.


The clouding behaviour of binary mixtures of non-ionic surfactants, Triton X-I OO I Tween-80 and Tween-20 I Brij-35 at different molar ratios have been studied. The effects of ionic surfactants, CTAB and SDS on the clouding features of these binary mixtures have also investigated. Similar investigations using the water soluble polymers, PYA and PYP have been made. The interac tions of SDS with PYA and PYP as well as that of the ternary mixtures ofTween-20 / Brij-35 / SDS with PYA have been viscometrically examined. Rationalization of the results (cloud points) in terms of surfactant composition and polymer concentration in solution has been attempted.


This chapter focuses on climate conflicts from a political economy perspective. Using the example of droughts in Somalia, the chapter investigates the different drivers of conflict and fragility over time, as well as the relation of changing actors in conflict, environmental disruptions and mixed migration. The chapter shows that there is no empirical evidence to state that climate change per se will increase the number of conflicts and migration. Instead, pre-existing conflicts exacerbate environmental problems that weaken local and national governance arrangements, as well as society's capacities to deal with climatic shocks, which then can increase migration. However, the authors argue that these relations have to be seen with caution, as conflict-induced and climate-related migration cannot be yet clearly disentangled empirically. Thus, the authors conclude the need for streamlined, flexible governance measures to address climate conflicts.


Public accounting firms have invested significant resources to develop reliable substantive tests using large data sets and sophisticated algorithms ("data and analytics based procedures"). Developing reliable procedures, however, is just one hurdle firms must clear before leveraging such data sets and algorithms. In particular, firms will also need to convince audit stakeholders that relying on data and analytics based procedures will not only enhance audit efficiency, but also improve, or at least maintain, audit effectiveness. This study provides exploratory, experimental evidence to indicate how three key audit stakeholder groups—non-professional investors, peer reviewers, and jurors—perceive two prominent data and analytics based audit procedures (population testing and predictive modeling) relative to a more traditional substantive procedure (sample testing). Results suggest that key audit stakeholders are generally open to, and, in some cases, favorably disposed to the use of data and analytics based audit procedures. Nevertheless, participants also expressed some concerns about the appropriateness of relying on data and analytics based procedures, particularly predictive modeling, as primary sources of substantive evidence. This paper reports these and other key findings to develop an agenda for future research to help firms better understand and ultimately address stakeholder concerns.


Ferromagnetic resonance measurements are presented on the quasi-one-dimensional S=1/2 ferromagnetic compound (C6H11NH3)CuCl3 (CHAC), indicating the existence of magnon bound-state resonances (MBR). In addition to the normal ferromagnetic resonances several extra modes were observed in the temperature region 1.2K<T<4.2K and at various frequencies (18 GHz< nu <75 GHz). It is shown that these extra resonances can be interpreted in terms of Delta m=+or-1 transitions between magnon bound states. The experimental results are compared with three theoretical models: the S=1/2 ferromagnetic xxz and xyz models and a semiclassical model which shows the possibility of inducing transitions between envelope soliton states in ferromagnetic resonance experiments. The three models give qualitatively similar results for the low-lying excited states of the magnetic chains in CHAC. The experimental results can be described best by the S=1/2 ferromagnetic xyz model.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ongoing issues and concerns of Second Life librarians who are attempting to balance both their virtual library tasks and assignments along with their real world library tasks and assignments.Design/methodology/approach – Members of the Library and Information Technology Association and, in addition, members of the Second Life Librarians group are invited to participate in an online survey during the summer of 2008. In addition to sharing issues and concerns of balancing their work lives in both virtual and real life worlds, survey participants suggest solutions for problem resolution.Findings – Data from 161 survey participants show that virtual world librarians are passionate about their commitments to virtual world libraries to the extent that most librarians completed virtual library work at home and are not compensated by their libraries for this work. Issues and problems shared by respondents include inadequate computers and slow internet connecti...


The invention provides a method for preparing a biofuel, which comprises the following steps of: a, coarsely crushing a biomass into fragments, then washing the fragments to remove impurities, and dehydrating the washed fragments till the water content is 25 to 45 percent; b, putting the dehydrated biomass fragments in the step a into a steam explosion device, introducing water vapor of 150 to 350 DEG C into the device, keeping the pressure for 3 to 10 minutes under the pressure of 0.5 to 3mPa, then performing instantaneous steam explosion, and performing solid-liquid separation on the steam explosion product; c, performing washing, namely rinsing the solid matter separated in the step b for 5 to 15 minutes by using clean water or bleaching the solid matter for 5 to 15 minutes by using clean water and then rinsing the solid matter for 30 to 60 minutes by using water of 70 to 90 DEG C, and dehydrating the washed solid matter till the water content is 5 to 20 percent; and d, extruding the solid matter dehydrated in the step c into bulk biofuel under the pressure of 15 to 75MPa or extruding the solid matter dehydrated in the step c into bulk under the pressure of 15 to 75MPa and then crushing the bulk into granular biofuel with granularity of 0.1 to 15 millimeters.


Whether they know it or not, software engineers have a great deal of power over the language we use. They may create new words, such as byte or debug, which in a remarkably short time can become commonly used far beyond their original context. The new words are accepted quickly and even eagerly as the proliferation of microcomputers and the software to run them advance so rapidly. Yet there is still a great deal of confusion and frustration among readers of software manuals about just what those manuals are trying to say. Part of the problem is that each technical field has its own jargon that any novice must learn. But in the case of software manuals, there is the additional problem of familiar words being used in unfamiliar ways. This article describes the ambiguity created for the reader when familiar words, such as function or folding, are used in the context of the software manual with new, specialized meanings.


Biomass is the major source of renewable energy, the use of which is very important in energy, environment and economical aspects. Biomass enables the replacement of fossil fuels, the importance of biomass usage is related to global warming questions. Biomass moisture content is one of the main factors affecting straw preparation for the usage cost. In this research the main focus is on straw and different biomass composition and how it influences the solid biofuels preparation for usage, paying attention to straw fraction, humidity, composition and finally how it influences the energy and environmental aspects. Tested samples consist of different composition- raw straw, 100% yellow straw pellets, 100% grey straw pellets, 98% straw pellets with 2% additives, 50% straw and 50% hay pellets, 49% straw and 49% hay pellets with 2% additives, 100% hay pellets, 98% hay pellets with 2% additives and additionally two samples of straw briquettes with different chop size - (20 mm) and (30 mm and 10 mm). This research pays attention to the main material characteristics - moisture value, ash content, HHV (higher heating value), pyrolysis coke. Research results will help to find the best biomass pellet and briquette composition for solid biofuel usage. During the research it was found that the lowest moisture value was 98% hay pellets with 2% CaO additive - 5.79%. Highest amount of ash value was found in 50% straw and 50% hay composition pellets - 0.021 g. Highest amount of HHV were tested pellets which consisted of 98% hay with 2% CaO additives. Highest amount of pyrolysis coke in organic and dry matter were in 100% yellow straw tested samples. Achieved results will help to estimate material fraction, humidity and composition on biomass preparation for conversion steps, following biomass usage energy and environment requirements. These research results will help to realise further tasks of agricultural biomass usage in practice.


Background  Retinaldehyde (RAL) was proven effective in treating photodamaged skin. Topical treatments with specific intermediate‐size hyaluronate fragments (HAFi, 50–400 kDa) have been shown to stimulate keratinocytes proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia. The aim of this open, multicentric, international study was to assess the efficacy of the combination RAL–HAFi in the correction of skin photoaging.


The MA of influenza A virus, including M1 and M2,has a stable structure during the evolution of virus.The M1 play a great role in the replication and infection of virus. M2,being a integral membrane protein, is highly conserved in amino acid. M2 regulates transmembrane pH gradients in the trans Golgi. These data provide direct evidence that the influenza virus M2 protein ion channel activity can affect the status of the conformational form of cleaved HA during intracellular transport. Intraperitoneal or intranasal administration of purified M2HBc particles to mice provided 90%-100% protection against a lethal virus challenge,which is broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection against influenza A infections.The present study also revealed that administering DNA vaccine by topical application can elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immunity (CMI).


Plasmonics have been identified as an ideal platform for ultra-sensitive, label-free biosensors mainly due to the high field confinement on a metal-dielectric interface and the resulting strong light-matter interaction offered by surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) that can be entirely exposed to test analytes. Well-established SPR-based biosensors exploiting propagating SPRs yield superior specifications regarding bulk sensitivity compared to localized counterparts leading to already commercial available sensor devices. However, most of these systems require bulky prism-based configurations to couple light into the Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) mode impeding system miniaturization. In addition, SPR-based sensors suffer from intrinsic high propagation losses restricting the potential for multiple on-chip functionalities. In this context, co-integration of plasmonics with a low-loss photonic platform emerges as a viable solution towards highly sensitive, low-loss and small footprint optical sensors. In this work, we present an ultra-compact, interferometric plasmonic sensor co-integrated on a TiO2 photonic waveguide platform. The device consists of two access TiO2 photonic waveguides separated by a gold-based metal stripe which is located on top of an appropriately shorter TiO2 waveguide layer. Two metal/insulator interfaces are formed at the top (sensing arm) and bottom surfaces (reference arm) of the metal able to support SPP modes which upon excitation through the input photonic waveguide propagate along the two metal surfaces and interfere at the output waveguide realizing a single-arm Mach-Zehnder Interferometer. After optimization of the device in aqueous environment, we achieved sensitivity values as high as 2430 nm/RIU at near-infrared spectrum region for a 65 um long plasmonic stripe.