The state dependence of leakage can be exploited to obtain modest leakage savings in CMOS circuits. However, one can modify circuits considering state dependence and achieve larger savings. We identify a low leakage state and insert leakage control transistors only where needed. Leakage levels are on the order of 35% to 90% lower than those obtained by state dependence alone.


The morphology of sperm of Red Sokoto and West African dwarf bucks was evaluated following the addition of egg yolk extenders from different poultry breeds on chilled at semen for 24, 48, 72 and 96hrs. The extenders consisted of egg yolk from Naked neck, Local chicken, Oba Marshal black, Yaffa brown, Nera black, and Frizzle feather. The sperm smears were prepared by mixing a drop of semen with a drop of stain on a warm slide and spreading the stain immediately with the use of a second slide. Percentage of live sperm proportion and morphological abnormalities were recorded. Results showed that there was no significance difference in the effects of all the egg yolks across the breeds up to 72hr, but total abnormality increased at 96hr for both breed. Therefore storage of semen of Red Sokoto and West African dwarf bucks with egg yolk extenders from the poultry breeds can only be effective up to 72hr after chilling, because of an increased percentage total abnormality of sperm cells at 96hr.


This study estimated the direct yearly tourist expenditure at three locations in Western Australia considered to have significant cultural heritage values - the cities of Fremantle and Albany and the Town of New Norcia.


The stability of a sheet beam (SB) traveling wave tube (TWT) in Ka-band is investigated, in which the origin of self-oscillation and its impact on the high-power traveling wave tube are analyzed. To suppress the self-oscillations in the high-power device, the side coupling structure of the absorption cavity was designed with the absorption filtering method. The simulation results by electromagnetic simulation software show that the absorption cavities can efficiently suppress the self-oscillations generated by the traveling wave tube structure under the simulation condition of no input signal. Furthermore, in the condition with input signal, the single-stage Ka-band traveling wave tube with absorption cavities loaded can stably produce high power without instabilities.


This paper aims at developing a methodology of decision analysis for mitigating natural disaster risks arising with low probability for which the expected utility theory of von Neumann and Morgenstern (1947) is inadequate. It is shown that the value function under risk is a useful model for evaluating public risks of extreme events that influence numerous people enormously or the environment badly with low probability.


Considering the vision of the CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries) harvester, this presentation covers the importance of metadata and metadata applications profiles when building virtual collections.
Part of the "Beyond Limits : Building Open Access Collections" Preconference sessions of the 2007 British Columbia Library Association Conference entitled "Beyond 20/20 : Envisioning the Future".


Sub-100 nm holes were made on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface using a metal-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and carbon nanotube. HOPG was used as a substrate (work piece) and a metal-coated (10 nm Cr/30 nm Au) Si AFM tip served as the other electrode. A negative voltage pulse was applied to the AFM tip to fabricate holes as small as 10 nm in diameter on the HOPG surface with a depth of 0.34 nm, which corresponds to a single layer of graphene. We also explored an individual multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) attached to the AFM tip for nanoscale machining. Unlike the pyramidal shape of the AFM tip, the high aspect ratio of a carbon nanotube can make it possible to form deeper holes at even smaller surface diameter. The hole-formation mechanism is related to the chemical reaction of graphite with adsorbed water and tunneling electrons from the tip to substrate.


This study aims to prove the effect of training, skill in using technology, and level of education to productivity of women enterpreneur in Palembang. This study is conducted with quantitative method using primary data through a survey of women enterpreneur in Palembang. Totally 50 questionnaires are distributed to the women enterpreneur while there are only 42 (84%) complete questionnaires used in this study. The data analyses technique use validity, reliability, test of classical assumption, and  hypothesis includes multiple linear regression analysis. The results of study indicate that the training of enterpreneur, the skill in using technology, and level of education gave effect to productivity. Determination Coefficient Test (R ²) shows Adjusted R Square of 0.783. This indicates that 78% of the Productivity variable can be explained by the variables of entrepreneurship training, ability to utilize technology, and education.


Background. Most laboratory errors occur during the pre-analytical phase and are often related to the blood drawn equipment. No studies have evaluated yet the influence of the most common vein puncture devices on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). We aimed to compare APTT when venous blood samples are drawn with two different needle devices (direct Vacutainer® versus butterfly needle). Methods. Consecutive adult healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled and assigned to receive two antecubital peripheral blood punctures from both arms, using the two devices. The blood drawn sequence (i.e. right or left arm first) and the first device to be used (i.e. direct vacuntainer® or butterfly needle first) were randomly established.Results. Forty healthy volunteers (mean age 42.9 years; SD 7.5; range 27-58), comprising 25 (62.5%) women, were recruited. APTT obtained with the two blood drawn devices significantly and positive correlated (Spearman rho=0.943; p<0.001). However, mean APTT was significantly more prolonged in blood samples drawn with butterfly needles than in those obtained with direct vacutainer® (34.01 ± 4.4 vs. 33.63 ± 3.8 seconds, respectively; p=0.013). No differences in APTT were found when samples obtained from right and left arms were compared.Discussion. The type of blood drawn equipment significantly influences APTT, which is prolonged when a butterfly needle is used. An increased contact time between blood and butterfly tube plastic material would favor a premature consumption of plasma coagulation factors before mixing with anticoagulants in the collection tube. The appropriately chosen blood drawn device is thus essential to avoid pre-analytical errors.KEY WORDS: Activated partial thromboplastin time, Phlebotomy; Quality control; Blood Specimen Collection; Pre-analytical quality; Laboratory techniques and procedures


The successful application of moisture simulation models to building envelopes requires accurate values of material transport properties. Unfortunately, although the presently-available database is reasonably voluminous, much of the information given is of limited use. This paper describes the specification of moisture transport data in terms of the differential permeability function and proposes its most appropriate form. The use of this function allows the accurate evaluation of permeability and total moisture flux appropriate to the humidity conditions to which a material is subjected in practice. It is also suggested that it allows the separation of the total moisture flux into its vapour and capillary liquid components, which is a prerequisite for the exact solution of the defining transport algorithms. This hypothesis has been tested using a prototype experimental procedure in which permeability measurements are made under different barometric pressures. INTRODUCTION It is well-recognised within the building design community that moisture can have devastating effects on building envelopes. High component moisture contents, interstitial condensation and the consequent accumulation of water within a structure, can cause a deterioration in the performance and integrity of building materials and a structural degeneration of the building fabric [1]. In extreme cases, there is even the possibility of a structural failure of the building envelope. Building components with a high moisture content are also susceptible to freezing damage and salt crystallisation, which can result in delamination or defacement. High humidities and condensation on internal surfaces can lead to the spoilage of fittings and fabric and mould infestation, which can present a distinct health risk to occupants [2]. In response to the problems of moisture in buildings and the obvious limitations inherent in the steadystate Glaser-type condensation prediction techniques, a considerable effort has been made over the past decade by the international research community, especially through the auspices of the International Energy Agency Annex 24 and the CIB W40 groups, to provide a more sophisticated approach to the problem. This has resulted in the development of a generation of advanced computerbased transient models which can be used to simulate the hygrothermal performance of building envelopes, with the capability of predicting material moisture content and temperature profiles and the occurrence of interstitial and surface condensation. It is to be anticipated that the application of such models as design decision support tools, for both new and retrofit designs, is likely to become more important in the future, as more innovative constructions, involving novel combinations of materials, are introduced. While these new models represent a significant advance in the simulation capability available to building professionals, the scope of their application is highly restricted at present. The movement of moisture through porous building materials is a highly complex two-phase phenomenon, with series parallel capillary transport taking place in both vapour and capillary liquid forms and the associated moisture transport coefficients are highly humiditydependent. The successful application of any simulation model, which requires the accurate solution of the governing heat and mass transport algorithms, will therefore be critically dependent on the quality of the material transport information used as input data. Unfortunately, this is an area in which progress appears to have lagged well behind that of model development.


The aim of the lecture is to briefly describe the mathematical background of scattering theory for two- and three-particle quantum systems. We discuss basic objects of the theory: wave and scattering operators and the corresponding scattering matrix and illustrate them on the example of the Schr\"odinger equation. Our goal is to present time-dependent and stationary approaches and to describe the underlying mathematical methods. We also give a sketch of scattering theory for three interacting quantum particles including a difficult problem of the asymptotic completeness of scattering channels. Along with traditional results, we discuss new scattering channels arising for long-range pair interactions.


In this paper, interference between an elliptical inclusion and cracks is considered. The problem is analyzed by the body force method, using a solution for point force doublets outside an elliptical inclusion in an infinite plate as a fundamental solution. Numerical results for the crack tip stress intensity factors are presented for a case of two cracks lying on the interface and for a case of a kinked crack a portion of which lies on the interface. Based on the numerical results, the effect of the geometry and elastic properties of the inclusion on the stress intensity factors are investigated.


Abstract Aim To study the chemical constituents from the roots of Derris elliptica (Roxb.) Benth. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated by various chromatographic methods, and the chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. Result Four lipid constituents were obtained, including three ceramides, (2 S , 3 S , 4 R , 8 E )-2 N -[(2′ R , 3′)-2′, 3′-dihydroxyhexacosanoyl]-1, 3, 4-trihydroxy-8-octadecene ( 1 ), (2 S , 3 S , 4 R , 8 E )-2 N -[(2′ R )-2′-hydroxyhexacosanoyl]-1, 3, 4-trihydroxy-8-octadecene ( 2 ), 1- O −β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2 S , 3 S , 4 R , 8 E )-2 N -[(2′ R )-2′-hydroxytetracosanoyl]-3, 4-dihydroxy-8-octadecene ( 3 ), and a poly-hydroxyl octadecenoic acid, 12, 13, 15-trihydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid ( 4 ). Conclusion Compound 1 is a novel ceramide with hydroxyl group at C-3′, and is the first occurrence of ceramides with hydroxyl group at C-3′. Compounds 2–4 were isolated from genus Derris for the first time.


Biodegradable laminates including biodegradable polymers have oxygen and moisture barrier properties. The oxygen and moisture barrier layers are biodegradable. If the barrier layers have poor adhesion, degradable tie layers can be included to improve adhesion. Combination of laminate structures can be formed to increase the overall oxygen and moisture barrier characteristics. The biodegradable laminates can be formed by extrusion.


Vertical integration of the execution and clearing of financial trades is an efficiency-improving response to pervasive scale economies. That said, it is highly unlikely that integrated exchanges achieve a first-best, optimal outcome. Because of scale economies, it is very difficult to compete against incumbent exchanges and, as a result, they possess and exercise market power. Serious attempts to undermine exchange market power must involve measures designed to handle the liquidity network effect and constrain the ability of clearers to exploit scale economies and charge supracompetitive prices. This article examines these problems and counsels caution for would-be reformers.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia characterized by its progression, neurobehavioral and neuro-pathological characteristics, leading to a diverse neuronal loss. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have previously proved potential role in preventing the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, so regarded as a promising new approach for AD regenerative therapy. Taurine was found to enhance stem cell activation and propagation yielding a higher concentration of neural progenitors and stem cells, and aid to lessen the number of activated microglia leading to down-regulated inflammation in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic potential of ADMSCs and/or taurine in treating AD rat model. It was planned to include three successive phases; induction, withdrawal, and therapeutic phases. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 2 main groups: control (C) group and AD model group. Behavioral changes, as manifested by the T-Maze experiment, had been recorded. β-amyloid levels had been measured in brain homogenate and serum by ELISA. Oxidative stress marker (MDA), and anti-oxidant enzymes activity (SOD, GSH, and CAT) in brain, as well as serum acetylcholine esterase activity were spectrophotometrically determined. Pro-apoptotic (p53 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) gene expression in brain were evaluated using RT-qPCR. The histopathological alterations in brain tissues were also observed. The present study proved the potential therapeutic ability of ADMSCs and/or taurine in alleviating the adverse pathological changes induced by AlCl3 in AD rat model at both physiological and molecular levels.


A coordination compound, ethylenediammonium tetrachlorocobaltate(II) chloride (H3NCH2CH2NH3)(2)[CoCl4]Cl-2, was synthesized by the method of liquid phase synthesis, in which ethylenediamine, cobalt chloride hexahydrate, and concentrated hydrochloric acid were chosen as the reactants. X-ray crystallography, chemical analysis, and elemental analysis were applied to characterize the structure and composition of the complex. Low-temperature heat capacities of the complex were measured with a precise automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from (78 to 370) K. A polynomial equation of the heat capacities as a function of temperature was fitted by a least-squares method. Smoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions of the compound relative to the standard reference temperature of 298.15 K were calculated and tabulated at intervals of 5 K based on the fitted polynomial equation. A reasonable thermochemical cycle was designed, and the standard molar enthalpies of dissolution of the reactants and products of the synthesis reaction in the selected solvent were measured by an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter. The enthalpy change of the reaction was calculated to be Delta H-r(m)o = (17.612 +/- 0.571) kJ.mol(-1) from the data of the standard molar enthalpies of dissolution. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of the title compund was determined to be Delta H-f(m)o {(NH3CH2CH2NH3)(2)[CoCl4]Cl-2, s} = (1499.54 +/- 2.73) kJ.mol(-1) in accordance with Hess's law.


Ripon Police are appealing for information after acts of mindless vandalism in the Spa Gardens. Two wooden sculptured have been attacked in what looks ...


Two patients with testicular choriocarcinoma had taken lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for from 18 to 24 months continually; each averaged over "20 trips" before the tumor developed. LSD may be a factor in causing malignant tumors.


This thesis presents the development of theoretical models for the calculations of oneand two-photon absorption, and computational studies on solvated systems and biomolecules. The photon-absorbing chromophore is described by density functional theory, while the effects of the surroundings are taken into account by means of polarizable embedding models. The theory and implementation of a three-layered fully polarizable method is presented in this thesis. In this method, the short-range electrostatic potential due to the solvent is treated by a polarizable molecular mechanics force field, while the long-range effects are described by a dielectric continuum. This QM/MM/PCM implementation was tested on three organic molecules solvated in water and shown to converge faster with respect to system size compared to calculations using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) only. Further, the parallelization of the QM/MM module in the Dalton program is decribed, making it possible to do calculations on large molecular systems with the use of modern supercomputers. This implementation was used to calculate the oneand two-photon absorption properties in fluorescent proteins, demonstrating the importance of describing the protein surrounding the chromophore by a polarizable embedding.


We study controller synthesis for systems subject to actuator magnitude and rate saturation constraints, where each actuator has a dynamic model of order at least one. The solvability conditions are expressed as finite‐dimensional linear matrix inequalities. Disturbance attenuation in terms of the energy‐to‐peak gain from the disturbance to the controlled output is considered, though other performance measures are also possible. The results apply to the more general case of systems under actuator and state constraints. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


A transgenic pig whose nucleated cells comprising a nucleic acid construct, said nucleic acid construct a transcriptional unit comprising an operably regulatory region linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of non-porcine cytosine deaminase, comprising wherein expression of said polypeptide non-porcine cytosine deaminase in at least some of the cells of the pig results, the cocultivarlas with human cells, a decreased ability of these cells to transmit porcine endogenous retroviruses to human cells, wherein said cytosine deaminase not swine is selected from the group consisting APOBEC3B, APOBEC3C, APOBEC3D, APOBEC3E, APOBEC3F, APOBEC3G, and APOBEC3H.


In a recent publication we established an analogy between the free energy of a hard sphere system and the energy of an elastic network. This result enables one to study the free energy landscape of hard spheres, which was previously accessible only via density functional theory. In our formalism normal modes can easily be defined and computed. In this work we use these tools to analyze the activated transitions between meta-basins, both in the ageing regime deep in the glass phase and near the glass transition. We observe numerically that structural relaxation occurs mostly along a very small number of nearly unstable extended modes. This number decays for denser packing and is significantly lowered as the system undergoes the glass transition. This observation supports the assertion that structural relaxation and marginal modes share common properties. In particular, theoretical results show that these modes extend at least on some length scale l*∼(ϕc−ϕ)−1/2 where ϕc corresponds to the maximum packing fraction, i.e. the jamming transition. This prediction is consistent with very recent numerical observations of dynamical length scales in sheared systems near the jamming threshold, where a similar exponent is found, and with the commonly observed growth of the rearranging regions with compression near the glass transition.


The purpose of ''Task F'' is to investigate the feasibility of applying the basic concepts of dynamic or near-real-time materials accountancy to small or medium-sized spent fuel reprocessing facilities, using the facility at Tokai, Japan, as a model. This paper is based primarily on work performed as part of Task-F, ''Study of the application of DYMAC Principles to Safeguarding Spent Fuel Reprocessing Plants.'' 5 refs.


The utility model relates to a sack holding apparatus of quantitative powdery material packing machine, comprising a weight sensor arranged on the frame, a weighing frame supported by the weight sensing device and a discharging nozzle arranged on the weighing frame, a bag-clamping cylinder, a bracket apparatus arranged on the weighing frame under the discharging nozzle; wherein, the utility model is characterized in that: the sack holding apparatus comprises a slider which slides longitudinally along the weighing frame and is positioned on the weighing frame via a locator, a rotary bearing idler, a bag-turning cylinder fixed at the rear of the slider and a swing-rod arranged between the piston of the bag-turning cylinder and the bearing idler arranged at central axis; the middle part of the swing-rod is articulated with the weighing frame, both ends of the swing-rod are articulated with the piston of the bag-turning cylinder and the central axis of bearing idler respectively. The height is adjustable via the bearing idler lifting up or down, which is suitable to different packing bags; when bags are turned, the bearing idler rotates with the packing bag, avoiding bags leakage for the friction, ensuring the packing bag to be safe; the weighing frame is hung below the weight sensing device, ensuring the stress direction of the weight sensing device is vertical, keeping the measurement accurate.


The invention relates to a potato starch-based edible composite food packaging film and a preparation method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of food packaging. According to the potato starch-based edible composite food packaging film, potato starch, pullulan polysaccharide and gelatin are used as main film-forming materials, and a plasticizer and a cross-linking agent are used as auxiliary materials. The preparation method comprises the following steps of: adding water into the potato starch, performing water bath, stirring and gelatinizing, adding the pullulan polysaccharide and the gelatin, adding the plasticizer and the cross-linking agent finally, and casting the prepared solution to form the film. The potato starch-based edible composite food packaging film has the advantages that the raw materials for preparing the film are edible, harmless to human bodies and environment-friendly, and the raw materials are can be degraded biologically after being discarded; defoaming is not required in the film preparation process, and the process is simple and low in production cost; and the prepared film is transparent and glossy, high in mechanical performance and obstruction performance and attractive in appearance. The prepared film can be used for the inner packaging of food, so that harm of nondegradable food packages to the human bodies and environment is avoided.


India is one of the worst hit countries in the pandemic, but one state has fared comparatively well. Kamala Thiagarajan asks what Kerala did differently


A video-zoom driven audio-zoom algorithm is proposed to provide audio zooming effects according to the degree of video-zoom. The proposed algorithm is designed based on a super-directive beamformer operating with a 4-channel microphone array in conjunction with a soft masking process that uses the phase differences between microphones. The audio-zoom processed signal is obtained by multiplying the audio gain derived from the video-zoom level by the masked signal. The proposed algorithm is then implemented on a portable digital imaging device with a clock speed of 600 MHz after different levels of optimization, such as algorithmic level, C-code and memory optimization. As a result, the processing time of the proposed audio-zoom algorithm occupies 14.6% or less of the clock speed of the device. The performance evaluation conducted in a semi-anechoic chamber shows that the signals from the front direction can be amplified by approximately 10 dB compared to the other directions.


The qualitative research addresses the political logic of why and how the incumbents succeed and fail in direct election for regional heads (pilkada) in emerging democratic Indonesia. De Mesquita et al. (2003) believe that, to survive in office, a leader needs to offer a benefit at least equal to the greatest possible benefit offered by a potential challenger. Particular to the pilkada cases in Indonesia, Erb and Sulistiyanto (2009) elaborate several factors connected to "reward and punishment" logic that may lead to the incumbents' survival and failure in re-election bids. This study expands the logic by revealing that populism, rivalry, and tangibility are the core strategies for the successful incumbents in retaining their offices in four rural and urban regions in East Java. Particularly, the survival of an incumbent hinges on his capacity to manage rivalry risks, namely the capability to manage support and opposition both from formal and informal actors through fair or unfair means. These strategies, then, foster the success of patronagebased winning tactics to retain public office in the pilkada. To better assessment, it calls for the importance of democratic accountability as a complementary perspective (to consolidology) in measuring the progress of democracy in the country.


In staged, predator-prey encounters between Texas horned lizards, Phrynosoma cornutum, and a canid, Canis familiaris, 47 of 55 lizards (85%) squirted blood from orbital sinuses. The probability of blood-squirting was not significantly affected by either (1) lizard body temperature (low, 85% vs high, 100%) or (2) time of day (diurnal, 70% vs nocturnal, 70%). A canid was more likely to elicit blood-squirting (100%) than a canid-mimicking human (20%). When the canid was restrained from direct contact, blood-squirting did not occur, but when lizards were simultaneously subjected to human tactile stimulation, 20% squirted blood. Lizards responded similarly to canid saliva and distilled water, implying that saliva does not provide cues used in the discrimination of canids. Overall, tactile cues appear to play a significant role in the elicitation of blood-squirting. Because roadrunners and grasshopper mice are known to not elicit blood-squirting in predator-prey encounters, these data support the canid antipredator defense hypothesis as an explanation of this unique behavior. Blood-squirting appears to be a context-dependent reptilian antipredator display in which elicitation of the squirting response is determined by predator type.


In the present study, the antioxidant potentials of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman. fruit pulp were investigated. Standard methods were adopted to screen antioxidant and phytochemical nature of this plant. The antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH assay and reducing power assay. In vitro antioxidant activity of the plant extract revealed that both the extracts showed good antioxidant power with IC50 values of 14μg/mL and 15μg/mL for methanolic extract and aqueous extract respectively which is almost comparable to standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (IC50-4µg/mL). The reducing power of the extract was found to be concentration dependent. Results of Phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of steroids, tannis, aminoacids and carbohydrates. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Both the extracts showed the highest total phenolics i.e., 46.65mg/g (aqueous extract) and 78.3mg/g (methanolic extract) equivalent weight of gallic acid.


The research is focusing mainly the lives of eunuchs; society's attitudes and behaviors; socio-psycho issues and physical hazards on eunuchs. It is investigated in the study that eunuchs' identity is still not recognized by the society; they have been deprived of basic rights; even families are not accepting eunuchs; do not have opportunities to work in the economy; as they have been abused and harassed by the people. They are engaged in begging; dancing; and sex work due to absence of legal framework in providing employment opportunities. The research topic on eunuchs is chosen to highlight the problems of the third gender, and total sample of about 200 of eunuchs has been selected from Karachi, Pakistan. The survey research is using quantitative data through a questionnaire and used convenient sampling for collecting data. It is found in the research that eunuchs get separated from family and live in eunuchs' communities; as family and relatives feel ashamed and guilty in living with them. Respondents informed that people gazes are hateful and also taunt them because of their mix-gender behaviors. However, they have been deprived of education; employment opportunities; and not acceptable in the society. Similarly eunuchs' source of income is mainly through begging and dancing in events; and few also involved in sex work. Eunuchs do not have inheritance rights; due to the reason they have no financial stability. Though Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has announced national identity cards for the third gender; but eunuchs are reluctant in making their cards; according to them documentation creates hurdles while applying for CNICs and therefore unable to take part in elections.


Elucidation of the normal metabolic pathways of amyloid β protein precursor (AβPP) is one of the important fields in the study of Alzheimer's disease. It has been suggested that the endosomal-lysosomal pathway may play a key role in the metabolism ofAβPP. We prepared different subcellular fractions from rat brain using a discontinuous sucrose density gradient method. The lysosome-enriched fraction was identified morphologically and biochemically. Various antibodies against the C-terminus ofAβPP were employed to detect specific fragments of AβPP in different subcellular fractions by western blot. The bands of APPP fragments with apparent molecular weight of 5.8 kDa, possibly containing the whole cytoplasmic domain of AβPP, were present specifically in the lysosome-enriched fraction. The 5.8 kDa fragments were increased and full-length APPP was decreased during incubation of the lysosome-enriched fraction in acidic buffer. The results provided direct evidence for the degradation of AβPP in the lysosomal sys...


This paper presents an equalization technique of analogue digital or mixe d signals disturbe d by e lectromagnetic inte rfere nce (EMI) and e lectromagne tic compatibility (EMC) e ffects by using ne gative group de lay (NGD) circuit. The basic principle illustrating the mechanism of the equalization technique thanks to the NGD function is e xplaine d. To illustrate the ef ficie ncy of the technique unde rstudy, an equalization of RC-e ffect is pe rforme d. According to the fre que ncy- and time -domain analyses, a possibility of the distorte d signal reconstruction is de monstrate d e xpe rimentally and by simulations. To confirm the propose d technique e fficie ncy and re liability, the re duction of rise/fall-time and propagation de lay in re lative value more than 90 % is pe rforme d by using trape zoidal signal with 1 Gbit/s rate. It is state d that this technique allows re ducing the signal de lays . The technique propose d is use ful for the microe lectronic systems application.


Food security is essential for human well-being. Intending to improve human and environmental health, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce poverty in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras, the Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) Community-based pest management in Central American
agriculture project focused on developing programmes and policies that could impact local, national and regional agricultural practices regarding the handling, storage and use of pesticides. In international development initiatives, such as this one, participatory approaches to governance provide opportunities for learning through public engagement in decision-making processes. This longitudinal qualitative case study examines what processes, activities and factors enabled, and/or constrained learning from participation in this CIDA project. Findings reveal what learning-focused, meaningful participatory approaches to governance look like in practice. Results show that learning occurred through strategic-level planning and implementation of project activities and through opportunities to experiment with newly acquired knowledge and skills. Other considerations included: (a) clearly
establishing learning goals, (b) understanding learners' characteristics, and (c) creating effective pedagogical approaches for learners. Policy and practical implications are explored.

Keywords: Central America agriculture, learning for sustainability, public participation, rural development, transformative learning


A BSTRACT : For an accurate evaluation of the harmful impacts of pollution on human health, confounding variables must always be taken into account. Unfortunately, it oftentimes happens that some confounders might result unmeasured, hence, within a regression framework, the parameter that represents the exposure's effect might no longer be recoverable. In this paper, the unmeasured confounder is represented by a linear combination of basis functions, a technique that has been used in the spatial confounding literature, and that we expand to spatio-temporal designs. To reduce dimensionality and confounding bias, spike-and-slab priors are assumed on basis co-efficients.


A disaster is not just natural but largely of social and political origin. To be effective, an early warning system must therefore be viewed as a social process with a strong focus on the people at risk. This contrasts with the conventional view on an early warning system that it is a pure engineering and technological solution, following a linear chain from observation to dissemination of warning. Technology is an important enabling factor for successful disaster risk, and rather than neglecting the technological aspect of an EWS, it should be embraced within its social context. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the integration of a technological tool in an EWS within its social context through a case study of a flood EWS in Durazno in Uruguay. The study is approached from the perspective of the authorities and scientific developers of a technological decision-making tool at the center of the EWS. The study finds that the decision-making process regarding emergency planning for floods has improved significantly with the technological tool in terms of time to plan response and increased trust of the people in the authorities. The tool plays a significant role in the decision-making process regarding evacuation, and is always used due to the authorities' high level of trust in the tool. Although, the term 'EWS' generally is perceived to only include the technological aspect of the EWS, the study finds that the technological tool to some degree is embedded in its social context. It is, however, only to a limited degree, and the social aspects of the EWS need to be further developed to make it a true effective EWS. (Less)


The building of a new socialist countryside is an important strategic measure at The Fifth Plenary Session of the 16th of the CPC to promote China's economic and social development.It is also an important measure to promote agricultural modernization.It is imperative to develop agriculture and increase of farmers' income.The key to this issue is to invest more in the development of agriculture infrastructure and to accelerate the economic development of the urban and rural areas in the regions.Our key move is to push forward the building of a new socialist countryside.The paper is based on the current status of the development of the western regions.It analyzed some of the main problems and causes found in the drive,put forward a few corresponding measures that could strengthen infrastructure construction in the rural areas,enhance quality education of farmers,improve fund utilization,and reasonably regulate management rules and institutional innovation.


V. Richard Benjamins, Erik Brieva, José Manuel López Cobo, Eduard Gimenez Intelligent Software Components, S.A. Arthur Duineveld, Bob Wielinga University of Amsterdam Pim Borst Unilever (NL) Abstract Abstract: The web workbench is an intranet/internet-enabled workbench where users can browse, select, and combine components. The work described in this deliverable is tightly coupled to one of the library deliverables: the knowledge management library, which describes IBROWcompatible knowledge management components. Those components form the subject matter of the web workbench. The workbench is however not limited to this domain. In principle it is applicable to any library of components that is IBROW-compatible. The application domain for the workbench is based on knowledge management at Unilever.


The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is one of the most important and destructive pests of citrus in the world, because of its ability to vector bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter americanus and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the presumed causal pathogen of Huanglongbing (HLB) or greening disease. The biology and reproduction parameters of D. citri were studied at 27.5°C on four host plants corresponding to the four major varieties cultivated in Iran, namely, Marsh grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), local sour orange (C. aurantium), Mexican lime (C. aurantifolia), and Campbell Valencia orange (C. sinensis). The average developmental period of total nymphal stages and total cycle (egg to adult) were significantly longer on Campbell Valencia orange (21.2 and 24.1 days, respectively) than on other host plants. The mean of pre-oviposition period on four host plants varied (2.4-4.0 days) and was significantly longer on Campbell Valencia orange (4 days) than on other host plants. Oviposition rate and total eggs laid were not significantly different between the different hosts. Survival rate of D. citri was significantly lower on Campbell Valencia orange (42.1%) than on the three other varieties. The finite rate of increase (λ) and the rm value of D. citri were higher on Mexican lime (1.20 and 0.17, respectively) than on the three other hosts. Also, mean doubling time was higher on Marsh grapefruit (11.84 Days) than on other host plants. These new data give more insight about susceptibility of the different varieties of citrus to D. citri.


Algebraic immunity measures the resistance of a Boolean function against algebraic attack. To resist algebraic attack,a Boolean function should possess high algebraic immunity. This paper, for an odd integer n, obtains the divisibility result on the weight of Boolean function with maximum possible algebraic immunity. It also studies the relationship fg=h over arbitrary finite field, and presents some interesting results.


1000 Background: Ixa is a microtubule stabilizer able to target mechanisms conferring taxane resistance including high b tubulin III expression, seen in TNBC. Here, we present preliminary results of a phase III study of AC followed by Ixa or Pac in patients (pts) with early stage TNBC. Methods: Patients with resected TNBC (ER and PR < 10% by local IHC, HER2 IHC 0-1+ or FISH/CISH negative) and no evidence of metastatic disease were eligible. Pts were randomized 1:1 to AC (60/600mg/m2) q3wks x4 followed by either Ixa (40mg/m2 q 3wks x4) (AC/Ixa) or weekly Pac (80mg/m2x12 weeks) (AC/Pac). Growth factor use was allowed per MD discretion. Following phase II neoadjuvant results that demonstrated no AC/Ixa efficacy advantage compared to AC/Pac (including in tumors with high b III tubulin levels), the sample size of this study was revised to 590 patients to detect a 30% reduction in risk of recurrence with AC/Ixa. Results: Between December 2008 and March 2011, 614 pts (median age 54, 18% African American, 32% lym...


The growing interest in research of UAV, equipped with increased payload, shortened take-off and landing distances and lower stall speed, has created a need for the comparative analysis of performance of different high lift airfoils. US Army has developed high lift, low speed AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAV of such kind. Apart from the armies of various countries, some private companies are also working on to design UAVs, capable of performing rescue missions, spy missions & firefighter missions. A reasonable selection of high lift & low Reynolds number airfoil is very important part of aerodynamic design process for this kind of low speed UAVs. As a result, performance analysis and comparison of high lift airfoil for low speed UAV, has earned an enormous importance in modern day Aerospace Engineering. The methodology of this research will be useful in further development of the research of aerodynamic characteristics of high lift airfoil.


On 22 August 1971, Professor Georgii Pavlovich Tolstov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, famous Soviet mathematician and outstanding expert on the theory of functions, celebrated his sixtieth birthday. Tolstov, who was brought up in a children's home, received his high school education in a College of Building Technology, and after three years' work in the building profession he enrolled in the second-year course of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of the Moscow State University. After completing the University course in 1937, he stayed on as a research student in the Department of the theory of functions. D. E. Men'shov directed his scientific work. In 1940, Tolstov completed his research course and successfully defended his thesis for the Degree of Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, while his papers, which were included in the thesis, received the distinction of the prize of the Moscow Mathematical Society. On the outbreak of the Second World War, Tolstov was working as a lecturer at the Mendeleev Institute. At the end of 1941 he joined the Red Army, where he trained as a commander in gunnery courses, and served as reconnaisance leader of a detached machine-gun battalion in the Battle of Stalingrad. Until the end of the war, Tolstov was continuously on active service, following the course of battle from Stalingrad to Libau. For his part in these battles he was decorated with military orders and medals. He finished the war with the rank of Major and the post of leader of the operations section of the regional fortifications staff. In 1946 he was directed to the Dzerzhinskii Military Artillery Academy and almost simultaneously was accepted to work for a Doctorate at the Steklov Mathematical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in the department of the theory of functions. During this period, his scientific activity was directed by Kolmogorov. In 1949, after defending his Doctoral thesis, Tolstov was appointed Head of the Department of Mathematics of the Military Artillery Academy, and in the same year he received


Unlike their national counterparts, international trade associations are a little-studied aspect of the global economic system. Much of the literature on trade associations has focused on rent-seeking behavior, although theories of transaction costs and social capital have been gaining influence. This article uses the early history of the International Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers' Associations (IFMCSMA), still operating today as the International Textile Manufacturers' Federation, to test different explanations for the formation and persistence of international trade associations. The IFMCSMA case illustrates the challenges of rent-seeking on an international scale, and highlights the importance of social ties in building cooperation. Firms and individuals used the IFMCSMA to pursue reforms across the cotton textile industry and enjoyed some success in collective negotiations with other actors and organizations.


Jaw malalignment i is widely present in the human genetic pool. It is often passed on to subsequent generations, sometimes in a more extreme form. Analysis of primitive skulls has shown that the mandible has increasingly retruded for centuries, causing increased jaw malalignment. ii Multiple research studies have shown that with jaw malalignment, a broad spectrum of medical disorders occurs. iii Recent clinical evidence leads me to believe that the collective symptoms of CP may be within that spectrum.


Objective: To prepare docetaxel (DOC)-loaded methoxy polyethylene glycol-octacosanol (MPEG2K-Oct) micelles and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Methods: DOC/MPEG-Oct was prepared using the thin-film hydration method. The physicochemical
 property including size, zeta potential and drug release behavior were studies. The in vitro cytotoxicity and the in vivo antitumor activity were evaluated. Results: The prepared DOC/MPEG-Oct micelles had a small size, as well as high drug loading capacity and encapsulation
 efficiency. These micelles also performed a sustained and controllable in vitro drug release. Besides, they showed a good inhibiting effect of tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: DOC/MPEG-Oct nanomicelles might be considered as a safe and efficient
 drug delivery system for DOC.


The interdisciplinary research project Construction products cycle in concrete structures (BiM), initiated by the German Committee for Reinforced Concrete (DAfStb) was carried out in the years from 1996 to 1999. The investigations focused on the use of recycled aggregates made of concrete chipping, crushed concrete sand, and chipping and crushed sand, respectively, made of mineral construction material mixes (construction rubble) in concrete made in accordance with DIN 1045. Supplementary to these investigations, the possible uses of recycled aggregates in the area of concrete products production were to be studied in a sub-project. The experiments performed at the Institute for Construction Research at RWTH Aachen (ibac) within the framework of this sub-project and the results achieved are summarized in the following.


In this thesis is studied two-scale convergence for sequences of linear and nonlinear evolution problems. In particular homogenization procedures, correctors and a numerical algorithm for such prob ...


T HE whole problem of capital requirements in economic growth has received increasing attention in recent years under the double impetus of the post-Keynesian preoccupation with full employment in the more highly developed countries and the new interest in the theory and strategy of economic development for underdeveloped areas. Growth models such as those of Harrod, Domar, and Fellner explicitly focus on the productivity of investment, i.e., the productivity of incremental additions to capital stock, as a determinant conditioning the full-employment rate of growth.' At the same time, most of the projections for underdeveloped areas are based on models in which the capital-output ratio figures as one of the principal growth variables.2 In this context, there have been two schools of thought as to the comparative levels of marginal capital-output ratios in developed versus underdeveloped economies. The first school, following good classical doctrine, maintains that on an a priori basis one would expect a comparatively low marginal ratio in underdeveloped countries, where capital is relatively much scarcer than labor. On the other hand, the second school argues that in the early stages of development a large share of investment resources will need to be allocated to social overhead capital, the productivity of which is low. Therefore on this account, as well as owing to shifts in industrial structure, while the initial marginal capital-output ratio tends to be high, it will decline at more advanced stages of economic growth. For instance, Colin Clark maintains that "the figure of capital requirements per unit of output rises . . . in the early stages of industrialization, but that later the effect of modern technology is to bring this figure down." I With this background in mind, it seemed to us that an investigation of the incremental capital-output ratio in the Soviet Union might throw some additional light on the factors impinging upon the problem of capital requirements during periods of rapid growth in early stages of development. The Soviet process of economic growth with its marked emphasis upon the development of producers' goods and defense industries has been generally considered a highly capital-intensive one. However, as we will attempt to show, this conclusion seems to be belied by the realities of the Soviet development experience for the economy as a whole, although it does have some validity for the industrial sector alone. Specificially, in this paper we propose (i) to develop measurements of the aggregate and industrial incremental capital-output ratios in the Soviet Union, (2) to indicate some of the factors which may account for the comparatively low ratios observed, and (3) to point to some of the implications of our results for measurements in general.


The deployment of underwater acoustic modems was designed to investigate the various effects of underwater acoustic channel onto propagation of hydro-acoustic signals and thus onto performance of hydro-acoustic data link. Data represented sequences of QPSK signals spread over broad frequency band (18-34 kHz) using sweep-spread carrier (S2C) technology. Transmissions were conducted with data rates between 1 and 20 kbps. Underwater acoustic channels were of a horizontal geometry with water depths between 8 and 22 m. There were selected two transmission distances between 328 m and 437 m. Data obtained from the deployment included modem performance statistics for over 2 days, channel impulse response for each data packet transmitted, estimations of Doppler impairments of received signals, noise levels, and sound velocity profiles measured two times a day. Communication and channels statistics were collected for two-way transmissions (interrogations). By means of channel probing the transfer function of underwater acoustic environment was repeatedly recorded and directly compared with the result obtained using channel simulations. This provided the possibility of a "prediction" of the modem performance in a channel with given characteristics. Predictions of the experimental performance over time were obtained using underwater acoustic simulator based on the Bellhop model. Simulator was progressively updated with settings of actual environmental parameters including sound velocity profile, bottom profile and its acoustic properties, as well as surface and bottom roughness. Comparison with the measured statistics demonstrated a reasonable agreement. The simulated performance did not correlate well with measured data when considering only the short-term fluctuations. Nevertheless, the simulation demonstrated an effective method for obtaining predictions of modem performance with flexibility, what would allow in further steps of modem developments for the implementation of additional features.


Chemical Sensors and detectors play important roles in FIA systems. We have developed a molecularly imprinted polymer based amperometric sensor, which allows the detection of trace concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), aiming at food safety applications. The sensor has a small carbon electrode covered with an overoxidized polypyrrole film imprinted with an ATP molecule. The sensor operated in the triple pulse amperometric mode and was characterized in both the batchwise and flowinjection measurements. We have detected trace levels of ATP down to 5 nM without employing any separate preconcentration techniques.


Background  Lateral internal sphincterotomy is the most effective treatment for chronic anal fissure (CAF), but carries a risk of faecal incontinence. We aimed to analyse efficacy and acceptance of a treatment algorithm in reducing the rate of necessary sphincterotomies.


2005 was a landmark year for aortic aneurysm research, and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in particular. It came at the end of a decade of single centre experience where improving results have been reported in enlarging series as learning curves are overcome and the EVAR devices are refined. Two large databases (RETA Registry, EUROSTAR Database) have also published results, where statistical analysis has confirmed that the results of EVAR are improving and can now challenge conventional open repair of aortic aneurysms (1, 2). The volume of scientific literature is large enough for systematic review. This has described the benchmark results, and has also allowed a cost benefit analysis so that the role of EVAR can be seen in the perspective of health economics (3, 4). Finally last year came the publication of the first significant randomized trials comparing EVAR with conventional open repair of aortic aneurysms (5-7). Whilst it is possible to learn much from open series, the best evidence for the role of an intervention comes from analysis of randomized trials, where the results are often inferior, but a more realistic conclusion can be obtained.


Energy loss analysis is one of the quantitative analysis processes in online optimal operation management system. It can provide the bases for optimal operation.Some problems are discussed in this paper about energy loss analytic system,where the standard working status,the calculating method of energy loss and calculating of dynamic process are included.


This chapter focuses on travel behavior in trips with interdependence among trip makers. The chapter describes how game theory is a powerful tool for analyzing this type of behavior, but there has been no technique that uses observation data to estimate trip makers' payoff from the observation data. This chapter aims to show the necessity of this kind of estimation technique for a better understanding of travel behavior in the knowledge society, and to this end, the chapter developed a model for estimating payoff. The estimation capability of the model is examined through numerical examples with hypothetical data. Although the model proposed in this chapter is quite, simple, it has potential as a useful tool for estimation. The authors note that travel behavior is a derived demand and it is quite important to take the interdependence among trip makers into consideration when analyzing travel behavior and in exploring the future direction of transportation systems development.


The European area should become a competitive dynamic and science supporting economic, dynamic and living area of the world in the 21st century. The Ministries of Education and Research in the European Union meet this intention in the strategy of the various framework programs of the national universities aimed at sustainable development.


In September 1937 Headlam was amongst a group of foreign observers at the Nazi Party's annual rally at Nuremberg. Tuesday 7 September 1937 This morning we all attended the first meeting of the Party Conference in an enormous building – a temporary structure – designed to hold, so they told us, about 15,000 people – it was literally packed today. We had excellent seats near the front just below the platform … The proceedings began with music (perhaps the best part of the show: a superb band) – then at last the Nazi swells began to arrive – then came a procession headed by an apparently endless supply of flags – then came Hitler followed by all the other leaders – Goering, Goebbels, Hess, Rosenberg, etc. – great enthusiasm prevailed. They seated themselves on the platform and one had a fine view of them – one was rather terrified at their appearance – they looked capabales de tout and no doubt are. Hitler himself is a bigger man than I thought – by which I mean he is of average size: otherwise, he is exactly like his pictures. A boring beginning was the reading out of the names of all the martyrs of the movement – not so many after all – then came a speech from Hess – another from Sleicher (don't know the man's name: he is the anti-Jew propagandist): then the reading of the Fuhrer proclamation … a reference to the colonial question much applauded.


Detecting the output signals of the sensors and sensor arrays (102, 104) to provide a circuit and method for amplification. According to one embodiment, the non-linear feedback loop including the sensor element provides a conversion of non-linear, the transformation is to compensate for the corresponding non-linear response of the sensor element, whereby, linearized final output signal I will provide a. In another embodiment, the sensor of idle is coupled to the reference on the non-idle sensor element. Other forms include a sensor and amplifier circuit, which operates without the conventional filtering and switching elements, thereby, to achieve a higher throughput, also has a settling time caused by the conventional transient It becomes unnecessary, thereby enabling faster scan large sensor array. Certain embodiments of the present invention is a variable gap capacitive sensor array toward the signal processing electronics.


Objective To compare the different expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βR1 in two types of pulmonary artery hypertension model of rats. Methods Thirty-six Spargue-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (control, carotid artery-jugular vein shunt pulmonary hypertension model and monocrotalin-in- duced pulmonary hypertension model). Each group had 12 rats. TGF-β1 and TGF-βR I localization was evaluated by in situ hybridization, and mRNA transcription was detected by RT-PCR. Results The locali- zations of TGF-β1 and TGF-13R I in two models were endothelial cells and extima fibroblast cells of pulmonary arteries, respectively. The expression of TGF-β1 ( 1.17 ± 0.09,1.09 ±0. 07) and TGF-βR I mRNA (0.80± 0.06,0.93± 0.02) was increased in both two models. There was significant difference in multiple comparison of three groups (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion TGF-β1 signaling is involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling of pulmonary hypertension process, and its mechanisms in two pulmonary artery hypertension models are different.

Key words:
Hypertension,pulmonary;  Transforming growth factor beta 1


Background—Although the level of evidence of improvement is significant in cardiac arrest patients resuscitated from a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia [VF/Vt]), the use of therapeutic mild hypothermia (TMH) is more controversial in nonshockable patients (pulseless electric activity or asystole [PEA/asystole]). We therefore assessed the prognostic value of hypothermia for neurological outcome at hospital discharge according to first-recorded cardiac rhythm in a large cohort. Methods and Results—Between January 2000 and December 2009, data from 1145 consecutive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in whom a successful resuscitation had been achieved were prospectively collected. The association of TMH with a good neurological outcome at hospital discharge (cerebral performance categories level 1 or 2) was quantified by logistic regression analysis. TMH was induced in 457/708 patients (65%) in VF/Vt and in 261/437 patients (60%) in PEA/asystole. Overall, 342...


This paper explores the estimation of river flood frequencies by modelling catchment runoff on a continuous time basis. The work uses the modelling of a sample of British catchments as a basis for generalization in space, such that ungauged sites can potentially be addressed by the method. The principles of the method are outlined. Pilot study hood frequency results for site-specific and for spatially generalized model parameter estimation are discussed. Examples are given of an extension of the method in time to allow estimates to be made of high recurrence interval floods, and of the ability of the method to incorporate changed climatic regimes.


The aim of this study has been to compare the ontogenetic structures of as many species of Coprinus as possible in order to obtain a better insight into their mutual relationships. The sequence of development of the parts in the first phases of primordium development has been traced with greater precision here; several degrees of rupthymenial hymenophore development have been distinguished; the veil and pileipellis structures and the corresponding terminology have been critically discussed. Finally, an attempt has been made to establish phylogenetic relationships between about 27 species, but to acheive a higher degree of accuracy in this field, ontogenetic information concerning still more species is required.


Nowadays, stationary and locomotion activity recognition, also known as SLAR, is becoming increasingly important in a variety of domains, such as indoor localization, fitness activity tracking, and elderly care. Currently used methods typically involve handcrafted feature extraction, a process that is both difficult and requires specialized knowledge, and results can still be subpar. We proposed a deep learning technique for SLAR called LSTM-XGB that uses data from inertial sensors in smartphones to reduce the effort required for feature development and selection. The proposed LSTM-XGB consists of multiple stacked LSTM layers to automatically learn the temporal features of the input, followed by XGBoost for label prediction in the final layer. The results showed that the proposed LSTM-XGB technique, which automatically extracts features, outperforms conventional machine learning that requires manual feature extraction. We also showed that sensor data from three sensors (accelerometer, linear acceleration, and gyroscope) can be combined. This achieved higher accuracy than other combinations or single sensors.


We study the gravitational properties of a global monopole in ( D = d + 2) dimensional space-time in presence of electromagnetic field.


The relationship of choline, cystine, and methionine to necrosis and cirrhosis of the liver in rats has been investigated in a number of laboratories.'7 These two conditions now have been clearly identified and established as separate entities.2'6 However, there still exist differences of opinion as to the architectural relationship of the connective tissue trabeculae in the cirrhotic livers produced by dietary deficiency of choline. Most workers have descnbed the fibrous tissue as being formed in, or emanating from, the portal areas. This description corresponds to that of portal cirrhosis in man. In a previous report descnrbing the histogenesis of dietary cirrhosis in rats,8 we stated that the trabeculae of ceroid and connective tissue formed along the hepatic venules and only later abutted on portal areas. This interpretation does not permit the classification of the process as portal cirrhosis. In order to test this interpretation, it was decided to continue the investigation of this subject using precise means of locating the position of the trabeculae. For this purpose, hepatic or portal veins were injected with a charcoal mass similar to that used by Mall9 in his classic investigations on the hepatic lobule. The centrolobular distnbution of necrosis and fatty degeneration of the liver in CClI intoxication is well recognized. However, the location of the subsequently formed connective tissue trabeculae is a controversial point. Therefore, the histogenesis of this process was investigated in the same manner as that of the dietary cirrhosis.


Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus agalactiae have been reported in human oral diseases including caries and periodontitis. Thus, the present study was performed to investigate the effect of ethyl acetate crude extract of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64, an endophytic fungus isolated from Ocimum sanctum leaf against S. mutans and S. agalactiae. Disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays were used to determine the antimicrobial activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. Meanwhile, the microscopic analysis was used to study the structural degeneration of bacterial cells. The fungal crude extracts demonstrated favorable antibacterial activity toward both test bacteria and produced an inhibition zone ranging from 16.0 to 21.2 mm. The MIC and MBC values of the fungal crude extract toward S. mutans and S. agalactiae were determined and the results showed that the MIC and MBC values were in the range of 125–500 μg/ml and 125–1,000 μg/ml, respectively. The time-kill study suggested that the ethyl acetate crude extract possessed bactericidal effect with concentration and time-dependent. Structural degeneration studies revealed the major abnormalities occurred to S. mutans cells after treated with the fungal crude extract where completed alterations of their morphology with the formation of cavities and collapsed cells beyond repair occurred. Therefore, the current study suggested the ethyl acetate crude extract of L. pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 could be an effective antibacterial agent to treat oral cavity bacteria.


Abstract Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models were applied when several linear regression equations were investigated at the same time. To reduce the multicollinearity influence in the SUR models, the one-parameter ridge (Ridge-1) solution was proposed and discussed by some researchers. As a generalization of the Ridge-1 solution, in the context of SUR models having multicollinearity problem, the two-parameter ridge (Ridge-2) solution was presented. Some simulations were performed to compare the proposed solution with the ordinary generalized least squares (GLS) and Ridge-1 solutions. Lastly, the proposed solution was applied on chronic renal failure effect data.


In order to provide technical support for genetic improvement and innovation and utilization of Vaccinium uliginosum excellent germplasm resources,plant growth and yield per plant in different forest types were analyzed and comprehensively evaluated based on variation analysis of berry characteristics from natural populations in V.uliginosum.The populations were superior populations in the forest types of "Betula platyphylla+Alnus japonica+B.fruticosa+Salix babylonica+V.uliginosum+V.vitis-idaea+Ledum palustre var.Dilatatum","B.platyphylla+B.fruticosa+S.babylonica+V.uliginosum+L.palustre var.Dilatatum"and "B.platyphylla+S.babylonica+V.uliginosum".Through comprehensively analyzing plant growth,yield per plant,berry types and berry characteristics,the population was ascertained preliminarily as the excellent germplasm in the forest type of "B.platyphylla+A.japonica+B.fruticosa+S.babylonica+V.uliginosum+V.vitis-idaea+L.palustre var.Dilatatum".The key techniques of excellent germplasm tissue culture and large-scale seedling propagation in V.uliginosum were established.


Suppose two blind agents with unit speed are placed a distanceH apart on an infinite line, and faced in random directions. Their initial distanceH is picked from a distributionF with finite mean µ. We present a pair of rendezvous strategies which do not depend on the distributionF and ensure a meeting in expected time less than 5:514µ. This improves the bound of 5:74µ given by Baston and Gal. Furthermore, the bound we give is best possible for strategies of our type.


Domini Stuart talks to Mark Sullivan, CEO of Medicines Development, whose mission is to put improved medicines into the hands of the people who need them most.


Objective:To treatment the young permanent incisors with exposed pulps in crown by pulpotomy and observe the growth of root canals and apexogenesis following up over 2 years.Methods:72 teeth with exposed pulps in crown treated by pulpotomy to conserve the vital pulps and promote the growth of roots of teeth.Results:Among 72 traumatic teeth 58 cases were injured in small degree and 14 in serious.After 2 years following observation the successful rate were 93.1% to former and 64.2% to latter.The total successful rate were 87.5%.Conclusions:Pulpotomy is the first clinical method for crown fracture.


Gallbladder polyps affect approximately 5% of the global population, with rates highest in those of Indian descent. 10% of polyps will have malignant potential based on their size or rapid growth rate, which are associated with a poor 5-year survival once advanced of less than 25%. As gallbladder polyps are common but gallbladder cancer is rare, it is a diagnostic challenge to determine which polyps are likely to be malignant. Adherence to guidelines regarding radiological follow up and definitive treatment, in the form of a cholecystectomy, is therefore vital.

 Retrospective data collection and analysis was completed for all patients who had a biliary ultrasound between December 2013 and December 2016 to enable 5-year follow up, and a snapshot of 47 patients selected at random. Patients having a gallbladder "polyp" documented on their scan report were eligible for inclusion and adherence to European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) guidelines was assessed.

 Within the cohort there was a mean age of 56 years, with a male:female ratio of 17:30. All patients included were Caucasian, with 41 reporting "biliary symptoms" as the indication for the primary ultrasound. 26 patients were not followed up in adherence to guidelines, with 50% due to the sonographer reporting follow-up was not indicated on initial scan, 5 having unchanged polyp size and 2 discharged by the responsible consultant. Of the 21 who were followed up according to guidelines, 20 had a cholecystectomy within 5years, with none of these patients having cancer detected on histology.

 Over 50% of patients within our cohort were not followed up according to the ESGAR guidelines. Although no patients in the study were found to have malignant polyps, the sample size is relatively small and limited to low-risk groups. We aim to expand this audit both locally and regionally, raise awareness of the importance of surveillance across the multi-disciplinary team, and produce local guidance for the outpatient setting.


Iris localization is one of the most important steps in iris recognition system and determines the accuracy of matching. In this paper, a new method for iris localization is proposed. Firstly, we adopt edge points detecting to find out the irispsila inner boundary[1]. Next, using the fractional differential edge detector [2], the coarse outer boundary will been founded, and then obtain four edge points through four certain directions. Finally, we compare the four edge points and find out the outer boundary. The algorithm is proved to be effective through our experiments on 2400 iris images from CASIA (The Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences) database.


Objective
To study the operation room factors, nursing measures, and nursing effects of patients with incision infection after surgery.

Methods
214 patients surgically treated at our hospital from June, 2016 to January, 2017 were set as an observation group and 328 patients from May, 2015 to May, 2016 a control group. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the operation data to analyze the operation room factors related to incision infection and to put forward corresponding nursing measures. The patients in both groups were compared for incision infection under nursing intervention.

Results
According to single factor combined with multi-factor logistic regression analysis, patients receiving emergency operation, in non-laminar flow room, operation time over 3 h, or consecutive operation were easier to get incision infection (all P<0.05). The rate of incision infection related to surgery in the control group was 5.2%, which was obviously higher than that in the observation group (1.4%) (P<0.05).

Conclusions
Incision infection after surgery relates to various factors; and targeted nursing intervention measures can effectively reduce the rate of incision infection after surgery and facilitate wound healing.

Key words:
Incision infection; Operation room; Nursing care


Iraq: The Gulf War and the Struggle for Legitimacy Forging a National Consensus: The Political Consolidation of Iraq The Emergence of Iraqi Foreign Policy The New Iraq: Challenges for U.S. Policy Notes Index


The Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet Charles Wright has had a career-long interest in the work of Italian modernist painter Giorgio Morandi. Morandi has influenced not only Wright's representational style and subject matter but also his approach to free verse lineation. For Wright, the kinetic energy between lines and white space maps out the metaphysical desire that words and images labour to describe. ********** The relation between drawing and poetry begins before a single mark has been made. "I came to my senses with a pencil in my hand and a piece of paper in front of me," puns Charles Wright (b. 1935). He is quite aware that this statement could describe him as an artist rather than a writer (Negative 158). Putting down lines on flat white space, and thus giving it depth, becomes the artist's gesture of mediation between nothing and something, even before the line performs any encoded function. Furthermore, Wright's comment identifies the artist's vision with his compositional activity. Perception arises within the creative environment. "True description is enactment; [...] what is being described is part of the process" (Quarter 77, emph. Wright's). Wright's model of artistic agency has been the modern painter, who has led him not only to painterly images and metaphors but also to a conception of the poetic line as having spatial integrity. The line is not only the verbal register of stimuli or the encoding of v oice, but it is also a direct visual mark in a spatial pattern of such marks. Yet, for Wright, the line is ultimately metaphysical in its import. Like synaesthesia, the convergence of the arts (and the reciprocity between visual and phonological elements) points away from the senses. The artistic design and the description emerging from the writer's formal and imaginative "enactment" probe and project an ineffable, spectral, order. Most comparisons between literature and the visual arts involve considerations of the organization and quality of the images, and Wright frequently draws analogies on these terms. Wright's descriptions, which employ a visual-art vocabulary of brush stroke, vanishing point, and frame, remind us of our role in producing what we see. While matters of imagery and representation bring poetry and painting together, discussions of prosody most often seek analogy with music. But in Wright's work the influence of the visual arts carries over from image to the line. Indeed, in Wright, the line emerges at an alignment of oral and visual impact, and the visual page becomes encoded with visionary themes. The work of Giorgio Morandi has been central in Wright's development of this dynamic, in which the visual page shapes the sense of the line and becomes associated with the poem's abstract meaning. "Basic Dialogue" begins: The transformation of objects in space, or objects in time, To objects outside either, but tactile, still precise... It's always the same problem- Nothing's more abstract, more unreal than what we actually see. The job is to make it otherwise. (Negative 147) Wright does not acknowledge the source of the middle lines, but he no doubt knows that he has here a citation from Morandi. Karen Wilkin quotes this remark of Morandi's in her study of the artist: "I believe that nothing can be more abstract, more unreal, than what we actually see. We know that all we can see of the objective world, as human beings, never really exists as we see and understand it. Matter exists, of course, but has no intrinsic meaning of its own, such as the meanings we attach to it. We can know only that a cup is a cup, that a tree is a tree" (qtd. in Wilkin 122). In his search for this elusive knowledge, the artist works to strip away rather than add on meanings. He has studied those shallow, biplanar spaces ("two-ply air" [Wright, World 199]) with their perpendicular shapes and profiles, where the functional life of objects has almost vanished into abstraction. …


The invention discloses an NAT outlet link load balancing method and a device of a DNS request message. The method comprises the following steps: pre-establishing a DNS configuration table of the corresponding relations between the internal network user address as well as the internal network DNS address and the external network DNS addresses belonging to different links, and the corresponding relations between the external network DNS addresses belonging to different links and different NAT outlet link bandwidths; receiving the DNS request message sent to the internal network DNS by the internal network user; replacing the destination addresses in the DNS request message with the external network DNS addresses corresponding to the internal network user address and the internal network DNS address according to the DNS configuration table; sending out the DNS request message with destination addresses replaced from the NAT outlet links corresponding to the external network DNS addresses after NAT conversion. The method and device can realize load balancing of the DNS request message.


A family of new explicit time-integration method is proposed herein, which inherits the numerical characteristics of any existing implicit Runge–Kutta algorithms for a linear conservative system. Based on an exact derivation of the increment of mechanical energy, the method proposed is demonstrated to be unconditionally stable. Also, the stability condition of the proposed method is derived when applied to solving a nonlinear system. The characteristics of the proposed method are investigated by observing the mechanical-energy time history of a nonlinear conservative system. The numerical results can be explained by the stability condition derived in the nonlinear regime. Finally, the computational accuracy and efficiency between the Newmark time integration method and the proposed explicit method are compared in solving the dynamic response of a couple of linear oscillators.


In this paper, we will discuss the concerns of a microstrip two patch antenna system. Coupling of the two-port system can be miniaturized using Electromagnetic Bandgap Structures (EBG) or Defected Ground Structures (DGS) centered between the two patch antennas half a wavelength in size. Different miniaturization methods were used in the design of the antenna system to change the properties of the signal. Changing via locations that are not found on EBG strips themselves, rather found on interleaved ledges between EBG strips allowed for further change in shifting the signals frequency. INTRODUCTION Electromagnetic radiation of high-speed digital and analog circuits is considered one of the most critical challenges to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) compatibility and reliability of electronic systems. The continuous decrease in power supply in digital circuits increases their vulnerability to external electromagnetic interference. At the same time, the increase in speed in digital and analog circuits increases the potential of the circuit to radiate, thus compromising its compatibility potential while also increasing its security vulnerability. Switching noise due to EMI is one of the major concerns for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineers in modern designs. Electromagnetic interference is a complex mechanism that takes place at different levels including the chassis, printed circuit boards (PCBs), components, and finally, the device level. Radiation sources typically include trace coupling, cables attached to the boards, components such as chip packages and heat sinks, power busses and practically anything that can provide a low impedance current path at the low impedance the current is high leading to a higher EMI. As the speed of modern high-performance digital circuits increases rapidly, their energy consumption increases as well. The required energy is provided by power planes embedded in the multilayer structure of the board. These power planes induce radiation in a manner highly analogous to the way antennas radiate. For example, in patch antennas and in printed circuit boards, radiation is induced by a time-varying fringing electric field at the edges of the board. There are studies that describe this phenomenon [1] and others characterize this phenomenon analytically and through numerical simulations [2] Using a microstrip antenna can be an advantage since they are able to radiate well due to its thin substrate and resonance frequency. As the substrates' thickness decreases, the patch antenna tends to radiate less due to image cancellation. The numerical analysis method used for modeling Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 72 computational electrodynamics is called the Finite Difference Time Domain [3] (FDTD) method used in the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software. 1. MATERIALS AND FIRST MODEL Materials and Laminates are received from Rogers Corporation and Given on the Data Sheet for the RO3000 Series Circuit Materials, The RO3006 Laminate [4] was the sheet used in prototyping. The Dielectric Constant, ε_r Design of 6.50 and a standard thickness of 1.28mm. Changing the width and length of our patch antennas, we can produce a matching at 5.8GHz (WIFI frequency) using the equations [5] WWWWWWWWh = cc 2ff0� εεRR+1 2 ; εεeeffff = εεRR+1 2 + εεRR−1 2 � 1 �1+12� h WW� � LLLLLLLLWWh = cc 2ff0�εεeeffff − 0.824h� �εεeeffff + 0.3� � WW h + 0.264� �εεeeffff − 0.258� � WW h + 0.8� � In the equation, an infinite ground plane is considered. Adjustments in the parameters must be taken into consideration in order to produce accurate results in our matching parameters. For the model, we give a ground plane and substrate length of (10cm) squared. A rectangular patchs' bandwidth is directly proportional to the patch width. Whereas the bandwidth is inversely proportional to ε_r. To avoid problems with the (0,2)mode, W<2L. The feeding method will be a direct coaxial feed from the ground, through the substrate. Using this method is directly compatible with the coaxial cable and it is easy to acquire an input match by shifting the feed position across the x-axis. Initially, keeping in mind ε_r,f,h we find W to be 13.35mm and L to be 9.788mm. The feed is centered in the middle of the patch which little to no resonance. By conducting a parametric sweep with the port from 0mm to 2mm as a shift away from the center. The results are shown in Figure 1. Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 73 Figure 1. Single patch antenna on a grounded dielectric slab. Figure 2. Comparison of the S_11 where the direct feed from the ground to plane is shifted. Shown in the Figure 2. the matching is around 4.2GHz. In order to shift the frequency to 5.8GHz, we decrease W that in return changes the e-fields increasing frequency. By leaving the feed to be shifted at 1.5mm, we conduct a parametric sweep from 9.2mm to 9.8mm. The matching aligns with 5.8GHz when we are close to 9.44mm as shown in Figure 3. Scattering Parameters. At the center frequency, we obtain a 1% bandwidth. Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 74 Figure 3. Scattering Parameters of the width of patch To best optimize the single patch antenna design, we do a parametric study to find the best matching between the antennas. After the study it was found to have great and precise matching with feed_x at 1.6mm and w_strip to be 9.44mm we get Figure 4. Figure 4. The Scattering Parameter of S_11 of a single port network where feed_x=1.6mm and the matching exceeds -10dB threshold for communication. Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 75 2. TWO PATCH ANTENNA Next model shown in Figure 5. is remodeled from the single patch antenna to a two-port network. Keeping 1⁄2 λ_0 from each patch, we find the wavelength from λ_0=c/f_c where we acquire the wavelength in free space to be 51.68mm. From the center points of each patch, the space between the antennas will be approximately 26mm not including the width of the patches. Including the patches width, there will be 16.50mm of space, taking into consideration that limited amount of space will be available due to later compact EBG structures [6] That in mind, the closer the structures are to the patches, the more of an interference there becomes with the radiation patterns of free space. Below is the two-patch antenna design with a 16.5mm free gap. Figure 5. Two-Patch planar antenna printed to a dielectric slab. Looking at its scattering parameters of the two-patch antenna in Figure 6. we can see that we have good matching below the -10dB matching threshold. The coupling from the second port is expected, with surface and linear waves propagating from the antenna, there will be significant coupling which is unwanted. This is where the EBG structures can be effective in the antenna design. Figure 6. Scattering Parameter of two-port network. Significant coupling can be seen radiating though S_21 where S_11has a 1% relative bandgap occurring at f_c Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 76 3. EBG CHARACTERIZATION METHODS To begin the implementation of the EBG structures, we simulate the results of the structures outside of the antenna model. This saves the cost of simulation time. First model that is made is a periodic strip of metal inside of a cell as shown in Figure 7. That cell is transformed on the x-axis both ways by 3 cells for a total of 7 strips. Using methods by moving the vias in the x-axis we move the via onto the edge of the metal strips [7] This not only provides miniaturization methods, but also proposes an increase in bandwidth. As shown in Figure 7, we have two waveguided ports on each end of the x-axis. The extensions are determined by the variables f,ε_r and the constant c. λ_0=c/f ⇒λ_g=λ_0/√(ε_r ) in this case the extension comes to 20mm. An increase of the extension by 10mm is expressed to be cautious that the substrate extension was greater than λ_g Figure 7. Characterization of EBG structure in a waveguided port: strips with no ledges but vias are shifted towards the edge of the strips. Figure 8. EBG structure with no ledges containing a 3% relative bandgap at f_c below threshold. Another proposal for an EBG structure is one with interleaved ledges alongside each strip periodically as shown in Figure 9. Starting off the model as one single cell and transposed in both directions three times and vias shifted onto those ledges allows for further miniaturization of not only the width of the strips, but also the antenna model in later designs. Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 77 Figure 9. EBG structure with ledges on the edge of the strips. Allows for further reduction of the strip width. Figure 10. S_11 and S_21 from the interleaved ledged EBG structure. Receiving a relative bandwidth of 6% at f_c 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF EBG STRUCTURES First model shown in Figure 11 is the EBG structures that has been shown in Figure 7. Implementation of EBG structures has shown to reduce coupling in other studies [8] Where the w_strip=4.8mm,gap=1.5mm leaving no room for a third EBG strip for filtering coupling. Shifting of the vias can only be moved at most towards the edge of the strips. Brandon S. Ramos EMI Reduction of High-Speed Circuits University of Nebraska at Kearney Undergraduate Research Journal 78 Figure 11. Two-Patch antenna with 2 EBG structures with no ledges. Figure 12. S_21 reaching a relative coupling reduction down to -32dB By comparing the coupling from the two-patch antenna model in earlier simulations, there is shown to be a


Built in 1972, the Landover Regional Shopping Center, located Southeast of Washington, D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland, was once the archetypal suburban shopping mall for the Washington, D.C. area. With four anchor stores, 1.3 million square feet, and a convenient location directly off the newly completed Capital Beltway, Landover mall was a retail force to be reckoned with. Filled with modern day amenities and high-end retailers, Landover mall was venerated by shoppers and envied by neighboring malls. By the mid-1980s, however, this image of Landover was replaced by a much darker one. Landover had lost much of its appeal as the structure was neglected and its high-end retailers moved out. By 2002, the mall had closed and was demolished a few years later. The transformation of Landover from a boom to a bust seemed to take place almost over night. But how was this possible? And why did it happen? The answer lies in another transformation that was taking place in the mall's surrounding area: the composition of the county's population from majority white to majority black. The coinciding of the changing population and the deterioration of Landover mall is no coincidence. This was due to strong, negative perceptions of African Americans and, in turn, the areas in which they live. This perception is one of crime and poverty and is a perception that can affect the economic viability of the area such as the stability of Landover mall. Landover mall fell victim to the unfair and unwarranted perception projected onto it by the surrounding population, despite the reality that the area was otherwise viable and desirable for retailers. Although other factors are at work in generating the mall's premature decline, namely benefits from tax laws, perception was the major contributor and, more importantly, a factor that should not have contributed to Landover's failure.


While SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor for cell entry, it is important to examine for other potential interactions between the virus and other cell receptors. Based on the clinical observation of low smoking prevalence among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, we recently identified a "toxin-like" amino acid (aa) sequence on the receptor binding domain of the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (aa 375-390) with homology to a sequence of a snake venom toxin, which could interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We now present computational molecular modelling and docking experiments using 3D structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and the extracellular domain of the nAChR alpha9 subunit. We identified an interaction between the aa381-386 of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and the aa189-192 of the extracellular domain of the nAChR alpha9 subunit, a region which forms the core of the "toxin-binding site" of the nAChRs. The mode of interaction is very similar to the interaction between the alpha9 nAChR and alpha-bungarotoxin. A similar interaction was observed between the pentameric alpha7 AChR and the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Our findings support the hypothesis that severe COVID-19 may be associated with disruption of the nicotinic cholinergic system which could be caused by an interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and nAChRs.


Abstract Limnoperna fortunei is an aggressive freshwater invader species recorded for the first time in 1991 at Balneario Bagliardi, Río de la Plata Estuary, Argentina. Since then it has spread rapidly within South America. We tested the hypothesis that invasive species need a time span for the development of a reproductive pattern once settled in a new environment. We analyzed the reproductive cycle of a population of L. fortunei from Guaiba Lake (29°55′S; Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) and compared it with previous studies at Balneario Bagliardi (34°52′S). We studied 834 specimens from Guaiba, following routine histological techniques. At any sampled period, the highest proportion of specimens were mature and gonads showed no resting periods. Female gonad maturation periods and oocyte growth were recorded throughout the year. Five periods of spawning of different intensity were differentiated. The reproductive pattern of the Guaiba population showed more spawning events and a remarkable recovery capacity of the female gonad compared to the Balneario Bagliardi population. The reproductive patterns of L. fortunei from Guaiba two years after invasion shows similarities with the reproductive pattern described previously from Balneario Bagliardi after two and three years of invasion.


Abstract A gas chromatography method is used to investigate the purity of dialkyl-diphenyl-diacetylene liquid crystal components and at the same time identify the structure and concentration of the major impurities.


High external locus of control and readiness to conjure and believe in mystical powers has a potential in disrupting the growing small and medium enterprises in Uganda. If small business operators abdicate their responsibilities to mystical powers, it will worsen the current low survival rate of start-up businesses. In this study, we use a multilevel Rasch Rating Scale models to estimate a latent scale for locus of control and a composite scale that combine three domains: altitude towards wealth acquisition; paranormal beliefs; and readiness to seek wealth from mystical powers. Correlation analysis was also conducted to determine the association between the two latent scales. The data was collected from a random sample of 60 business operators in Entebbe, Uganda. Results indicate that low education and religion affiliations were determining factor for high external locus of control and readiness to conjure and believe in mystical powers. Public education through religious organization is therefore important in addressing these negative issues that may affect immerging entrepreneurship in Uganda.

 Key words: Business operators, locus of control, polytomous Rasch models, Uganda.


The study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes of various glaucoma surgeries (trabeculectomy,
trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and glaucoma valve implantation) in cases of refractory glaucoma.
When it becomes obvious that medication will not help then alternatives should be tried.These alternatives can be in
form of :-
Filtration Surgery Termed as trabeculectomy allows drainage of aqueous humor from within the eye to underneath the
conjunctiva where it is absorbed.
Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C-The use of antifibrotic agents such as mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil, along with
releasable sutures or laser suture lysis, enhances the longevity of guarded procedures, Drainage Implants Glaucoma
drainage devices are designed to divert aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to an external reservoir, where a
fibrous capsule forms about 4-6 weeks after surgery and regulates flow.
Aims of Study
1. Study the clinical outcomes of trabeculectomy,trabeculetomy with mitomycin-C and glaucoma valve implantation in
management of refractory glaucoma patients.
2.Evaluate the complications of glaucoma valve surgery.
3.Study the complications of trabeculectomy,trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C.
The proposed study was conducted in upgraded department of ophthalmology,LLRM Medical College,Meerut.
Population characteristics were number of eyes treated,diagnosed and follow up.The study was a prospective study with
random selection of patients done from the OPD.The randomly selected patients were then divided into three groups,
one group was subjected to trabeculectomy, second with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and the other group was
subjected to glaucoma valve implantation.
CRITERIA FOR FAILURE OF SURGERY:
Ÿ IOP > 21 mm hg at end of 1 year or
Ÿ IOP not reduced by 20% from baseline at end of 1 year or
Ÿ IOP <=5 mm hg at end of 1 year
At 1 year postoperatively mean IOP for trabeculectomy, trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and valve were 15.7±3.56
mmHg,15.9±3.47 mmHg and 17.6±2.27 mmHg respectively.When comparing preoperative to 1 year post operative IOP,
all the surgeries demonstrated statistically significant reductions in IOP although the magnitude of IOP reduction was
greater for valve than trabeculectomy,trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C.Complication profiles differed for each type
of glaucoma surgery. There were no intraoperative complications for all glaucoma surgeries. The immediate
complication for both trabeculectomy.
Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C was bleb leak (10%) and shallow anterior chamber (10%) while for valve
implantation hyphema (20%) predominated.
Although complication profiles differ between procedures, all are safe and well tolerated.This study provides support
that trabeculetomy, trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and valve implantation are safe and effective glaucoma
surgeries.
CONCLUSION
All the three surgeries ,glaucoma valve implantation, trabeculectomy, and trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C produce
significant reductions in IOP.Although complication profiles differ between procedures, all are safe and well tolerated.
This study provides support that trabeculectomy, glaucoma valve implantation and trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C
are indeed safe and effective.