Abstract Many children in low-income countries experience delays in psychological and physical development that negatively affect their ability to participate in life at school and at home. These delays constrain their ability to take full advantage of what is often their only opportunity for formal education and may limit their social functioning later in life. The etiology of this underachievement is complex because numerous factors experienced during a child's formative years may have a detrimental effect upon development and functional efficiency. However, recognition of the specific deleterious effects on development of some of the most prevalent worm infections of humans has been growing. This article reviews the evidence for this association and new approaches designed to evaluate the impact of these infections. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company


Objective: To study the effect of ZTC1+1 natural clarifying agents on the purification of Qingkailing oral liquid.Methods:The nitrogen content of Qingkailing oral liquid was taken as index.The optimum conditions were obtained by orthogonal experimentations.Results: The result showed that ZTC1+1 natural clarifying agents can effectively improve the content of Qingkailing oral liquid.The purifying effect was relative to the addition order of ZTC1+1 natural clarifying agents and the flocculation temperature.Conclusion:ZTC1+1 natural clarifying agents can be used for production of Qingkailing oral liquid.


Background The Intensive Care environment is intrinsically noisy, with noise emanating from a multitude of sources, and as a result patients commonly experience sleep disturbance. The main causal factor of sleep disturbance has been cited as being environmental noise, in particular noise generated by staff and clinical monitoring which are amendable to behavior modification. Objectives The aim of this project was to implement a behavior modification program in order to reduce nocturnal noise levels within an Intensive Care Unit. Methods The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting change in health practice. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by a knowledge promotion strategy targeted at clinicians and a follow‐up audit. Results Compliance with the evidence based recommendations increased by 8% to 10% post the knowledge promotion program. Nocturnal noise levels did not decrease despite increased clinical knowledge. Conclusions The findings indicate that enhanced clinical knowledge does not indicate that behavioral changes will be adopted by clinicians. Further, research is needed to identify strategies that clinical staff will readily adopt and implement in order to reduce nocturnal noise levels.


The Council for Services to Older People (CSOP) is a network of statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and community based groups which provide services to older people living in the North West Inner City of Dublin. It is a Working Group of the North West Inner City Network. The primary role of the CSOP is to identify ways in which services to older people can be improved and to put in place strategies and actions to enhance the quality of services being provided to older people.


Behavioural observations, measurements of male and female reproductive success, and DNA microsatellite loci were used to investigate parentage of common eider Somateria mollissima clutches and productivity of widowed females in Finland. In an experimental study simulating spring harvest of male eiders, a total of 20 males were shot while attending 16 females (four males after rematings, 16 initial males) during the pre-laying and laying period in 1994. Of the 16 widowed females, 11 nested and five did not. Mean clutch size of breeding widows (4.55) did not differ from that of control females in the same year (4.47; N = 32). However, the hatching success of widows was significantiy lower than that of control females (53 vs 81%) because of a greater proportion of addled eggs and dead embryos (38% vs 11%). Male removal also appeared to change male and female behaviours resulting in higher incidence of intra-specific brood parasitism and mate replacement. Occurrence of foreign eggs averaged 9.5% during the treatment year but was not observed during a year without disturbance during mating and egg laying (1997). Behaviours of widowed females related to remating attempts varied from active seeking of new mates to total rejection of courting males. Rematings did not lead to full clutch fertilisation among widowed females. Neither did we observe evidence of immigration of new males into the hunting area to court the widows. Male removal clearly lowered the fecundity of eider females, reducing nesting success by 35% of long-term averages. The potential for remating appears to be reduced by the female-biased sex ratio caused by simulated male-only harvest.


A new stage of territorial expansion was fostered by Castulo in the 4th century b.C. The sanctuaries of Collado de los Jardines (Santa Elena) and Los Altos del Sotillo (Castellar) were crucial in that expansion as physical and symbolic borderlines. The Iberian bronze votive offerings of these sanctuaries became their major iconographic expressions. The romanization of these sanctuaries brought about major changes which became apparent from the 2nd century b.C. onwards. As a result, iconographic models were imported which meant a break with the former ritual system: bronze was replaced by terracota as the representation material.


After a decade of research and technology development, road cooperative systems based on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure communication are currently in a trial phase. Major field operational tests (FOTs) are carried out to verify the operation of cooperative systems in real environments and assess the impact of applications on road safety, traffic efficiency as well as driver behavior and user satisfaction. Standards to achieve interoperability are developed and a potential introduction of a cooperative system is prepared. An FOT is exposed to various requirements from research, standards and deployment that are -- at least partially -- adverse to each other. We study the dependencies for the case of the DRIVE~C2X project, a pan-European FOT for cooperative system. The paper puts the technologies used in the FoT, particularly focusing on communication, into the context of research activities for cooperative systems. We show that the FOT is based on technologies for a minimal cooperative system that is ready to be introduced and sustainably deployed. Further, we identify research concepts and technologies that did not find their way into the basic cooperative system yet and discuss potential directions for future enhancement of the minimal system.


In order to evaluate low-carbon ecological mining construction effect,based on the special nature analysis of low-carbon ecological mining construction,the multi-stage comprehensive evaluation model on low-carbon ecological mining construction was established,which considered the three dimensions of history,present and future.The first phase evaluation was proceeded through setting prerequisites to screen.The second phase evaluation was proceeded through building fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model,in which efficacy coefficient method was adopted to determine membership and Attribute Hierarchical Model(AHM) was adopted to determine weights.In order to encourage enterprises to ongoing proceed low-carbon ecological mining construction,the third phase evaluation was proceeded through establishing dynamic comprehensive evaluation model with the features of incentive or punishment.Finally,low-carbon ecological mining construction effects of three underground mines in Jizhong Energy Group were evaluated.The research results show that the evaluation results are consistent with the actual instances.So this new evaluation method can be used to evaluate the low-carbon ecological mining construction effect.


Students enrolled at Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions tend to combine study and work and to succeed they have to optimize free time for studying. Therefore, many ODL students access and interact with information in a mobile context, which implies that interaction takes place in dynamic and changing environments. This presents students with a number of overlapping contextual challenges that need to be managed when accessing and interacting with information. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are also confronted by these challenges as they strive to provide access through technologies that are accessible, usable, scalable and sustainable to students. Against this background, it is important to have an understanding of the categories of information that students would want to access and interact with through the devices that they privately own, of which mobile phones are the most common. This study investigated the categories of information that students would want to access through mobile cellular phones. The data capturing involved both qualitative and quantitative data. In order to get a comprehensive and representative set of information access needs it was necessary to start with open-ended questions. Based on the analysis of the 50 responses to the open-ended questions, fixed-response questions were formulated. The 84 responses to the fixed-response questions were then analyzed to determine the importance of the information access needs as well as the access frequency. The contribution of this paper is a set of prioritized information needs that provide some insight into the mobile centric information needs of students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) as an example of an ODL institution.


In this latest in a series of articles on the innovative use of experimental business laboratories for high-expectation entrepreneurs, the authors focus on the networking benefits of business lab experiments. Distinguishing between 'Robinson Crusoe' types, whose tendency is to operate in isolation, and 'Lemuel Gulliver' types, who rely on interaction with others, they suggest that engaging Crusoe entrepreneurs in the open participatory environment of the experimental laboratory encourages them to discard their bad habit of working in a closed environment in favour of interaction and sharing. This, the authors argue, is an essential change in light of the evolving process of innovation, which is moving from a closed process through an open one towards a future in which competing innovation networks become the norm. They demonstrate the nature of contemporary entrepreneurship and innovation by drawing analogies from physics and the article closes with a case study of their theory in practice.


The global community is increasingly recognizing the value of scalable and accurate Earth Intelligence in the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper reviews several case studies where public and private sector organizations are leveraging Earth Intelligence, a combination of satellite imagery, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence-based approaches, in support of the SDGs.


Introduction Muscle stiffness and joint contractures are common complications of limb lengthening. Authors have demonstrated less permanent soft tissue complications with intramedullary lengthening than external fixation. Our aim was to evaluate the joint response following intramedullary femoral lengthening and need for physiotherapy and alteration to rate/rhythm of lengthening. Method A retrospective review of documentation for all femoral Precice nails in our centre inserted between 2012 and 2017. This involved 98 nails (68 antegrade, 30 retrograde) in 88 patients (59 males, 29 females) with a mean age of 32 years (range 12–69 yrs). We excluded cases where there was no documentation regarding Range of Movement (ROM). Bilateral lengthenings were recorded as separate cases. This left 50 antegrade, 16 retrograde cases with hip ROM data and 55 antegrade, 26 retrograde cases with Knee ROM data. Results Hip In the antegrade group 20 cases (39%) developed no stiffness throughout treatment. ROM decreased in 61...


Abstract It has been argued that cultural products (e.g., novels or movies) can be used to develop foresight or prototypes. The rationale is that cultural products not only reflect changes in the business environment but also contribute to these changes by diffusion. Therefore, cultural products are arguably valuable. However, compared to other design thinking tools such as ethnographic research, interviews or focus groups, cultural products are less prevalent. This article, which is based on an empirical study of 302 design thinkers from 2018, explores the extent to which cultural products are used in design thinking projects. Despite a lower prevalence than other design thinking tools, we find support that cultural products are positively related to the success of design thinking projects. We conclude that although cultural products are used less than other approaches, they have a significant impact. We therefore emphasize the future potential of using cultural products in design thinking.


This paper describes our submission to the E2E NLG Challenge. Recently, neural seq2seq approaches have become mainstream in NLG, often resorting to pre- (respectively post-) processing delexicalization (relexicalization) steps at the word-level to handle rare words. By contrast, we train a simple character level seq2seq model, which requires no pre/post-processing (delexicalization, tokenization or even lowercasing), with surprisingly good results. For further improvement, we explore two re-ranking approaches for scoring candidates. We also introduce a synthetic dataset creation procedure, which opens up a new way of creating artificial datasets for Natural Language Generation.


Eastern Gansu owns many characteristics and high-quality red tourism resources.Its development has the following advantages: first,those resources are rich and characteristic in resources;Second,they are obvious in many characteristics,which is suitable for coordinated development;Third,they are concentrated and the traffic is developed;Finally,the resources are great and filled with multiple values.Therefore,the development of red tourism resources should follow the following patterns and concrete ways in Eastern Gansu: First,optimize the structure of the budget,increase investment,and appropriately attract nongovernmental investment;Second,renew management idea and develop the potential of nonphysical red tourism resource;Third,introduce new and high technology,and protect digital development;Finally,set up a bigger tourism theory system,and help to multiple resources' combination.In short,the aim and purpose of the development of red tourism resources in Eastern Gansu should realize universally ecological,social,and mutual harmony.And,it makes travelling really serve for people.


This paper aims to increase the accuracy of Kazakh handwriting text recognition (KHTR) using the generative adversarial network (GAN), where a handwriting word image generator and an image quality discriminator are constructed. In order to obtain a high-quality image of handwritten text, the multiple losses are intended to encourage the generator to learn the structural properties of the texts. In this case, the quality discriminator is trained on the basis of the relativistic loss function. Based on the proposed structure, the resulting document images not only preserve texture details but also generate different writer styles, which provides better OCR performance in public databases. With a self-created dataset, images of different types of handwriting styles were obtained, which will be used when training the network. The proposed approach allows for a character error rate (CER) of 11.15% and a word error rate (WER) of 25.65%.


This study investigates the impacts of high-frequency inputs on the firing dynamics of Hodgkin-Huxley neuron systems. The obtained results show that the average spiking rate of Hodgkin-Huxley neurons exhibits resonance-like behavior depending on the frequency of the high-frequency input. We also demonstrate that the Hodgkin-Huxley neurons fire in a specific range of high-frequency driving frequency. Finally, it is observed that this frequency range expands with raising the amplitude of the high-frequency input.


Sealing of two glass plates composing of PDP panel was done in a vacuum chamber by using an auxiliary heating line(AHL). In order to improve the uniformity of sealing temperature and reduce the panel temperature during sealing, the AHL was introduced by a screen printing method inside a frit glass and used as a part of heating source for the frit melting. Outgassing and bubbling can be also severe problems during the heating process of the frit glass inside a vacuum chamber. Our specially prepared frit glass was successfully applied for the vacuum in‐line sealing approach without bubbles.


Background and Aims Fibroblasts growth factor 21 (FGF21), a liver-secreted endocrine factor involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, has been shown to be elevated in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to evaluate the quantitative correlation between serum FGF21 level and hepatic fat content. Methods A total of 138 subjects (72 male and 66 female) aged from 18 to 65 years with abnormal glucose metabolism and B-ultrasonography diagnosed fatty liver were enrolled in the study. Serum FGF21 levels were determined by an in-house chemiluminescence immunoassay and hepatic fat contents were measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results Serum FGF21 increased progressively with the increase of hepatic fat content, but when hepatic fat content increased to the fourth quartile, FGF21 tended to decline. Serum FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with hepatic fat content especially in subjects with mild/moderate hepatic steatosis (r = 0.276, p = 0.009). Within the range of hepatic steatosis from the first to third quartile, FGF21 was superior to any other traditional clinical markers including ALT to reflect hepatic fat content. When the patients with severe hepatic steatosis (the fourth quartile) were included, the quantitative correlation between FGF21 and hepatic fat content was weakened. Conclusions Serum FGF21 was a potential biomarker to reflect the hepatic fat content in patients with mild or moderate NAFLD. In severe NAFLD patients, FGF21 concentration might decrease due to liver inflammation or injury.


i-line wafer steppers have become the tool of choice for submicron production of advanced integrated circuits. These tools are now being extended to provide the required resolution, linewidth control, and overlay performance for devices with 16 Mb packing densities. To achieve this a manufacturing environment, suitable control procedures should be designed to minimize process and equipment variations. The primary goal of this paper is to characterize and quantify the ability of current generation steppers to meet or exceed the 100 nm AA (single machine) and the 175 nm BC (stepper to any other stepper in a production area) overlay requirements for half-micron production. For this, an overlay experiment using one reference and 12 randomly selected steppers was performed. Two Point through the lens alignment was used to reference wafer to reticle. Stages with three interferometrically controlled axes having both standard and enhanced resolution were used in the experiment. Features to improve stage positioning and overlay accuracy are discussed. To generate the required data, accurately calibrated reference wafers are used. The results were compared with a metrology model, which was used to optimize the matching of stepper lens and stage grid distortions so that optimum matching performance is achieved. The results then clearly predict whether all steppers meet the stringent overlay requirements for half-micron lithography in a production environment. In addition, experimental results show half-micron resolution performance with a number of commercially available i-line photoresists. Lens performance as affected by a phase-shifted reticle tooling are also examined to determine its potential benefit to 0.5 micron and sub-0.5 micron production.


Objective:We assessed the safety and efficacy of 10-day twice-daily triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in three double-blind, controlled trials in patients with duodenal ulcer disease.Methods:H. pylori-infected patients with one or more duodenal ulcer(s) at endoscopy (studies 1, 2) or with a documented duodenal ulcer history and no duodenal ulcer or erosions at endoscopy (study 3) were randomly assigned to 10-day courses of omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (OAC) or placebo plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (AC). In studies 1 and 2, patients received an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg q.d. (OAC group) or placebo (AC group). Endoscopy was repeated 4 wk after therapy in studies 1 and 2 and 4–6 wk after therapy in study 3. At baseline, H. pylori was diagnosed by CLOtest plus histology, or by culture. Eradication was defined as no positive biopsy test and two or more negative tests. Patients were defined as compliant if they took 75% or more of each study drug and missed ≤ 3 consecutive days of the 10-day therapy.Results:Intent-to-treat populations of the three studies combined were 241 patients for OAC and 266 for AC. Of all OAC patients combined, 2% stopped study medications due to adverse events, and 93% were compliant. Per-protocol cure rates were 78% to 90% (all studies combined, 84%) for OAC vs 33% to 45% (combined, 39%) for AC (p < 0.001, OAC vs AC); intent-to-treat eradication rates were 69% to 83% (combined, 75%) for OAC vs 32% to 37% (combined, 35%) for AC; (p < 0.001, OAC vs AC).Conclusion:Rigorously designed studies indicate that 10 days of twice-daily triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin achieves per-protocol eradication rates of approximately 80% to 90% in the U.S.


Online Conference Reservation Management System (onCRMS) is a system
that is developed based on database technology. The aim of developing this system is
to facilitate the management in dealing with matters relating to the activities of the
conference. This system provides a user-friendly interface that helps the user to
better understand guidelines to use. This system has been developed using Adobe
Dreamweaver CS3, PHP as the programming language, Apache Tomcat as the server
and Oracle as the database. The methodology that is used to build up this system is
the Database Life Cycle (DBLC). DBLC is used as guides consistently complete
each development phase of the onCRMS.


Summary The problem of the possibility of overpopulation in the Netherlands has never been a subject of debate. The tempo of decline of fertility in this densely populated country was, however, much slower than elsewhere. Discussion started only after 1919, when economic problems relating to a rapidly expanding population were studied. The object of this article is to trace the development of such discussion in the Netherlands between the two world wars. The article is intended to make a contribution to explaining the exceptional situation of the Netherlands during the last hundred years in respect of population.


Objective
To report the surgical methods and results of pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic U-shape ileal neobladder.

Methods
From August 2010 to April 2014, 19 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer (cT2-3N0-2M0) underwent pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy and Endo-GIA assisted orthotopic U-shape ileal neobladder reconstruction. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected.

Results
The surgeries were successful in all 19 cases with the operating time ranging from 261 to 380 min, blood loss of 100 to 350 ml. Postoperative hospital stay was 21±4 (15-26) days, postoperative intestinal function recovery time at 1.9±0.4 (1.5-2.3) days. Surgical margins were all negative. Lymph node positive rate was 32% (6/19). Complications were including 1 case of lymphatic leakage; 3 cases of new bladder and urethra anastomotic fistula. There were 17 cases of urinary incontinence, all these cases were improved after 3 months, but there were still 8 cases of night-time incontinence. Three cases had unilateral ureteral reflux, ureter mild hydrocephalus, 1 of the cases had recurrent infections within 1 month after surgery. After the anti-inflammatory and catheterization treatment, the symptoms were improved. Two cases had unilateral ureteral anastomotic stricture, one underwent percutaneous nephrostomy and cystoscope-assisted double J tube placement, another underwent laparoscopic ureteral neobladder reimplantation. One case had bilateral ureteral stenosis due to recurrent infections, and underwent bilateral laparoscopic ureteral-new bladder reimplantation. Patients were followed up for 8-42 months, no recurrence or distant metastasis was found.

Conclusion
Pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy with endo-GIA assisted orthotopic U-shape ileal neobladder can reduce surgical trauma and help patient′s postoperative recovery.

Key words:
Urinary bladder neoplasms; Pure laparoscopy; Radical cystectomy; Orthotopic U-shape ileal neobladder


ABSTRACT
 Linear cultural heritage (LCH) is a precious treasure of human beings, but its spatial distribution and development modes in the context of tourism value are not clear. This study constructs the resource (R) –natural environment (N) –industrial economy (I) evaluation system through the Delphi method, analytical hierarchy process and entropy method to examine tourism value from the perspective of the whole heritage. This system is verified to the case of a World Heritage Site, the 1800 km-long Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal in China. Combined with the situation of 22 cities along the canal, the standard values of each evaluation variable are determined. Besides total tourism value, R–N–I coordination is also calculated through a three-dimensional model. They are regarded as a classification basis in the grouping analysis method. According to the results, a resource is the most important factor, while natural environment and industrial economy are external supports for LCH tourism. Tourism value along Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal is divided into 'high-value imbalance type', 'key breakthrough type', 'comprehensive strengthening type' and 'low-value restriction type'. The findings offer theoretical construct and policy recommendations for the development and sustainability of LCH tourism.


To the Editor.—
 A recent letter1 suggested that a "gaffe" and "blunder" was committed by the author of an earlier article.2 The letter is signed, "Student," reminding us of W. S. Gossett, the original "Student" of "Student's t-distribution" fame. Gossett was employed by Guinness Brewery which had forbidden him from publishing under his own name. Perhaps the letter writer was imbibing Gossett's product and not his wisdom.
 Specifically, the letter writer suggests that Apgar scores are "semiquantitative," are ordinal and that "the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of Apgar scores are meaningless expressions."


BACKGROUND
There are discrepancies in data of genome-wide microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Variations in ethnic background, life style, presence of chemotherapy, and regions of SCCHN may explain the results.

METHODS
Considering the variations, we performed CGH in Korean laryngeal SCC (LSCC) tissues (N=16).

RESULTS
We found gains of amplification at 7q35 and 8q24 and losses at 1p21, 2q21, 17q12, and 3p22-26 in 40-50% of the cases. The regions of losses at 3p22-26 contain no known tumor suppressor gene. However, XPC, a key gene in DNA repair pathway, is identified at 3p22-25.

CONCLUSION
Our finding strongly suggests that chromosome 3p22-p26 region harbor critical gene(s) including XPC associated with risk for LSCC.


Address for reprints : Eun-Kyung Kim, MD, Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno Seodaemungu Shinchon-dong, Seoul 120-752, Korea. Tel. 82-2-2228-7400 Fax. 82-2-393-3035 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Phyllodes Tumors and Fibroepithelial Lesions with Cellular Stroma of the Breast and Diagnosed by Sonographically Guided Core Needle Biopsy: A Comparison Between the Results of Excision Biopsy and the Sonographic Findings


When analyzing fMRI data to study the brain process, one faces two challenges: (i) the correct noise distribution and (ii) the brain dynamics. In general, the brain dynamics are modeled under the simplifying, but wrong assumption that the noise follows a Gaussian distribution. In this paper, we model the brain dynamics under the correct Rice distribution. We implement the hemodynamic response function into a Rice framework and apply the standard General Linear Model (GLM) which is linear-in-the-parameters and can easily be solved. Next, the statistical properties of the least squares estimator are investigated via a simulation experiment.


Pediatric surgeons are often confronted with a child referred for an inguinal hernia, in which the hernia cannot be elicited or demonstrated at physical examination. The mother usually gives an excellent history, but in spite of pushing and prodding of the baby, and making the baby cry, the hernia does not appear. This report will demonstrate how a clever mother confirmed the presence of a bulge in spite of the surgeon's inability to demonstrate it on three visits.
 CASE REPORT
 A 15-month-old male infant was seen because the mother had noticed a left inguinal bulge. On physical examination, in spite of every maneuver attempted, no bulge was demonstrated.


Network has made positive effect on citizens' political participation in our country, with the relevant technological means the corresponding channels widened and the quality of political participation raised. However, being a double-blade sword, the network brings about negative influences too. So we should think actively how to make better use of it so as to promote the political participation.


This paper focuses on mathematical modeling of high frequency pulsations in pump turbines, which are the source of high-cycle continuous stress of the spiral casing cover, wicket gates and runner. The problem is solved by transfer matrix method. F-A char. and MS Excel programs have been used for data processing. Final results are presented by graphs of frequency-amplitude characteristic depending on running speed of motor, and plots of the pressure mode shape in selected phase shifts. Modeled variants are those of wheels with 7; 9 blades and 7 blades and 7 splitter-blades. The number of distributing blades is 20.


integration of available information on a plant, consideration of complexity in the hazard interactions, developments of qualitative designs and quantitative decision-making measures, provision for formal sensitivity studies, and the identification of major sources of uncertainty. PRA methodology results in reduction of vulnerabilities, which successively results in the enhancement of existing nuclear plant designs. When a nuclear plant is in operation, multiple systems must be maintained, and the PRA models help facilitate risk reduction. the


This is a pre-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in the Journal of the History of Sexuality following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available through the University of Texas Press.


temperature field,areobtainedfortheporouswicksundertheactionofadiscreteheatsource(evaporator)mounted on one end. The working fluid, supplied from a condenser pool, evaporates from the wick surface primarily in the evaporator region and is condensed and collected into a container separate from the pool, to yield mass flow rates. Thus the liquid-pumping capability of the wick, coupled with flow impedance, is measured as a function of applied heat flux.Repeatableresultswithlowuncertaintyareobtained.Acarefulanalysisofthetransportpathsforheatand masstransferin thewickstructure confirmsthatmasstransfer duetovaporization oftheworking fluidisthelargest contributor to heat dissipation from the wick. The expected and measured values of evaporation rate are in good agreement. Results are also presented in terms of overall effective conductance based on measured temperatures.


Laboratoire d'Electronique, U.R.A 830 du CNRS, UniversitC Blaise Pascal, 63177 Aubitre Cedex, FRANCE email : 1egrandQlesmti.univ-bpclermont.fr Abstract Image processing applications need shorter processing times. This requires the parallelization of low and mid levels sequential process chains on specific machines. In this paper we present the implementation of a contour based image segmentation process on our parallel vision machine ?i.ansvision. Two approaches for the contour coding steps are discussed.


Between 1966 and 1984, 15 patients with differentiated distant metastatic thyroid carcinoma were studied and treated with radioiodine. All patients had a partial or total thyroidectomy followed by thyroid ablative radioiodine. Thirteen patients were also treated for their metastases by further radioiodine.

Metastases were clinically present initially in seven patients and were detectable in four patients within the first year, two patients in the second year, and the last patient after 11 years.

Eight patients died of metastatic disease during the one to 23 year follow up; all within four years of developing metastases. Six patients are still alive, one with predominantly recurrent bony disease still receiving "'I treatment, the other five have lung metastases which have either regressed (two patients), or stabilized (three patients) with radioiodine treatment.

The overall prognosis is grave. Best results with radioiodine are obtained in small pulmonary metastases, but palliation may be obtained when metastases in other organs are present.


X-ray observations with the ROSAT High Resolution Imager (HRI) often have spatial smearing on the order of 10 00 (Morse 1994). This degradation of the in- trinsic resolution of the instrument (5 00 ) can be attributed to errors in the aspect solution associated with the wob- ble of the space craft or with the reacquisition of the guide stars. We have developed a set of IRAF/PROS and MIDAS/EXSAS routines to minimize these eects. Our procedure attempts to isolate aspect errors that are re- peated through each cycle of the wobble. The method as- signs a \wobble phase" to each event based on the 402 second period of the ROSAT wobble. The observation is grouped into a number of phase bins and a centroid is cal- culated for each sub-image. The corrected HRI event list is reconstructed by adding the sub-images which have been shifted to a common source position. This method has shown 30% reduction of the full width half maximum (FWHM) of an X-ray observation of the radio galaxy 3C 120. Additional examples are presented.


The desalination of brackish water is one of the common issues in the world and spiral wound membrane is mostly used in desalination systems in home and industrial level, in this study a spiral wound brackish water membrane element were used to study the reverse osmosis system practically with the effect of multiple operational parameters and by creating Matlab Simulink modeling to analyze the RO system performance depending on concentration polarization theory then compare both results. The parameters that studied were flow rate range (0.6, 1, 1.3, 1.6, and 2 cm3/s), concentration (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm), and temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C), of the feed and mass transfer coefficient for the permeate water, the salts that used (CaCl2 and KCl) and by the concentration polarization (a phenomenon of accumulation of solute) the salts will tangle up at the surface of the membrane and affect membrane efficiency. The results indicated that the membrane operation is response sensitively to variations in feed temperature. The modeling results indicated that the major effect on the membrane parameters is the feed temperature and concentration of the salt.


Where a party is owed a sum of money by another party but is unable to quantify the claim because the relevant information and documentation is in the hands of the debtor, the first-mentioned party will in certain circumstances be entitled to demand, and if necessary institute legal proceedings to compel, the alleged debtor to furnish a statement of account, followed by engagement in a debatement of the account. However, creditors have no general right to demand that a debtor either provide a statement of account or engage in a debatement. This article examines the circumstances in which a creditor has such a right and the powers of the court in this regard.


1 Introduction Johann P. Arnason and Ireneusz Pawel Karolewski 2 The religio-political nexus: historical and comparative reflections Johann P. Arnason 3 Politics and religion in a Global Age Jeffrey Haynes 4 Comparative secularisms and the politics of modernity Elizabeth Hurd and Linnell Cady 5 Europe in the global rise of religious nationalism Mark Juergensmeyer 6 European civil religion in the making? Ireneusz Pawel Karolewski 7 Democracy, secularism and Islam in Turkey Ayhan Kaya 8 Orthodox religion and politics in post-Soviet Russia Mikhail Maslovskiy and Nikita Shangin 9 Religion and politics, church and state in Chinese history John Lagerwey 10 Religion and the state in contemporary Japan Elisabetta Porcu 11 Arab revolutions and political Islam: a structural approach Karel Cerny 12 Beyond post-secularism: religion in political analysis (review article) Michal Matlak Notes on the contributors Index.


Models of water resources systems are conceived to capture the underlying environmental dynamics occurring within watersheds. All such models can be regarded as working hypotheses, differing in the aspects of process representation and conceptualization. Most of the associated efforts in the water resources research community is dedicated to development of new models that perform well under specific atmospheric conditions and catchment properties. In this context, flexible modeling frameworks are gaining importance as they facilitate the model building process by providing the model building blocks, whereby the hydrologist is free to assemble the model for task at hand. Such flexible models have high degree of transferability, which in turn aid in progressing toward a unified hydrological theory at catchment scale. However, in cases without sufficient insights regarding a catchment characteristics and/or lack of expert's knowledge, one may have to try a large number of model configurations based on available model building blocks to construct an appropriate model for the catchment of interest. Undoubtedly, this may be time consuming and computationally intensive. This paper proposes a novel model building algorithm, which uses the full potential of flexible modeling frameworks by searching the model space and inferring suitable model configurations relying on machine learning. Proposed machine learning algorithm is based on evolutionary computation approach using genetic programming (GP). State‐of‐art GP applications in rainfall‐runoff modeling so far used the algorithm as a short‐term forecasting tool that generates an expected future time series very similar to neural networks application. In this case, the proposed algorithm develops a physically meaningful rainfall‐runoff model. Although at the moment we learn models using two flexible modeling frameworks (SUPERFLEX and FUSE), the model induction toolkit can be armed with any internal coherence building blocks. The model induction capabilities of the proposed framework have been evaluated on the Blackwater River basin, Alabama, United States. The model configurations evolved through the model induction toolkit are consistent with the fieldwork investigations and previously reported research findings.


All the geometric and optical isomers possible for the [Co(dien)2]3+ system have been isolated and characterised, and the geometric configurations have been assigned from the difference in racemisation behaviour of the optical forms of the u-cis- and trans-isomers and from the 1H n.m.r. spectra.


Selected techniques of biofacies analysis were applied to an unconsolidated sedimentary deposit in the Pamlico Formation of Pleistocene age in Flagler County, Florida. An oriented sample containing 0.61 cu. ft. of concentrated shells and sand yielded data which were subjected to analyses of taxonomic diversity, texture, abundance, and incomplete specimens. Of the mollusk shells present, 80% are pelecypods (39 species) and 20% are gastropods (37 species). Faunal elements indigenous to the depositional site could not be discerned, but the 19 species comprising 93% of all mollusk specimens suggest a depositional environment of shallow-water, high salinity bays with sand or sand-mud substrate, weak currents, considerable wave action, and a minimum water temperature of 50° -55°F. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2326------------


Constant-time polynomial multiplication is one of the most time-consuming operations in many lattice-based cryptographic constructions. For schemes based on the hardness of Ring-LWE in power-of-two cyclotomic fields with completely splitting primes, the AVX2 optimized implementation of the Number-Theoretic Transform (NTT) from the NewHope key-exchange scheme is the state of the art for fast multiplication. It uses floating point vector instructions. We show that by using a modification of the Montgomery reduction algorithm that enables a fast approach with integer instructions, we can improve on the polynomial multiplication speeds of NewHope and Kyber by a factor of 4.2 and 6.3 on Skylake, respectively.


Early motor development has an important role in promoting physical activity (PA) during childhood and across the lifespan. Children from South Asian backgrounds are less active and have poorer motor skills, thus identifying the need for early motor skill instruction. This study examines the effect of a movement and storytelling intervention on South Asian children's motor skills. Following ethics approval and consent, 39 children (46% South Asian) participated in a 12-week movement and storytelling intervention. Pre and post, seven motor skills (run, jump, throw, catch, stationary dribble, roll, and kick) were assessed using Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study protocol. At baseline, South Asian children had poorer performance of motor skills. Following the intervention, all children improved their motor skills, with a bigger improvement observed for South Asian children. Early intervention provided remedial benefits to delays in motor skills and narrowed the motor skills gap in ethnic groups.


HIV-1 transmembrane protein gp41,which plays an important role in the fusion of viral and cellular membranes,is the ideal target for intervention of HIV-1 infection.In order to obtain gp41 crystal structure from prevalent strain in China,gp41 helix-bundle region was cloned into pET30-his vector by overlap PCR,enzyme digestion and ligation using CRF07 B/C gp160 gene as template.The plasmid was transferred into E.coli Rosetta(DE3),and expression,purification and crystal screening of gp41 were conducted.Crystals of gp41 helix-bundle were obtained and its structure was solved by molecular replacement method.The overall structure was similar to B subtype,but the unique characteristics in local conformation would facilitate the vaccine design and drug development against CRF07 B/C prevalent in China.


The politicizing of the Terri Shiavo case has made it difficult to think clearly and judiciously (as distinguished from judicially) about what it means to decide to end the life of a terminally ill or disabled person. Can we take seriously the rhetoric of the sanctity of human life from the mouths of exponents of the death penalty? And yet there are those who consistently and in good faith hold euthanasia in whatever form morally anathema. Many of those who share this view have expressed disapproval of government intervention in the Shiavo case. They cannot be accused of having a political agenda. Over the years, philosopher Peter Singer has made the case for euthanasia most forcefully. This may be a good time to consider critically his arguments, free of the immediate tumult surrounding the Shiavo case. Such consideration may even help us in our understanding of the issues involved in that case. Singer has been variously characterized as "the most controversial," "the most influential" and "the most notorious" philosopher in the world. His books cover a wide range of ethical issues, from animal liberation to euthanasia (including infanticide), and from globalization to the workings of George W. Bush's mind. The controversy, influence and notoriety come from positions he has taken, with a candor that one rarely finds in the work of a respectable philosopher, on the most sensitive issues of life and death. Whether or not one is in agreement with his views (I am not, as will soon become evident), they are argued with a provocative clarity and consistency. A radical advocate of animal


Type of funding sources: None.

 A negative self-rated occupational prognosis hinders the vocational reintegration of patients after cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Several studies reveal that these patients often show reduced physical performance as well as higher psychosocial burden. Although the current evidence indicates that self-rated (negative) occupational prognosis of the patients in CR is a multi-factorial issue, there are no studies on subjective factors determining that prognosis.

 The aim of this study was to understand what subjective factors determine a self-rated negative occupational prognosis of patients in CR.

 A single-centre qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2021. Data was collected by two researchers using in-depth interviews with 20 patients with self-rated negative occupational prognosis and 5 patients with non-impaired prognosis. We interviewed working-age patients (range 18-60 years) who were admitted to a rehabilitation program usually within 14 days after an acute cardiac event. The participants were selected by theoretical sampling. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded. We concluded the codes in main themes.

 In our analysis of interview texts we extrapolated seven themes: 1) environmental factors (social support, requalification opportunities, industry-specific occupational risks); 2) personal factors (professional skills, knowledge about own impairments, attitude toward future); 3) factors that occurred before a cardiac event (previous illness, unhealthy lifestyle, familial predisposition to disease); 4) factors that occurred after a cardiac event (health stigma and discrimination, disabilities, changed personal priorities); 5) patient's health perception including physical capacity; 6) possibilities to change the working conditions; 7) heart-focused anxiety. The themes 1 to 4 can be considered as an umbrella term for multiple individual factors. However, the themes 5 to 7, which indicate specific determining subjective factors for self-rated occupational prognosis, appeared in most of the interviews.

 We conclude that the self-rated occupational prognosis is determined by a complex set of individual factors. However, three themes – patient´s health perception, opportunity to adjust work place, and resilience towards heart-focused anxiety- were mentioned by the majority of patients regarding their self-accessed occupational prognosis. Affected patients are likely to require a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, whereas these three themes might be addressed by social workers and psychologists.


The invention relates to a high voltage and ultra-high voltage direct current (DC) cross-linked polyethylene insulated sea electric power cable, comprising a waterproof conductor, a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer, an insulating shielding layer, a semi-conductive waterproof buffer layer, a metal shielding layer, a semi-conductive plastic reinforcing protective layer, filling strips, a cabling strapping tape, a metal armoring layer and an outer coating respectively from inside to outside in sequence. The high voltage and ultra-high voltage DC cross-linked polyethylene insulated sea electric power cable adopts a positive and negative DC transmission wire core integrated cabling structure, and avoids the polarized electric field corrosion effect of the metal armoring layer, and the metal armoring layer of the cable can be manufactured by using a common galvanized mild steel wire. Simultaneously, a dual-core DC high voltage sea electric power cable is more convenient to lay than a single-core DC high voltage sea electric power cable, and occupies less tidal flat laying route resource. The DC high voltage sea electric power cable can adopt a single solid core aluminum conductor, and has low manufacturing cost and better water-tightness.


Conventional axial mode helix antennas offer wide bandwidth, high gain, and circular polarization. They are in widespread use at UHF frequencies. Their physical size, however, can become excessively large at lower frequencies. In this paper we present a new design of the helical antenna, termed the stub loaded helix (SLH), which offers a substantial size reduction over a conventional axial mode helix without sacrificing performance. For the same number of turns, a stub loaded helix offers a 4:1 reduction in overall size while maintaining comparable gain performance. The usable bandwidth ofthe stub loaded helix is less than the conventional helix design (25% versus 50%) due to reduced axial ratio performance of the stub loaded helix.


-The Alpine I/Federal corehole provides the first observations of Permian, Upper Cretaceous, and lower Tertiary rocks in the eastern White Mountains of Arizona. Due to erosion beneath a pre-Late Cretaceous unconformity, no Triassic to Lower Cretaceous rocks exist. Only 74 ft of Permian San Andres Formation is pre served. The Permian Glorieta Sandstone, 203 ft thick, is intruded by basaltic rocks that also truncate the top of the underlying Corduroy Member of the Supai Formation. An additional basaltic intrusion separates the Corduroy Member, 515 ft thick, from the underlying Fort Apache Limestone, 48 ft thick. Only 49 ft of Big A Butte Member was cored before encountering another basaltic intrusion. Permian carbonate units represent restricted marine and coastal sabkha environments and hydrocarbon shows indicate source potential. Carbonaceous Upper Cretaceous Dakota(?) sandstone, 116 ft thick, is preserved beneath a Laramide unconfor mity. Homoclinal downwarping, less than one degree of dip to the south and with possible faults, has formed a basin with at least 1600 ft of structural relief on the Laramide erosional surface. An unnamed early (?) Laramide unit, 107 ft thick, unconformably rests on reddened Cretaceous sandstone and underlies the basal conglomerate of the Eocene Eagar Formation, 1087 ft thick. Volcaniclastic rocks of the Eocene to Oligocene Spears Group, 2032 ft thick, conformably overlie the Eagar Formation. The only distinct volcanic flow that was cored is a 20-ft-thick Datil (?) Group rhyolite ash-flow tuff. Composite thickness of the Tertiary sediments in the corehole is 3226 ft. Basaltic intrusions in Paleozoic rocks may range in age from mid-Tertiary to Quaternary and could represent several magmatic events.


In the slow fading channel,the cooperative diversity is a new space diversity mode.To enhance the performance of the cooperative communication system, a power allocation plan aiming at minimizing the interruption probability is pro- posed in this paper.A new method to optimize power allocation is put forward,which considers channel noise power of all the paths and uses the maximum ratio combination at the destination node with water-filling theory synthetically.The plan is simple and effective,it only depends on the average channel status information of the relay nodes and thus incurs little overhead.Comparison simulation and numerical result shows that significant performance gains can be achieved by using the plan.


The SED (Socialist Unity Party of Germany-Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutsch lands) continually avoided pursuing a policy aimed at abolition or complete priva tization of churches. Instead it endeavored, without fundamentally questioning the churches, to repress their public influence, in other words, limit them to the status quo, completely secularize their social life as well as replace Christian morals with manifestations of life in Socialist society.1


Nakhichevan is a city on the Lower Don which was founded in 1779 by Armenians. Its history is closely connected with the policy of the Russian Empire of development of southern lands and their integration into the socioeconomic structure and culture of the country. This policy was inextricably linked with the idea of a regular city and principles of classicism. It was the first city in this district established not as a fortress, but as a trading and crafting and craft settlement. Unlike other towns of this kind, which were normally formed spontaneously, Nakhichevan was originally built according to the plan corresponding to architectural ideas of the last quarter of the 18th century. The Central square with the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (1783) built in the style of Russian classicism united all the streets intersecting at right angles. The Church determined the style of the most important city buildings: magistrate, theatre, parish churches, etc. Outside the city there was The Church of the Armenian monastery Surb-Khach (1781) which also became a fine embodiment of classicism. The architectural culture of Nakhichevan is based on classicism which defined the architectural appearance of the city and was appreciated by the citizens so much that even the facades of the edifices built in the period of eclecticism gravitated towards classical forms.


Altered xenoliths in the 0.25–0.12 Myr non-welded ignimbrite deposits of the Island of Kos (Greece) provide evidence for a hydrothermal convective system in the basement complex. The conjunction of a potential heat source, high-temperature hydrothermal parageneses, permeable and porous bedded formations, continuing tectonic phenomena and successive fracturing and possible access by sea-waters, argues for a favourable geothermal potential. The hydrothermal area of Volcania, where mineralized and sometimes degassing waters circulate, could be regarded as a zone of lateral leakage from the hydrothermal convective system, which developed above the cooling magma chamber.


Science with neutrons has a longstanding tradition in Germany, since its foundation in 1957, by Heinz Maier-Leibnitz, when the first neutron source Forschungsreaktor München (FRM) started operation. With this first nuclear reactor in Germany, a widely spread range of applications from neutron scattering to irradiations and medical cancer treatment was envisaged from the beginning. Following the motto of Maier-Leibnitz, "Do some thing new," the development of neutron instrumentation played an important part in the activities at FRM. High precision measurements of the scattering length of thermal neutrons, neutron guides, small angle scattering, back scattering, turbine for ultra cold neutrons, and neutron irradiation at liquid He temperatures, all these techniques are strongly connected to the FRM, since most were applied first in Munich


Abstract Perfluoroalkyls are stable synthetic chemicals, used in the manufacturing of various industrial products. The release of these compounds in natural ecosystems could interact with living organisms leading to sea food species modification. Laboratory experiments were performed to assess its toxicity on the marine invertebrate Gammarus insensibilis. The LC50 determined by the Regtox package considering several concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L) was about 9.99 mg/L. The biomarkers response was analyzed using adult crustacean treated with 1, 1.6, and 3.1 mg/L of PFOS for 4 days. At the end of the exposure, the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxyde dismutase (SOD) as well as the malondialdehyde rate (MDA) were measured. The SOD activity was increased at low concentration of PFOS, in contract to the highest one, where it decreased. The AChE activity remains relatively unchangeable during exposure to the tested concentrations, indicating that PFOS is not neurotoxic. The rate of MDA increased after exposure to 1 mg/L of PFOS, which reveals a possible membranous deterioration. The results indicated that oxidative stress and cell damage might be one of the main mechanisms of PFOS toxicity to organisms.


A method to determine die swell in the presence of volumetric expansion due to moisture vaporization in extruded food products is proposed. the method is applied to twin screw extrusion of corn meal in a study to investigate the effects of extruder die parameter (exit capillary length and entrance cone angle), screw speed, and specific feeding load on die swell and volumetric expansion. the die swell results are compared with known effects for nonexpanded polymers.

Die swell tended to decrease with increasing exit length, but had only a weak response to entrance angle. Increasing specific feeding load (SFL) increased die swell, where as increasing screw speed produced increases or decreases in die swell, depending on the SFL. Die swells ranged from approximately 1.2 to 1.7, accounted for approximately 10 to 22% of the total radial expansion, and for approximately 18 to 38% of the extrudate cross sectional area.

Volumetric expansion increased with increasing die exit length, but was insensitive to entrance angle with a slight concave upward response. Increasing screw speed produced large increases in volumetric expansion, while increasing SFL produced only slight increases.

Observations about die swell compare favorably with previous studies of nonexpanded polymers, suggesting that the proposed analysis method may be useful for food viscoelasticity evaluation studies.


Entrepreneurship is one of the most important areas of the economy. However, this is not a specific type of economic activity, but a specific direction of production. It should be noted that entrepreneurship consists of many types of economic activities that are fundamentally different from each other. Every day there are more and more new types of business activities. Sometimes in the practice of entrepreneurship, it would seem that the same types of production activities in analytical research should be evaluated by different criteria. So as a specific example, you can take transport services. here, when using passenger transport as a criterion, which is the object of research, is the seat, and for trucks-the number of cars. But both of these criteria are subject to extensive analytical research. This analysis should be performed by economists with an industry focus. With this in mind, it should be noted that industry criteria for the production sectors of the economy are necessary when determining taxable amounts.


Introduction: There is increasing interest in mortality as a measure of quality of care in stroke. We used Get With the Guidelines-Stroke program data to derive and validate prediction models for a patient's risk of in-hospital ischemic stroke mortality. Methods: Between 10/2001–12/2007 there were 1,036 hospitals that contributed complete data on 274,988 ischemic stroke patients. The sample was randomly divided into a derivation (60%) and validation (40%) dataset. Logistic regression models were used to determine characteristics that independently predict patient mortality and to assign point scores for prediction. To determine the effect of the NIH stroke scale score (NIHSS) on model discrimination, we also separately derived and validated a model in the 109,187 patients with NIHSS recorded (39.7%). Results: In-hospital mortality was 5.51% overall and 5.19% in the subset where NIHSS was recorded. Points were assigned for the following predictors in the overall model: age (0 –28 points), method of arrival...


This study, centered on the power relations established between domestic workers and their employers, is based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out in the state of Espirito Santo between 1996 and 1998. Adopting and analytic approach based on the work of Shellee Colen and James Scott, we investigate these relations in terms of a system of stratified reproduction, taking into consideration political inequality and exploitation as well as the functional aspects which work in the interests of both partners of this relation. Trough participant observation in the employers' as well the maids' homes, we gained access to the hidden transcripts of each group, leading us to raise hypotheses on the particular mix of affection, inequality, and rebellion which underwrites class relations in Brazil.


Singular and hypersingular operators are ubiquitous in problems of physics, and their use requires a careful numerical interpretation. Although analytical methods for their regularization have long been known, the classical approach does not provide numerical procedures for constructing or applying the regularized operator. We present a multiresolution definition of regularization for integral operators with convolutional kernels which are homogeneous or associated homogeneous functions. We show that our procedure yields the same operator as the classical definition. Moreover, due to the constructive nature of our definition, we provide concise numerical procedures for the construction and application of singular and hypersingular operators. As an application, we present an algorithm for fast computation of discrete sums and briefly discuss several other examples.


Aim:To investigate the effects of antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides on proliferation,apoptosis and cell cycle in esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC9706.Methods:Using KeyGenI-mediated transfection, the antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides were transfected into EC9706 cell line. The expression of NF-κB p65 was confirmed by RT-PCR and flow cytomertry respectively. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation ability and flow cytomertry was used to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle. EC9706 Cells transfected with KeyGenI as negative control and EC9706 cells as blank control.Results: 72 h after transfection , the NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in EC9706 cells transfected with antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides were obviously lower than those in negative control and blank control groups(P0.05); the proliferation ability in EC9706 cells transfected with antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides was inhibited more than those in control groups, and the inhibition rate was 15.0%; In EC9706 cells transfected with antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides, the apoptosis rate was obviously higher than those in control groups(P0.05)and had more G1 phase cells ,fewer S phase cells than those in control groups(P0.05).Conclusion: Transfection of antisense NF-κB p65 oligonucleotides leads to suppression of proliferation, induction of G1 arrest and apoptosis in EC9706 cells and NF-κB p65 has the potential to be a new target in cancer gene therapy.


In [1], Conway introduces a new visual method to display values represented by an integral binary quadratic form Q(x, y) = ax + bxy + cy ∈ Z[x, y]. This topograph method, as he calls it, leads to a simple and elegant method of classifying all integral binary quadratic forms and answering some basic questions about them. In particular, Conway shows that the topograph of any definite binary quadratic form has a unique "well", while the topograph of any indefinite binary quadratic form has a unique "river". In our work, we develop an analogue of Conway's topograph method in the function-field setting, that is, for binary quadratic forms with coefficients in Fq[T ], where q is an odd prime power. Our starting point is the connection between Conway's topograph method and hyperbolic geometry. Conway himself notes that it is most natural to consider the 3-regular tree central to his approach as embedded on the hyperbolic plane. To set the notation, let A = Fq[T ] be the ring of polynomials over a finite field of odd order q and K = Fq(T ) its field of fractions. The completion of K with respect to the usual valuation arising from the degree function is K = Fq((T)). In [2], Paulin provides an interpretation of continued fraction expansions of elements of K in terms of the action of SL2(A) on the Bruhat–Tits tree Tq+1 of SL2(K). Since the classical reduction theory for indefinite integral binary quadratic forms relies on the theory of continued fractions, Paulin's work led us to consider Tq+1 as a suitable function-field analogue of the hyperbolic plane. After we recast the underlying infrastructure of Conway's topograph in terms of constructions on Tq+1, we formulate and prove an analogue of Conway's climbing lemma. We then show that just as in the classical setting,


Benzylation of lithium, potassium, tetraethylammonium and silver salts of the ambident formanilide anion under different reaction conditions has been studied. -- The lithium, potassium and tetraethylammonium salts generally gave exclusively N-benzylation whereas the reaction with silver salts occurred predominantly on oxygen. The choice of solvent, the halide of the benzyl halide, and the substituent on the alkylating agent and/or formanilide did not affect the site of alkylation of the alkali metal salts but the oxygen and nitrogen alkylation product distribution from the silver salt alkylations did depend, to some extent, upon these factors. The highest O-alkylation in the case of the silver salt was always obtained in dimethoxyethane, while the reaction in dimethylformamide gave comparatively high yields of N--alkylation product. Exceptional cases are reported where N-alkylation was predominate in silver salt alkylations and these will be discussed. -- A number of formiminoalkyl ethers and N-alkylformanilides were isolated and their spectra are compared.


In chance-constrained optimization problems, a solution is assumed to be feasible only with certain, sufficiently high probability. For computational and theoretical purposes, the convexity property of the resulting constraint set is treated. It is known, for example, that a suitable combination of a concavity property of the probability distribution and concavity of constraint mappings are sufficient conditions to the convexity of the resulting constraint set. Recently, new concavity condition of the probability distribution r-decreasing density has been developed. Henrion and Strugarek (2006) show, under the assumption of independence of constraint rows, that this condition on marginal densities allows us, on the other side, weaken the concavity of constraint mappings. In this contribution we present a relaxation of the independence assumption in favour of a specific weak-dependence condition. If the independence assumption is not fulfiled, the resulting constraint set is not due to be convex. However, under a weak-dependence assumption, the non-convex problem can be approximated by a convex one. Applying stability results on optimal values and optimal solutions, we show that optimal values and optimal solutions remain stable under assumptions common in stochastic programming. This implies desirable consequences, because convex problems are easiest to compute and also many theoretical results are based on convexity assumptions. We accompany the shown results by simple example to illustrate the concept of the presented approximation.


The purpose of this study is to examine the viability of different strategic types operating in the same industry. The specific industry examined was the general insurance industry in Australia. The Miles & Snow (1978) strategic typology was used to identify companies that represented the defender, prospector and analyser types. A multiple case study approach was used in order to make comparisons between the companies. Surveys and interviews were conducted to acquire the information. The analysis revealed that different strategic types can successfully exist in the same industry by adopting different performance priorities, different management control systems and different approaches to external environmental issues.


Feed forward artificial neural networks (multilayer perceptron) allow solving a wide range of regression (approximation) and classification (data splitting into subsets) problems. The corresponding algorithms are applied in electrical and power engineering. The peculiarity of such an artificial neural network is that the training sample can be submitted to the input in an arbitrary sequence. Therefore, the signals themselves during artificial neural network training should be formed taking into account their time form. The paper proposes the use of artificial neural network in a sliding time window. Using simple examples of transients and relay protection, the paper analyses the possibilities of the signals' time form approximation and the problems of recognition using the artificial neural network of the signal parameters near zero and threshold values. It is shown that errors in the operation of the artificial neural network can be compensated. The choice of the duration of the sliding window must necessarily take into account the need for additional processing of data from the output of the neural network in the form of their statistical analysis, the obtained dependencies approximation or smoothing.


The purpose of the study is to consider the phenomenon of judicial management of civil proceedings from the standpoint of management theory, activity theory, praxeology. Special attention is paid to planning, as an obligatory element of any human activity, including the procedural activity of the court for the management of the process in civil proceedings. The methodological basis of the study was system analysis, activity approach, formal-logical method, analysis and synthesis. Based on the results of the research, the author formulates the definition of judicial planning of the case, classifies it, identifies the requirements for judicial planning.


Efficiency in vitro of five chemical fungicides, three plant extracts and three biocontrol products were evaluated by their inhibition of mycelial growth percentage and inhibition of fungal biomass percentage, for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain 52 and Colletotrichum acutatum strain 168. In the group of chemical fungicides, the best results for inhibition of mycelial growth of both pathogens were obtained with Copper Hydroxide and Difenoconazole, showing 100% of inhibition. Regarding biomass inhibition, the products with higher inhibitory effect in C. gloeosporioides were Difenoconazole showing 100% of inhibition, and Benomyl, which inhibition was between 93% and 99%, and in C. acutatum was Difenoconazol with 100% inhibition and Azoxystrobin with an inhibition between 91% and 97%. Regarding the plant extracts group, Citrus sinensis and C. grandis composed extract, showed 100% inhibition of mycelial growth and fungal biomass, it was the most effective for controlling both strains of fungi. In the biocontrol products group, the inhibition of mycelial growth percentage of the based products on Trichoderma lignorum and T. harzianum was between 61% and 65% for C. gloeosporioides, and between 77% and 79% in C. acutatum, considered in the group of biocontrol products as the most efficient in the in vitro control of 52 and 168 strains of Colletotrichum spp.


In this article, we consider the problem of constructing the confidence interval and testing hypothesis for the common coefficient of variation (CV) of several normal populations. A new method is suggested using the concepts of generalized p-value and generalized confidence interval. Using this new method and a method proposed by Tian (2005), we obtain a shorter confidence interval for the common CV. This combination method has good properties in terms of length and coverage probability compared to other methods. A simulation study is performed to illustrate properties.. Finally, these methods are applied to two real data sets in medicine.


The injection of the dye Lucifer Yellow (LY) into neurons in slices of fixed brain is used to associate cells displaying a particular dendritic geometry with a specific pattern of neuronal connectivity. In the present report we expand on this technique by combining it at the electron microscopic level with immunocytochemistry and/or degeneration for the study of synaptic relationships. As a model we use the projection neurons of nucleus accumbens. These neurons were retrogradely labeled in vivo with injections or a fluorescent tracer. Fast Blue, into the ventral mesencephalon. Using epifluorescent monitoring, these neurons were located in perfusion‐fixed brain slices and intracellularly injected with LY. They were visualized in the light and electron microscope using a peroxidase‐antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method. Certain afferent connections of these neurons were identified in the same tissue through the use of either dual‐label immunocytochemistry or anterograde degeneration combined with a single‐label immunoreaction. In the dual‐label procedure, a silver‐gold intensification of the diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction product for the first antigen (LY) was contrasted with a nonintensified reaction product for the second antigen (tyrosine hydroxylase [TH]). Ultrastructurally, metallic gold particles appeared to be dispersed over the immunolabeled perikarya, dendrites, and, occasionally, axonal terminals of LY‐injected neurons whereas the flocculent DAB reaction product was present in TH‐containing axons and terminals. Following lesions of the ventral subiculum in the hippocampal formation, degenerating axon terminals were detected in nucleus accumbens along with immunoreacted, LY‐injected neurons. The techniques outlined in this report should prove invaluable for the study of the synaptic interactions of identified neurons. They can be reliably reproduced with a high yield per experiment. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Background: Sustained cognitive testing is used to detect cognitive fatigability and is often considered a substitute for subjective cognitive fatigue (CF). However, the relationship between cognitive fatigability and subjective CF in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) remains undetermined. Objective: To explore potential associations between fatigability induced by sustained cognitive testing and subjective CF in PwMS. Methods: We gave 120 PwMS and 60 demographically matched, healthy individuals the Beck Depression Inventory—FastScreen (BDI–FS) to measure mood and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale to measure CF. In addition, we used the Quotient ADHD Test, a sustained attention test, to measure cognitive fatigability. We also explored potential correlations between the individuals' performance on the sustained attention test and thalamic volume using recent MRI scans. Results: Forty-one (34.2%) of the PwMS exhibited cognitive fatigability. These 41 were found to be significantly older (P=0.006), had been diagnosed with the disease for longer (P=0.03), had higher scores (P<0.001) on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and had reduced thalamic volume (P=0.04) compared with the 79 (65.8%) PwMS not exhibiting cognitive fatigability. The PwMS exhibiting cognitive fatigability scored similarly on the BDI–FS (P=0.21) and self-reported similar rates of CF (P=0.62) as the PwMS not exhibiting cognitive fatigability. Conclusion: Cognitive fatigability induced by sustained cognitive testing is not an accurate clinical alternative to subjective CF. This study provides evidence to support cognitive fatigability and CF in PwMS as two distinct concepts.


Introduction and goal: various pathogens colonized in oral cavity that cause systemic disease such as pneumonia, endocarditis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Denture contamination with pathogenic microorganisms considered as a potential source of contamination between patients and dental staff. The study aimed to compare the effect of microwave radiation in the disinfection complete dentures contaminated with S.aureus and P.aeruginosa in vitro using mechanical methods and chemical onebyCoregatablets. Methods: 72 dentures with standard techniques prepared and disinfected in an autoclave (121 c ○, for 20 minutes) was performed and 30 samples were considered for each bacteria, which 6 samples were in each subgroup assigned. 6 denture was used as a negative control (n =6) (Group 1). The rest of them, individually with S.aureus and P.aeruginosa inoculated (for 48 hours, were kept in the incubator 37c ○) and then were sterilized by one of the following methods. Chemical disinfection using coregatablet (water-soluble 37 C ○ for 15 minutes) (n = 6) (Group 2), mechanical disinfection by brushing dentures for 5 minutes (n =6 ) (Group 3), microwave irradiation in W 650for 3 minutes (n =6) (group 4) and the positive control group did not receive any disinfection method (n = 6) (group 5). μl 25 suspension in dilutions 3-10 to 6-10 were cultured in Nutrient Agar. Colonies after incubation (37 c ○ for 48 hours) were counted (cfu / ml). To assess the long-term disinfection, containers include Nutrient Broth and dentures in 37 c ○ were kept for 7 days and its opacitieswere investigated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and T-test. Results: There was no evidence of growth in 48 hours and no opacities in containers Nutrient Broth samples after 7 days of incubation dentures by microwave radiation disinfection (650 W, 3 minutes andCorega tablets and statistically in comparing with positive control group was statistically significant (P=0) in dentures disinfection by mechanical methods (brushing) microbial growth after 48 hours, the opacities was observed in all the dishes created Nutrient Broth and statistically was not significant in comparison to the positive control (P>0.05). Conclusion: microwave radiation (650 W, 3 minutes) and Coregatablets were completely sterile in the short term and long termagainst S.aureus and P.aeruginosa.


World Psychiatry 21:1 February 2022 ger significant fluctuations in distress and symptoms in the population, which may mask the effects of interventions. The use of appropriate comparison groups would be particularly important for controlling for background fluctuations. The skillful use of online tools (both self-administered and interview-based), combined with more adaptive evaluation designs (e.g., judicious use of planned interim analyses, multi-arm/multistage design, adaptive randomiza tion) are allowing more efficient evalua tions. Looking back, the series of recent events may have disrupted roadmaps and imposed new demands in this rapidly changing youth mental health landscape. None theless, effective and sustainable work for young people could be made possible with quick and careful adaptations. Youth mental health training should not be overlooked, as multi-disciplinary work involving youth workers, psychologists and psy chiatrists, as well as the voices of young peo ple themselves, are keys to success. Ro bust futureadaptability is crucial in the shaping of an apt youth mental health plat form.


Based on the investigation on municipal waste in seventeen Chinese cities (Beijing,Tianjin,Shanghai,Nanjing,Chongqing,Guangzhou,and so on), it is showed that:(1)In recent ten years,there were close relationship between the municipal refuse production and the urbanization of these cities.(2)The municipal refuse composition was mainly affected by the developing level of the cities, the living standard and the living customs of the citizens with significant difference among the cities.(3)For the moment, there still have some problems with municipal refuse treatment techniques and management systems. So, it is necessary to improve them by marketlizing those systems.


Self-efficacy is having faith in one's own potential to organize and implement the modus operandi to manage prospective situations. It has merited flourishing temptation in psychology as well as management research and invested its potential to appetite prominent outcomes in many institutions. There is limited assimilation in individual and contextual factors that promote self-efficacy behaviors of employees. This quantitative research examines the degree of self-efficacy and sources and indicators of them among the teaching faculties. It ascertains the effects of self-efficacy on organizational effectiveness as well. The samples are selected by simple random sampling method. The respondents are 150 teaching faculty members of higher educational institutions in Thuraiyur. Index Terms Self-efficacy, Personal efficacy, Teachers efficacy, Quantitative research, Organizational effectiveness.


Small plots of agricultural crops are often planted in the Southeast for northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus) management. Often these are viewed as primarily winter habitat, and assumed to provide summer habitat. We evaluated the macroinvertebrate and vegetative structure of millet, sorghum, wheat, and soybean plots on a cotton farm to assess their value as bobwhite brood habitat. During June and July 1999 and June, July, and August 2000, we studied 5 blocks, each planted with all 4 agricultural crops. We measured invertebrate abundance along a 15-meter transect in each plot using vacuum sampling and height/density of vegetation. Visual obstruction readings (VOR) were highest in millet and sorghum, followed by wheat and then soybean ( P 0.001). Macroinvertebrate numbers differed among cover types ( P 0.001), but macroinvertebrate weights did not (P 0.14). Among important Orders, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Homoptera were found in greater numbers in millet. Numbers of Hymenoptera did not differ among crops. In most cases, millet yielded the highest biomass and numbers of macroinvertebrates, followed by sorghum. Soybeans and wheat had fewer macroinvertebrates among the crops studied. On our study area it appears that millet provides the best brood habitat, although sorghum appears to provide a second useful crop. Thus, among these crops we recommend use of millet plots as brood habitat for northern bobwhite chicks. Citation: Maidens, D. A., and J. P. Carroll. 2002. Characteristics of four agricultural crops established as northern bobwhite brood habitat. Pages 146–150 in S. J. DeMaso, W. P. Kuvlesky, Jr., F. Hernández, and M. E. Berger, eds. Quail V: Proceedings of the Fifth National Quail Symposium. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX.


There has been some constraints for implementation of high frame rate and high image quality in 3D ultrasound imaging. Multi Line Transmission (MLT) beamforming can be used to increase the frame rate equal to the number of transmitting beams, but suffers from crosstalk artifacts caused by interaction between the main lobe and side lobes of parallel beams. In this study, different excitation waveforms were investigated in MLT method to reduce the crosstalk artifacts. In one approach, two beams are transmitted with chirp signal in two different directions in the azimuth plane, simultaneously. In another approach, two beams were transmitted with two orthogonal frequencies sinusoidal waves and the effect of frequency differentiation in terms of resolution and crosstalk reduction were evaluated. As shown in simulations, in both approaches, transmit/receive crosstalk are decreased. The lateral resolution in both approaches improves, but the axial resolution degrades. MLT with chirp signal decreases receive crosstalk and transmit crosstalk about 6.5 and 4 dB respectively. MLT with two frequencies of 4 and 7 MHz shows better result in crosstalk reduction (about 9dB in both transmit/receive crosstalk) but it makes difference between resolution of two sections of image which results in reduction of SNR.


Microcontroller is one of the breakthroughs of science development technology in elec- tronics and computers. Form a small chip in which there is a transistor that can be multifunctional in building sys- tems controls the ecient, automatic and reliable. Weather vane so often found in the Airport (Airport) who use the weather vane as a weather vane for the pilots to perform vigilance against the wind that blows. Appointment system Microcontroller-based wind direction is used to determine wind direction a blow that can be viewed on the display, making it more ecient and save time. Bibliography (2001 - 2007)


During the Italian campaign, 1943 and 1944, the French expeditionary corps colonial troops were responsible for many acts of violence against the Italian civilian population. Theft, armed robbery, plunder, and especially rape were very frequent. At the beginning they were isolated acts committed by single individuals, and punished by the French or Anglo-American allied authorities. During the 1944 victorious summer offensive that made it possible to cross the Gustav line in the southern Lazio, the French troops garnered from their superiors a relative liberty of action, leading to rapes. During the 1950s, the Unione Donne Italiane counted about twelve thousand victims of sexual violence. This communist women's organization tried to obtain compensation for these women victims of the French expeditionary corps. This sexual violence was apparently tolerated as a 'disagreeable' consequence of the war habits of irregular corps such as Moroccan goumiers [soldiers from a goum, an auxiliary military body of native North Africans, under French officers' authority]. They were also a clear message to Italians, particularly the men. The humiliation and sexual outrage against their wives served to reassert their status as the conquered during this conflict.


The present invention relates to a sensor strip including an electrode pattern printed with a conductive ink according to a predetermined code; and a code recognition module for recognizing the electrode pattern printed on the sensor strip and recognizing a code assigned to the sensor strip. Each code can be recognized sequentially when inserting a standing strip into a blood glucose measuring device.


A theses submitted to the Post-Graduate School, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria in Partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Architecture (M.Sc.Architecture)


Matching uneven generation patterns to varying demands for power requires flexibility in the power network. Electrical energy storage technologies now exist to complement mature generation types as well as new forms of renewable generation. Electrical energy storage can also support network management. This paper presents examples of electrical energy storage applications, together with the development status of several technologies, and introduces the regulatory, economic and commercial aspects of combining storage with sustainable generation and operation of grid-connected and standalone power networks.


The emerging wireless communication technology known as vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) has the potential to both lower the risk of auto accidents caused by drivers and offer a wide range of entertainment amenities. The messages broadcast by a vehicle may be impacted by security threats due to the open-access nature of VANETs. Because of this, VANET is susceptible to security and privacy problems. In order to go beyond the obstacle, we investigate and review some existing researches to secure communication in VANET. Additionally, we provide overview, components in VANET in details.


The analysis and design of switched reluctance motor(SRM) are more difficult than those of other kinds of motors because of its special structure and operation mechanism.Based on the mathematical model of SRM,a nonlinear general SRM model under chopped current control(CCC) is developed using Matlab/Simuink.A 6-phase 12/10 structure prototype SRM is simulated using the proposed model.The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated by the simulation result.The proposed model is also useful in the analysis and designing of SRM control system.


The defense organization of our organism is found in the immune system, which has two important components, the innate and the adaptive immunity, where different molecules, cells, and organs are involved and coordinated to protect us from external and internal damage [...].


The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a way of numerical solution applied in different areas, as simulations used in studies to improve cardiac ablation procedures. For this purpose, the meshes should have the same size and histological features of the focused structures. Some methods and tools used to generate tetrahedral meshes are limited mainly by the use conditions. In this paper, the integration of Open Source Softwares is presented as an alternative to solid modeling and automatic mesh generation. To demonstrate its efficiency, the cardiac structures were considered as a first application context: atriums, ventricles, valves, arteries and pericardium. The proposed method is feasible to obtain refined meshes in an acceptable time and with the required quality for simulations using FEM.


In this work we use the method of polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) for statistical analysis of a via interconnect in a printed circuit board (PCB) in presence of geometrical uncertainties. A physics-based via (PBV) model is applied to the case of two signal vias surrounded by ground vias. This model consist of a near-field part and a far-field part. Here, the focus is on the far-field part modeled by the contour integral method (CIM). In order to account for variability in the geometry, namely a variation of the pitch, PCE is applied to the CIM in an intrusive manner. The system matrix of the deterministic case is replaced by an augmented version. The method is validated with Monte Carlo Sampling (MC) and shows excellent agreement for a simple geometry. We observe the same agreement in more complicated geometric configurations - at least for frequencies below the first resonance.


Background: Destruction of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints causes loss of wrist motion, pain, and reduced grip strength. A novel technique for radiocarpal reconstruction is presented. Methods: Two patients who had radiocarpal and midcarpal destruction and osteoarthritis underwent reconstruction using simultaneous bilateral microvascular second metatarsophalangeal joint transfer. The insetting was performed, inverting the distal-proximal orientation of both metatarsophalangeal joints and fixing them with two 2.0 screws in proximal and Kirschner wires in distal. Results: Radiocarpal extension and flexion without pain were preserved after a minimum of 4 years follow-up. Both patients could return to recreational activities. No secondary procedures were needed. Conclusions: This technique could be an alternative for radiocarpal reconstruction, although longer follow-up and more cases are needed.


The end of the Spanish empire, 1898–1923. By Sebastian Balfour. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997. Pp. xi+269. ISBN 0-19-820507-4. £35.00. From mobilization to civil war: the politics of polarization in the Spanish city of Gijón, 1900–1937. By Pamela Beth Radcliff. Cambridge: University Press, 1997. Pp. xviii+354. ISBN 0-521-562139. £40.00.


Summary form only given. The IBEST (Ion Beam Surface Treatment) ion diode design is discussed. This diode will be driven by the Sandia RHEPP (Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power) facility to produce ion beams for IBEST. The diode is based on magnetically-confined anode plasma (MAP) diodes. The diode operates with a magnetically confined anode plasma produced by inductively driven breakdown of an annular localized gas puff. The resulting plasma is confined at the anode side of an annular magnetically insulated diode gap. The first repetitive version of this diode has been operated in bursts at up to 100 Hz repetition rate. The new IBEST diode represents a second-generation MAP diode, and will attempt to make optimal use of several phenomena discovered in the operation of previous MAP diodes. In particular, the standoff distance from the gas puff to the diode gap is reduced by using magnetic nulls to enforce gas breakdown at the desired location directly in front of the inductive driving coils.


Abstract : Vocabulary is an important part of foreign language learning that must be mastered well by students because vocabulary is an important factor that supports students' ability to communicate. Students who experience little vocabulary mastery will have difficulty understanding English lessons. The objectives of the research is describe the difficulties faced by the eighth grade students of SMPN 6 Kotabumi in the 2021/2022 academic year in mastering vocabulary and describe the dominant difficulties in mastering the vocabulary of the eighth grade students of SMPN 6 Kotabumi in the 2021/2022 academic year. The approach used in this research is qualitative and the method used is case study design. The research was conducted in class VIII SMPN 6 Kotabumi. The data sources of this study were eighth grade students. The data collection techniques were interview, and observation. To analyze the data, the researcher used data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions or verification. The results of this study are the difficulties that students face in mastering vocabulary such as: students are not able to pronounce vocabulary correctly and precisely, students have difficulty in distinguishing vocabulary that has the same spelling and pronunciation, students have difficulty and do not understand grammar and students are unable to understand the context of English. The difficulty most often experienced by students is the lack of understanding of the context in English sentences in all aspects, both in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and grammar..


Social networking sites (SNS) are a modern form of communication used by the young people across the world. Many young people discuss on forums and exchange information, opinions on SNS. This study empirically examines the effects of consumer opinion leadership (COL) and consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence (CSII) on young people's tourism destinations information seeking and dissemination behavior on SNS from consumers' point of view. The study aimed to answer the following questions: Does COL and CSII affect young people's tourism destinations information seeking and dissemination behavior on SNS? Is there gender difference in young people's tourism destinations information seeking and dissemination behavior on SNS? The data generated from various instruments were organized into emerging themes to validate the findings. The results indicated COL and CSII only affected tourism destinations information seeking and dissemination behaviors on SNS of young people. Gender was not supported by the research. These findings suggest that, marketing activities and tactics should be engaged to attract opinion leaders.


I retract the research paper "Size Segregation in Rapid Flows of Inelastic Particles with Continuous Size distributions", which was published in Chinese Physics Letters, 29 (2012) 010503, because the new method adopted to assign the particle size distribution in that paper is inappropriate. And once generated, the particle size distribution was not validated by an effective test. Due to the major mistakes in assigning the particle size distribution, I adopted inappropriate simulation data which led to a wrong result that the segregation behavior of the system is an increasing function of the fractal dimension 𝐷 . The inappropriate data and results were published without sufficient examination.


Objective To study the plasma levels of fibrinopeptide A(FPA),prothrombin fragment 1+2(F1+2),antithrombin Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ)and their association with platelet count in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods We randomly selected 40 active UC patients,20 remissive UC patients and 20 healthy individuals for the study.The plasma levels of FPA,F1+2 and AT-III were measured by the methods of enzyme linked immunosorbant assays(ELISA) for all participants,respectively.Results The concentrations of FPA and F1+2 were significantly different in the three groups of participants(P0.05),which were the highest in patients with active UC,followed by those in patients with remissive UC and healthy individuals.The concentration of AT-Ⅲ was the lowest in patients with active UC,which was followed by that in patients with remissive UC and healthy controls(P0.01).The increases of FPA,F1+2 concentrations and the decrease of AT-Ⅲ concentration were associated with UC severity and the lesion areas in active UC patients(P0.01).There were significantly positive correlation between platelet count and the concentrations of FPA and F1+2 in UC patients.A negative correlation was confirmed between the concentration of AT-Ⅲ and FPA or F1+2 or platelet count(P0.05).Conclusion The levels of FPA,F1+2 and AT-Ⅲ were correlated with disease activity and severity in patients with UC.There was an obvious prothrombotic state in active UC patients.


The vertical profile of the tidal currents observed by a ship borne ADCP at a site in the eastern Irish Sea where the water depth is 50 m was logarithmic with height above the bed in the lower 50–60% of the water column except for periods of about 1 h either side of slack water. The maximum height of the boundary layer reached 40 m during the flood tide. The shearing stress, determined by the method of Bowden et al. (1959), showed a tendency to be uniform with height in the lower half of the water column while the eddy viscosity increased linearly away from the bed, scaling on κu*z where u* is the friction velocity. Both of these features are characteristic of the logarithmic profile region of a boundary layer flow. Estimates of zo, the roughness length, and CD, the bottom drag coefficient, were around 10−3 m and 2·4×10−3, consistent with the known character of the bed. The scatter in the derived boundary layer parameters was reduced significantly by averaging the data within 30-min intervals which suggests the presence of tidal eddies having periods comparable to the 5-min sampling period of the ADCP. Short period fluctuations in the flow were coherent over the lower 20 m of the water column and propagated vertically away from the bed.