The tremendous increase in the usage of internet over the past few years and the ease of availability of resources across the globe at any time leads to the advancement of e-learning. Among the various domains, language learning is an important area with high potential for e-learning. Despite the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), e-learning system for language has not taken off as expected. There are several reasons. But the main reason is the inadequate attention given to the variety of differences between traditional learning scenario and an e-learning one [10]. Our approach Intelligent Environment for Learning Indian Languages (IELIL) i.e. Marathi e-guru is an attempt to reduce the gap between these two learning models. To design IELIL, the potentials of prior research frameworks in language learning like Constructivist Learning Environment (CLE), Computer Aided Language Learning (CALL) and Intelligent Tutoring system (ITS) are integrated. We have adopted the approach of a child learning its first language, where there is little emphasis on grammar and formal structure. The learning happens through continuous experimenting with regular feedback. We discuss our approach to teaching sentences in this paper. This paper reviews the language learning domain, the frameworks like CLE, CALL and ITS, our approach IELIL and discussion about the results with conclusion and future work.


In this paper we investigate the family of functions representable by deep neural networks (DNN) with rectified linear units (ReLU). We give an algorithm to train a ReLU DNN with one hidden layer to *global optimality* with runtime polynomial in the data size albeit exponential in the input dimension. Further, we improve on the known lower bounds on size (from exponential to super exponential) for approximating a ReLU deep net function by a shallower ReLU net. Our gap theorems hold for smoothly parametrized families of "hard" functions, contrary to countable, discrete families known in the literature. An example consequence of our gap theorems is the following: for every natural number $k$ there exists a function representable by a ReLU DNN with $k^2$ hidden layers and total size $k^3$, such that any ReLU DNN with at most $k$ hidden layers will require at least $\frac{1}{2}k^{k+1}-1$ total nodes. Finally, for the family of $\mathbb{R}^n\to \mathbb{R}$ DNNs with ReLU activations, we show a new lowerbound on the number of affine pieces, which is larger than previous constructions in certain regimes of the network architecture and most distinctively our lowerbound is demonstrated by an explicit construction of a *smoothly parameterized* family of functions attaining this scaling. Our construction utilizes the theory of zonotopes from polyhedral theory.


This paper specifically addresses two congestion-relief corridor projects that design and implement a system of changeable-message signs (CMS), closed-circuit television (CCTV), highway advisory radio (HAR), detection systems and citywide communications along the major I-5 and SR-55 corridors. Working closely with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Santa Ana is implementing a system that moves traffic through the city more effectively. This paper focuses on the factors and limitations that must be considered by a local municipality with limited resources when implementing a traffic operations system (TOS). Selecting TOS elements, design criteria, and the concepts that will best fit the city's needs are discussed.


We present an elementary approach to characterizing Lie polynomials on the generators [Formula: see text] of an algebra with a defining relation in the form of a twisted commutation relation [Formula: see text]. Here, the twisting map [Formula: see text] is a linear polynomial with a slope parameter, which is not a root of unity. The class of algebras defined as such encompasses [Formula: see text]-deformed Heisenberg algebras, rotation algebras, and some types of [Formula: see text]-oscillator algebras, the deformation parameters of which, are not roots of unity. Thus, we have a general solution for the Lie polynomial characterization problem for these algebras.


The ability to predict the drying behavior of thin films and coatings is of great importance to the coating industry and governs the economical production of various polymeric products. In conventional drying processes, a continuous layer of polymer solution is deposited onto a substrate, which is dried in an oven with forced air convection. Recently, a gap dryer was developed that eliminates the need for forced gas flow and provides direct solvent recovery. A model that incorporates simultaneous heat and mass transfer in the bulk polymer and gas phases and jump conditions across the interface is utilized to describe the drying of a binary polymer-solvent system in a gap dryer. Solvent self-diffusion in the polymer phase is described by the free-volume theory, and the Flory-Huggins theory is used to describe polymer-solvent thermodynamics. Simulations indicate the possibility of condensation in the gas phase that can decrease both drying efficiency and coating quality. A method to resolve this problem is proposed, as well as a comparison between the performance of a gap dryer and a conventional convection-oven dryer.


....................................................................................................................69 Introduction ...............................................................................................................71 Methods .....................................................................................................................73 Results .......................................................................................................................77 Discussion .................................................................................................................78 References .................................................................................................................83 Chapter 4 ..........................................................................................................................91 Abstract .....................................................................................................................92 Introduction ...............................................................................................................94 Methods .....................................................................................................................95 Results .....................................................................................................................100 Discussion ...............................................................................................................101 References ...............................................................................................................105 Chapter 5 ........................................................................................................................111 Discussion and Overall Conclusion ........................................................................111 Appendix .........................................................................................................................118 Comprehensive Home Environment Survey...........................................................118 Activity Support Scale for Multiple Groups ...........................................................143 Collins' Figures .......................................................................................................145


In this paper we advocate the use of latent trait models to make inferences about psychological construct as measured by psychological tests and questionnaires. Latent trait models have the advantage that measurement error is isolated, that items are weighted according to how well they measure the construct, and that explicit tests concerning the underlying construct are feasible. However, latent trait models come with the requirement of distributional assumptions concerning the item scores. We show in this paper that these assumptions may conflict with specific psychological phenomena. We discuss a substantively motivated latent trait model that can accommodate these phenomena.


Multilayer Perceptron is an artificial neural network able to learn to work in a specific desired way through examples, and once it is trained, it is able to react correctly in situations for which it was not specifically trained, due to its generalization capability. These examples are specified by the designer or can be assimilated with the support of a self-organized map. This paper shows the training verification and the working analysis of the multilayer perceptron used during the development of an imitation learning model; which is focused to a mobile robot displacement over two-dimensional space. This was done designing a comparison method between the attractor's graphs generated by the instructor robot and the apprentice robot. This method is supported in digital


We study the existence of Hodge metrics of positive total scalar curvature on projective threefolds of negative Kodaira dimension. We give strong indications about the existence of such metrics on rationally connected threefolds. The proofs rely on the theory of minimal models, the weak factorization theorem and on a specialization technique.


Experiments were conducted with 3 hybrid corn varieties in 8 sites on sunny and shadow slopes at altitude of 600 m,900 m,1 200 m, and 1 500 m above sea level. As altitude rose per 100 m, plant height of hybrid corn was decreased by 2.4 cm and growth period was delayed by 4.0 d. Furthermore, there were highly significant differences in hybrid corn yields between the sunny and slopes. Compared with those on the sunny slope, the plant height was increased by 3.9 cm, the growth period was delayed by 3.2 d and the yield was reduced by 352.1 kg hm -2 on the shadow slope. The interaction between altitude and variety was significant. However, the interactions between altitude and slope aspect, slope aspect and variety, and among altitude, slope aspect and variety were not observed in in the yield of hybrid corn. This study provides a basis for the layout and cultivation of hybrid corn in mountain areas. Tab 3, Ref 10


Modernity,as an important concept in western philosophy,has a great influence upon Chinese academic circle.It still has its theoretical significance and practical value in China's process of modernization.Tang Haoming's historical novel,Zeng Guofan,explores the deep historical and cultural plights the late Qing Dynasty faced by surveying Chinese traditional culture thoroughly.The novel breaks through some obsolete historical concepts and creates an image from the perspective of human beings.The novel of Zeng Guofan makes a reasonable inspection on the current world and reveals its modern significance.


ABSTRACT To ensure a safe and reliable operation, accurate estimation of the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is necessary. In order to improve the accuracy and practicability of the SOH estimation, this paper proposes a SOH estimation method based on differential temperature-incremental capacity-voltage (DT-IC-V) health features (HFs). A new DT-related health feature extraction method is proposed by analyzing the potential relationship between the temperature difference profile and SOH. A set of DT-IC-V HFs are designed in a relatively small charging segment to reduce the difficulty of obtaining data in practice. And a battery SOH estimation model based on deep belief network (DBN) and extreme learning machine (ELM) is designed. The number of nodes in each hidden layer of the DBN-ELM model is determined by the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA). The proposed method is validated on different types of batteries. The results show that the method can accurately estimate the SOH, with the mean absolute percent error remaining within 0.43% and 1.35% in the Oxford and NASA datasets, respectively.


Northern Territory volunteers embarking from the Darwin Jetty on to SS Changsha on their way to the First World War.


In contrast with the production of goods and services by firms, where the production costs are minimized under appropriate behavioral assumptions, consumer- producers have as objective the maximization of consumption expenditure, i.e., production costs of their outputs. According to Kenneth Boulding, were the impact upon the limited resources available on planet Earth taken into account, consumption expenditure should be something to be minimized. Thus, either we abandon consumer theory, as we know it, or we keep it as a reasonable description of reality. Then we should evaluate the long run consequences of such behavior in a larger context, which, as the consequence of larger population with increasing per capita consumption, comprises the overburdening of natural resources. When we decompose the time horizon of cultural evolution into shorter periods of adjustment, we may distinguish several types of institutional determination of how societies take decisions, as a group and individually. The postulate of maximizing consumption is reasonable for an aggregate approach. It simply reflects the predominant ethical values, of which ideologies, political platforms, and demand patterns are shorter run adjustments.


The optimal asphalt content in asphalt concrete is estimated by inverted efferent nerve network algorithm whose input parameters are the graduation of asphalt mixture and so on.Aiming at the disadvantage of traditional BP network,the stability and generalization performance of inverted efferent nerve network in the forecast of optimal asphalt content are increased according to improvement of network initialization,network structure and the use of dynamic network learning mechanism.


Physicians are confronted with increasingly complex patient histories based on which they must make life-critical treatment decisions. At the same time, clinical researchers are eager to study the growing databases of patient histories to detect unknown patterns, ensure quality control, and discover surprising outcomes. Designers of Electronic Health Record systems (EHRs) have great potential to apply innovative visual methods to support clinical decision-making and research. This work surveys the state-of-the-art of information visualization systems for exploring and querying EHRs, as described in the scientific literature. We examine how systems differ in their features and highlight how these differences are related to their design and the medical scenarios they tackle. The systems are compared on a set of criteria: (1) data types covered, (2) multivariate analysis Interactive information visualization to explore and query electronic health records


Both amsacrine and its analogue, N‐5‐dimethyl‐9‐[(2‐methoxy‐4‐methylsulphonylamino)phenylamino]‐4‐acridinecarboxamide (CI‐921) are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in rabbits. The mean bioavailability for amsacrine was 50% ± 17 (s.d.) in non‐fasting animals, and was significantly increased in fasting animals (mean, 90% ± 10). The bioavailability for CI‐921 (mean, 26% ± 11) in the non‐fasting animal was significantly less than that found for amsacrine, but this difference disappeared in the fasting animal when the bioavailability of CI‐921 was significantly increased to 69% ± 23. Oral administration of both agents resulted in significantly prolonged elimination half‐lives and mean residence times compared to the i.v. infusion, but no significant difference was observed in these parameters between the fasting and non‐fasting state. This study suggests that oral dosing may be a possible alternative route for the administration of these anticancer agents.


The Capacitated Plant Location Problem (CPLP) is a NP problem and hard to get an optimal and satisfactory solution. Regarding the shortage of the existing solutions, an Immune Clone (IC)-based algorithm was presented in this paper. The algorithm adopted different coding, antibody generation, clonal selection, somatic hypermutation, clonal restraint, and antibody supplement strategies from the general IC algorithm. Experimental results show that the IC-based algorithm could converge to global optimal solution rapidly and solve the Capacitated Plant Location Problem effectively. It can avoid the convergence to the local optimal solution and overcome the slow convergence of the Genetic Algorithm (GA).


In this paper, we present a new low-power Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) with a DC-offset cancellation to reduce chip area, cost and power. The PGA adjusts 8-level gains from 4dB to 60dB using the 8 CMOS switches and 16 passive resistors in parallel, and DC-offset circuit is based on a Miller effect technique. It is fabricated using Magnachip/SK Hynix 0.18-μm CMOS 1poly-6metal process. The proposed system showed excellent gain error of less than 0.24dB, very small die area of 0.015mm and low power consumption of 1.137mW.


ISOTOPIC STUDIES OF PISOLITIC FROM ASWAN AREA (EGYPT)

Summary
The paper contains a review of the newest works in the field of oxygen/hydrogen isotopic studies. Isotopic composition can be used to distinguish clays of different origin. The preliminary results of mineralogy and oxygen/hydrogen isotopic ratios on pisoIitic kaolins from Aswan area (southern Egypt) are presented. On the basis of isotopic data it is suggested that the pisoIitic kaolins were formed in conditions of surficial lateritic weathering.


Effects and mechanisms of P and K nutrients on yield and protein content of Weiyou 56, a fodder hybrid rice combination, were studied through pot experiment and biochemical analysis. The results showed that the increase of P and K nutrients enhanced the activities of PEP carboxylase (PEPC), glutamine synthase (GS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in leaves, sucrose synthase (SS), ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGP) and GS in grains, and the chlorophyll content in leaves, soluble sugar and starch content in grains, protein N and total N content in leaves and grains. Howerer, they decreased soluble sugar content in leaves and led to an increase of protein content in brown rice, biomass, grain yield and harvest index. Excessive P nutrients slightly reduced SPS and ADPG activity in leaves and grains respectively.


A calibration pulse generator, which generates rectangular pulses with amplitudes from 100 mv to 100 v with an accuracy of 1% is described. The temporary stability of the output amplitude is 2 x 10/sup -4/. A built-in multivibrator generates rectangalar oscillations at 24 or 95 cycles as well as rectangular pulses of 200 mu s, at a repetition rate of 49 cycles, The pulse repetitions can be synchronized with the power-line frequency. Keying of the output stage is possible by means of external pulse generators. The keying pulses must have a voltage of 36 v. Amplitude variations of the keying pulses of plus or minus 10% result in output amplitude variations of plus or minus 1 x 10/ sup -4/. (O.T.S.)


In recent years,wind power presents the common characteristics of installed capacity's rapid growth,large-scale and centralized development.The large-scale access of new energy causes the problem of large-scale consumption for wind power.However,the existing electric sales price mechanism restricts the local consumption and long-distance transmission of wind power.In order to promote the development of wind power,it is urgently needed to formulate new electric policies suitable for the large-scale consumption of new energy.This paper set up two sales price models for local consumption or distant consumption of wind power respectively.The strategies were suggested for the sales price of wind power consumption,based on the calculations of local or distant consumption for the wind power in Gansu with two models,of which the results proved the validities of the models conversely.


PREVIEW For many years, hepatorenal syndrome was considered a uniformly and rapidly fatal complication of end-stage liver disease. Although the syndrome still carries a poor long-term prognosis, increased understanding of its hemodynamic derangements has led to new pharmacologic treatments that significantly improve short-term outcomes. In this article, Drs Tong, Hurley, and Hayashi discuss a case of remarkable reversal of hepatorenal syndrome with use of oral midodrine hydrochloride, subcutaneous octreotide acetate, and intravenous albumin. The authors highlight the great progress that has been made in this field and review new therapeutic options that are on the market or under study. It is important for physicians who are caring for patients with hepatorenal syndrome to know about and consider the available treatments before an approach of "supportive care only" is taken.


The field of appropriate technology (AT), which has traditionally included small-scale, energy efficient and low-cost solutions, can be of tremendous assistance to many of the sustainable development challenges regarding food and water security, health, shelter, education and work opportunities. Unfortunately, there has not yet been a significant advancement or uptake of AT by major players in the field. Some of the biggest barriers include: 1) AT perceived as inferior or 'poor persons technology', 2) questions of technological robustness, design, fit and transferability, 3) funding and financing, 4) institutional support, as well as 5) general barriers associated with tackling rural poverty. With the rise of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for online networking and knowledge sharing, the prospect for collaborative open-access and open-source AT is growing. A much greater focus on networking, collaboration, demand-led innovation and community participation can be of significant help to build the necessary knowledge base, networks and the critical mass exposure for the field of AT. This in turn, can improve sustainable development efforts worldwide.


Objective To investigate the mobility of workforce in health service institutions in rural areas and put forward policy recommendations for improving the stability of health workforce in rural areas. Methods In this stratified random sampling trail,we randomly selected six provinces( cities) in the eastern,middle and western areas in China and conduct field investigations in 48 rural health centers from May to July in 2011. The selected provinces( cities) are Beijing, Zhejiang Province,Anhui Province, Shanxi Province, Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province. Self- designed questionnaires about workforce inflow and outflow in rural health service institutions were used,by which the basic data and the reasons of flowing workforce from 2007 to 2010 were collected. Results The total number of workforce inflow was 361 and that of workforce outflow was 187,in which females accounted for 67. 0%( 242 /361) and 51. 9%( 97 /187) respectively. Inflow personnel aged 20- 29 accounted for 72. 0%( 260 /361); outflow personnel aged 20- 29 accounted for 24. 6%( 46 /187) and those aged 30- 39 were 39. 0%( 73 /187). Doctors accounted for 42. 1%( 152 /361) and 56. 1%( 105 /187) respectively. Inflow personnel without a professional title accounted for 52. 4%( 189 /361) and outflow personnel with a primary title were 63. 1%( 118/187). Benefits,living environment and career development were the main reasons for the loss of health workforce. Conclusion The total number of workforce inflow is more than that of outflow. The number of female is lager than that of male in flowing workforce. Flowing workforce aged 20- 39 take up the majority and doctors take up more than half. Inflow workforces are primarily without a professional title,while outflow workforces are mostly with a primary title. The introduction difficulty and loss of healthworkforce are the main handicaps for the development of rural health service institutions. Measures should be taken to stabilize the workforce from all aspects of human resource management,ensure the stable supply and better career development of rural health workforce,improve flow mechanism of the health workforce,and facilitate the rational flow of the health workforce.


The increasing utilisation of renewable energy sources (RESs) plays an important role in the modern power system. The high penetration of the RESs in the electrical power network leads to challenges to the system's stability. Therefore, the microgrid concept is proposed to solve such problems due to its flexibility and practicality. The hybrid AC/DC microgrid configuration is compatible with AC power supplies, DC power supplies, AC loads and DC loads which is viewed as the most practical choice in the power system application. The microgrid utilises an interlinking converter for the system's control and grid connection. In this case, the microgrid implementation provides the possibility to achieve the other power electronic device functions such as a static compensator (STATCOM) or an active power filter (APF) in addition to dealing with the RES problems.
In this PhD thesis, a grid-connected-mode-based control strategy for the microgrid is proposed to regulate the power generation as well as to reduce the grid current harmonics and neutral current. A virtual synchronous generator (VSG) based control strategy is introduced for microgrid's smooth transient performance purpose.
The first contribution of this research is the combination of the notch filter and traditional grid-connected microgrid control strategy. The notch filter is introduced into a three-phase system for current harmonics detection. The obtained harmonics signals are converted into reference signals for a revised constant power control strategy so that the microgrid is able to achieve the power regulation and harmonics reduction simultaneously. The interlinking converter is designed with three transistor-based bridges and a split-capacitor-based bridge so that the system is decoupled from hardware without any internal signals interference.
The second contribution of this research is the design for grid neutral current compensation. The interlinking converter is designed with another independent neutral module bridge for the neutral current compensation purpose and a controller is developed based on this. In the context, the microgrid is implemented as a traditional microgrid with STATCOM-APF functions embedded.
The third contribution of this research is the introduction of an improved VSG controller with its specific pre-synchronisation module. The designed method conducts smooth transient performances for a microgrid under different scenarios. An exclusive pre-synchronisation block is designed for the improved VSG controller for the microgrid to reconnect to the utility network smoothly when there is a requirement.
The final contribution of this research is the establishment of the microgrid system benchtop. The hardware setup achieves the traditional power regulation function as well as the power-sharing between two microgrids. The proposed STATCOM-APF-based grid-connected microgrid controller is also tested under different scenarios. The effectiveness is validated through experiment.
Various case studies are conducted in this research to investigate the microgrid possibilities. The proposed methods are validated through simulation first. The hardware prototype also verifies the correctness of the proposed grid-connected microgrid control method. The microgrid setup finally realises the power regulation, the harmonics reduction, the neutral current compensation and the cooperative operation functions.


Human communication has been enhanced by the fast developing Internet beyond our imagination, the so called Web2.0 has been a major driving force behind such changes, and Web2.0 opens the new era of Internet. At the same time, Web2.0 can fundamentally challenge the international IPR framework. This paper studies what does Web2.0 mean and its intellectual property rights issues. And it also gives some reasonable suggestions.


An experimental study is conducted on natural convection heat transfer from square pin fin heat sinks subject to the influence of orientation. A total of six pin fin heat sinks with various arrangements are tested under controlled environment. Test results show that the upward facing orientation yields the highest heat transfer coefficient, followed by the sideward facing and the downward facing ones. The heat transfer coefficients for upward facing are about 0% ~ 5% greater than those for sideward facing and are 0% ~ 20% greater than those for downward facing. Besides, the effect of orientation becomes less pronounced as the population density is gradually increased. It is also found that the heat transfer coefficient reveals a maximum at a fin height nearby 2 mm or at a fin density of 1 pin/cm2. The effect of fin height and fin density can be termed as a composite parameter, namely the finning factor which represents the ratio of total surface to the base surface. The heat transfer coefficient initially increases with the finning factor, attains a maximum around 1.6-1.7, and then decreases. Although the heat sinks may not necessarily surpass the un-finned base plate in the heat transfer coefficient, the heat sinks still yield smaller convection resistances than the un-finned base plate


Local binary patterns (LBP) is one of the most used methods in face recognition. This paper presents a different way of obtaining the regions that are used to construct the LBP histograms, in order to improve its performance in front of illumination problems. The proposed method takes into account the shape of the face to build a triangular mesh in which a better description of the face image through LBP is achieved. Experimental results conducted on Yale B database show that under varying lighting conditions, the proposal improves the performance of the traditional rectangular division of the LBP method.


The residual strength in UD-CFRP was measured after being subjected to constant strain. In order to quantify the strength reduction, the time-dependent variation of interfacial stress-transfer capacity in a single-fiber composite specimen was quantitatively studied using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The analysis originally included a decrease of interfacial frictional stress due to a relaxation of interfacial radial stress and a time-dependency of an interfacial debonding propagation criterion, based on the conventional viscoelastic shear-lag model. The residual strength in UD-CFRP after enduring long-term loading was then analyzed using the global load sharing model with the results of variation of the interfacial property.


Objective:To explore the effect of anti-hypertension about 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure rhythm in very elderly hypertensive.Methods:A total of 167 subjects were divided into two groups by randomization:anti-hypertension treatment group(treated with indapamide or perindopril) and placebo-control group(treated with placebo),respectively.All subjects were performed twice 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) at after 2 months placebo elution and one year treatment.Results:The blood fluctuating curves of treatment group and control group before treatment were non-dipper.The SBP,SBP-L and PP,DBP-L and MAP significantly decreased(P0.01 or 0.05),after treatment in anti-hypertension treatment group and more than those of placebo-control group(P0.01).Fall rate of SBP at night(SBPF) and fall rate of DBP at night(DBPF) in treatment group were more than control group(P0.05).The blood pressure fluctuating curves of treatment group transferred to flat dipper after treatment.Conclusion:Anti-hypertension treatment may be possessed considerable significance for relive target organ damage in very elderly hypertensive.


Nowadays lentiviral vectors(LVs)is the only desire ideal genetic vector system which affords both efficient and stable gene delivery.In contrast to other vectors,LVs can persist in dividing and non-dividing cells.Their virtues also include large capacity of interested gene fragment and satisfied safety.The development of LVs and their application in gene therapy,biological products and scientific research are reviewed in this paper.


We have investigated the magnetoelectric (ME) properties of laminated structures with piezoelectric and magnetostrictive particulate composite layers. Simple explicit expressions for the ME coefficients α33 and α31 of a bilayer comprising uniform piezoelectric and magnetostrictive lamina are first derived. They are then combined with our previously developed models for piezoelectricity (Wong et al 2001 J. Appl. Phys. 90 4690) and magnetostriction (Zhou and Shin 2005 IEEE Trans. Magn. 41 2071) of particulate composites, to obtain expressions for the ME effects of the final 'laminated particulate composites'. Theoretical calculations are discussed in relation to the published experimental data. Effects of the longitudinal and transverse magnetostrictions of the particles of the magnetostrictive layer on the ME responses of the overall structure are also examined.


MADAM, Several infectious agents have been associated with lymphomagenesis. The identification of new causative agents allows a better understanding of pathophysiology and the development of specific treatments. Chlamydophila psittaci, the causative agent of psittacosis, is a ubiquitous, obligate intracellular bacterium that is transmitted to humans through exposure to infected reservoirs (wild and household animals). This bacterium has been linked to the development of ocular adnexal lymphomas, and bacterial eradication with doxycycline resulted in lymphoma regression in 50% of patients. Moreover, in a series of 205 consecutive cases of nodal and extranodal lymphomas, chlamydial infection has been detected in some forms of cutaneous lymphomas and in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) arising in the Waldeyer's ring, suggesting a preferential distribution of this microorganism in lymphomas occurring at extranodal organs considered as 'first barriers' to air-transported antigens. The limited number of cases investigated did not allow us to draw definitive conclusions, but these intriguing observations prompted us to analyse more extensively the prevalence of chlamydial infection in primary cutaneous Band T-cell lymphomas. The presence of C. psittaci infection was investigated in DNA from fresh frozen samples of skin biopsies from 108 cases of cutaneous lymphoma of four different histotypes. The samples were reviewed by one expert dermatopathologist and two haemopathologists and categorized according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer ⁄World Health Organization (WHO) classification: DLBCL (n = 18; including six cases of 'leg type' lymphoma), follicular lymphoma (n = 24), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; n = 31) and mycosis fungoides (n = 35). Nineteen normal skin samples from surgical quadrantectomies were used as negative controls. The presence of chlamydial DNA was investigated by using three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols allowing the amplification of the 16SrRNA gene and the 16S23S region: touchdown enzyme time release–PCR, outer membrane protein (ompA) and heat-shock protein 60 (hsp60). The last protocol allows the distinction between C. psittaci and other Chlamydiae (C. abortus, C. caviae, C. felis). Chlamydia trachomatis and C. pneumoniae infections were analysed by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene, and amplification of the b-globin gene was carried out as control of DNA suitability. All PCR products were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis, fragment size quantification and direct sequencing. C. psittaci DNA sequences were found in one (5%) of the skin biopsies used as controls. Among the lymphomas, C. psittaci DNA was detected in one DLBCL (6%; Fisher exact test P = 1Æ00), in four follicular lymphomas (17%; P = 0Æ36) (Fig. 1) and in one MZL (3%; P = 1Æ00), whereas all cases of mycosis fungoides were negative (0%; P = 0Æ35). One case of follicular lymphoma was positive for C. pneumoniae. The different PCR protocols showed a good concordance, with positivity in at least two of the three PCRs in all positive cases (Table 1). This study showed that the prevalence of chlamydial infections is low in primary cutaneous lymphomas, with similar rates between DLCBL, MZL, mycosis fungoides and normal skin samples, whereas a nonsignificant trend to a higher prevalence of C. psittaci infection was observed in follicular lymphomas. This nonsignificant difference may simply be due to the relatively small subgroup size; however, the observation that C. psittaci prevalence is significantly higher in follicular lymphoma (four of 24, 17%) in comparison to all the other cutaneous lymphomas as a whole (two of 84, 2%; Fisher exact test P = 0Æ02) suggests that this association deserves to


Time varying magnetic fields can induce eddy currents in a conductor. Electrical currents also can be induced magnetically in the human body, and there has been considerable interest in the bioeffects of this phenomenon. We present an analytical model derived from Faraday's law and Coulomb's law that provides physical insight into how electrically insulating materials in a tissue-like medium redirect magnetically induced currents. The model shows that charge accumulates at the tissue-insulator interface to produce a secondary electric field. This field combines with the magnetically induced electric field to alter the net electric field in the vicinity of the insulator, causing the electric current to flow around the insulator. The model is supplemented by measurements of magnetically induced electric fields in a volume of physiologic saline solution. Good agreement is found among the model, the measurements, and a finite element analysis model of the experiment.


Introduction: The continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is an alternative to multiple daily injections therapy in type 1 diabetes and its use is increasingly common due to the beneficial effects on glucose control. Aims: To analyze clinical features and biochemical parameters of patients on CSII therapy. Type of study: Longitudinal retrospective. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Population: Type 1 diabetic patients using insulin infusion pump in our department. Methods: We evaluated outcomes regarding the following set points: immediately before initiation of CSII therapy, 12 months after inclusion and in the last appointmentHH. For statistical analysis, we used non-parametric tests and linear regression analysis. We considered significant a value of p≤0.05. Results: We studied 63 patients (24 men; 39 women) with a mean pre-CSII HbA1c of 8.2% ± 1.43; mean age at the time of placement of 32.7 ± 10.94 years; and mean follow up time after placement of 2.1 ± 1.92 years. There was a statistically significant reduction of HbA1c during follow-up (HbA1c 12 months: 7.2% [6.6–7.8] p = 0.001; HbA1c at the end of follow-up: 7.4% [6.6–7.9] p = 0,001). There was no significant variation of weight or total daily insulin dose. We registered a negative correlation between the last HbA1c before CSII and the reduction in HbA1c until the end of the follow-up period ( =−0.644 p = 0.000). The median reduction in HbA1c was higher in women (W: –1.10 [−2.20––0.40] vs M: −0.10 [−0.80–0.40]; p = 0.002). Female gender was a predictive factor of better results with CSII, even after adjustment to the last HbA1c before the initiation of therapy. Conclusions: In our sample, the last HbA1c before the beginning of CSII was the most powerful predictive factor of the reduction of HbA1c during follow up. Women had better results than men. There was no significant variation of weight and total daily insulin dose during follow up. © 2014 Sociedade Portuguesa de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Evoluç ão do controle metabólico e do peso após início de terapêutica de infusão subcutânea contínua de insulina


The growth of GaN films along nonpolar crystallographic planes, especially s‐plane, on c‐Al2O3 substrate using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is reported. The role of substrate temperature variation on the structural and morphological properties along this plane is investigated using different techniques. The degree of crystallinity, surface roughness, etc. associated with films are observed to depend strongly on deposition conditions, for example, substrate temperature kept during deposition. Micro‐Raman investigations reveal the presence of an unexpected phonon mode, E1(LO), in the spectra for films deposited at high temperature where prominent crystal growth is observed. The presence of the particular phonon mode observed herewith is due to the nonpolar growth of GaN crystals as well as high density of defects and/or plasmon coupling present in the films. Strong near‐band‐edge emission in the photoluminescence spectra for all specimens shows moderate optical properties of the films. Elemental analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectra technique confirms the formation of GaN phase for all specimens.


We develop a method for calculating the probability of symbol error, via a multivariate Gram-Charlier series, for arbitrary coherent modulation schemes with statistically independent source symbols and subject to intersymbol interference (ISI) and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The resulting error probability approximations have closed-form solutions and yield very accurate results with very little computational expense.


Background: The existing association between hearing impairment and diabetes mellitus (DM) prompted us to investigate the relationship between glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, and hearing impairment in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: In this study, we assessed the auditory function of a sample of 100 individuals diagnosed with T2DM, who were aged 30 years or older and had a disease duration of at least 5 years. The evaluation was conducted using distortion product otoacoustic emissions and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. The criteria for poor glycaemic control were established as HbA1c levels equal to or exceeding 7.5%.
Results: Individuals with a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 7.5% or higher exhibited a nearly threefold increased likelihood of developing hearing impairment in comparison to those with lower HbA1c levels. The gender-based observation revealed a stronger association in females, although the observed correlation did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions: The findings of our study establish a significant association between inadequate management of blood glucose levels and the occurrence of hearing impairment among individuals with T2DM. These results underscore the importance of achieving optimal glycaemic control as a means of preventing hearing impairment in this patient population. Further investigation is required to substantiate these findings through a comprehensive and longitudinal research approach.


The interaction of interleukin 1 (IL‐1), a locally produced factor, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), a systemic factor, in stimulating bone resorption was examined using fetal rat long bone organ culture. Concentrations of IL‐1 and PTH, which stimulated little bone resorption when present singly, produced marked resorption when present simultaneously. This synergistic interaction of IL‐1 and PTH was not affected by the presence of the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor indomethacin. Both interleukin 1α and interleukin 1β were capable of producing synergy. Synergy was not produced by sequential exposure of bone to IL‐1 and PTH, but required the simultaneous presence of both mediators. The leftward shift in the dose response curve of PTH produced by IL‐1 may be an important mechanism controlling localized bone resorption. A role for IL‐1 in stimulating bone resorption in pathologic conditions, such as arthritis and periodontal disease, is strengthened by the finding that even low concentrations of IL‐1 can produce resorptive effects by synergistic interaction with PTH.


Intrinsic and acquired resistance limit the window of effectiveness for oncogene-targeted cancer therapies. Preclinical studies that identify synergistic combinations enhance therapeutic efficacy to target intrinsic resistance, however, methods to study acquired resistance in cell culture are lacking. Here, we describe an in situ resistance assay (ISRA), performed in a 96-well culture format, that models acquired resistance to RTK/RAS pathway targeted therapies. Using osimertinib resistance in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) as a model system, we show acquired resistance can be reliably modeled across cell lines with objectively defined osimertinib doses. We further show that acquired osimertinib resistance can be significantly delayed by inhibition of proximal RTK signaling using two distinct SHP2 inhibitors. Similar to patient populations, isolated osimertinib-resistant populations showed resistance via enhanced activation of multiple parallel RTKs so that individual RTK inhibitors did not re-sensitize cells to osimertinib. In contrast, inhibition of proximal RTK signaling using the SHP2 inhibitor RMC-4550 both re-sensitized resistant populations to osimertinib. Similar, objectively defined drug doses were used to model resistance to additional RTK/RAS pathway targeted therapies including the KRASG12C inhibitors adagrasib and sotorasib, the MEK inhibitor trametinib, and the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib. These studies highlight the tractability of in situ resistance assays to model acquired resistance to targeted therapies and provide a framework for assessing the extent to which synergistic drug combinations can target acquired drug resistance. Highlights Acquired resistance to RTK/RAS pathway members can be modeled in situ SHP2 inhibitors reduce the development of acquired osimertinib resistance Isolated osimertinib-resistant populations show hyperactivation of multiple RTKs SHP2 inhibitors re-sensitize resistant populations to osimertinib treatment


In this paper, two video compression mechanisms based on 3D-Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and 2D Embedded Zero Wavelet (EZW) are compared depending on the mathematical parameters i.e., Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and compression ratio(CR)to that of the standard mechanism. In this paper, we are using Haar wavelet decomposition along with standard EZW for compression, as it has shown improved compression in recent years when used with the techniques like EZW, SPIHT etc. Haar wavelet is chosen because of its ease of implementation and has inherent properties. We apply EZW on frame-by-frame on the encoded video as it is meant for 2D-data only. Here we are adding the extra blocks for video encoding and decoding before and after the existing compression technique i.e., EZW. So, these mechanisms are very easy to implement by just adding the extra blocks of encoding and decoding.


Surface temperature measurements were made on glowing wooden embers using Color Pyrometry (CP) in a laboratory environment. CP allows for temperature measurement of an incandescing gray or black body by measuring the intensities of two or more wavelengths of light. The light can be observed with a DSLR camera. The results of the ember temperatures with color pyrometry were compared with temperature results using an infrared (IR) camera. It was concluded that the CRP temperature measurements were more accurate than the IR measurements because of the need for a prior knowledge of the ember surface's effective emissivity for the IR measurements. This is particularly important in this case because these experiments showed that there was transient accumulation of ash on the surface of the glowing firebrand, that made an accurate measurement of the ember surface temperature with IR impossible because the emissivity changed depending on the amount of ash present. The insensitivity of color pyrometry to emissivity allows the method to provide a more robust temperature measurement. Experiments using CP were performed with embers of different sizes in different airflows. The results showed that the temperature of the glowing embers was found to increase with increasing air flow. The measured mean glowing temperatures ranged from 750◦C at 1 m/s to 950◦C at 4 m/s. A simple glowing combustion model assuming the reaction is oxygen limited shows the same magnitude of temperature increase as found in the experiments. Better prediction of the temperature of glowing firebrands will allow for improvements of ember burning and transport models and better characterization of the ignition capability of glowing embers. The technique shown here could also be used to measure the temperature of firebrands in-flight and measuring the temperature of glowing combustion experiments.


This letter presents a new 2 × 2 multi-port amplifier (MPA) structure using switching mode hybrid matrices (SMHM's) that can improve both system reliability and flexibility by controlling signal paths without complicated circuitry. Unlike previously reported MPA structures which have fixed input and output relations, the proposed MPA can select the number of PA's for signal amplification and produce flexible output patterns depending on the mode selection of the switches. For a 2 × 2 structure, the input signal can be amplified by a single PA or two PA's and then be delivered to any one of the two output ports. In addition, the amplified signal by a single PA or two PA's can also be delivered to both output ports with a 90 ° phase difference. To verify the proposed structure, a simplified MPA is tested at 900 MHz ISM band.


The invention discloses an endoscope system and a white balance adjustment method for same. The electronic endoscope in an endoscope system includes a first memory unit in which is stored information that includes WB data corresponding to each combination of image processor and light source device used with the electronic endoscope in the past. The image processor includes a second memory unit in which is stored information that includes WB correction data corresponding to each image processor, a third memory unit in which is stored information that includes WB correction data corresponding to each light source device, a reader unit that reads the information stored in the first memory unit of the electronic endoscope, and a WB adjustment unit that adjusts the WB of the images obtained with the electronic endoscope on the basis of the information read by the reader unit, the information in the second memory unit, and the information in the third memory unit.


We report a successful realization of a self-actuating and self-sensing piezoelectric diaphragm resonator for sensing applications with high signal to background ratio (SBR). A fully differential electrode topology is designed for actuation of the diaphragm in the first flexural mode, and for simultaneously sensing the resulting vibrational response. The electrical (sense) outputs from the resonator (of radius $1000~\mu \text{m}$ and thickness $25~\mu \text{m}$ ) in two different experimental arrangements — partial differential and fully differential — are compared with the mechanical vibration response obtained from a laser Doppler vibrometer. The effect of poling on electrical crosstalk for the fully differential operation is investigated. The resonator suffers from electrical crosstalk even in fully differential operation when characterized without poling the PZT thin film. The sense output from the resonator after poling, when actuated using a differential electrical input of 0.5 Vpp, is measured both in-air and in liquids of different densities. In the self-sensing mode, the peak output from the device at the first flexural mode resonance is 2-3 mV in different density liquids and ~9 mV in air. The resonator is also characterized as a resonant sensor for liquid density measurements. The sensitivity of the device is found to be 11.9 Hz/(kg/m3). The corresponding sensitivity in parts per million is calculated to be ~454 ppm/(kg/m3) with the resonance frequency in DI water (26.3 kHz) as the reference. [2020-0137]


Increasingly, individuals and companies are developing applications and selling them online. Competition between different companies has led to tens of thousands of applications being put on the market for users to choose from. There are numerous functions on the market to give app evaluation. For users, they do not need to contemplate how to select an app for a long time, because user comments and ratings can give them a clear instruction for user to select an app they need from abundant apps. As a result, we would like to explore the possibility. Hence, we think that we can make a prediction function for the prospect of the app market of whether we can make a prediction function for the app market, akin to a weather forecast or stock market forecast. Our group not only wants to know what the future of the app market is, but also want to find out why some high-quality apps are not getting the downloads they should. With the development of AR and VR technology, the future application will combine with these technology to bring user a immersive experience. In addition, high quality application without AR or VR are less competitive. We plan to answer these questions by using machine learning techniques.


BACKGROUND
Bench press one-repetition maximum (BP1RM) prediction models offer a timely approach to predict BP1RM while avoiding the limitations with traditional BP1RM testing. Interestingly, no models have determined the ability for a traditional weight, the 20.5kg barbell, to predict BP1RM strength. Few models have exclusively examined females and sedentary individuals, leaving the accuracy of these models unknown for these populations. Therefore, this investigation sought to examine the ability for 20.5kg barbell velocity to predict BP1RM in sedentary females.

METHODS
Nineteen sedentary females (21.79±1.43years, 166.08±7.76cm, 63.98±7.54kg, 31.57±4.72BP1RM) completed BP1RM testing and completed two additional visits to determine 20.5kg barbell velocity from a single repetition separated by 7-10 days. Nineteen additional females (21.39±1.09years, 164.31±7.37cm, 67.34±9.32kg, 32.75±5.09BP1RM) served as a cross-validating group completing identical testing procedures.

RESULTS
Regression analyses revealed that 20.5kg barbell velocity accounted for 95% of the variance in BP1RM strength while presenting marginal standard error (1.34kg) and mean absolute error (0.97kg), with similar values observed in the cross-validating group (SEE: 2.13kg, MAE: 1.56kg). Predicted BP1RM values were not significantly different from actual BP1RM (p=0.43) nor were measures in barbell velocity between trials 1 and 2 (p=0.57), while displaying high reliability (ICC: 0.81). Measure bias between BP1RM methods was 0.449±1.651kg and the agreement between methods varied between -2.78kg less and 0.3686kg greater for 95% of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS
The present data provides an accurate prediction model regarding BP1RM for sedentary females. These findings can reduce the limitations associated with traditional BP1RM testing while providing a practical and accurate BP1RM approximation with marginal error.


The invention relates to a bulletproof glass window for installation in a vehicle (2) with one of a plurality of layers (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6) assembled glass unit (3), whereby the edges (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 , 4.6), at least some of the layers (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6) are arranged at least partially offset from one another. Next subject of the invention is a vehicle, especially an armored vehicle, with a arranged in a vehicle opening vehicle window (5) and, arranged on the on the vehicle interior facing side of the vehicle window (5) armored glass pane (1).


Deng xiaoping's idea on productive forces is the key component in his theory,the study of which bears practical significance in guiding the advance of productive forces in China today.The article probes into the historical background and the essential content of Deng's idea on productive forces on the basis of China's own situation.


Since the 1990s, the indigenous rights movement has catapulted from resource-poor, local activists to global activists. The rise of transnational indigenous rights movements has paralleled and interfaced with significant structural developments at the international and state-systemic level, raising questions about the interplay between global and local politics as arenas of social change. To trace these transnational networks to the articulation of norms supportive of indigenous claims, we examine two cases of transnational indigenous activism and domestic responses in the Andean region of South America. We find that the additional dimension of domestic and transnational mobilization that first contests existing international norms, such as neoliberalism and individual rights, and then seeks to diffuse normative changes at both the domestic and international levels provides new insight about norm formation, transformation, and diffusion in international politics in favor of anti-globalization and community equality norms on local, national, and global levels.


3D foot digital models have great potential for application in ergonomics design and online virtual shoes try-on. Traditional techniques usually take 10 seconds to several minutes to acquire dense data, which is a critical limitation to large scale data collection. To enhance data collection efficiency, a novel approach which combines simulated laser speckle projection stereo with 3D silhouette is proposed. Laser speckle has more statistical advantages so that it can deal with lacking of texture of human skin and make stereo matching easier. With dark field lighting that strengthen foot contour, 3D silhouette can remove border noise caused by our active stereo reconstruction. Besides, all light sources in our work are infrared to avoid ambient light inference. In our design, five active stereo rigs are installed around 4π solid angle centered at the foot position to capture whole foot's surface mesh data. Composed of a pair of stereo IP-cameras with visible cut filters, an infrared simulated laser speckle mini film projector and a cluster of infrared LEDs surrounding camera lens, each active stereo rig takes charge of obtaining 3D information of corresponding foot part. The five rigs are controlled by an MCU controller to successively capture one pair of speckle pattern images for stereo reconstruction and one pair of edge enhanced dark field lighting images for silhouette. The system design resolution is less than 0.3 mm per pixel. Data capture could be performed in less than 1 second for each foot and more than 500 thousand valid points are acquired as dense point cloud model. Finally, foot mesh model is generated using Poisson reconstruction algorithm.


Abstract:Within Western liberal democracies, narratives characterizing racialized migrants as threats to gender equality abound. As forms of knowledge about the "other," these Orientalist assumptions resonate as common sense. In an attempt to denaturalize these characterizations, this discussion asks: what strategies for overcoming gender violence do racialized migrants import with them to the countries in which they settle? Drawing on interviews with service providers involved in the design and delivery of ethno-specific anti-violence programming in Toronto, Canada, this discussion explores this question to develop preliminary insights on racialized migrant feminisms as both a concept and practice.


We show that mode-locking finds a purely quantum non-dissipative counterpart in atom-optical quantum accelerator modes. These modes are formed by exposing cold atoms to periodic kicks in the direction of the gravitational field. They are anchored to generalized Arnol'd tongues, parameter regions where driven nonlinear classical systems exhibit mode-locking. A hierarchy for the rational numbers known as the Farey Tree provides an ordering of the Arnol'd tongues and hence of experimentally observed accelerator modes.


Insects, such as grasshoppers, Spodoptera spp. armyworms and flea beetles, occasionally defoliate seedlings of autumn-planted small grain crops. Seedlings of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., barley, Hordeum vulgare L., oats, Avena sativa L., rye, Secale cereale L., and triticale, X Triticosecale Wittmack, were mechanically clipped at the soil surface to simulate insect leaf injury for various periods after planting up to the 1-, 2-, and 4-leaf stages. Defoliation up to the 4-leaf stage (i.e., ≥ 30 days after planting) delayed spike emergence of all crops by several days. Seedling defoliation generally had little adverse effect on grain yield and test weight of rye in any year and reduced yield of triticale in one of three years. Furthermore, plants of both species defoliated in the 2- and 4-leaf stages were less severely damaged by cold temperatures and yielded as much or more than nondefoliated plants when late freezes occurred. Seedling defoliation up to the 4-leaf stage also had little negative effect on g...


Abstract The function of individual cortical nephrons was studied by micropuncture methods in rats with bilateral retrograde pyelonephritis. It was found that the lumina of tubules in grossly diseased areas were usually occluded and tubular fluid could not be aspirated with a micropipette. Intravenously injected Lissamine green did not appear in the lumina of such tubules. These findings suggest that the severely damaged nephrons were not contributing significantly to urine formation. In adjacent, more nearly healthy areas, GFR per nephron ranged from normal to markedly supernormal values. Proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and water was approximately the same as in normal rats studied under comparable experimental conditions. While it is not possible to conclude with certainty that there were no intrinsic disturbances in proximal transport mechanisms in the surviving nephrons, any such abnormalities were not of sufficient magnitude to be detected by the methods used. The observations are consistent with the view that the major contribution to urine formation in the pyelonephritic kidney is made by nephrons which have undergone adaptational increases in function. Although there are several important differences between the experimental renal disease produced in this study and chronic atrophic pyelonephritis in man, the basic similarity of the histologic features suggests to us that the present observations on nephron function may be relevent to the situation in patients with pyelonephritis.


This study compared the relative efficacy of intensive versus weekly panic control treatment (PCT) for adolescent panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA). Twenty-six adolescents participated in weekly sessions and 25 received intensive treatment involving daily sessions. Both groups demonstrated significant and comparable reductions in panic disorder severity and general anxiety symptoms, which maintained over time. Participants receiving weekly treatment showed significant decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas those in the intensive program reported no change. Findings support the efficacy of the intensive approach for adolescent PDA, but suggest that adolescents receiving intensive treatment may benefit from a brief course of additional weekly sessions.


A 39‐year‐old man with a past medical history of gout presented with severe back pain. He had been wheelchair‐bound for the last 6 months. Neurological examination demonstrated lower extremity weakness in a pyramidal pattern (right 4/5; left 4+/5), bilateral knee and ankle hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski's sign. He had intact pain and temperature but decreased vibration and proprioceptive sensations involving bilateral lower extremities. His thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a significant spinal canal stenosis with myelomalacia [Figure 1a]. His spinal canal decompression was performed by excising the large (4 cm × 2 cm × 1 cm) granular mass attached to the ligamentum flavum that was compressing the spinal cord at the T10‐T11 levels. A histopathological examination of the mass indicated the presence of crystalline gout [Figure 1b]. The patient improved substantially with physical therapy and was discharged on allopurinol and tapering doses of prednisolone. Gout usually involves peripheral joints but has been rarely reported to involve the spine.[1] Most commonly, the lesions are located in the lumbar spine.[2] As many of the patients are asymptomatic, this condition may be under diagnosed. One study reported that the frequency of involvement of the axial skeleton may be as high as 14%.[2] The MRI of spine can assist in the diagnosis as the tophus is iso‐ or hypointense on T1‐weighted images and has a variable signal intensity on T2‐weighted images (calcified segments being hypointense). Post‐gadolinium T1‐weighted images may show areas of peripheral enhancement.[1,2]


Abstract LGBT inclusive sex education is one way to address health disparities that exist between students who identify as LGBT and those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. This study examined the inclusivity of sex education in Montana's high schools and the challenges faced by teachers in providing sex education that is relevant for LGBT youth. Data were collected via electronic questionnaires from 237 young adult alumni of Montana's high schools, about half of whom identified as LGBT, and 64 health enhancement teachers tasked with teaching sex education. Nearly 90% of respondents rated the nine sex education topics listed on the questionnaire as "somewhat or very important." While the importance of sex education was affirmed by most of the young adults and teachers represented in this study, fewer than 30% recalled topics related to LGBT sexual health being "fully covered." Lack of teacher training was the most salient factor related to the paucity of coverage. Meeting the needs of all students in Montana's schools requires professional training and development for teachers that includes a focus on delivering inclusive, comprehensive sex education.


This paper is based on the stability and proposing an Ad Hoc cross-layer routing method based on path holding probability. According to the distance between nodes, it can alter the transmit power and decrease the power of source node efficiently. According to the simulation, the routing stability can be ensured when two nodespsila distance is changing, and the power can be saved.


With increasing computing power, capacity and internet connectivity, the ability to learn has crossed classroom boundaries in the form of online learning. The adoption rate and effectiveness of online learning continues to be an area of research. Collaborative and Cooperative (CoCo) learning involves a joint effort by students to understand and solve problems or tasks. Adoption of open source software has also increased with technology-aided collaboration and cooperation. Leveraging the practices of crowdsourced software development, we propose CoCo Learning approach for technical education using virtual labs. About 145 undergraduate engineering students from various institutes participated in our study for a period of one full semester. About 92% of the students conducted an average of 24 virtual experiments with this approach. Nearly 90% of the faculty from these institutes also confirmed that their students' understanding of courses has improved while delivering tangible software artifacts as outcomes.


We investigate the fiber parameters that meet the design conditions for low bending loss and an effectively few-mode operation on few-mode fibers with a step-index profile and a W-shaped refractive index profile for mode-division multiplexing transmission. We also clarify the limits of effective area enlargement and the difference of the effective index while satisfying the design conditions.


A bill presented by the Swedish Government in 2001 stated that higher education should aim for a broader recruitment of students. The use of ICT-tools is pointed out as a way of reaching new student groups, e.g. students who are immobile due to their social situation or physical handicap. At the same time, a number of regions in Sweden struggle with negative net migration that is to a large extent driven by labour market conditions and younger people moving away for higher education. These regions experience a shortage of human capital within certain competence areas. In line with the aim of the government bill, national and local governments tackle this by integrating higher education and regional policy; i.e. bringing higher education to the inhabitants in an attempt to target groups such as those with strong bonds to the region hoping to encourage them to remain in the region after graduation. Higher education is costly and it is the local governments who bear the added cost of bringing education to the inhabitants. In order to minimize costs, programmes and courses are therefore given by the use of ICT-tools. The degree of net-based training (e-learning) varies over programmes and courses from 100 percent net-based to blended learning. At least three questions are important when deciding whether or not to invest in net-based higher education: Are new target groups reached? Is the net-based education of the same quality, or higher, compared to the alternative on-campus programme? Is the investment motivated from a welfare perspective? The aim of this paper is to analyse e-learning as a regional policy tool and present the principles for social cost benefit analysis concerning net-based higher education. In addition, empirical evidence from a Swedish case study is briefly presented.


The chemical composition and content of essential oils extracted by ASTM standard D 889-93 method from the leaves of thirty introduced varieties in Perilla frutescens Britton var. japonica was investigated and compared. The oil was analysed by gas chromatography. More than forty compounds were found and thirteen compounds were identified. The major three constituents representing about of total oil were shown caryophyllene and 2 unknown oils in 25 varieties. The chemical composition and content had much differences in each of varieties. This result seemed to be corresponding to introduce that varieties had diverse essential oils.


The problem to identify magnetically ordered substances in nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear quadrupole resonance technologies is usually solved by their echo signal analysis in a frequency domain using fast Fourie Transform procedure. In conditions of a low signal to noise ratio this approach brings to significant errors in resonance frequency detection. A new approach is based on echo-signal frequency evaluation using frequency dependence for maximum correlation among an echo-signal specter in frequency domain and several reference specter located in the vicinity of a frequency value, obtained using a usual fast Fourie Transform technique, followed by sharpening this value using a successive approximation principle


Fabrication of an object image inside glass material can be realized by laser direct writing with a programmable motion system. In the focus depth direction, namely Z-direction, the really formed dimension will have some difference from the distance moved by the motion system because of light refraction effect, which causes a deformation of the image from the object. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the object dimension in Z-direction in the executive program. The required amount of the dimension modification depends on the refractive index of the glass and the numerical aperture of the focus lens used. A formula for the dependence of the amount of dimension modification on the refractive index and the numerical aperture is presented based on Snell¡¯s law. Experimental results show that the image created inside glass really reflects the dimension feature of the object with a programming dimension modification in Z-direction in terms of the formula presented. A comparison of a sphere and a cub images created inside glass with the dimension modification with that without the modification is produced for making sure the importance of the dimension modification.


The aim of this bachelor thesis is to bring the issue of international social law, social rights and economic rights. The individual chapters describe international organizations and documents issued by them, working in the field of social law. Next, there is described the social security law of the Slovak Republic as well as social security law of the European Union and the relationship of social security law and international social law. Individual chapters are systematically subdivided into further subheads for simpler and quicker orientation in the bachelor thesis. A result of the bachelor thesis is orientation in the problem.


Anatase phase containing nano-crystallite TiO2 thin film is prepared by the peptization of modified Ti-isopropoxide sol using HNO3 as peptizing agent. The resulting sol is concentrated in a rotary evaporator bath. TiO2 film is deposited on ITO substrate by spin coating process. The compact film is annealed at 450˚C and 500˚C for optical studies. The subsequently it is modified as photo-anodes in dye sensitized solar cells. The prepared materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The colloidal particles are 6-8nm in average size while the grain growth of the particles are in the order of 13-20nm after annealing of the thin film. The obtained lattice constants of the TiO2 nanocrystals are a=3.79A and c=9.48A from XRD data as compared to JCPDS data of a=3.79A and c=9.52A. The photo conversion efficiency of assembled dye sensitized solar cells comprising of ~5µm thickness of the film are determined to be of the order of 6.77%.


Following a number of high profile escapes during the 1990s, policy makers in the Dutch Prison Service and in the Prison Service of England and Wales faced stark choices about how to house their highest risk offenders. They made those choices in the spotlight of publicity and under pressure from politicians and the press. In this article we seek to present the choices made in the light of the respective histories of the two systems by using a framework drawn from the literature on public policy formation. Our aim is not so much to develop or test hypotheses about policy formation, but rather to try to understand two things: first, how these particular policies compare with so-called supermax solutions developed in the United States and second, why policy makers decided to choose one policy option rather than the other.


The objective of this work was to prepare mesoporous carbon solids made of monosized spherical particles, produced from poly(acrylonitrile)(PAN) precursors, after oxidation in air and subsequent carbonization under an inert atmosphere. The precursors were obtained from PAN latices by slow drying in air. The PAN latices stabilized by ABA amphipathic block copolymers were prepared in n-hexane by means of dispersion polymerization. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the particles of the latex dispersions were small spheres with a narrow particle-size distribution. Scanning electron micrographs of the mesoporous carbon samples demonstrated that the particles were arranged either in a regular (orthorhombic) or in a random (disordered) type of packing. The resulting carbon particles were found to have suffered slight coalescence around points of contact. Surface roughness on the surface of the particles was also evident.


Values of dielectric constant (ε' ), dielectric loss (ε''), relaxation time (τ), conductivity (σ) of Pearl millet (HHB 62) were measured at room temperature at four different frequencies viz 4.65 GHz, 7.00 GHz, 9.35 GHz and 14.98 GHz in microwave region, using two point method and employing a specially designed dielectric cell for powders. Also, effect of variation of moisture content on dielectric properties of Pearl millet in powder form was studied at room temperature at 9. 35 GHz.. Both, the dielectric constant and loss factor are found to decrease with increase in frequency and to increase with increase in moisture content. The present values of dielectric constant are in good agreement with the values reported by other authors.


In order to design optimal policy instruments that shape the distribution of income we require realistic income models. A comparison between popular stochastic processes for income shows that most of them fail to match inequality in the US, especially at the top. The Geometric Brownian Motion with reset, however, produces realistic outcomes at both ends of the distribution, while still permitting clear analytic results. Building on this observation, we develop a micro-founded model for endogenous income inequality that fits the current US evidence. It also permits discussing the welfare effects and trade-offs of tax reforms as individuals adjust their labor supply and human capital accumulation. We extend it in an incomplete market setup solved numerically, in which individuals can both form precautionary savings and adjust their labor supply. A calibrated version suggests that the progressivity of US income taxes is below its welfare optimum by around six percentage points.


The invention relates to a lamp mounting structure and a lighting device. The lamp mounting structure comprises a first mounting component and a second mounting component, wherein the first mounting component comprises a first locating hoop, a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece and a rotary plate; one end part of the second connecting piece is a hook arm, while the other end part is an extension arm; the hook arm is fixed on the first connecting piece; one end part of the rotary plate is hinged on the extension arm, while the other end part is fixed on a lamp body; the second mounting component comprises a second locating hoop, a third connecting piece, a fourth connecting piece and chains; a through groove in which a first screw is blocked is machined on the fourth connecting piece; the chains are respectively hooked and located on the third connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece. The rotary plate provided by the invention can freely rotate within a certain range, and the fourth connecting piece can be detachably arranged on the third connecting piece, so that the lamp lighting angle can be rotated and regulated in multiple directions, and the maintenance difficulty can be greatly reduced.


Objective:To explore the relationship between constipation and colon polyps.Methods:We collected 772cases of patients for the first time colonoscopy from January 2008to December 2013period over the age of 60in our hospital,of which 256cases of patients with constipation as the case group,and the remaining 516cases without symptoms of constipation,as the control group,we analyzed and compared the incidence of colorectal polyps in the two groups of patients.Results:The colonic polyp detection rate in the case group(constipation group)was higher than the non-constipation group,constipation longer than 5years is even higher,the colonic polyp detection rate in the patients with constipation duration greater than 5years is far greater than in patients below 5years(P0.05),the recurrence rate after 2years of constipation group polyp is higher than non-constipation group also(P0.05).Conclusion:The occurrence of colon polyps was associated with senile constipation and the longer time of constipation,the higher the incidence of colon polyps,the recurrence rate was also high.Elderly patients with constipation should have a colonoscopy early and regularly in order to prevent colon polyps.


Abstract Two experiments investigated the effects of experimentally induced mood states on memory and judged comprehension of stories. The experiments examined the issue of whether induction of a depressed mood would affect prose memory and comprehension and impair the ability of individuals to use prior knowledge, activated by way of a title, in remembering the passage. In Experiment 1, depressed subjects who were given a title for the passage recalled fewer idea units when compared with neutral control conditions, but no depressive deficit in recall occurred in the absence of a title. In Experiment 2 the same pattern of results occurred when subjects learned two successive passages. The depressive deficits obtained were interpreted in terms of a resource allocation model which proposes that emotional states increase the production of irrelevant, competing thoughts that interfere with processes important in remembering the criterion passage. Alternative explanations involving cognitive initiative and sch...


In a cell model it is assumed that the three-dimensional assemblage may be considered to consist of a number of identical unit cells, each of which contains a particle surrounded by a fluid envelope with a fictitious surface (free surface) containing a volume of fluid sufficient to make the fractional void volume in the cell identical to that in the entire assemblage. The quasi-steady axisymmetric translational motion of a spherical or spheroidal cell of an incompressible micropolar fluid is investigated utilizing the cell model method. The inner particle of the cell is assumed to be solid and the outer to be fictitious. Linear velocity and microrotation slip boundary conditions on the surface of the solid particle are proposed. Normalized mobility is obtained for both spherical and spheroidal particles in the cell model and is represented graphically. Expressions for the superficial fluid velocity through an assemblage of spherical and spheroidal particles are obtained.


Abstract : This paper contends that Saddam Hussein's actions have been and still are guided by a rational operational design that consists of waging a protracted conflict against his own countrymen, against the countries of the Middle East and against the rest of the world in order to fulfill his strategic goal of making himself one of the most powerful men in Arab history. The author proposes that in order to achieve his strategic goal, Saddam established nine operational objectives to maximize or achieve: (1) Personal Power; (2) Personal Legacy; (3) Personal Wealth; (4) Control of Oil; (5) Unite/Control Arab Nations; (6) Control the Persian Gulf; (7) Destroy Israel; (8) Establish Palestine; (9) Remove Western Influence. This paper analyzes the ends, ways, means, and risks of pursuing those objectives and cites the words and deeds of Saddam Hussein to demonstrate their validity. Then this paper examines components of operational art incorporated by Iraq during the invasion of Kuwait and during Operation DS/DS to prove Iraq's actions fit into a rational operational design. Finally, the author suggests that if our goal is to keep Saddam in power, yet weak, than a military response should not be chosen, but if the goal is to remove Saddam Hussein from power or gain his compliance to UN demands, then the coalition must strike militarily at his strategy. This will result in Saddam's overthrow or moderation.


Sawdust was pyrolyzed in a fixed-bed tubular reactor. The roles of the pyrolysis temperature, sweep gas flow rate, condensation temperature, and heating rate in the yields of the products were investigated. The obtained char, gas, and bio-oil yields ranged between 20 and 27, 36 and 45, and 33 and 45 wt %, respectively, at different pyrolysis conditions. According to the results obtained under the conditions of this study, the effects of the pyrolysis temperature, sweep gas flow rate, and heating rate on the yields are more significant than the effect of the condensation temperature. The chemical characteristics of the pyrolysis bio-oil and char obtained under optimal operational conditions were identified by elemental and calorific analyses. The bio-oil was analyzed using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.


An examination is made of possible primary cosmic ray energy spectra which are consistent with observed air shower size spectra. At the size spectrum knee, it is necessary to have a very sharp primary spectrum break in order to be consistent with both the size spectrum and also air shower ftuctuations. Such a break may be due to energy loss at the cosmic ray source.


Objective: To study the effect of Metoprolol on blood glucose in patients with diastolic hypertension. Methods:100 patients with diastolic hypertension were divided into control group and observation group( 50 cases in each group). The control group was given conventional treatment; on this basis,the observation group was given Metoprolol. Observation of 24 months,fasting blood glucose and 2h postprandial blood glucose were measured before and after treatment. Results: In the observation group,diastolic blood pressure before treatment was( 108. 5 ± 8. 9) mmHg,and diastolic blood pressure 24 months after treatment was( 78. 2 ± 7. 8) mmHg,there was statistical difference( t = 18. 10,P 0. 05). In the control group,diastolic blood pressure before treatment was( 112. 8 ± 10. 8) mmHg,and diastolic blood pressure 24 months after treatment was( 67. 4 ± 12. 1) mmHg,there was statistical difference( t = 19. 80,P 0. 05). There was no significant difference between the two groups( P 0. 05). Conclusion: The effect of Metoprolol in the treatment of diastolic hypertension is better,but can cause hyperglycemia,attention should be paid to monitoring of blood glucose.


In this issue of Molecular Pharmacology (p. 665), Pannacione et al. provide evidence of a role for the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv3.4 and its ancillary subunit MiRP2 in -amyloid (A ) peptide-mediated neuronal death. The MiRP2Kv3.4 channel complex—previously found to be important in skeletal myocyte physiology—is now argued to be a molecular correlate of the transient outward potassium current up-regulated by A peptide, considered a significant step in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. The authors conclude that MiRP2 and Kv3.4 are up-regulated by A peptide in a nuclear factor B-dependent fashion at the transcriptional level, and the sea anemone toxin BDS-I is shown to protect against A peptidemediated cell death by specific blockade of Kv3.4-generated current. The findings lend weight to the premise that specific channels, such as MiRP2-Kv3.4, could hold promise as future therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders. The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unknown. Pathological hallmarks include cortical neuron loss, proteinaceous senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. According to the -amyloid (or A ) hypothesis, A peptide—the main constituent of plaques—is considered to be linked to the selective neurodegeneration seen in AD. Although much progress has been made in characterizing the neurotoxic effects of A , the mechanism by which it induces neuronal death remains unknown (Pallàs and Camins, 2006). Potassium ion (K ) efflux is a critical step in the apoptosis of many cell types in response to a range of proapoptotic stimuli (Yu, 2003). Recent evidence points to an increase in voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel current in the etiology of A -induced neuronal apoptosis; however, the molecular mechanism by which K current is up-regulated and the subunit identity of the Kv channels involved are still under debate (see below). Kv channel pore-forming ( ) subunits are generated by a numerous and functionally diverse family of genes, with 40 known members in the human genome. Each subunit contains six transmembrane domains, a voltage sensor, and pore elements; four subunits coassemble to form the functional tetramer. In vivo, Kv channels are each regulated by a host of possible non–pore-forming subunits with either cytoplasmic or transmembrane disposition; some are regulatory proteins that also modulate other protein types; others are dedicated Kv channel ancillary subunits (McCrossan and Abbott, 2004). Although mutations in several Kv channel and ancillary subunit genes are associated with inherited human diseases—referred to as "channelopathies"—the massive number of different Kv channel subtypes that can potentially arise from the matrix of possible and -ancillary subunit interactions has thus far hampered identification of the precise molecular entities in the large majority of both physiological Kv currents and suspected Kv channel-related disorders. AD is no exception. Ramsden et al. (2001) noted that longterm exposure of rat cerebellar granule neurons to unaggregated A 1–40 led to an increase in both the inactivating IKA current (peak-end current) and IKV (end current), whereas acute administration had no effect. Increased current was also observed using a protocol employing a 50 mV prepulse, which removes the majority of the IKA current component. Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org. doi:10.1124/mol.107.039206. Please see the related article on page 665. ABBREVIATIONS: AD, Alzheimer's disease; A , -amyloid. 0026-895X/07/7203-499–501$20.00 MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY Vol. 72, No. 3 Copyright © 2007 The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 39206/3250271 Mol Pharmacol 72:499–501, 2007 Printed in U.S.A. 499 http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/suppl/2007/08/24/mol.107.039206.DC1 Supplemental material to this article can be found at: at A PE T Jornals on Jne 1, 2017 m oharm .aspeurnals.org D ow nladed from These data suggested that A does not increase K current through direct modulation of the potassium channel itself but instead might work at the level of transcription, translation, or membrane targeting of the potassium channel subunits and/or ancillary subunits. In a follow-up study by the same group (Plant et al., 2006), it was demonstrated that increases in IKA current density, and expression of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3, in response to A 1–40 and A 1–42 were temporally related. Effects could be prevented by cycloheximide and brefeldin A, indicative of a mechanism involving protein expression and trafficking rather than degradation or direct interaction with mature channels at the surface; furthermore, these effects were reproducible in vitro. Another group noted similar effects after isolating rat cerebral cortex and hippocampi after an intracerebroventricular injection of A 25–35 (Pan et al., 2004). Quantifying Kv1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 4.2, and 4.3 mRNA levels using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction, they found increases in Kv1.4, 2.1, and 4.2 message, confirmed at the protein level by immunoblotting. Although results of these studies were compelling and both indicated increased expression of several channels after A exposure, evidence was still lacking regarding the absolute molecular identity of the channels coordinating increased potassium current in response to A . Angulo et al. (2004) employed an alternative strategy to provide some insight into the identity of the potassium channel subunits potentially involved in the neurodegeneration that is characteristic of AD. Using an unbiased approach, they examined, by microarray analysis, which genes were differentially expressed in RNA isolated from the frontal cortex of patients demonstrating either of two Braak stages of the disease (AD I-II versus AD V). KCNC4 (GenBank accession number M64676), which encodes the Kv3.4 subunit, was the only gene with reportedly increased expression in both AD stages compared with age-matched control samples. Furthermore, increases in expression correlated with disease severity. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting confirmed the increase in expression of Kv3.4 in AD; however, the mechanism by which this occurred and its contribution to the neurodegenerative process were not extensively studied. In an article in this issue of Molecular Pharmacology, Pannacione et al. (2007) shed further light on the matter. They show that exposure of nerve growth factor-treated PC-12 cells and rat hippocampal neurons to A 1–42 leads to an increase in the transcription of Kv3.4 mRNA and subsequent translation and membrane insertion of Kv3.4 protein. This is mediated through a nuclear factor B-dependent pathway; inhibition of nuclear factor B both prevents the increased expression of Kv3.4 and protects against the neurotoxic effects of A . The authors also examine the effects of blockade of the Kv3.4 channel using the Kv3 subfamilyspecific sea anemone toxin BDS-I, finding that this is also protective against A neurotoxicity. In addition, the authors note an increase in mRNA and protein levels of MiRP2 (encoded by the KCNE3 gene), an ancillary subunit of several Kv channels including Kv3.4. MiRP2-Kv3.4 potassium channels were previously found to be essential for normal function of skeletal myocytes (Abbott et al., 2001). Homomeric Kv3.4 (originally designated Raw3) channels pass suprathreshold-activating K -selective currents, fast-inactivating by virtue of a cytoplasmic inactivation domain that plugs the intracellular vestibule of the pore upon activation (Schröter et al., 1991; Vega-Saenz de Miera et al., 1992). Coassembly with MiRP2 shifts the voltagedependence of Kv3.4 activation by 45 mV, converting the channel to a subthreshold-activating channel that contributes to skeletal muscle resting potential. An inherited mutation (R83H) in the cytoplasmic domain of human MiRP2 disrupts the ability of this ancillary subunit to shift the voltage dependence of Kv3.4 and thus its ability to contribute to myocyte resting potential. This is associated with periodic Fig. 1. Proposed mechanism and some questions remaining in the roles of MiRP2 and Kv3.4 subunits in apoptosis in AD. 500 Choi and Abbott at A PE T Jornals on Jne 1, 2017 m oharm .aspeurnals.org D ow nladed from paralysis, a channelopathy characterized by skeletal muscle dysfunction, leading to attacks of paralysis lasting from hours to days (Abbott et al., 2001). The MiRP2-Kv3.4 complex is highly regulated by protein kinase C—phosphorylation of the Kv3.4 inactivation domain disrupts its ordered structure and its ability to inactivate the channel (Antz et al., 1999); constitutive phosphorylation of serine 82 on MiRP2 is required for its modulatory effects on Kv3.4 (Abbott et al., 2006). Thus, global dephosphorylation of MiRP2 and Kv3.4 reduces current by positive-shifting activation and speeding inactivation; when phosphorylated, the channel complex can activate at more negative voltages and inactivates much more slowly, increasing overall current. In summary, the findings by Pannaccione et al. (2007) suggest that Kv3.4—perhaps in complexes with MiRP2— contributes to the pathogenesis of AD and that targeting this channel may be a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of the disease. Still, questions remain unanswered that may be the topic of future studies directed at further understanding the role of MiRP2 and Kv3.4 in neuronal death and AD (Fig. 1). First, Pannaccione et al. (2007) demonstrate that both subunits are up-regulated by A , but do they coassemble in this context and/or is MiRP2 perhaps performing roles in AD pathologic lesions other than the suggested one of regulating Kv3.4? MiRP2 is a promiscuous Kv channel ancillary subunit and is also known to regulate delayed rectifier Kv channels Kv2.1 and Kv3.1 in PC12 cells (McCrossan et al., 2003), the latter of which can also form


Single crystals of ZnxCu1−xV2O7 system with doping concentration of x = 0.05 and 0.15 were grown by the vertical gradient freezing technique. The crystal structures were confirmed by means of x-ray diffraction to be the beta phase of copper pyrovanadate, β-Cu2V2O7, when the Zn concentration was as low as 0.05, on the contrary to the previous studies on polycrystal samples. The Rietveld refinements on x-ray diffraction patterns showed that that lattice constants were slightly increased, whereas the angle β was slightly decreased, when the doping concentration was decreased from x = 0.15 to 0.05. θ-2θ scan confirmed that the natural cleaved facet is crystallographic a-axis with FWHM around (200) peak of lower than 0.2°, suggesting a high quality of the obtained single crystals.


In the future, faster-electrified means of transportation are a necessity for more sustainable technologies. The use of Linear Induction Machines (LIM) poses an important propulsion option for high-speed transportation, particularly in hyperloop applications. Such types of high-power linear machines are complex to design and needs development without compromising too much on efficiency. The reason for the low efficiency of LIMs is high rotor losses and large airgap. Furthermore, a need to estimate the efficiency map during the runtime is necessary as high losses under constrained environments of pressure and temperature leads to significant changes in the total efficiency. Currently, LIM manufacturers do not usually provide efficiency maps with respect to an entire range of torque and speed. Thus, a design methodology and temperature-dependent efficiency maps are proposed for LIM. In accordance with the design requirements of the hyperloop pod in its entirety, a maximum speed of approximately 150km/h is achieved.


Abstract : A review of cross-national managerial attitudes and behaviors was organized around eight themes. The eight subject areas were: superior-subordinate relationships; managerial needs or motivation; interpersonal processes; organizational goals; perceptions of equity; decision-making under uncertainty; managerial values; relationship between managerial attitudes and other organizational and environmental variables. It was concluded that while the comparative study of managerial behavior is extremely difficult because the usual research problems are magnified many times. Despite methodological problems, considerable advances have been made in a relatively short time. Several substantive research directions were proposed. (Author)