Scientific research of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices had an early start by the end of 1960s and led to the development of high frequency and small size piezo devices. A sustained effort was dedicated for these components to be transformed into many more interesting applications for telecom market. Recently the employment of new piezo materials and crystallographic orientations open new opportunities for SAW filters. New piezoelectric crystals of gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4) provide higher electromechanical coupling than quartz, while maintaining temperature compensated characteristics similar to quartz. Based on this material phase transition of 970°C, development of new piezo devices to operate at higher temperatures up to 800°C can be done. SAW velocities about 30% lower than ST-X quartz, favors smaller and more compact devices. Other advantages of GaPO4 are: stability with high resistance to stress induced twinning, 3~4 times higher electromechanical coupling than quartz and existence of SAW temperature compensated orientations. Another family of new materials of the trigonal 32 class has received much attention recently because of their temperature behavior similar to quartz and the promise of higher electromechanical coupling coefficients. It is the family of langasite (LGS, La3Ga5SiO14), langatate (LGT, La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14) and langanite (La3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14). Langasite crystals, easier to obtain and with the value of electromechanical coupling coefficient intermediate between quartz and lithium tantalate (k2=0.32% for 0°, 140°, 22.5° orientation and k2=0.38% for 0°, 140°, 25° orientation), enable us to design SAW filters with a relative pass band of 0.3% to 0.85%. Other piezoelectric materials are reviewed for comparison.


Ocular neovascularization is a known complication of uveitis.1 Intraocular inflammation itself can stimulate new vessels (NVs) growth, but NVs' location may vary according to different pathogenic pathways. Hypoperfusion of the retina is the commonest cause of retinal neovascularization,1 whereas damage to the retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch membrane complex often precedes choroidal neovascularization in uveitis.2 Endogenous candida endophthalmitis has been associated with both retinal neovascularization Fig. 1. Multimodal imaging of a patient affected by endogenous candida endophthalmitis complicated by retinal neovascularization. At baseline, fungal colonies were detectable within the vitreous, with no signs of choroidal infiltration (A). Five days later, fine NVs started growing radially from the disk (B). In the following 4 days, the new vessels kept growing along the posterior hyaloid, heading straight toward the fungal colonies (C), and ending up surrounding them (D). Fluorescein angiography (E) and optical coherence tomography angiography (F) performed on day 9, just before pars plana vitrectomy, allowed the neovascular complex to be clearly visualized, and distinguished from the underlying retinal vasculature (retinal arteries [red arrowhead] or veins [blue arrowhead]). The line-art series (H–K) underlines the NVs growth. Retinal structures are reported in B/W and NVs are highlighted in red. The circumpapillary area where the retinal neovascularization started is marked by a black circle. Small black arrows highlight NVs spreading direction, which we postulate follows the inflammatory mediators' gradient.


The objectives of this study were to identify the occurrence of pathogens of public health concern in wild and domestic animals within a pluriactive farm, to detect the presence of genes coding enterotoxins in Staphylococcus aureus isolates and to identify the occurrence of the same strain in different animals. Fecal samples of up to five specimens of each domestic and wild species were collected. Isolates were obtained, were realized the species identification/confirmation, detection of enterotoxigenic genes, the comparison of molecular profiles and were identified the Methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA). Total percentage of samples from which some isolate was obtained was 7.9% (19/241). S aureus was present in 7.5% (12/160) of domestic animals and in 6.2% (5/81) of wild animals. MRSA was isolated from 3.7% (6/160) of domestic and from 4.9% (4/81) of wild animals. Yesrinia enterocolitica was isolated from 1.2% (1/81) of wild animals and Samonella from 0.6% (1/160) of domestic animals. 35.3% (6/17) of S. aureus isolates had one of the enterotoxigenic genes. Indistinguishable and closely related isolates were found in domestic and wild animals, which confirms that there is a circulation of strains between animals or at least indicates the presence a common source of infection between them.


The orientation of the principal paleostress axes were studied in the Palaeozoic sediments in the vicinity of the Moravian Gateway. The paleostress analyses were based on the fault geometry investigation. Several different paleostress fields were found. Rotation of fault geometry in the tilted fold limb during the Variscan folding proves the Variscan age of some fields. On the other hand, the orientation of computed extensional paleostress fields (the maximum extension is orientated from NE-SW to ENE-WSW) could be comparable to the young (up to Pliocene/Pleistocene) extension.


With the aim of minimizing dioxin formation in industrial-scale plants, incinerator facilities of the twin interchanging fluidized-bed type were studied for the major factors influencing the dioxin level. A statistical model was derived based on multiple regression analysis of experimental data. It was found that the toxic equivalency level of dioxins is strongly positively correlated with fly ash copper and moderately with flue gas O 2 content, and strongly negatively correlated with fly ash chlorine and weakly with carbon content; these observations cooroborate with the theory of de novo synthesis of dioxins suggested from laboratory studies.


Abstract Studies of loneliness and isolation have rarely explored is how these experiences are reported within couples or the wider households. The IDEAL study has collected details of loneliness, as measured by the de Jong Gierveld (DJG) scale (range 0-6) and a single-item self-report measure, and isolation, using the six-item Lubben social network scale (range 0-30) from both people with dementia and carers. Loneliness is classified into three groups: not lonely (score 0-2), moderately lonely (3-4) and severely lonely (5+) and isolation into two: not isolated (score of 13+) or isolated (12 or less). Of the 1547 people with dementia and 1283 carers interviewed at baseline we have 1089 dyads who provided complete data on loneliness and 1204 for social isolation. Loneliness ratings are congruent between 43.1% of dyads and for 67.8% for isolation highlighting the subjective evaluative nature of loneliness as compared with more objectively measured isolation.


This paper presents a method for predicting radio resource availability in cognitive radio. In this paper, unlike a primary/secondary model, cognitive radio is defined as wireless communication technology in which each node communicates via an optimal wireless system based on recognition of radio resource availability in heterogeneous wireless communication systems. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize such radio resource availability accurately. However, a cognitive radio node is unable to recognize the subsequent radio resource availability at the time of selecting the optimal wireless system. The authors focus on the prediction of radio resource availability to resolve the above issue. In this paper, the authors focus on IEEE802.11 and radio channel occupation time, which is calculated from packet length and the transmission rate, is used as radio resource availability. From the results of the examination, it would seem feasible that the auto-correlation coefficient (or partial auto-correlation coefficient) could be utilized as information on the reliability of the prediction value when an auto-regression model (AR model) is used for the prediction. Furthermore, by comparing n-step-ahead prediction for a time series calculated for a 1-second interval and 1-step-ahead prediction for a time series calculated for an n-second interval, it is shown that the accuracy of the prediction in both cases is almost identical when the information volume to calculate a prediction expression is the same. Therefore, either prediction approach can be selected depending on the cognitive radio system.


Chronic prostatitis is not uncommon in men over 50 years, though it can occur at any age. The organisms most commonly isolated from the prostatic secretion are staphylococci, streptococci, coliform bacilli, and diphtheroids. Nickel (1930) in 3,500 cultures found streptococci in 38 per cent., staphylococci in 54 per cent., bacilli in 24 per cent., and diphtheroids and diplobacilli in 9 per cent. Ritter and Lippow (1938) studied 131 cases and isolated streptococci in 54, staphylococci in 27, other cocci in 18, colon bacilli in four, diphtheroids in 22, and no organisms in six. Cumming and Chittenden (1938), in a series of 175 cases, isolated staphylococci in 50 per cent., colon bacilli in 30 per cent., streptococci in 5 per cent., gonococci in 5 per cent., diph-theroids in 2 per cent., and no organisms in 8 per cent. The role of N. gonorrhoeae is not agreed upon. Cumming


The mast cell distribution in uterine horns was studied in 15 pregnant female (eight young and seven senescent) hamsters. Senescent females showed a greater number of mast cells. The average number of mast cells per 10 pm section of uterine horns per senescent female was 158.5 ± 15.2, while the average number in young females was only 87.2 ± 17.2. The difference is highly significant (P<0.0O1). The high number of mast cells in senescent females may be one of the factors affecting the physiological and reproductive performance in these females.


The combined process of integrated oxidation ditch with vertical circle,ozone and activated carbon is used for decentralized wastewater treatment and comprehensive reuse in sewage treatment and reuse project of a research area.The treated sewage is used for toilet flushing in office buildings and apartments,greening and landscape to achieve zero discharge of sewage within the area.


This work is in purpose to mention, in general lines, the International Criminal Court stablishment in permanent character, created by the Rome Statute of 1998.


A huge number of studies have demonstrated the significance correlation between diabetic ketoacidosis as well as other type of ketosis/hyperosmolar metabolic state deterioration conditions and the SARS-COV2 infection. It is investigated in various infected age group, geneders, and countries. It is reported to be correlated to the two types of diabetes (type I DM and type II DM) available as pre-existing co-morbidity, infection related new-onset developed diabetes of both types or even due to hyperinflammation related acute pancreatitis. In fact, although most of the studies have reported greater survival, however, small single center retrospective studies have reported the association of diabetic ketoacidosis with elevated mortality rate that approaches 50%. Mechanistically, the DKA caused metabolic state deterioration due to the glucose metabolism fluctuation is attributed to the bidirectional sophisticated SARS-COV2 infection and different reasons hyperglycemia disease-disease interaction. Nevertheless, exaggerated inflammatory/immune response may also worsen the glycemic state that brings about ketosis. Remarakably, DKA can be developed even in cases of approximately normoglycemic conditions of the SARS-COV2 infection which is fewly reported, yet, it is attributed to SGLT2 inhibitors therapy. The SARS-COV2 infection related DKA complication among diabetic individuals have been treated with the same therapeutic protocol of non-infectious conditions including insulin and IV replenishment therapy however, with significantly greater dosing regimen. It is worthy to note that the infused replenishment fluids should be carefully calculated along with monitoring the lung function besides careful monitoring the potassium and some other electrolytes level particularly while insulin is intravenously infused. Thus, in order to explore the significance of correlation of this metabolic complication with the virus infection poor prognosis as well as higher mortality rate this survey reports the development of DKA as well as the ketosis related metabolic abnormailities while the course of SARS-COV2 infection among individuals with pre-exisitng and new onset diabetes.


: According to the Water Framework Directive 2000/60 EC, the river basin is the basic unit for integrated water management at the basin level. In this sense, the knowledge of the morphometric parameters of the river takes on special importance. Morphometric analysis helps in understanding the geo-hydrological characteristics of a river basin. Various authors point out that the morphometric analyses of a drainage watershed demonstrate the dynamic equilibrium that has been achieved due to the interaction between matter and energy. The analysis of morphometric parameters also facilitates and helps to understand the hydrological relations of the basin. This paper deals with the morphometric analysis of sub-basins in the Klina River basin which is located in the northeastern part of the Dukagjini depression. To determine the morphometric parameters in the Klina River basin, the digital relief model from the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) platform with a resolution of 20 × 20 m and the ArcMap 10.5 software were used. The results reveal that the total number of streams is 753 of which 602 are 1 st order streams, 119 – 2 nd order, 23 – 3 rd order, 6 – 4 th order, 2 – 5 th order, and 1 – 6 th order streams. The mean bifurcation ratio is 3.81, drainage density is 1.52 km∙km –2 . The data and information presented in this study will be helpful and interesting in the plan of the management of Klina River basin which covers an area of 477 km 2 within which is estimated to live about 100,000 inhabitants.


A video camera signal-processing IC that includes CCD (charge coupled device) delay lines (DLs) and lowpass filters has been developed using a Bi-CMOS/CCD process. The IC greatly contributes to reduced size and improved reliability in video movie circuits. The IC incorporates four 1H CCD-DLs and five lowpass filters, thereby making the circuit board space more compact. Automatic adjustment of CCD-DL output signal level, DC bias, and lowpass filter cutoff frequency greatly reduces adjustment points and IC pins. >


: Major environmental disasters related to tailings dams have been occurring in Brazil over the last decade, with the collapse of the mining tailings dam called "Fundão" being cited. Different methods can be used to improve the performance and geotechnical properties of a mining tailings used in the construction of dams, and one of these methods is soil improvement. With this in mind, the aspects observed this research aim to characterize and determine parameters of strength and deformability of a gold mining tailings improved with cement through tests using a Simple Shear apparatus. Consolidated Undrained (CIU) tests were performed with different percentages of cement to quantify the influence of this variable on the parameters of strength and deformability of the material studied. Besides and consequently a reduction of the parameter η/Civ, causes an increase in the cohesive intercept, while the friction angle of the material is not altered the friction angle of 34º was found independent of the cement amount.


Externally bonded fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) sheets have been successfully used for strengthening of damaged or deficient reinforced concrete members. Despite of a lot of research conducted and tests on application of these new sheets during the last decade, further research is still required to consolidate recent developments and expand the scope of application of FRPs for structural applications. Nonlinear finite element analysis combined with laboratory testing constitutes an efficient approach for pursuing this objective. The objective of this paper is exploring and illustrating the contribution of a refined three-dimensional (3D) constitutive FE model for investigating the nonlinear response of concrete joint, reinforced with steel rebars and strengthened with external FRP sheets. The analyses were carried out by using finite element software having different capacities. Different parameters such as application of FRP sheets with different patterns, different loading conditions and different strengthened areas have been considered to show the results. Several results regarding increasing ultimate values in the strengthened model in comparison with the reference specimen, ductility of the strengthened model, and evaluation of ductile against non-ductile joint have been presented in this paper.


Type of funding sources: None.

 Current guidelines recommend intensive low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering by ≥50% to target LDL-C <1.4mmol/L after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Residual distance to LDL-C target can help select treatment strategy after initial statin therapy.

 We aimed to evaluate residual distance to guideline recommended target LDL-C and the proportion of ACS patients who are projected to reach target LDL-C by different statin and non-statin lipid lowering strategies.

 We retrospectively analyzed 46,114 patients admitted with ACS who survived 1 year from 18 acute hospitals in Hong Kong between Jan 2014 and Dec 2018. Patients were divided into (i) high potency (HP-S; rosuvastatin ≥20mg, atorvastatin ≥40mg or simvastatin ≥80mg); (ii) non-high potency (NHP-S; other statin doses) statin users and (iii) no statin therapy. We calculated the mean distance and percentage LDL-C reduction required to reach dual LDL-C targets (>50% reduction from baseline and <1.4mmol/L). We assumed up-titration from NHP-S to HP-S would further reduce LDL-C by approximately 5-10%; addition of ezetimibe 15-20% and PCSK-9 inhibitor 50-60%.

 Of 46,114 patients (60.7% males, mean age 76.2 ± 13.3 years), 80.4% (n = 10945/13614) had LDL-C ≥1.4mmol/L at 12-months after index ACS with 60.2% (n = 18319/30450), 31.9% (n = 9726/30450) and 8.0% (2405/30450) of patients on no statin, NHP-S and HP-S, respectively. 86% of HP-S and 93% of NHP-S users did not reach dual LDL-C targets at 12-months. Among patients on NHP-S and HP-S, the mean LDL-C at 12-months was 2.0 ± 0.7 and2.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L; mean residual distance to target 0.64 ± 0.7 and0.66 ± 0.9 mmol/L; and mean percentage LDL-C reduction required to reach dual LDL-C targets was 22.4 ± 33% and 18.8 ± 36%, respectively. 13% of statin users required >50% further LDL-C reduction to reach targets. Projected proportion of NHP-S users to reach LDL-C targets is 11% (n = 430/3966) by up-titrating to HP-S, 21% (n = 828/3966) by up-titration to HP-S plus ezetimibe and 100% (n = 3966/3966) with PCSK-9 inhibitor plus HP-S and ezetimibe. Projected proportion of HP-S users to reach LDL-C targets is 13% (n = 143/1099) by ezetimibe and 100% (n = 1099/1099) with addition of PCSK-9 inhibitor.

 The use of high-potency statin was low and almost all statin users did not reach dual LDL-C targets at 12-months after index ACS. High potency statin plus ezetimibe is projected to bridge about a fifth of these patients to target LDL-C. PCSK-9 inhibitor is likely needed in the majority of patients who have not achieved target LDL-C at 12-months after ACS to reach guideline recommendations.


This article develops a new extension of the constant-market-shares model, attributing the gains or losses of market share of an exporter in a specific market to its competitors. The method is then applied to Brazil's exports of manufactured products to the US market, determining from which countries and by how much Brazil gained market share, and to which countries Brazil lost market share in the period between 1992, 1999 and 2004. The bilateral gains and losses of Brazil to OECD countries are shown to be related to changes in the relative unit labour costs of these countries through a two-period panel data analysis.


A detailed study of present welding cable production and repair operations was performed in an attempt to reduce the costs associated with production downtime due to defective manual arc welding cable resulting from copper inclusions in the cable and connectors. Surveys used to obtain information from 14 commercial and naval shipyards concerning their present methods of manufacturing/repairing and management of manual arc welding cable sections are discussed. While welding cable may seem to be a trivial part of the production process, mismanagement in this area can have a significant impact on production schedules and costs.


Irradiation of 8-alkoxytetrahydro-1-naphthalenones gave rearranged naphthyl alcohols as major products and in contrast, 4-alkoxytetrahydrobenzocyclohepten-5-ones afforded tetrahydrocyclohepta [cd] benzofurans in good yields; the difference in reactivities is attributed to the conformation of six- and seven-membered rings


The work is devoted to the investigation of low-temperature properties of alternative jet fuels mixed with bio-additives derived from rapeseed oil, methanol and ethanol. For this work, a modification of conventional jet fuel from rapeseed oil, methanol and ethanol was chosen to develop alternative jet fuels. The main low-temperature characteristics – freezing point and pour point of conventional jet fuel and three types of bio-additives were identified and compared with the requirements for conventional Jet A-1 fuel. The influence of bio-additives from rapeseed oil, methanol and ethanol on low-temperature characteristics of new jet fuels has been studied and explained. The necessity of studying new technologies is grounded.


Abstract A flexible approach to protected trans-5-alkyl-4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinones was described. The key step involved the α-amidoalkylation of benzene-sulfone derived from (S)-malic acid, with organozinc reagents generated in situ from Grignard reagents and anhydrous ZnCl2-OEt2.


Instructionality analysis is process who explaining general action or special action or arrange logistic and systematic. This system can be use are result desire about design instruction system. To achieve this system can be used are not easy like determine way destination. Get the clear design about who achieve are doing with analysis style. Process this analysis had began from implement goal analysis was began after getting declaration clearly from instruction. Before resulting something deisgn this system who can be using must beginning stage determined so that result qualified and the goal realization achieve maximal. What doing achive form something clear goal and specific give holding and indpiration about teach and learn method compatible and possible process rating and result learning who careful.


Analysis of results of statistical research on the risk of disease and reduced quality of life for working kriolit production. Using statistical methods to handle the data received.


We characterized interactions between the human proteins Sec62 and Sec63 as well as the putative interaction of human Sec62 with ribosomes. The data demonstrate evolutionary conservation of Sec62/Sec63 interaction and indicate that in the course of evolution Sec62 of vertebrates has gained the additional function to interact with ribosomes.


Health and health care disparities related to cancer are a major public health problem in the United States. Providing care that is truly patient-centered could address disparities in cancer screening and follow-up through better alignment between patient needs and health care resources available to address those needs. Key health care reforms offer promise for doing so.


The Lisbon Treaty sought to meet new global challenges by providing the European Union (EU) with stronger institutional capacity and policy instruments to make it a more effective international actor in foreign and security terms. The article sets out the structures and practices agreed and contested by both Member States – especially the United Kingdom and France – and the European Commission, focusing on the roles of the High Representative (HR) for Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service. It points to the disjuncture between the formal calls for greater coherence and consequence in the EU's foreign policies, the problems of creating an effective policy vehicle and the practices that undermine both its efforts and its legitimacy.


Abstract: Both the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and central amygdala (CeA) are thought to play roles in tolerance to, and dependence on, abused drugs. Although our past studies in rat brain slices suggested a role for NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in NAcc neurons in the effects of acute and chronic opiate treatment, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remained unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of morphine dependence on electrophysiological properties of NMDARs in freshly isolated NAcc neurons and on expression of mRNA coding for NR2A‐C subunits using single‐cell RT‐PCR. Chronic morphine did not alter the affinity for NMDAR agonists glutamate, homoquinolinate, or NMDA, but decreased the affinity of the coagonist glycine. Chronic morphine altered the NMDAR inhibition by two NMDAR antagonists, 7‐Cl‐kynurenate and ifenprodil, but not that by d‐APV or Mg2+. Chronic morphine accelerated the NMDA current desensitization rate in NAcc neurons. In single‐cell RT‐PCR, chronic morphine predominantly reduced the number of neurons expressing multiple NR2 subunits. Ethanol also alters NMDARs. We found that low ethanol concentrations (IC50= 13 mM) inhibited NMDA currents and NMDA‐EPSPs in most NAcc neurons in a slice preparation. NAcc neurons from ethanol‐dependent rats showed enhanced NMDA sensitivity. In CeA neurons, acute ethanol decreased (by 10–25%) non‐NMDA‐ and NMDA‐EPSPs in most neurons. In CeA neurons from ethanol‐dependent rats, acute ethanol decreased the non‐NMDA‐EPSPs to the same extent as in naïve rats, but inhibited (by 30–40%) NMDA‐EPSPs significantly more than in controls, suggesting sensitization to ethanol. Preliminary studies with microdialysis and real‐time PCR analysis support this idea: local ethanol administration in vivo had no effect on glutamate release, but chronic ethanol nearly tripled the expression of NR2B subunits (the most ethanol sensitive) in CeA. These combined findings suggest that changes in glutamatergic transmission in NAcc and CeA may underlie the neuroadaptions that lead to opiate and ethanol dependence.


This paper presents two specific absorption rate (SAR) measurement techniques, the electro-optic (EO) probe and a SAR estimation method. A prototype of the three-axis EO probe is developed for SAR measurement. The probe is capable of measuring both the amplitude and phase of an electric field (E-field) at multiple frequencies simultaneously. Evaluation results show the potential of applying the three-axis EO probe to practical SAR measurement. In addition, we describe a SAR estimation method that calculates theoretically three dimensional (3-D) SAR distributions from 2-D measurement data to reduce the SAR measurement time. We present the applicability of this method and show that the estimated results are in good agreement with the original 3-D SAR distributions.


Xantogranulomatous epididymo-orchitis is an extremely rare inflammatory disease of the testis. The process can not be distinguished clinically from a malignant testicular tumor except on histological examination. To our knowledge there are only 18 cases reported in english literature. A 34-year-old man presented with a month history of right testicular pain and swelling. Physical examination revealed severe tenderness with enlargement of the right hemiscrotum. Direct plain films and urinalysis were normal. Ultrasound examination of the right testis revealed non-homogeneous areas with poorly defined limits and hypoechoic-calcifying areas within the right testis and epididymis. A right testicular cancer was suspected and the patient had right inguinal orchiectomy. Microscopic examination showed diffuse replacement of seminiferous tubules and interstisium by sheets of foamy histiocytes intermingled with neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Histochemical stains for organisms didn' t yield any fungi or mycobacteria. A diagnosis of xantogranulomatous epididymo-orchitis was made. Key words: Testis; Xantogranulomatous Inflammation; Differential Diagnosis.


OBJECTIVE
We evaluated frequencies of T cells with high PD-1 expression (PD-1) before and after long-term effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), and determined if frequencies on-ART correlated positively with measures of HIV persistence and negatively with HIV-specific responses.

METHODS
We enrolled individuals who started ART during chronic infection and had durable suppression of viremia for ≥4 years (N = 99). We assessed PD-1 T cell frequencies at timepoints pre- and on-ART using flow cytometry, and evaluated how frequencies on-ART are associated with measures of HIV persistence, HIV-specific immune responses, and immune activation levels.

RESULTS
Pre-ART, PD-1 CD4 T cells correlated positively with viremia and negatively with CD4 T cell count. At year 1 on-ART, %PD-1 CD4 T cells decreased but then remained stable at 4 and 6-15 years on-ART, while %PD-1 CD8 T cells on-ART remained similar to pre-ART. PD-1 CD4 T cells correlated positively with HIV DNA pre- and on-ART, and with CD4 T cell activation on-ART. PD-1 CD4 T cells negatively correlated with HIV Gag- and Env-specific T cell responses but not with CMV- or EBV-specific responses. PD-1 CD8 T cells trended towards a negative correlation with responses to Gag and Env, but not to CMV and EBV.

CONCLUSIONS
PD-1 T cells persist in blood despite prolonged suppression on ART, correlate with HIV DNA levels, and are associated with lower HIV-specific T cell responses but not CMV- or EBV-specific responses, suggesting that these cells are HIV-specific. The findings support evaluating PD-1 blockade strategies for their effect on HIV persistence and HIV-specific immunity.


Neutron-diffraction experiments on single crystals of ${\mathrm{U}}_{2}{T}_{2}\mathrm{In} (T=\mathrm{Ni},$ Pd, Pt) verify the noncollinear magnetic structures found with studies of polycrystalline samples, and determine the values of the ordered moments. Compared to the earlier studies, we find the ordered moments on the uranium atoms larger, and no moment associated with the T atoms, in disagreement with one previous study. The $T=\mathrm{Pt}$ sample has a large electronic specific heat and does not order magnetically. We give a detailed description of the low-temperature crystal structure. Polarized-neutron experiments show that the site susceptibilities of the two independent uranium atoms in ${\mathrm{U}}_{2}{\mathrm{Pt}}_{2}\mathrm{In}$ are substantially different and the conduction-electron polarization is unusually large.


Physicochemical properties such as amylose content, swelling power, gelatinization and DSC of legume starches were investigated. The granule shape of legume starches was oval. The size of cowpea and mung bean were smaller than kidney bean and red bean. The amylose content of mung bean and kidney bean was larger and were . Swelling power of kidney bean starch was much lower than other starches in all temperature range. In gelatinization temperature by Brabender amylogram, red bean starch was low, but kidney bean starch was rather high. Amylographic hot-paste viscosity and set back of cow pea, mung bean and red bean starches were high. But those of kidney bean starch were very low. DSC results Indicated kidney bean starch gelatinized in higher temperature. From above results, row pea and mung bean starches were similar in granule size and shape, solubility and swelling power, amylogram, and DSC thermogram. But kidney bean starch was very different and red bean starch was slightly different with the physicochemical properties of cow pea and mung bean starches.


For serving traffic in the inter data centers which provide services such as, duplication of data and migration of the virtual machines, it is requisited to transfer voluminous data for which, under guarantee of a finishing time within the stipulated (i.e., pre-set) deadline, specific latency is tolerable. In the current work, we propose offline routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) schemes in view of the transfer of deadline complying voluminous data demands in elastic optical networks. The proposed schemes, which jointly optimize time and frequency domains, are initially formulated as an integer linear program (ILP). Subsequently, in view of practicality, we propose scalable scheduling techniques which combine three methods of ordering demands, and two schemes of RSA. To evaluate the proposed ILP model and the scheduling methods, we conduct simulations considering realistic network parameters and topologies. The obtained results demonstrate that in comparison to ILP model, scalable methods obtain similar spectrum usage performance within reasonable times. Lastly, based on the results, we also provide a 'rule-of-thumb' on the selection of appropriate scheduling technique.


A dynamic FEM model is established for a system of tunnel and surrounding rockmass based on the interlayer element with equivalent thickness,the conditions of visco elastic boundary and the in-situ vibration results of subway train.The time domain method for the dynamic FEM is chosen to simulate the dynamic response properties of surrounding rockmass and the tunnel lining structure in representative layers of the Pearl River Delta.The dynamic response regulations are obtained for the lining structure of tunnel built in different layers.Those results are very valuable for design and analysis of dynamic stability of the subway's tunnel.


Transcutaneous osseointegrated bone conduction devices (T-OBCD) require a larger incision and skin flap than percutaneous devices (POBCD) for implantation. The manufacturers originally recommended a posteriorly based "C"-shaped scalp flap. However, patients complain of a large area of post-auricular numbness due to damage to branches of the greater auricular and lesser occipital nerves. In addition, a posteriorly based flap is unsuitable for patients with microtia who may require pinna reconstruction. As the nerve supply to the post-auricular region traverses the inferior section of the flap, it was proposed that a modification to an inferiorly based flap would maintain sensation by preserving these nerves. This study aimed to determine whether a modification of this incision using an inferiorly based "C"-shaped scalp flap could avoid damage to these nerves and result in reduction in post-auricular numbness.


This article concerns the problem of computing solutions to optimal control problems with state constraints and whose trajectory is also affected by known flow vector fields. This general mathematical framework is particularly pertinent to the requirements underlying the control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in realistic scenarii. The key contribution consists in devising a computational indirect method that becomes effective in the numerical computation of extremals to optimal control problems with state constraints by using multipliers of the Maximum Principle in the form of Gamkrelidze whose measure component is ensured to be continuous. The specific problem of time-optimal control of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle in a bounded space set, subject to the effect of a flow field and with bounded actuation is used to illustrate the proposed approach. The corresponding numerical results are presented and discussed.


Children and Infants with Fever - Acute Management , Basic Clinical Practice Guidelines for the acute treatment of infants and children with fever.


To determine the phylogenetic relationship between sugarcane cultivars and other members of the Saccharinae subtribe, we identified the fast evolving ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS = internal transcribed spacer; 5.8S = 5.8S ribosomal DNA) region of the sugarcane genome in the Sugarcane Expressed Sequence Tag (SUCEST) genome project database. Parsimony analysis utilizing this region and homologs belonging to the 23 closely related Andropogoneae currently deposited in the GenBank database has shown sugarcane as the sister group of Saccharum sinense. However, because there are few parsimony-informative characters and high homoplasy in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region we were not able to determine with confidence the phylogenetic relationship between sugarcane and some of the remaining members of Saccharine subtribe. To find alternatives for the phylogenetic reconstruction of sugarcane evolutionary history, we selected 17 markers (nuclear, chloroplastic or mitochondrial) from the SUCEST database of which apha-tubulin, ribosomal protein L16 (rpl16) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta chain (rpoC2) were found to have a low incidence of polymorphism and comparable, or even faster, rates of evolution than the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. We suggest that these markers should be considered as preferential choices for phylogenetic studies of Saccharinae subtribe.


The article is dedicated to the field of ant algorithms. It focuses on the problem of searching the shortest path in a graph using ant algorithms in combination with some artificial intelligence methods: evolutionary algorithms and multi-agent systems. The article presents a simulation program, which is able to search the shortest path in a graph. The process of searching the solution is simulated also in a graphical way – in a visual form. Agents, which simulate ants in our work, need only a limited memory. Thus, the use of the presented implementation is not restricted by the complexity of the solved problem. It is an advantage of our simulation. The size of population is controlled by natural selection. On the other hand, agents need more time to get lost in bigger environments. Therefore, the population size increases more quickly in greater environments. The implementation is adaptive as well. If some edge – graph route – is deleted while the program is running or a new one is created, the system is able to adapt to the changed environment. The designed simulation program can be used for solving various problems related to the following domains: electronic market, computer maps, traffic planning, computer games, labyrinth search by a robot, connectionoriented network routing and connection-less network routing.


Virtual integration has become an alternative way to vertical integration. It is a new collaboration mechanism and enables enterprises and its partners to collaborate tightly on the basis of internetwork. Following the logical paradigm of Environment - Strategy - Performance, this study compares with the impact of Technological Uncertainty on the enterprises' up and downstream Virtual Integration and operational Performance. With the method of structural equation model, we found that technological uncertainty has a significant impact on up and downstream virtual integration at each aspect. Virtual integration with suppliers has a significant impact on timeliness improvement. The process integration with suppliers (customers) has an important contribution for firms to improve cost. Information sharing with customers has a negative contribution to improve cost.


The Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored collaborative network of mammography registries with linkages to tumor registries and pathology data in the US. It was established in 1994 in response to a legislative mandate from the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 to evaluate the performance of screening mammography in community practice and related breast cancer outcomes. As of May 2006, the BCSC has collected data for more than 2 million women and more than 6 million mammography exams. Approximately 74,000 breast cancers have been diagnosed. The size of the population-based BCSC database, the longitudinal nature of these data on screening and cancer diagnoses, and the multidisciplinary teams of investigators, including radiologists, primary care physicians, pathologists, epidemiologists, health services researchers, and statisticians, make the BCSC a unique research resource. Investigators are encouraged to collaborate with the NCI-supported BCSC on research to improve understanding of breast cancer screening practices and related outcomes in the US.


Developing writing skills in L2 is challenging. Writing is believed to be time-consuming, difficult, boring, limiting and not rewarding. All of these challenges result in students having a negative attitude towards writing, both in L1 and in L2. Journal writing is a tool which helps students develop their writing and language skills, establish a regular writing habit, while at the same time allowing them space for self-expression. The present study aims at finding out how students perceive journal writing. The participants were 55 first year students of English Studies, who participated in a creative writing course. It was discovered that students view journal writing as pleasant; that it helped them in writing their final assignment; and that it helped them develop their language skills. The study also found that offering students writing prompts may be useful in the course of writing a journal, especially for those students who lack ideas for their entries. Finally, recommendations concerning the use of journals in any language class are provided. The study suggests that if administered properly and understood by the students, journal writing has the potential to help students change their attitude towards writing for the better and improve their writing and language skills. Keywords: journal, journal writing, Creative writing course, developing writing and language skills


Thesis. Space-time analysis bv the quaternions algebra of the fourdimensional Riemann and non-Riemann varieties is studied. Einstein's gravitational equation is obtained. Non-Riemann varieties are obtained by direct product of Clifford-Pauli algebras. Particular case of a uniform torsional space is treated and the Weyl's equation is obtained in the quaternions space-time. (auth)


The sum-capacity of a three user interference wired network for time-varying channels is considered. Due to the channel variations, it is assumed that the transmitters are only able to track the connectivity between the individual nodes, thus only the (alternating) state of the network is known. By considering a special subset of all possible states, we show that state splitting combined with joint encoding over the alternating states is required to achieve the sum-capacity. Regarding upper bounds, we use a genie aided approach to show the optimality of this scheme. This highlights that more involved transmit strategies are required for characterizing the degrees of freedom even if the transmitters have heavily restricted channel state information.


A new kind of H-shaped liquid crystal based on tartaric acid was synthesized,which was 2,3-diacetoxysuccinic acid bis(4-(allyloxy)benzoyloxy) hydroquinone ester (M1). Using cholesteryl allyloxybenzoate (M2) as a chiral monomer,poly (methyl hydrosiloxane) as the backbone,a series of new liquid crystalline polymers P1~P8 was prepared by graft polymerization with M1. The chemical structures of the monomers and the polymers obtained were confirmed by infrared spectrum (IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum(1H-NMR). Their mesomorphic properties and phase behavior were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)、polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that M1 displays fan shaped texture and schlieren texture of the smectic phase,M2 exhibits typical oily streak texture of the cholesteric phase. Polymers P1~P8 reveal grandjean texture of the cholesteric phase. With increasing the content of M1,the glass transition temperatures enhance and the mesophase ranges decrease in the polymers.


Provided are a coherent light source device and projector that avoid the problem, which unavoidably occurs when coherent light from a semiconductor laser or other laser is projected, that the uniformity of the projected light is degraded as a result of speckle. This coherent light source device has a first light-emission region formed by a coherent light source and is provided with the following: first optics that project the light from the first light-emission region so as to form a second light-emission region; a light-deflecting means, near the second light-emission region, that deflects a light beam involved in the formation of the second light-emission region; second optics placed after the light-deflecting means; and a light-mixing means, placed after the second optics, for mixing the angle and position components of light beams incident upon the input end thereof. An image conjugate to the first light-emission region is formed at a distance by the second optics, and a third light-emission region substantially conjugate to the exit pupil of the first optics is formed at the input end by the second optics. The light-deflecting means continually moves so as to progressively change the direction in which the abovementioned light beam is deflected.


This paper aspires to examine advanced rail transportation systems via the utilization of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) as the basis of the key integration. In doing so, the Sydney Metro ITS will be used as the basis for the case study. This paper also investigates the different perceptions for diverse rail transportation projects. Ordinarily, cities are composed of complex configurations which are supported by various disparate transport systems. These transport infrastructure in turn require comprehensive system thinking as the base research methodologies. ITS provides an excellent mechanism to simplify a city's complex transport configurations. Nevertheless, the core ITS components require careful integration and detailed attention to detail in their design. The ITS integration strategy would also amalgamate crucial transportation issues, including optimized system performance through increased productivity, improved road and traffic safety, and so on. Accordingly, this integration and consolidation of ITS would result in superior overall transportation planning schemes. The resulting improved planning methods will ultimately facilitate the various transportation operators to become better acquainted with the ITS, and to support the making of safer and more synchronized ITS. A synchronized ITS requires a comprehensive process to successfully integrate its components. To assess the Sydney Metro's ITS integration, this research utilized confirmatory factor analysis as the statistical method to produce a model indicating the existence of four sub-systems and emphasized safety standard as the key attribute for a successful deployment. The very high safety benchmark is the pinnacle of the Sydney's advanced rail transportation system.


Objectives : The purpose of this study is to identify Yangsaeng level and pattern identification of subfertility in childbearing aged women according...


A previously healthy 17-year-old girl presented with the sudden onset of chest tightness accompanied by dyspnoea on exertion. Physical examination showed splinter haemorrhages and a grade III/VI systolic murmur at the left sternal border with no radiation. Laboratory data showed a white cell count of 49AE8 · 10/l with 63% eosinophils (absolute eosinophil count of 31AE4 · 10/l). The eosinophils showed no vacuolation or degranulation. Biochemical studies showed normal levels of creatine kinase and creatine kinase MB, but an elevated troponin-I of 2AE19 (normal <0AE034 ng/ml). Transthoracic echocardiography in the parasternal long-axis view disclosed an intracardiac thrombus (arrows), seen attached to the mitral valve at the left ventricular posterior wall, associated with mild mitral regurgitation (left panel: AO, aorta; LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle, RV, right ventricle). The multidetector-row computed tomography image disclosed diffuse mural thrombus that occurred more in association with the posterior wall (arrows, right panel). A bone marrow biopsy demonstrated precursor B lymphoblastic leukaemia with 40% lymphoblasts and an increase of eosinophils and their precursors. Cytogenetic analysis of the bone marrow aspirate showed t(3;6)(p22;p24). Further studies relevant to a hypereosinophilic disorder disclosed normal levels of interleukin 5, no FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene and negative stool examination for parasites and ova. The patient received chemotherapy according to a high-risk protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which resulted in bone marrow remission and a return of the peripheral eosinophil count to normal by 8 weeks. Subsequent echocardiography showed resolution of the left ventricular endocardial thrombosis.


Objective Stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy in cardiology.This meta-analysis summarizes the efficacy and safety of stem cells transplantation on top of standard medication on chronic heart failure patients


Aim:  Develop a reliable and valid self‐report health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected children in Thailand.


Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Bay] seeds were irradiated with X-rays (25kR) and the M2 progeny was screened for changes in the fatty acid composition of seed oil. X-ray irradiation remarkably increased the variability of the fatty acid composition in the oil of the Bay cultivar. A mutant in which linolenic acid accounted for 18.4 per cent of the total oil cornpared with 9.4 per cent in the Bay cultivar was identified among 2006 M2 plants. The M3 generation of the mutant also showed a linolenic acid content approximately two times higher than that of the original variety.


The features of target from multi_sensor system are generally high dimensional, redundant and noisy. A genetic algorithm (GA) based feature optimization approach was proposed for multi_sensor target recognition system to reduce the cost of acquiring data and improve the performances and efficiency of recognizer. Incorporated a neural network classifier, the evolution of GA was directed to optimization with the information feedback. Since a standard GA has the shortage of premature convergence, an improved genetic algorithm was designed to prevent it. The simulated experimental results for the feature optimization show that the proposed method is effective.


As a common natural phenomenon, ice accretion poses great security risks to aviation, power and road traffic. In this paper, an excellent composite of expanded graphite/polydimethylsiloxane (EG/PDMS) based ice detection and electrothermal de-icing function was designed by using the excellent conductivity of expanded graphite and the good flexibility and hydrophobicity of polydimethylsiloxane. Through experiments, the hydrophobicity, piezoresistive performance and electrothermal effect of the EG/PDMS composite material were analyzed. The sensor pressure sensitivity is up to 0.15 kPa−1, and the linear piezoresistive reaction can be generated in the range of 10~110 kPa; during the electric heating process when the input voltage is 30 V and the input current is 0.05 A, the maximum equilibrium temperature is 94.7℃, and the time to completely melt 10 g of ice is 166 s. The EG/PDMS composite material has great potential application value in the field of ice exploration/deicing. The composite material has great potential application value in the field of deicing.


Herein, design and experimental results of a dual band Microstrip Monopole antenna are presented. The proposed antenna consists of a zig-zag microstrip line as monopole patch alongside of a Defected Ground structure under the fed-line of the antenna for size miniaturization propose, fabricated on FR4. The 10-dB bandwidth and gain performances are measured as 130 MHz and 6 dB at the centre frequency of 2.42 GHz, and140 MHz, and 2dB at the centre frequency of 5.92 GHz respectively.


Sheet deep-drawing is an important produce process. Several effect factor in sheet forming, such as n-value, r-value et al, is analysed put forward a material-sfelecting project.


A. K. Ramanujan's complicated invocations of fidelity in the paratexts of his pioneering translations have invited
 analyses that focus on contradictions and paradoxes in his translation theory and practice. Providing a brief historical overview
 of translation in the South Asian context, this article contextualizes fidelity as a colonial remnant produced due to Ramanujan's
 need to move between two disparate models of translation. Emphasizing Ramanujan's identity as a poet-translator, I claim that his
 translation practice should be seen to have a poetics of its own; the impression of contradiction or paradox is resolved and the
 colonial remnant of fidelity decentralized if we consider this poetics to be a deeply hermeneutic act. I describe Ramanujan's
 translation poetics to be defined by rereading, such that the translator is not just a reader nor fully a writer, but one who
 straddles both roles with ease to exist in community with other readers.


This paper attempts to compare and study the scoring competence of the China's basketball team and that of its competitors based on the technical statistics for the 14th Word Championship and the 27th Olympics. The author points out that China's men's team had no clear improvement in scoring competence and efficiency, which is shown in its relatively lower ratio of scoring and successful offense, a downward tendency in its offensive speed and a lack of appropriateness in the offensive strategy employment.


An information service system using a USN(Ubiquitous Sensor Network) node and a communication network and a service server connectable to a USN sensor through the communication network are provided to integratedly operate USNs by one service server, thereby reducing a waste of resources as realizing a low-priced installation and operation cost. USN nodes(N1-N7) sense a situation of a jurisdictional area, add self intrinsic codes to the sensed information to wirelessly transmit the information, and wirelessly relay information one another. Gateways add self ID codes to the information received from the USN nodes, and transmit the information to an external network. A service server(S1) is equipped in the external network, receives the information transmitted from the gateways, and perceives the gateways through the ID codes, then perceives the sensed USN nodes to update the sensed information at data tables allocated to the gateways.


ABSTRACT By exploring the factors that affect the shareholding change of foreign institutions, we find that corporate governance and financial issues may not be related to the shareholding change of foreign institutions. We employ censored panel data models focusing on either positive or negative samples in terms of the shareholding change of foreign institutions; results reveal that corporate governance and financial performance are related to the shareholding change of foreign institutions for positive samples instead of negative samples, which is similar to the finding that results might not be the same for low quantile or high quantile estimation by using quantile regression models. This concern seems rarely examined in the relevant literature.


Fractional vortex lasers with a fractional topological charge, l, exhibiting a unique fractional radial opening, have been attractive for the optical manipulating of microscopic particles and super-resolution spectroscopy based on stimulated emission depletion. They have also recieved much attention in fundamental physics, including an analogy concerning the quantum flux in the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Such applications of the fractional vortex lasers frequently require wavelength diversity. In particular, tunable fractional vortex lasers in a mid-infrared region, including the eigen frequencies of many molecules originating by the vibration modes, will potentially be attractive for manipulating molecules and molecular spectroscopy with high spatial resolution. Second-order nonlinear frequnecy conversion is a promising method to extend the wavelength range of laser sources. However, the conservation of topological charge, l, in an optical parametric down-conversion process causes a question, i.e., how does the orbital angular momentum of the pump beam divide between the signal and idler outputs? To date, we have demonstrated 2μπι fractional vortex output with a topological charge l=0.5 from a 1μm vortex pumped optical parametric oscillator (2μπι fractional vortex OPO) formed by a plane-parallel cavity configuration and a nonlinear crystal KTP [1]. (Such the fractional optical vortex operation is never permitted in a conventional stable laser cavity [2].) However, the pulse energy (<;0.5mJ) of the fractional vortex output is limited by severe diffraction loss in the plane-parallel cavity configuration. Also, the lasing wavelength of the fractional vortex output was fixed at 2.128μm.


Groundwater is one of the precious natural resources which is related to human life and production.However the groundwater is seriously polluted in Hebei province. There are fourways for the pollution: industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, domestic pollution and natural pollution. In regard to this, some measures are proposed to prevent and control groundwater pollution in rural areas:making the province groundwater pollution prevention planning,improving the prevention and management laws and regulations, strengthening groundwater monitoring network construction; stepping up the environmental awareness of the public, enhancing prevention and control technology research and development, developing ecological agriculture.


1. The contribution of the diaphragm and that of the other inspiratory muscles at different levels of tidal volume and during static inspiratory efforts of various strength has been studied in supine rabbits by blocking phrenic conduction with an electrotonic current. The rabbits were lightly anaesthetized with urethane and pentobarbitone.


Our data show that integrated PET/CT provides high sensitivity and negative predictive value. When positive mediastinal lymph nodes are detected, invasive mediastinal staging must be performed.


The allelopathic effects of Eupatorium adenophorum(Spreng.) leaf extract and litter on Eucalyptus maidenii seedling growth were examined in this study. This was complemented by field studies on the allelopathic effects of E. adenophorum intrusions in Eucalyptus plantations. The results showed that the E. adenophorum can become the single dominant understory species in Eucalyptus plantations, and whilst it can improve soil moisture content it does adversely affect the health of Eucalyptus. E. adenophorum leaf extracts were found to have contrary effects on the above-ground and under-ground parts of eucalypt trees; in situ leachate from the leaf litter was similarly found to improve the resiliency of eucalypt roots. In both red soil and litter matrix, the leachate processing time and root growth showed a highly significant, positive correlation.


The synergy on polysaccharide from sophora alopecuroides bean(sophora alopecuroides bean gum)with xanthan gum was studied.The results showed that the synergy was different with the different proportion of two gums,when the weight rate was 7∶3 of sophora alopecuroides bean gum with xanthan gum,the synergy was the most strong,the viscosity of mixed solution was two times higher than xanthan solution alone.Mixed solution was non-Newton fluid,and it had better pseudoplastic property.Sophora alopecuroides bean gum can be used in food or other industries as a compatibility-gum of xanthan gum.


t It is both an important sign and an inexorable trend for the administrative modernization of the institutions of higher learning to manage the university by law. Starting from the legal relationship between the university and the teachers and the u-niversity and the students respectively, this paper attaches much importance to discuss the ways of ruling the university by law. In other words, how to design the system, how to improve the procedures, how to perfect the duty - bound management, how to advocate the spirit of the rule by law and the awareness of safeguarding the rights as well as how to differentiating the academic rights and the administrative rights properly.


The electron capture to continuum (ECC) from atoms by a fast bare ion is investigated assuming that the electron-projectile interaction in the final state is a screened Coulomb potential. The cut-off Coulomb and Hulth\'en potentials are used to show that the ECC cross section is either finite or diverges as $\frac{1}{{v}^{2}}$ for small final relative electron-projectile velocities ($\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{v}}$). Theoretically this represents a considerable deviation from the usual premise of the $\frac{1}{v}$ behavior given by the Coulomb factor. However, for gaseous targets we get the usual ECC peak shape as an average over the screening range of the interaction. We discuss some experimental conditions where anomalies due to screening are expected to be observable.


Intelligent charging solutions facilitate mobility electrification. Mathematically, electric vehicle (EV) charging scheduling formulations are constrained optimization problems. Therefore, accurate constraint modeling is theoretically and practically relevant for scheduling. However, the current scheduling literature lacks an accurate problem formulation, including the joint modeling of the nonlinear battery charging profile and minimum charging power constraints. The minimum charging power constraint prevents allocating inexecutable charging profiles. Furthermore, if the problem formulation does not consider the battery charging profile, the scheduling execution may deviate from the allocated charging profile. An insignificant deviation indicates that simplified modeling is acceptable. After providing the problem formulation targeting the maximum possible vehicle battery state-of-charge (SoC) on departure, the numerical assessment shows how the constraint consideration impacts the scheduling performance in typical charging scenarios (weekday workplace and weekend public charging where the grid supplies up to 40 vehicles). The simulation results show that the nonlinear battery charging constraint is practically negligible: For many connected EVs, the grid limit frequently overrules that constraint. The resulting difference between the final mean SoCs using and not using accurate modeling does not exceed 0.2%. Consequently, the results justify simplified modeling (excluding the nonlinear charging profile) for similar scenarios in future contributions.


Angela Hay, a Probation Service Officer, and Amanda Stirling, a Probation Officer in West Yorkshire, explain the rationale, process and outcomes of a pilot programme aiming to make separate groupwork provision for women probation clients. Their experience shows that such programmes are essential to meet the needs of serious women offenders at risk of custody.


Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare, clinically aggressive tumor that was classified as a distinct entity among myeloid neoplasms in the World Health Organization's 2016 revision of the classification of acute myeloid leukemia and related neoplasms. Most patients present with cutaneous lesions with or without bone marrow involvement and leukemic dissemination. The tumor cells express CD4, CD56, CD123, and TCL1 [1]. In general, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)/ lymphoma-type regimens were reported to show better survival outcomes than acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-type regimens. Complete remissions were registered for 7 of 26 patients after AML-type regimens and 10 of 15 patients after ALL/lymphomatype regimens, with a significant advantage for the ALL/ lymphoma-type approach [2,3]. Patients who were treated with hyper-CVAD showed an objective response, but the duration of response was short so hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) should also be considered [4]. Recent interest has been directed towards SL-401, a novel immunotherapy directed at IL-3R, notably overexpressed in BPDCN as well as other myeloid malignancies. This led to the development of SL-401 as an IL3-diphtheria toxin conjugate that has demonstrated promise for BPDCN in early-phase trials [5,6,7,8]. We aim to share our experience with BPDCN due to its rareness and the lack of a consensus about treatment.


This written report establish a dialog between the development and implementation of workshops and educational activities, based on the exposition "La Escultura Abstracta en Colombia" (Abstract Sculpture in Colombia), made at the Minuto de Dios Contemporary Art Museum in 2007. The first approximation made by this report is the description of this pedagogical proposal stages; then, some theoretical approaches are developed, such as, the educational potential of the museum and the actual interest of establishing a direct communication with the community and other publics. Getting to know the interests and needs of these publics is based on a series of methods such as the "visitors studies" and other types of marketing, and for this matter, the communicative nature of the museum is analyzed, and potentialized through educational activities. At last, a complete evaluation of this experience in relation with the theory of education and many other elements that surrounds it, finally concluding with the strengths and weakness.


The purpose of this study was to determine whether the results from the Eysenck Personality Inventory could significantly predict recidivism in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development. The study is designed as an attempt at contributing to the general criminological body of research, as well as an inquiry into one form of psychological explanation for delinquency, namely personality theory. The use of personality testing is based in psychologist Hans Eysenck's theory on the relationship between personality type and crime, and functions as an attempt at identifying and evaluating what individual risk factors that predict criminal behaviour. From the population, two recidivist samples were selected; officially registered as well as self-reported recidivists. The personality types tested were extraversion, neuroticism and neurotic extraversion, as originally conceived by Eysenck. The recidivist sample consisted of respondents in the Cambridge study who had received at least one juvenile conviction between the ages of 10 and 16. Out of the three personality types, extraversion could significantly predict both officially registered and self-reported recidivist offending in the population. Neurotic extraversion predicted officially registered recidivism, whilst no support was found for the claim that neuroticism could predict recidivism. The study concludes that the results only partially support Eysenck's claims and that a number of factors influence personality type testing and predictions based therein. Thus, personality type was not proven to be a significant risk factor for predicting crime and delinquency.


Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells have received increasing attention because they are widely regarded as a potential future stationary and mobile power sources. In this paper, one-dimensional, steady state model for PEM fuel cell stack is developed in MATLAB environment and the effect of various overpotentials on the polarization and the efficiency of fuel cell are studied. At low current draw, there is a sudden increase in activation overpotential due to the slow electron transfer rate and a portion of the electrode voltage is lost to compensate for the lack of electro-catalytic activity. At all current draw, ohmic losses are linear with current density due to the low conductivity of membrane. At higher current draw, the electrochemical reactions are hindered by the water generated at the cathode and voltage drops. Efficiency drops with increasing power density; hence there is a trade-off between high power and high efficiency. Fuel cell system designers must select the desired operating range according to whether efficiency or power is paramount for the given application.


This peer reviewed volume presents the proceedings of the international conference that took place in Brussels in 2015 and the sequel to the publication of the research that resulted from a three-year project between the University of Oxford and the Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The volume offers complementary approaches, both thematic and geographic, to the study of Early Greek ritual practices and expands into other areas, contexts, and materials the research undertaken in the volume Constructing Social Identities in Early iron Age and Archaic Greece edited by Athena Tsingarida and Irene Lemos in 2017. It includes papers on theoretical approaches to the study of rituals, case studies from a number of regions and sites, and finally papers on the contribution of bio-archaeological research to our understanding of rituals in ancient Greece.


Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease caused by mutation in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which controls CFTR proteins. Many are or have been threatened by this rare but life-threating disease, therefore, more attention should be paid to better solve this public health issue. Here we provide a thorough review about cystic fibrosis in the aspects of disease pathogenesis, clinical manifestation as well as clinical therapeutics to achieve a deeper understanding of this disease. Among the demand of innovative clinical strategies, appearance of the combination drug trikafta is a promising sign of better dealing with cystic fibrosis.


employers, 8% are non-earners, and 1% remain unaccounted for. Professor Desai points out rightly that the term ' joint' household is foreign to the Indian languages and that the term ' joint' is translated from English whenever it is used in the vernacular. To analyse the 423 sample households he made two categories. One was of the types of households classified according to the kind of members contained in each, and the other was something more abstract, a classification of what he calls ' jointness'. The author considers that the joint family extends beyond the joint household, and he measures the degrees of ' jointness '. First by analysing the households he finds that most of the households in Mahuva are composed of members usually thought to comprise the ' nuclear ' family. Much depends on the definition of the ' nuclear ' and the ' joint'. By including households in which parents live with married sons and their wives who do not as yet have children in the category of the ' nuclear ', 61% of all households become counted as ' nuclear'. But if such households are considered to be ' joint', the purely ' nuclear ' families come to 42% only. In the scale of ' jointness ' only 5% of all families show ' zero degree of jointness'. Professor Desai has classified 5 types of jointness. He considers those families to show zero degree of jointness which are unimember households or comprised of married persons with unmarried children only and who do not maintain any kin relations with the members of any other households. Among the other types of jointness are the sharing of mutual obligations with relatives who live elsewhere by residentially nuclear families ; sharing property jointly with other branches of the joint family by residentially nuclear families ; marginal jointness shown by families which may become nuclear through dependants leaving the household, or may become joint with the birth of children ; and jointness shown by the traditional joint household. These four types of jointness are all considered by Professor Desai to make the respective families joint in nature. In the remainder of the book the author shows again and again that jointness of any degree may prevail among any of the social groups in Mahuva without any particular order, except in the case of families which own property. Joint property in the form of agricultural land contributes to the maintenance of the traditional type of jointness or the joint household. Caste or education have no particular relations to jointness, nor do occupational relations in the form of employers, self-employed, or employees. In his analysis of jointness the author is too intent on showing that Indian families are not nuclear in the Western sense of the word, and maintain joint relations even when they are residentially nuclear. He is not at all interested in showing the differences in the personal interactions of members in the various types of Indian households. As his guiding definition of the family is ' unity of interacting personalities ' he could have compared the relations between the various branches of joint families according to whether they live in nuclear households, partitioned households, or joint households. Whether people live together or live apart does influence their patterns of behaviour. Also his classification of nuclear families as those who show zero degree of jointness by not having any kin relations at all with any other families may be questioned. Since the concept of the ' nuclear family ' seems to come from the Western societies we ought to realize that in the West families which are residentially nuclear maintain a great many kin relations with members of other households. The joint household and the joint ownership of property are distinctive features of Indian society and as such they have attracted much attention, but not the maintenance of kin relations with members of other households.


Ginseng is now increasingly popular in Thailand because of its multifunctional health properties. However, the recognition and acceptance of ginseng food products in Thailand have been limited. The objectives of this research were to investigate consumer attitudes toward ginseng products and to obtain useful information to develop ginseng food products that meet the expectations of Thai consumers. Consumer surveys and focus group interviews were conducted. The 430 respondents participated in the consumer surveys. Six focus group interviews (n = 51) were also conducted. Results showed that most Thai consumers know ginseng. Ginseng is representative of a healthy image. Consumers wanted new products, such as beverages, and this product should be easily absorbed or digested. For focus group interviews, older participants (more than 40 years old) had positive impressions toward ginseng food products in contrast to young participants. Participants were concerned about convenience, price, and taste and aroma of new ginseng products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study of Thai consumer attitudes and expectations of Korean ginseng products posed an interesting challenge and could provide information for promoting Korean ginseng in Thailand. The results of this research can be used for idea generation and further development studies on ginseng products. Advertisement and education may also increase consumption of ginseng food products among Thai consumers.


Seasonal dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community composition in three common mangrove plant species, namely, Acanthus ilicifolius, Excoecaria agallocha, and Rhizophora mucronata, from two sites in Goa, India, were investigated. In all three species variation in AM fungal spore density was observed. Maximum spore density and AM species richness were recorded in the premonsoon season, while minimum spore density and richness were observed during monsoon season at both sites. A total of 11 AM fungal species representing five genera were recorded. Acaulospora laevis was recorded in all seasons at both sites. Multivariate analysis revealed that season and host coaffected AM spore density and species richness with the former having greater influence than the latter.


Bogoliubov–de Gennes equations (BdGEs) for collective excitations from a trapped Bose–Einstein condensate described by a spatially smooth ground-state wavefunction can be treated analytically. A new class of closed solutions for the BdGEs is obtained for the one-dimensional (1D) and 3D spherically harmonic traps. The solutions of zero-energy mode of the BdGEs are also provided. The eigenfunctions of the excitations consist of zero-energy mode, zero-quantum-number mode and entire excitation modes when the approximate ground state is a background Bose gas sea.


Sensing the chemical environment is critical for all organisms. Diverse animals from insects to mammals utilize highly organized olfactory system to detect, encode, and process chemostimuli that may carry important information critical for health, survival, social interactions and reproduction. Therefore, for animals to properly interpret and react to their environment it is imperative that the olfactory system recognizes chemical stimuli with appropriate selectivity and sensitivity. Because olfactory receptor proteins play such an essential role in the specific recognition of diverse stimuli, understanding how they interact with and transduce their cognate ligands is a high priority. In the nearly two decades since the discovery that the mammalian odorant receptor gene family constitutes the largest group of G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) genes, much attention has been focused on the roles of GPCRs in vertebrate and invertebrate olfaction. However, is has become clear that the 'family' of olfactory receptors is highly diverse, with roles for enzymes and ligand‐gated ion channels as well as GPCRs in the primary detection of olfactory stimuli.


A method for producing a dipeptide that has a protected N-terminal and is represented by formula (1) or a salt of the dipeptide, said method comprising condensing an α-monosubstituted amino acid that has a protected N-terminal and is represented by formula (2) or glycine or a salt thereof with a disubstituted amino acid that is represented by formula (3) or a salt thereof in the presence of a condensing agent [in each of the formulae, substituents are as defined in the description or the like].


The part solid model was generated according to the dimensions of the part drawing.By means of parameters institution for NC machining,NC program could be generated and processing route was checked and amended after simulating process based on the CAD/CAM functions of CAXA-ME.


Objective
To investigate the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in psoriasis.

Methods
The expressions of Bcl-X, Bcl-2 and Bax were studied with immunohistochemical technique(SP) in the lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin.

Results
There were significant overexpressions of Bcl-X in all layers of epidermis, inflammatory cells and vascular endothelia in dermis; there were mild up-regulations of Bax expression in stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum in the lesional skin.Those abnormalities had already been observed in part of non-lesional skin and not returned to normal afer treatment.However, the expression of Bcl-2was as normal, restricted only to melanocytes in the basal layer; and no Bcl-2 expression was found in keratinocytes.

Conclusion
The up-regulated ratio of Bcl-X to Bax probably contributes to the overproliferation of keratinocytes, intensive infiltration of inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of new vessels.Bcl-2 may be less important for the initiation of psoriasis.

Key words:
Psoriasis; Apoptosis; Bcl-X; Bcl-2; Bax


The research was administrated in PT Duta Putra Lexindo  City of Pangkalpinang and was conducted from November 2017 to February 2018.The purpose of this research is to analyze PT Duta Putra Lexindo performance by using a contemporary management instrument, namely Balanced ScoreCard, consisting of ; a). Financial Perspective, b).Customer Perspective, c). Internal Business Process Perspective, and d). Learning and Growth Perspective. The population of this research is customers and employees of PT Duta Putra Lexindo, which is after the calculation with random sampling method, the sample consists of 26 customers and 56 employees. In other words the total of sample of this research is 82 respondents. This research uses qualitative and quantitative method by using a measuring instruments that is questionnaire and also uses a Multi Attributes Model to determine the level of satisfaction; Customers and Employees, and also to measure innovation process, operation, and after sales service related to internal business process.The results of this research shows that; 1). Financial Perspective shows quite good results because 2 of 5 ratios have decreased significantly in the last 5 years, 2). Customer Perspective as measured from market share shows good result, but measured from customer retention and customer satisfaction shows less good results. In other words customers are not satisfied with the service of PT Duta Putra Lexindo, 3). Internal Business Process shows good management performance as well as Learning and Growth Perspective. Based on the results, the company must improve performance by re-measuring financial instruments and paying more attention to customer satisfaction. Over all, performance of PT Duta Putra Lexindo shows a Balanced Performance by coefficient of 0,36 which can also be explained that the result of Balanced ScoreCard Analyzed is in "Pretty Good" condition.


This paper proposes a new modified discrete Smith predictor control scheme for stable processes with dead time. The processes are assumed to be of stabl e first order with time delay, which are commonly used in process industry. The present scheme consists of tw o parts: predictive disturbance observer (PDOB) and Smith predictor structure. The PDOB scheme exhibits the property of DOB structure which can push the real plant to the nominal plant. Moreover, the PDOB based on D OB structure has an additional predictive filter which can eliminate the time delay of estimated disturbance, so that the control scheme could compensate deterministic disturbances in dead-time processes. Meanwhile, the Smith predictor structure in the outer loop is utilized to suppress the effects of time delay. In order to demonstrate the results, different simulation examples for periodic disturbance rejection are shown. The results illust rate that the performance of proposed scheme is better than t he recent study for periodic disturbance rejection. Keywordsdead time; Smith predictor; PDOB; periodic disturbance; robust stability;


C 60 can react easily with 2 aminoethanol forms a water soluble derivative (C 60 AE).C 60 AE can be further modified by acrylyl chloride and methacrylyl chloride form fullerence containing monomers (C 60 AE AC and C 60 AE MAC).A macromolecularized water soluble fullerenc (C 60 JD400) has been also obtained by reaction of C 60 with amino group terminated poly(propylene glycol) (Jeffamine D400). Based on above water soluble C 60 s,three kinds of C 60 involved hydrogels are prepared,i.e.adsorbing of C 60 JD400 by poly(N isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel results hydrogel involving C 60 ,absorbing type;polymerization of N isopropylacrylamide in C 60 JD400 aqueous solution gives an semi IPN type and its copolymerization with C 60 AE AC or C 60 AE MAC leads covalently binding type. The superoxide anion (O - 2) level under visible light irradiation in systems containing C 60 JD400 has been investigated by traditional cytochrome C method.cytochrome c is reduced by superoxide anmion and the absorbance of reduced cytochrome C increases along with the increasing of irradiation time.


This chapter presents the northern "external frontier" of Buda and the occupied Hungarian territories as the fulcrum in which new strategies of governance and imperial display emerged. The chapter argues that rival Ottoman and Habsburg imperial claims each increasingly relied on linguistic manipulations to assert jurisdictional power. It further explores the way in which clear boundaries were never certain but rather were constantly asserted through diplomatic letters and surveillance tactics ever more reliant on imperial translators. While typically assayed in terms of the "limits" of Ottoman expansion, here Buda and the Hungarian territories become the crucible for an emergent framework of imperial sovereignty. The chapter relies on edicts dispatched to the governors of Buda, as well as their letters sent in turn to Habsburg authorities, and illustrates the fraught nature of Ottoman territorial claims.


~urgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms con tlnues to present a challenge for the vascular sur ~eon. The high rates of morbidity and mortality are, In large measure, related to the effects of aortic cross clamping. Spinal cord ischaemia causing paraplegia ha~ been the subject of much research and published anlcles, which has overshadowed mesenteric and renal problems. However, recently there has been a surge of interest in new surgical techniques which ~ave elevated visceral and renal ischaemia into the hmelight. The review by Webb and Williams in this issue of Cardiovascular Surgery (Vol. 7, No.6, pp. 573-585) documents the change in philosophy of repairing ~ese aneurysms which has occurred recently. The .clamp and go' method popularised by Crawford l11volved a high degree of surgical skill in order to reduce the length of time taken before important organs were perfused (1]. This technique inevitably PUt the surgical team under pressure to complete anastomoses quickly, and this may have led to prob lems in less capable hands. The time taken to per form the proximal anastomosis, having first over sewn small intercostal arteries, varies but is usually around 15-20 mins. If large intercostal arteries required implantation then a further 15-20 min c oul ? be required. The surgeon could therefore be stanmg the important visceral and renal anastomoses ~0-40 min after initial cross-clamping, during which time these organs remain ischaemic. The geometry of the visceral and renal orifices dictated whether all Could be encompassed in a single anastomosis or if two or more anastomoses were required. The time taken to perfuse the gut could, therefore, be in excess of 60 min. Perhaps the only operation where 'clamp ~nd ~o' should be performed is in type IV thoracoabommal aneurysms with normal renal function, Where all the visceral and renal orifices can be incor Porated into the proximal anastomosis. A variety of ingenious techniques have been


According to the invention, a communications system (e.g. UMTS with CDMA radio interface) can be distinguished between services with high and low bit rate dynamics. The invention provides for an adapted signalling mode of the relevant transport formats. The bit rate of the data of one service can vary significantly and/or quickly (high dynamics) or only slightly and slowly (low dynamics) as time goes by. The data of the services are transmitted via a common physical channel, wherebyn in-band signalling is used for the signalling of the transport format of the services with high bit rate dynamics and a signalling in a separated channel is used for the services with low bit rate dynamics.


The art of choral music in Minnan dialect is featured with strong folkways flavor and enjoys popularities in Fujian and Taiwan.Its lyric is natural and easy to understand,employs plenty of slangs,folk proverbs and idioms,and thus represents diversities of music tunes and rhythms.The paper analyzes the course,pattern and characteristic of choral music in Minnan dialect from linguistic,historical,communicative,social and musical points of view.


A single-hole compound anchor pile, belongs to the architectural engineering. Useig in the highway subgrade, the bridge ground, the building ground foundation reinforcement. Compound anchor pile including drill hole (1), thick liquid tube (2), sleeve valve tube (3), anchor rod body (4), note hydromass (5); And the sleeve valve tube (3) stops the thick liquid piston by the sleeve valve tube (6), the sleeve valve tube shoots the thick liquid hole (7), the sleeve valve tube floral tube (8), the rubber cup (9); In the implements process first to use the hole machinery to form the drill hole to the single-hole compound anchor pile designed depth, the insertion note thick liquid tube, the sleeve valve tube as well as the anchor rod body, pours the thick liquid tube and the sleeve valve tube length with the hole depth, implements thick liquid first using the note thick liquid tube, after size prehardening, implements two time mesohigh note thick liquid using the sleeve valve tube, two mesohigh note thick liquid pressure is 1-5MPa, pours the thick liquid current capacity is 10-60l/min. The merit is: The location condition requests lowly, machinery simple economy; The pile hole aperture is small, can arrange the battered pile conveniently, the effective resistance horizontal and the vertical load, the supporting capacity is high, is suitable for each kind of different soil texture.


Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMC) are analogous magnetic conductors with constrained bandwidth that function optimally only at specified frequencies. The shape of the AMC unit cell is a square patch with four rectangular slots with square rings attached to the centre patch. The AMC is printed on an FR4 substrate that is 3.2 mm thick, has dimensions of 9.6 mm x 9.6 mm x 3.2 mm, and has a relative dielectric constant of 4.4 and a loss tangent/dissipation factor of 0.02. The designed surface is based on the combined unit cells of artificial magnetic conductors (AMCs) forming an array, resonating at a particular band. The bottom of the base is metal ground. To achieve single resonance, the square rings are added and attached to center thus, a band centred at 3.5 GHz. The resonant frequency can be obtained using a single-band AMC in the end. The proposed design is simulated by ANSYS HFSS electronic desktop 2016.1.


Lagrange multiplier approach is a computationally efficient method for computing optimal energy management strategy for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle under the assumption that the accumulator dynamics can be ignored and only the net use of storage energy is considered. Although it provides a close estimate to the fuel economy compared to that obtained using dynamic programming, the resulting control strategy does not respect the physical limits of the storage capacity of the hydraulic accumulator. Thus, the synthesized control strategy is not feasible for actual driving. This article investigates the basic Lagrange multiplier approach for real-time control and proposes modifications so that the storage capacity is respected. It is shown that the Lagrange multiplier can be interpreted as an equivalent loss factor which turns out to be the marginal loss associated with the discharge of stored energy. The two proposed modifications are as follows: (1) a moving horizon approach and (2) making the Lagrange multiplier a function of the current state of charge. Both methods are successful in maintaining the accumulator state of charge within limits with modest effect on fuel economy (3%–5% lower).


Objective: To summarize new research evolution of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. Methods: Compact Disc literatures searching and integration analysis. Results: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD ) is an important method for prepotency and high quality growth. Conclusion: PGD has extensive applied foreground.


Thepersonalhealth informationofpatients intheUnitedStates is not safe, and it needs to be. The vulnerability of health data is clear from the research letter by Liu and colleagues1 in this issue of JAMA. Organizations for which the management of healthinformationisregulated under the Health Insurance PortabilityandAccountability Act(HIPAA),whichareso-calledcoveredentities,mustpromptly reportdatabreachesaffectingmore than500 individuals to the USDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.Examiningthese reports for 2010 through2013, theauthors found949events affecting29.1millionrecords,withincreasingnumbersofbreaches over time.Two-thirdsofdatabreaches involvedelectronicdata, almost three-fifths theft, and nearly 10% (in 2013) hacking. However,Liuetal1 cannotconcludethat29milliondifferent peoplewere affected. Someunlucky individualsmayhave had theirhealth informationcompromisedmultipletimes,andsome recordsmayhavebeenduplicates.However,even ifonly15millionor5millionpatientshadtheirdatabreached,thatistoomany. Anationwideelectronichealth information systemhas the potential not only to improve the care of individuals but also to createmajornewsourcesofhealthdata for researchandhealth carequalityimprovement.Butifpatientshaveconcernsthattheir digitizedpersonalhealth informationwillbecompromised, they will resist sharing itviaelectronicmeans, thusreducing itsvalue in their own care and its availability for research and performance measurement. Concerned patients may also withhold sensitive information about issues such asmental health, substance abuse, human immunodeficiency virus status, and geneticpredispositions. Surveys suggest thismayalreadybehappening to some degree.2 Loss of trust in an electronic health information system could seriously undermine efforts to improve health and health care in the United States. Thequestioniswhattodo.Partof theresponsibility lieswith theprivatecustodiansofhealthdata,mostlyclinicians,healthcare organizations,andinsurers.Althoughmalicioushackinggetsthe mostmediaattention,morethan80%ofdatabreachesresultfrom amuchmoremundaneandcorrectibleproblem:thefailureofcovered entities to observe what might be called good data hygiene.1,3,4 Theyneglect to implementbasic precautions such asencryptinghealthdata,prohibitingthestorageofpersonal informationonemployees'personalelectronicdevices (whichare vulnerable to loss and theft), and using sound practices for authenticatingauthorizedusers.The importanceofgooddatahygiene explains why inmany legal settlements between federal regulatorsandcoveredentities thathaveexperiencedbreaches, theremediesinvolvemorerobustandconsistenttrainingforclinical andadministrativepersonnelonhowtoprotecthealthdata. Butpartof theresponsibility toprotectpatients'healthcare dataalso lieswithpolicymakers.Healthcareorganizationsand practitionersbemoanHIPAA's requirements, but in fact the law isantiquatedandinadequate toprotectpatients'healthcareprivacy and security. Congress enactedHIPAAbefore the Internet and before current electronicmethods for recording and transmitting data existed. As a result, there are substantial gaps in HIPAA'sprotections.Forexample, the lawdoesnot regulate the useofpersonalhealth informationbydigitalbehemoths,suchas Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twitter, that are already collecting(intentionallyornot)health-relateddataonpatientsandcould becomemajorcustodiansofsuchdatainthenearfuture.Thefact thatHIPAAregulatesonlycertainentities thatholdhealthdata, rather than regulating health data wherever those data reside, seems illogical in today'sdigitalworld.5Beyondtheadequacyof HIPAA, the security of the nation's health information systems is inextricably linkedtotheability to fendoffcyber threatsmore generally.Nationalpolicyonthislargerquestionremainsnascent. The stakes associatedwith the privacy and security of personalhealth informationarehuge.Threats tothesafetyofhealth caredataneedmuchmore focusedattention than theyhave received in the past from both public and private stakeholders.


An electro-chemical approach for controlled growth of seedless ZnO nanorods was investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirms ZnO nanorod morphology can be controlled by varying the electrodeposition duration. Increased growth time enhances the crystallinity of ZnO nanorods and releases the strain on ZnO nanorods, as revealed by x-ray diffraction analysis. A significant change in the near band gap and the defect level luminescence were observed for different growth time ZnO nanorods. The variation in zone-centre E2 (high) optical phonon mode of ZnO nanorods was studied using micro-Raman measurements. The I–V characteristics of the ZnO nanorods potentially enable applications in UV photodetection even at very low voltage range. Photodetectors based on ZnO nanorods have a faster response time (~29 s) and exhibited high photosensitivity, approximately 28 at 1 V forward bias, as compared to recent reported values. The results obtained are exciting in view of using a low cost electrodeposition technique at low temperature for achieving high-quality electrodeposited ZnO nanorods and its possible use in optoelectronic devices.