The present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate adoptogenic activity of wheatgrass juice in various acute stress experimental animal models. In swimming endurance model, test group was treated for 14 days with wheatgrass juice (5 ml/kg & 10 ml/kg, p.o.) and compared with stress control group. Wheatgrass treated rats showed significant improvement in swimming endurance time. Pretreatment with wheatgrass juice also prevented the alterations in biochemical parameters. Meanwhile, weight of the liver, adrenal glands was significantly decreased and spleen weight was significantly increased by wheatgrass treatment. Similarly, in anoxic stress tolerance, treatment with wheatgrass juice for 14 days showed significant increase in anoxia stress tolerance time. Thus from present investigation, it can be concluded that adaptogenic nature of wheatgrass juice. Keyword: Adoptogen; Wheatgrass juice; Swim endurance test; Anoxic stress tolerance Gummalla Pitchaiah 500 J Pharm Chem Biol Sci , December 2015-February 2016; 3(4):499-505 broad-spectrum healing properties of any herbal medicines, but their unique value is that they specifically relieve stress. Perhaps the single most important property of an adaptogenic plant is the proven ability to combat stress in all forms [4, 5]. Herbal drugs have gained importance in recent years because of their efficacy and cost effectiveness. Since the introduction of adaptogens, several plants have been investigated, which were once used as tonics due to their adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties in traditional medicine [6]. Shoot of Triticum aestivum Linn. (Hindi NameGehun, Kanak, Sanskrit nameGodhuma) is called as a wheatgrass, belonging to family: Gramineae. Wheatgrass, young grass of common wheat plant, is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumptionboth the forms provide chlorophyll, amino acid, minerals, vitamins and enzymes [7]. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of wheatgrass (in form of powder or juice) in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer [8], rheumatoid arthritis [9], ulcer [10], etc. Wheatgrass was assumed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalize the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. These attributes are remarkably similar to the properties ascribed to adaptogens. Hence, in the present investigation an attempt has been made to screen the adaptogenic property of wheatgrass juice against immobilization and anoxic stress models. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals The male albino rats of wistar strain (180 200g) and albino mice of either sex (20 30 g) were used for the study. The animals were procured from Hindu College of Pharmacy, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. After randomization into various groups, animals were acclimatized for period of 10 days under standard husbandry condition; room temperature: 27 ± 3C, relative humidity: 65% ± 10% and 12 hours of Light/dark cycle. All the animals were fed with rodent pellet diet (Amrut Laboratories Ltd., Hyderabad)) and water was allowed ad libitum under strict hygienic condition. Ethical norms were strictly followed during all experiments and the study was approved by institutional animal ethical committee. Preparation of wheatgrass juice The seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were procured from local market and washed with tap water, followed by distilled water. The seeds were soaked in distilled water for 8 h and transferred to the containers and the wheat plants were grown in soil. The wheatgrass was collected on day 10. Only wheatgrass of uniform size and shape, without injuries was selected. Twenty grams of above harvested fresh grass was grounded in a laboratory mortar and the juice was squeezed out through four layers of wet muslin cloth. The residue was twice resuspended in 3 ml of sterile water and similarly squeezed. Each day the fresh juice was prepared prior to administration [11]. Swim endurance test Rats of either sex (180-200 g) were used for forced swim endurance stress. Group I, administered only distilled water and not subjected to stress, were 'control' animals. Group II, administered only distilled water and subjected to stress, were 'stress control', Group III and Group IV were administered wheatgrass juice (WGJ) 5 ml/kg & 10 ml/kg respectively by oral route. The treatment was given for 14 days. On 14 day one hour after last dose, the rats were subjected to swimming stress by keeping them in propylene tank of dimension (37Χ37Χ30 cm), filled with water to a height of 25 cm. Rats were allowed to swim till complete exhaustion and the endpoint was taken when the animal started drowning. The mean Gummalla Pitchaiah 501 J Pharm Chem Biol Sci , December 2015-February 2016; 3(4):499-505 swimming time for each group was calculated. Then animals were killed and blood was collected by cardiac puncture to estimate biochemical parameters like serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The weights of organs such as liver, spleen and adrenal glands were recorded after washing with alcohol [12]. Anoxia stress tolerance Albino mice of either sex weighing 20 30 g were selected and divided into four groups of six each as Group I Negative Control (Unstressed, untreated) , Group II positive control (Stressed, received vehicle) Group III received WGJ (5 ml/kg p.o.) and Group IV recieved WGJ (10 ml/kg p.o.). Animals were treated for 14 days. At the end of 14 day one hour after the treatment, stress was induced in all mice by placing each animal individually in the hermetic vessel of 1 litre capacity to record anoxia tolerance time. The moment when the animal showed the first convulsions immediately removed from the vessel and resuscitated if needed. The time duration of entry of the animal into the hermetic vessel and the appearance of the first convulsion was taken as time of anoxia tolerance. Appearance of convulsion was very sharp end point, as delay by minute of removal of the animal from the vessel may lead to death of the same [13]. Statistical analysis Results have been presented as Mean+SEM and the experimental groups were compared with stress control animals. The statistical analysis was done using ANOVA followed by followed by Dunnett's t test. P value of 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 were considered as statistically significant.


The mercury‐photosensitized decomposition of 1‐butyne, propyne, and acetylene was studied at very low pressures in a flow system attached to a mass spectrometer.The primary decomposition of 1‐butyne was found to proceed by the reactions C4H6*→HC≡C–CH–CH3+H50%→HC≡C–CH2+CH3    25%→1,2 and 1,3 butadiene.7%The primary decomposition of propyne was C3H4*→HC≡C–CH2+H80%→allene.15%The presence of C2H radicals was detected in the decomposition of acetylene. These probably originate from the primary decomposition. The primary quantum yield for acetylene appears very much lower than that of the butyne and propyne. It is concluded that acetylene forms an excited molecule, but that the primary decomposition does not necessarily occur by this process but from reactions involving the formation of HgH and HgC2H.


The problem deals with circumferential shear waves in linear, non-homogeneous, isotropic, thin viscoelastic plates with a central hole, under a uniform circumferential boundary condition, Laplace Transform, followed by W.K.B.J. method, has been applied to obtain a general approximate solution for small times and moderate values of radial distance. An exponential type of non-homogeneity variation is considered both in Lame's co-efficient and the density of the material. A quantitative study of the displacement field along with time of arrival, velocity and equation of the wave-front for different non-homogeneities at different times has been made under instantaneous circumferential stress boundary condition which has also been represented graphically.


(CFAR) for their contributions to this work. Thanks also to the CHOP postdoctoral fellows who participated in the RCR focus group sessions. Of the 52,000 postdoctoral fellows (postdocs) at U.S. institutions, more than 50% hold temporary resident status in the U.S 1. Because the 1990 PHS requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) education does not extend to foreign national postdocs (who are not eligible for training grants), and a significant percentage of institutions do not provide RCR training beyond this NIH trainee group 2 , it is reasonable to assume that foreign postdocs are not obtaining adequate instruction in this area. The National Academy of Science has called on institutions to begin addressing the needs of this group 3. At the same time, Swazye and Bird suggest that social and cultural factors be considered in the teaching of research ethics 4. Interestingly, several highly publicized incidents of scientific misconduct involved foreign nationals 5,6. Recognizing that attitudes and behaviors which are culturally based might contribute to such cases, the Japanese government has been sponsoring seminars to educate U.S.-bound trainees on how to navigate U.S. laws on intellectual property, conflicts of interest, data management and authorship 7. The rationale for developing this guidebook was to address the training needs of this large subgroup of international postdocs, making use of information gathered from focus groups comprised of postdocs from various countries. It was anticipated that the focus group method would be particularly well-suited to: ❖ exploring ethical ambiguities from a cultural perspective and identifying beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors that could impact interpretation or acceptance of institutional standards and guidelines; ❖ stimulating discussion about patterns of scientific practice across cultures and increasing sensitivity to cultural differences; ❖ using the case-study approach and setting institutional norms and best practices for selected RCR topics (data management and ownership, intellectual property and research misconduct); ❖ achieving consensus on institutional guidelines for responsible research behavior. With these goals in mind, we developed materials for these group sessions that could serve as model process and content for RCR instruction of international trainees. We then conducted eight focus group sessions at our institution [The Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)] with the help of consultants expert in both diversity and focus group methodology. The groups allowed us to simultaneously pilot the materials, collect valuable information, and educate the postdocs on an RCR topic. …


2,3-Anhydroerythritol (1a) and 2,3-anhydro-dl-threitol (1b) were polymerized using boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3·OEt2) as a cationic initiator. The polymerizations of 1a and 1b proceeded through a ring-opening reaction with a proton-transfer reaction to produce hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers (2a and 2b) consisting of dl-threitol and erythritol units, respectively. The degrees of branching (DBs) estimated by the 13C NMR spectra of 2a and 2b were 0.47 and 0.45, respectively. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw,SLS) values (2.67 × 105−3.20 × 106) estimated using static light scattering (SLS) of the resulting hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers were significantly higher than the weight-average molecular weight (Mw,SEC) values (1.04 × 103−2.77 × 103) estimated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The viscosities of 2a and 2b in aqueous sodium nitrate (NaNO3) solution were very low, and the intrinsic viscosities ([η]) of 2a and 2b were in the range from 0.0190 to 0.0250 dL g-1. The thre...


Biomolecular simulations are becoming routine in structure-based drug design and related fields. This chapter briefly presents the history of molecular simulations, basic principles and approximations, and the most common designs of computational experiments. I also discuss statistical analysis of simulation results together with possible limits of accuracy. The history of computational modeling of molecular structure and dynamics goes back to 1953, to the work of Rosenbluth and coworkers [1]. It introduced the Markov chain Monte Carlo as a method to study a simplified model of the fluid system. Atoms of the studied system were perfectly inelastic and the system was two-dimensional (2D) instead of three-dimensional (3D), so the analogy with real molecular systems was not perfect. The first molecular dynamics simulation (i.e. modeling of motions) on the same system was done by Alder and Wainwright in 1957 [2] using perfectly elastic collision between 2D particles. The first molecular simulation with specific atom types was done by Rahman in 1964 [3]. Rahman used a CDC 3600 computer to simulate dynamics of 864 argon atoms modeled using Lennard-Jones potential. The first simulation of liquid water was published by Rahman and Stillinger in 1971 [4]. Another big milestone was the first biomolecular simulation. McCammon, Gelin, and 2013 Nobel Prize winner Karplus simulated 9.2 ps of the life of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI, also known as aprotinin) in vacuum [5]. The simulation was performed during the CECAM (Centre Européen de Calcul Atomic et Moléculaire) workshop "Models of Protein Dynamics" in Orsay, France on CECAM computer facilities [6]. It was one of the first works showing proteins as a dynamic species with fluid-like internal motions, even though in the native state. Biomolecular simulations have undergone a huge progress in terms of accuracy, size of simulated systems, and simulated times since their pioneer times. However, the question arises whether this progress is enough for their practical application in drug discovery, protein engineering, and related applied fields. To address this issue, let me present here the concept of the hype cycle [7] developed


Energy efficiency is a key element in the pursuit of sustainable development. This dissertation provides a comprehensive narrative of how energy efficiency and the technologies related to energy efficiency evolve over time. The results show energy consumption increases caused by development can be roughly offset by reducing the energy intensity and lowering energy intensity within sectors is the overwhelming factor behind the decline in aggregate energy intensity. Based on a statistical approach on big data of individual vehicles and their owners in Massachusetts, the importance of reallocation of new vehicles for the growth of aggregate vehicle energy efficiency and the convergence of aggregate vehicle energy efficiency between municipalities, is confirmed. Using big data on patents the results show that latecomer countries tend to contribute less to the main technological trajectories related to energy efficiency. The optimal path method using patent citation networks may inspire studies in any other technological fields, and enable policymakers and investors to monitor technological development and discover business opportunities.


This document introduces Asymmetric Manifest-Based Integrity (AMBI).
AMBI allows each receiver of a stream of multicast packets to check
the integrity of the contents of each packet in the data stream. AMBI
operates by employing a cryptographically-verifiable, loss- resilient
sequence of manifests containing integrity information for both data
and integrity packet payloads.


Thousands years of experiences reveal that the water extract is the safest and effective carrier for traditional Chinese medicine.Membrane technology is a powerful tool for the cluster-screening of the small molecules from Chinese herbal.However,the lack of microscopic understanding of the water extracts of traditional Chinese medicine restricted the advantages of membrane technology.In this study,the key technologies to address these issues: the "solution structure" of traditional Chinese medicine chemical composition(ie: the microstructure and macroscopic properties of the solvent material in solution) and the pore steric hindrance,a variety of index components of Huanglianjiedutang(HLJDT) as a model drug,by a) atomic force microscopy,dynamic laser light scattering,high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance of molecular biophysics and other means of compound Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients of the "solution structure" characteristics;b) elaborating the mechanism of competitive filtration behavior by learning principles of solvent effects arising from the ultrafiltration membrane mass transfer process;c) exploring the correlation betwwen "solution structure" of the chemical medicine system and the membrane material micro-structure by using the computer technology.The purpose of this study is: a) deepening overall concept-based modern research of Chinese herbal compound by integrating of a multidisciplinary approach;b) establishing a specific membrane separation technology which can obtain small molecule groups from traditional Chinese medicine;c) providing a theoretical basis for new Chinese medicine;d) solving the key problems of Chinese herbal compound preparation and promoting the development of membrane science and technology.


As a romantic poet in the Middle Tang Dynasty,Li He form his special style,with his own unique to interpret the real world and life's frustration and sad.His poetic imagery have characteristics of cold,brilliant and extraordinary.


Based on the Estimate-and-Forward (EF) relaying scheme with the Bayesian estimator proposed in our previous work, we investigate the impact of the approximation of the residual noise in this paper. A more precise model is proposed to characterize the residual noise on the symbol estimate, using a pre-calculated lookup table at the destination. Compared to the previously utilized Gaussian noise approximation, the new model introduces additional complexity, but requires less signaling overhead transmitted from the relay to the destination. In the simulations, it shows better performance, compared to the other relaying schemes.


The influence 0.037% and 0.11% of niobium on the tensile strength and oxidation resistance of gray irons under a high temperature condition was investigated.The test results showed that brittle breaking occurred with the specimen containing niobium of 0.037%,and ductile breaking occurred with the specimen containing niobium of 0.11%,and the fracture exhibited ductile dimple.Adding Nb into cast irons caused graphite and pearlite finer,and by the way,the Nb-rich phase embedded into the matrix that was beneficial to increase tensile strength of the gray irons.The effect of Nb making the graphite finer also caused difficulty for the oxygen atoms to enter the matrix that was beneficial to prevent the oxidation reaction and to enhance the oxidation resistance of the gray irons.


Publication #92-10 printed on recycled paper This paper was funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pursuant to Award No. NA170Z0230-01. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies. The Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. If you have special accommodation needs, call TDD# (360) 407-6006. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors gratefully acknowledge the critical review, written contributions, and technical expertise provided by ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report was developed to assist efforts by Washington State agencies and local governments developing policies and standards for wetlands protection. The report summarizes and evaluates scientific literature, an agency survey, and a recent field study on wetland buffer use and effectiveness. Published literature was obtained from several sources and contains information from throughout the country on the concept of wetland buffers, their important functions, effective buffer widths, and buffer determination models. The agency survey reviewed buffer requirements of several states throughout the U.S. and for counties and cities in Washington. The field study reviewed the current state of buffers at several sites in King and Snohomish counties. Scientific Literature Review Wetland buffers are areas that surround a wetland and reduce adverse impacts to wetland functions and values from adjacent development. The literature indicates that buffers reduce wetland impacts by moderating the effects of stormwater runoff including stabilizing soil to prevent erosion; filtering suspended solids, nutrients, and harmful or toxic substances; and moderating water level fluctuations. Buffers also provide essential habitat for wetland-associated species for use in feeding, roosting, breeding and rearing of young, and cover for safety, mobility, and thermal protection. Finally, buffers reduce the adverse impacts of human disturbance on wetland habitats including blocking noise and glare; reducing sedimentation and nutrient input; reducing direct human disturbance from dumped debris, cut vegetation, and trampling; and providing visual separation. Wetland buffers are essential for wetlands protection. Scientists generally agree that appropriate buffer widths are based on several variables, including: • existing wetland functions, values, and sensitivity to disturbance; • buffer characteristics; • land use impacts; and • desired buffer functions. Wetland functions, values, and sensitivity are attributes that will influence the necessary level of protection for a wetland. Those systems which are extremely sensitive or have important functions will require larger buffers to protect them from disturbances that …


In order to protect the critical electronic equipment/system against damped sine transient currents induced into its cables due to transient electromagnetic fields, switching phenomena, platform resonances, etc. it is necessary to provide proper hardening. The hardness assurance provided can be evaluated as per the test CS 116 of MIL STD 461E/F in laboratory by generating & inducing the necessary damped sine currents into the cables of the Equipment Under Test (EUT). The need and the stringent requirements for building a damped sine wave current generator for generation of damped sine current transients of very high frequencies (30 MHz & 100 MHz) have been presented. A method using LC discharge for the generation has been considered in the development. This involves building of extremely low & nearly loss less inductors (about 5 nH & 14 nH) as well as a capacitor & a switch with much lower inductances. A technique for achieving this has been described. Two units (1 No for 30 MHz & 100 MHz each) have been built. Experiments to verify the output are being conducted.


Over 114 million metric tons of bananas are produced each year. The peel, which accounts for roughly one-third of the fruit's weight, is commonly discarded as waste in the food industry. For centuries, the peel has been prized for its potential to heal a host of ailments. This by-product contains a large concentration of compounds with potent antioxidants linked to several health benefits. Consequently, the extracted valuable components, such as pectin, from this by-product could be applied to the pharmaceutical and food industries. More than 13% of pectin recovery is extracted by current extraction methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction. Subcritical water extraction also successfully extracts the pectin with high quality of extract. This review focuses on banana production and the role of pectin. Significant factors affecting its presence within the banana peel, the extraction methods, and current extraction applications are also presented and discussed, highlighting future research into its potential uses.


1 Plasmodesmata, a Maze of Questions.- 2 Plasmodesmal Imaging-Towards Understanding Structure.- 3 Tissue Preparation and Substructure of Plasmodesmata.- 4 Electrical Coupling.- 5 Use and Limitations of Fluorochromes for Plasmodesmal Research.- 6 Use of GFP-Tagged Viruses in Plasmodesmal Research.- 7 Evolution of Plasmodesmata.- 8 The Perforate Septal Pore Cap of Basidiomycetes.- 9 Substructure of Plasmodesmata.- 10 Multimorphology and Nomenclature of Plasmodesmata in Higher Plants.- 11 Physiological Control of Plasmodesmal Gating.- 12 Plasmodesmal Coupling and Cell Differentiation in Algae.- 13 The Symplasmic Organization of the Shoot Apical Meristem.- 14 The Physiological and Developmental Consequences of Plasmodesmal Connectivity.- 15 Plasmodesmata in the Phloem-Loading Pathway.- 16 P-Protein Trafficking Through Plasmodesmata.- 17 Plasmodesmata and Long-Distance Virus Movement.


Provided the conditions for electrotonic transmission exist, an automatic focus surrounded by a block zone may be externally modu‐lated. The atrioventricular (AV) electrotonic interaction was studied in 16 perfused rabbit hearts with supra‐Hisian complete AV block induced using low radiofrequency energy doses (2.5 watts; 10 seconds). In nine experiments the sinus node was preserved (group I), whereas in seven it was removed maintaining an AV nodal rhythm (group II). The V‐V (ventricular cycle length) and V‐A (coupling of the intervening atrial beat) in both groups, and also the A‐A (atrial cycle length) and A‐V (coupling of the intervening ventricular beat) intervals in group II, were measured beat by beat after current delivery. The phase response curves V‐V versus V‐A, and A‐A versus A‐V showed AV interaction in five experiments from group I, and in four from group II, as follows: (1) accelerating phase response curve, characterized by a pacemaker acceleration (V‐V or A‐A abbreviation) at a critical V‐A or A‐V coupling interval; maximum acceleration could be progressively (phase response curve without rapid cross‐over) or briskly (phase response curve with rapid crossover) reached; from this point onwards acceleration decreased with a further increase in V‐A or A‐V coupling interval (acceleration slope). (2) Biphasic phase response curve, characterized by initial delaying and late accelerating phases. Maximum acceleration and the acceleration slope were both smaller in accelerating phase response curves without rapid cross‐over. On reverting complete block in two experiments, a progressive increase in maximum acceleration and acceleration slope was observed. Conclusions: (1) AV interaction in complete AV block can be manifested as accelerating or biphasic phase response curves; (2) transition from electrotonic interaction to conduction seems to be a continuum.


Recommended Citation Squirewell, Edwin Jermaine. "Interactions of Endoxifen and other major metabolites of Tamoxifen with human sulfotransferases SULT2A1, SULT1E1, and SULT1A1*1 : implications for the therapeutic action and toxicity of Tamoxifen." PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis, ii To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS There are not enough words to fully express my gratitude and thanks to those who have contributed to my personal development as a scientist and as well as my personal life outside of research. To my mentor, Professor Michael Duffel, thank you so much for your unconditional help, guidance, and support throughout my graduate career. You are a teacher and friend. We rejoiced together with each new discovery in my research, and you helped me through each hurdle in graduate school with a positive attitude. Thank you for understanding my medical needs and health concerns. You are approachable, and you counseled me through numerous times of frustration and anger. You made me feel appreciated and gave me confidence in times where I questioned my own abilities. I'm proud to be a product of your laboratory and a carrier of your name throughout the remainder of my career. To my doctoral committee members (Drs. I want to show my great appreciation for your efforts in helping me to obtain this PhD degree. Whether in the classroom or in the hallways, you each greeted me with a warm, friendly welcome and enhanced my understanding of medicinal chemistry through coursework and discussion. Thank you for the letters of recommendation and the cooking tips (i.e. Dr. Quinn). Thank you, Drs. Roman and Kerns, for allowing me to use your lab-space at times during my thesis research. Also, thank you, Dr. Doorn, for granting me access to your " diabetes in a drawer " and informing me that the lab decorations were paper snakes, not giant colons. In addition, thank your for providing a quiet desk for concentration while in the midst of writing my dissertation. providing the assistance and training for my analytical work in the high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR facilities. You were each gracious in allowing me the use of your iv personal time in order to interpret and …


Results of a numerical study of transient axisymmetric natural convection during an in-package pasteurisation process are reported. The numerical technique employed was a penalty Galerkin finite element procedure using a variable step implicit time integration technique coupled with a quasi-Newton nonlinear equation solver. The numerical results display excellent agreement with experimental results.


The impact of 'quality initiatives' in the UK financial service sector has been the focus of many recent articles. (Cowling and Newman, 1995 and Wilkinson et al., 1995) There is some evidence that companies are adopting 'quality initiatives' towards cutting costs and achieving short-term results rather than being committed to the never-ending improvement culture which quality management programmes should promote. It appears that total quality management (TQM) has been adopted as the major 'quality initiative' in this sector. The findings of a survey carried out in the Northeast of England are presented. This survey investigated managers' perceptions of the TQM programmes applied in their organizations. In addition, interviews were conducted with the managers responsible for 'quality initiatives' in the head offices of some of the largest companies in UK financial services.


Background - the problems of sudden cardiac death the development and the place of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator early experience with the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator recognition of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation defibrillation threshold testing clinical results with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator the nonthoracotomy approach and alternative surgical approaches complications role of other therapies - antiarrhythmic drugs, surgery and ablation patient acceptance - psychological and social considerations follow-up interpretation of intervals, events markers, and electrograms indications and guidelines studies with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator atrial (intracardiac) defibrillation perspectives.


A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at L band are in good agreement.


One pot synthesis and reaction of triazinthione and triazinohydrazide derivatives with different electrophilic reagents in ordered to synthesis of some interesting non-mixed heterocyclic compounds. Structures of thiazolotriazine, triazolotriazine, pyrimidinyltriazine, and triazinotriazine derivatives were established via spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity.


Portland cement and rice husk ash were incorporated to stabilize and solidify the contaminant in petroleum sludge. Stabilization and solidification technique was chosen as an alternative treatment to reduce toxicity of the sludge prior to final disposal of the waste. The sludge has significant amount of organic material which normally interfere with the cement hydration process. A way to improve is by incorporation of cement replacement material. Mixture proportioning was conducted to find optimum water to cement ratio, sludge to cement ratio and cement replacement percentage. The solidified sludge performance was measured by compressive strength and permeable porosity. The optimum ratio of water to cement was found at 0.45 and cement to sludge of 8. Rice husk ash (RHA) was added at 5, 10 and 15 % cement replacement. 5 % RHA exhibited the best performance with regards to unconfined compressive of 24.9 N/mm 2 . The strength was better than the sludge cement of 19.2 N/mm 2 . Permeable porosity has inverse relationship with strength at water to cement ratio of 0.4. However at water to cement ratio of 0.45, the relationship showed different trend where increase in porosity cause increase in strength. Porosity was found to increase with increasing RHA content. The surface morphology of solidified cement with voids was found to be in the range of 10 to 15 μm for 15 % RHA.


The way science is done or everyday practice of science is a major theme of Fred Grinnell's most recent work. The author presents a critique of the linear model of science followed by many scientists and its failure to represent how scientists really work. It is not a surprising observation to most of us. What is surprising about this book is the way it provides various avenues to engage in productive discussions about doing research. It is not a perfect book, but it manages to be provocative and an easy read with only six chapters in fewer than 200 pages. The book is divided into two sections: "Science" and "Science and Society." Grinnell presents a candid account of the scientific process to make it relevant to those outside academic science. He also provides a fairly accurate view of scientists and how they work.

THE PRACTICE OF SCIENCE
In chapter 1, "Practicing Science," Grinnell highlights what he calls the two conversations of science by illustrating the interaction of two processes: the circle of discovery and the circle of credibility (p. 5, Figure 1.1). He is quick to point out that researchers interact with a small part of the world, limiting those interactions to making observations and doing experiments. The interactions within the research community are primarily collaborative and competitive in nature. As Grinnell progresses in his discussion of these interactions, he reveals some of the uncertainties and conflicts that emerge during the practice of science. Chapter 2, "Discovery: Learning New Things about the World," deals with the nonsystematic, nonlinear nature of the scientific process. For instance, Grinnell points out that scientific papers rarely describe scientific failure and rarely communicate to students the notion that "10 research notebooks' worth of experiments might be required to publish a 10-page research paper" (p. 21). This is an interesting assertion that indicates to the nonscientist reader the level of compression that goes on when myriad observations, deductions, and analyses are meshed into a coherent scientific paper. Another interesting idea presented in this chapter deals with the type of question(s) a research group decides to answer. Very often, Grinnell adds, "resource limitations…prevent new initiatives from starting even if they would be worthwhile to carry out. Investing in one project almost always means that something else will not be accomplished" (p. 35). This statement is important, as it calls to the attention of future researchers the various factors that control the nature of everyday practice of science. Chapter 3, "Credibility: Validating Discovery Claims," makes a case for the uncertainty that surrounds achieving credibility. Grinnell shows in Figure 3.1 (p. 64) his version of the credibility process, which involves a rather complex web of researchers interacting with one another, editors and reviewers, and even the public. It seems as if credibility does not necessarily come right away, and a scientist must use her or his intuition and a large dose of optimism in attempting to achieve credibility. Research grants are shown as a major determinant of the credibility process (p. 79, Figure 3.2), provided the research proposal aligns with the priorities of the funding agency (pp. 80–81).


Objective: To observe the clinical efficiency of Jinxuan washing powder on external hemorrhoids.Methods: A total of 120 patients were randomly divided into treatment group(62 cases) and control group(58 cases).Treatment group was treated by steaming and bathing with Jinxuan washing powder being solved in hot water,while the control group was treated with potassium permanganate bath.After treatment of 4 courses,clinical efficiency of the two groups were observed and compared.Results: Forty-seven cases in the treatment group were cured(47/62,75.81%) with a total effective rate of 93.35%,significant higher than the corresponding 20(20/58,34.43%) and 65.52%(P0.05).Conclusions: Clinical efficiency of Jinxuan washing powder on external hemorrhoids is satisfying.


At present, almost every country struggles to implement city management with the concept of smart cities. Previous studies have produced several models by exploring social values on the adoption and acceptance of technology in the application of the idea of a smart city. However, there is still little research that explores social values in the form of a relational relationship between the dimensions of builders in the Smart District, which is very different from the concept of smart cities that are common and popular so far. This study aims to explore and evaluate the relationship of social dimensions of the application of smart mobile-based districts or districts. The model and approach used is an exploration of the building dimensions in the theory of Expectation Confirmation Model, Quality of Experience (QoE), Quality of Service (QoS), Trust, Commitment, Use Intention, Satisfaction, and Recommendation Intention. Data collection was carried out from two hundred seventeen respondents who were successfully collected using online survey methods and offline data processing using SmartPLS software v.3.2.8. The research findings indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship for the relational pattern of the proposed dimensions of intelligent district service builders. This research contributes to the modeling of the relational relationships of the aspects of the building of smart districts, which is still rarely done. This study confirms that local governments and policymakers should pay more attention to the relationship of critical social dimensions in technology adoption that affects the quality of service performance of smart-based mobile districts.


The concept of citizen is the particular concept of the citizen society.It clarifies the fairness and freedom among citizens.It also implies the fountainhead of citizens' right to the public power of the state.The citizen society can protect the individual citizen,and control and restrict the political state efficiently.Now the problems of the country,the agriculture and the farmers are given special attention by every Chinese citizen in the construction of harmonious society.It is not only about how to balance the society but also about how to develop the citizen society.Therefore,it is urgent for us to develop and further better our Chinese citizen society in the hope of having the problem of the country,the agriculture and the farmers virtually solved.


In response to our study regarding the generalizability of the affective process models that were proposed by Gottman, Coan, Carrere, and Swanson (1998) to predict relationship status and satisfaction in the Oregon Youth Study couples sample (Kim, Capaldi, & Crosby, 2007), Coan and Gottman (2007, Volume 69) question whether tests of generalizability of their findings are an appropriate scientific undertaking, particularly when the Oregon Youth Study sample had characteristics that were so different from those of the Gottman et al. (1998) sample. They argue that the Oregon Youth Study sample is so specialized as to have limited generalizability to other U.S. couples. Coan and Gottman further argue that their affective process models were not meant to be generalizable to other samples, which included cohabiting couples and couples who are predominantly from low-income and at-risk backgrounds. We believe that the majority of scholars in this field (e.g., Heyman, 2001), as well as other fields (e.g., Mihalic, Irwin, Elliott, Pagan, & Hansen, 2001), consider tests of generalizability critical to move the field forward in credibility and applicability to prevention work. Thus, the degree to which affective process functions similarly (or dissimilarly) for couples from heterogeneous backgrounds is an important question, so that any limits to generalizability may be clearly understood. As Gottman's work has drawn considerably more attention from the media, as well as clinicians and the general public, than is typical in the field, testing generalizability is particularly important. We believe our research contributes to the understanding of factors involved in functional and dysfunctional communication in couples by extending Gottman's frontier work on dynamic affective processes to couples from at-risk and low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. Below, we address several issues that were raised by Coan and Gottman (2007, Volume 69) in their critique. In particular, we present evidence (a) of the relatively high relevance of the Oregon Youth Study couples sample to a large segment of U.S. couples, (b) that cohabiting couples within the Oregon Youth Study couples sample did not account for the differences in findings between the Gottman et al. (1998) and Kim et al. studies, and (c) of the importance of examining process during discussion of both men's and women's problem issues. REPRESENTATIVENESS OF AT-RISK SAMPLE A major argument by Coan and Gottman (2007, Volume 69) is that the Oregon Youth Study sample was selected to represent a relatively rare population and that it likely represented the more aggressive tail of the Newlywed Study distribution. In contrast, they argue that the sample utilized in Gottman et al. (1998) was representative of the greater Seattle area. As was pointed out by Heyman and Hunt (2007, Volume 69), however, the newlywed sample, which responded to advertising and thus was not recruited according to a specific sampling frame, was selected to match the racial and ethnic demographics of the metropolitan Seattle area only (Carrere, Buehlman, Gottman, Coan, & Ruckstuhl, 2000; Hawkins, Carrere, & Gottman, 2002). The mean education level reported for both husbands and wives was a 4-year college degree, which is relatively high. The Oregon Youth Study sample original recruitment involved all fourth-grade boys from schools in a medium-sized metropolitan area. Schools were selected on the criterion of having a relatively high incidence of delinquency in the neighborhoods for that area. As indicated by Heyman and Hunt, Eugene/Springfield in Oregon is an area with a relatively low level of violent crime (Cooper, 2006) and very little organized gang crime. It is not a high-crime area, such as an inner-city area. The sample was potentially at risk by virtue of living in higher crime areas, which differs considerably from a high-risk sample with all participants showing elevated conduct problems at the time of recruitment. …


CET-4 was reformed in June, 2005. Reading comprehension takes up a large proportion in CET-4, and it makes many changes. This paper introduces and analyzes the reading skills and techniques of new reading comprehension in CET-4. The purpose is to help students to cultivate the correct reading habits and master reading skills. Meanwhile, it also points out that teachers should pay attention to some problems in the process of reading teaching.


The ber (Zizyphus mauritiana L.) fruits of cv. Gola were subjected to various treatments of naphthalene acetic acid (NAAI) and ferrous sulphate to determine their effect on physico-chemical characteristics and shelf life of fruits. NAA @ 0, 50, 75 and 100 ppm and ferrous sulphate @ 0, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% were applied alone as well as in combination form during fruit development stage (pea size). The results revealed that 100 ppm NAA and 0.4% FeSO4 was found most effective in significantly increasing the fruit weight (18.35 & 22.95%), fruit length (23.11 & 27.95%) and fruit width (20.15 & 17.9%) respectively over the control. Though, the TSS of fruits was slightly reduced. The application of 75 ppm NAA and 0.3% FeSO4 helped in maintaining the marketability and also reduced the fruit weight loss (2.19 and 2.41%) and fruit decay loss (10.37 and 9.81%), respectively over the control. Application of 100 ppm NAA and 0.4% FeSO4 was found most economical than the other treatments.


Abstract : Much interest has been shown recently in the separation of deuterium from hydrogen by the use of palladium and its alloys. Pd--Ag alloys are of particular interest because of the high permeation rates that can be achieved without serious mechanical distortion of the kind that occurs with Pd. The authors have measured the separation factors for the gas evolved on the cathode side of alloy foils and for the gas produced after diffusion through the foils and subsequent combination. The measurements have utilized mass spectrometric analysis of the gases which enabled the authors to simultaneously compare the separation factors on both sides of the alloy foil. Unexpected time dependences have thus been revealed. (Author)


An externally activated nonequilibrium anomalous reactive rate process is studied by taking into account both internal and external fluctuations in a unified way. The probability of diffusion passing over the saddle point and the reactive rate together with the effective transmission coefficient are calculated by the method of reactive flux. It is found that the fierceness of internal fluctuation is always harmful to the diffusion of particles. However, the external activation may be beneficial to the rate process.


To the Editor:

In their recent report, Oudejans et al[1][1] studied 80 lymph node biopsies from patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). In 10 biopsies, greater than 15% of the T cells contained granzyme-B (GrB). Using the Cox-proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis, the investigators


The development of an assimilated global economy and advent of integrated communication technologies have played a defining role in re-moulding customers' perception of value. Value has evolved from being merely utility oriented to encompassing the entirety of customer's experience with products/services. This change has given organisations an opportunity to differentiate their offerings by creating exclusive and personalised experiences. This paper attempts to explore the transformation of value, consumption experiences and the components of their typologies. The study would help organisations to recognise the dimensions of experiential value which could be incorporated in their strategies to achieve competitive advantage.


A study was conducted in 50 hemiplegic patients with a minimum of 3 months duration to find out any association of psychiatric morbidity in hemiplegics by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and Present State Examination (PSE). Depression was found in 24%, anxiety disorders in 26%, adjustment disorders in 12% and sexual dysfunction in 50% of the cases. Twentyeight percent of the patients also had other psychiatric comorbidity. Early recognition and treatment of such problems in stroke patients will certainly help in the early recovery.


Objective To explore the effect of lanthanum chloride exposure in rats during pregnancy and lactation on central nervous system of their offspring.MethodsThe female rats were administrated with lanthanum from pregnancy to the end of lactation.Platform experiment was used to detect the activities of neural behavior including learning and memory.Fura-2/AM calcium ions fluorescence indicator was used to measure Ca2+ concentration in hippocampal neurons.FAC method was adopted to measure the apoptosis level in hippocampus cell of their offspring.ResultsAs the exposure dosages increased,the incubation of the offspring shortened significantly,accompanied with obvious increase in mistake times,and distinctive elevation of Ca2+ concentrations in cells and apoptosis levels.The differences were significant(P0.05).ConclusionsLanthanum exposure in rats during pregnancy and lactation may harm the functions of learning and memory of their offspring.The causation may be associated with the elevation of the concentration of Ca2+ and the increase of apoptosis.


The interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) technique for therapeutic cloning gives great promise for treatment of many human diseases. However, the incomplete nuclear reprogramming and the low blastocyst rate of iSCNT are still big problems. Herein, we observed the effect of TSA on the development of rabbit–rabbit intraspecies and rabbit–human interspecies cloned embryos. After treatment with TSA for 6 hr during activation, we found that the blastocyst rate of rabbit–rabbit cloned embryos was more than two times higher than that of untreated embryos; however, the blastocyst rate of TSA‐treated rabbit–human interspecies cloned embryos decreased. We also found evident time‐dependent histone deacetylation‐reacetylation changes in rabbit–rabbit cloned embryos, but not in rabbit–human cloned embryos from fusion to 6 hr after activation. Our results suggest that TSA‐treatment does not improve blastocyst development of rabbit–human iSCNT embryos and that abnormal histone deacetylation‐reacetylation changes in iSCNT embryos may account for their poor blastocyst development. Developmental Dynamics 237:640–648, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Comprehensive use of municipal waste incineration has made the pollution of MSWI fly ash a crucial problem.Cement solidification is an effective way to deal with the MSWI fly ash.This paper shows the research development of cement solidification for MSWI fly ash both at home and abroad.In addition,it summarizes the problems such as heavy metal and the invariability.Finally this paper points out the developing direction of the cement solidification for MSWI fly ash.


To solve the mismatch problem in match-field processing, a model-based processing algorithm for target location was proposed. Relying on the pressure field at the receiver array and the sound velocity profile, a combination of extended Kalman filter algorithm and propagation models was applied to perform target location and identification. By this approach, the targets bearing can be obtained using plane wave model; and the signal is enhanced with noise suppression based on normal wave model, while modal functions and horizontal wave numbers can be identified. A good fit between simulation results and experimental data shows that the algorithm has good adaptive ability and robustness against mismatch.


Some nite combinatorial presentations of Smale diieomorphisms (that is of C 1-structurally stable diieomorphisms) of compact orientable surfaces were recently described by Bonatti and Langevin. The main combinatorial object used in these nite presentations is the geometrical type of a good Markov partition: two Smale diieomor-phisms of surfaces admitting Markov partitions with the same geometrical type are topo-logically conjugate on canonical invariant neighbourhoods of the underlying hyperbolic sets. The aim of the present article is to describe a nite algorithm which decides whether two distinct geometrical types are equivalent or not (that is lead to topologically conjugate Smale diieomorphisms or not). Besides, we prove that the same algorithm also answers the conjugacy problem of pseudo-Anosov homeomorphisms.


The present invention relates to a novel method for extracting the purified sucralose. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the sucralose preparations produced by the methods of the invention.


In this paper, we study the problem of dissipative analysis for a class of switched systems with time‐varying delays. Sufficient conditions for dissipativity are developed for a class of switching signals with average dwell time. These conditions express delay‐dependent exponential stability and are provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). It is shown that the derived results encompass some available results on ℋ∞ approach and arbitrary switching case. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the developed results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Immune Modulator Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, KoreaReceived July 3, 2013, Accepted August 30, 2013The reaction of 1,3,5-triketones and arylhydrazines provided indolylpyrazole derivatives in a one-pot reactionin good to moderate yields. Both the pyrazole and indole rings were constructed simultaneously withphenylhydrazine, RCOCH


Individuals differ in their ability to deal with unpredictable environments. Could impaired performances on learning an unpredictable cue-criteria relationship in a laboratory task be associated with impaired learning of complex skills in a natural setting? We focused on a multiple-cue probability learning (MCPL) laboratory task and on the natural setting of pilot training. We used data from three selection sessions and from the three corresponding selected pilot student classes of a national airline pilot selection and training system. First, applicants took an MCPL task at the selection stage (N = 556; N = 701; N = 412). Then, pilot trainees selected from the applicant pools (N = 44; N = 60; N = 28) followed the training for 2.5 to 3 yrs. Differences in final MCPL performance were associated with pilot training difficulties. Indeed, poor MCPL performers experienced almost twice as many pilot training difficulties as better MCPL performers (44.0% and 25.0%, respectively).


Objectives: to measure and compare level of oral health literacy (OHL), dental knowledge (DK) for dental assistants (DA) and nurses (MN) working at the King Abdulaziz University Medical and Dental Hospitals (KAUH and UDH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This study was conducted using a convenient sample. Participants were asked to fill-out a questionnaire about demographic data, oral health behavior, and dental services usage and to complete a previously validated DK test and Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Bivariate non-parametric tests followed by logistic regression were used to analyze the data (α=0.05). Results: Forty-eight MN and 58 DA participated in this study with a mean age of 35 8.7 years. The majority of the participants were female (81%), non-Saudi (77%), and had college/university education or higher (90%). The mean OHLI and DK test scores for the DA were significantly higher than MN (p<0.001). DK test score was the only statistically significant predictor for the OHLI level at the multivariate level, as it whipped the association of the participants' group (DA/MN), after controlling for the demographic variables. Conclusion: This study sheds the light on the DK and OHL inadequacy among some of the MN at KAUH. More effort should be directed towards educating medical personnel about oral health by incorporating oral health-related materials in their curriculum and continuing education courses.


Central Business District of Pangkalpinang, Plaza Pangkapinang – Bangka Trade Center Area, generate high vehicles trip. The high of vehicles trip that go to this area has created incerasing parking spaces requirement. One of the factors that influences in limiting parking spaces and as source of regional income is parking fee. So, the parking fee in Plaza Pangkalpinang – Bangka Trade Center Area needs to be analyzed to find out the suitablity of exsiting parking fee. In this research, analysis of parking fee was reviewed based on Ability To Pay (ATP) dan Willingness To Pay (WTP). The result of analysis shows that the parking fee of motorcycle for both on-street parking and parking lot, and the parking fee of car for on-street parking need to be adjusted with increasing parking facilities. While, the parking fee of car on parking lot has suited if followed by increasing parking facilities.


Generally in Japanese style rooms, sheathed walls with uncovered post have widely been used instead of mud walls. The sheathing material is nailed and inserted in the frame with noggins. The formula to calculate the elastic strength, yield point, ultimate strength and the ductility factor has been derived for the sheathed wall, considering the elements of the shear resistance of the nail strucked in the noggins and frame, and the diagonal compression resistance of the sheathing material as truss action. In order to verify the formula, the shear racking tests of sheathed walls have been carried out where plywood and plasterboard have been used as sheathing materials. It is clear that the formula is sufficiently accurate to predict the elastic and plastic behavior of sheathed walls with uncovered post for structural calculation.


Globally, multidrug resistance has increased in both the society and health
care systems related to bacterial infections which is impaired due to massive antimicrobial treatments.
Therefore, we need efficient, non-toxic compounds from plant-based alternatives. The aim
of the present study is to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of leaf extracts with various solvents
of Aegle marmelos, Plumbago zeylanica and Rhinacanthus nasutus against human pathogenic
organisms.

Antimicrobial properties of various extracts of A. marmelos, P. zeylanica and R. nasutus
were investigated against human pathogenic organisms such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella
enteriditis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
Aspergillus fumigatous by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC),
minimum bactericidal / fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) values were also evaluated by the
microdilution method and the phytochemicals and functional groups using HPLC, GC-MS and FTIR
analysis were identified.

Ethyl acetate leaf extract of P. zeylanica showed better antimicrobial activity against the
tested pathogens, especially for S. pneumoniae (40 mm) followed by ethyl acetate extract of R. nasutus
(36 mm) against S. pneumoniae. While the least inhibition zone was observed for the aqueous
extract of P.zeylanica against S. enteritis (10 mm). The MIC value ranged from 3.75 μg/ml to
60 μg/ml and MBC/MFC 7.5 μg/ml to 60 μg/ml. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of
alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, phenolics and cardiac glycoside in all
samples of selected plant extracts. Tannins, phenolics and glycoside were found only in the ethyl
acetate extract of P. zeylanica. HPLC and GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate leaf extract of P. zeylanica
produced ten major peaks thus exhibiting eleven compounds respectively. The chemical nature
of the leaf extract was analyzed by the FT-IR spectrum.

Ethyl acetate leaf extract of P. zeylanica showed better antimicrobial activity than
other extracts and even standard drugs. Therefore, this plant could be further considered for advanced
research to identify active biomolecules in developing antimicrobial drugs.


The optical absorption of CR39 radiated by Cn (n=1—5)cluster ions with the same energy of 600 + keV/atom and different doses and doses rate was studied. It indicates that cluster effect is materialized by electron stopping power in the interaction of cluster ions with solid.


Photocatalytic technology based on carbon nitride offers a sustainable and clean approach for hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production, but the yield is severely limited by the sluggish hot carriers due to the weak internal electric field. In this study, we devised a novel approach by fragmenting graphitic carbon nitride into smaller pieces (CN-NH4 ), followed by subjecting it to a directed healing process to create multiple order-disorder interfaces (CN-NH4 -NaK). The resulting junctions in CN-NH4 -NaK significantly boosted charge dynamics and facilitated more spatially and orderly separated redox centers. As a result, CN-NH4 -NaK demonstrated outstanding photosynthesis of H2 O2 via both two-step single-electron and one-step double-electron oxygen reduction pathways, achieving a remarkable yield of 16675 μmol h-1  g-1 , excellent selectivity (> 91%), and a prominent solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency exceeding 2.3%. These remarkable results surpassed pristine C3 N4 by 158 times and outperformed previously reported C3 N4 -based photocatalysts. This work represents a significant advancement in catalyst design and modification technology, inspiring the development of more efficient metal-free photocatalysts for the synthesis of highly valued fuels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Cyanide-resistant respiration has been reported in a variety of organisms, including higher plants, algae, fungi, and some bacteria.1'2) This cyanide-resistant O2 uptake constitutes a pathway "alternative" to the maincyanide-sensitive cytochrome pathway. Although much work has been devoted to the pathway, the detailed biochemical characterization of the cyanide-resistant oxidase ("alter-native oxidase") remains incomplete.2~4) Doubt of the substantiality of the oxidase still exists.5) Further in-vestigation is necessary to characterize the molecular properties of "alternative oxidase" and elucidate the mechanism of the in vivo regulation of this pathway. The induction of the cyanide-resistant respiration in the presence6) and absence7) of respiratory inhibitors, such as cyanide or antimycin A, was observed in the ascomycetous yeast, Hansenula anomala. Oxygen is essential for this induction process, including de novo protein synthesis which is completely blocked by cycloheximide. This paper reports the ON/OFF operation of the induction mechanism of the cyanide-resistant respiration in this yeast dependent upon the presence of carbon monoxide. Antimycin A was obtained from Sigma Chemical (Missouri).


The time-dependent stress-strength reliability models deal with systems whose strength or the stress imposed on it or both are time-dependent. In this paper, we consider time-dependent stress-strength reliability model which is subjected to constant stress and it causes a change in the strength of the system over each run of the system. Assuming a continuous phase- type distribution for the initial strength and exponential distribution for the duration of each run of the system called cycle time we derived the expression for the stress-strength reliability of the system at time t. The model is further extended to the cases where cycle time distribution is Gamma and Weibull. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the variations in stress-strength reliability, R(t) at different time points, corresponding to the changes in the initial strength distribution and cycle time distribution.


Objective: To provide anatomic basis for the application of reverse-flow flap pedicled with saphenous nerve and its nutrient vessels.Methods: The origin,course,distribution,anastomosis and out diameter of saphenous nerve and its nutrient vessels were observed on 30 sides adult cadaver specimens perfused with red latex.The blood supply range of nutrient vessels was observed on 2 adult fresh cadaver specimens injected by 1/10 Chinese black ink.Results: Saphenous nerve's nutrient vessels anastomosed with its nerve branch which formed rich vessel network among nerve tract or beside the nerve and connected with brachial vessel network by its branch.Conclusion: The reverse-flow island flap could be designed by saphenous nerve and its nutrient vessels to repair the foot,ankle and leg soft tissue defect.


Thermal efficiency of a reheating furnace has been predicted by calculating radiation heat transfer to slabs and furnace wall. The entire furnace is divided into fourteen sub-zones and each sub-zone is assumed to have same temperature which represents average temperature of the sub-zone. The temperatures of medium and wall of each sub-zone are computed by taking heat balance. The radiation heat transfer is solved by the FVM radiation method and blocked?off method is applied to the treatment of the slabs inside which intensity has no meaning.


Nowadays, Wireless sensor network applications are very important in most industrial fields. Most strategies are used to save energy of WSNs to prolong their life time. This problem attracted attention of many researches and many methods were proposed to optimize the energy consumption of WSNs. This paper presents a comparative study between two meta-heuristics algorithms are used to optimize this problem. One of them is the improved harmony search algorithm, and the other is the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Showing the strategies which are used to build its routing protocol and overviews on optimization algorithm which depend on build its solutions. Energy model used to calculate fitness of each solution. Improved algorithms are used in routing to solve the proposed problem. And propose termination criteria, simulation and results for each algorithm. At last this of them preferred to implement.


The underlying mechanisms that determine gene expression and chromatin accessibility in retinogenesis are poorly understood. Herein, single‐cell RNA sequencing and single‐cell assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin sequencing are performed on human embryonic eye samples obtained 9–26 weeks after conception to explore the heterogeneity of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and neurogenic RPCs. The differentiation trajectory from RPCs to 7 major types of retinal cells are verified. Subsequently, diverse lineage‐determining transcription factors are identified and their gene regulatory networks are refined at the transcriptomic and epigenomic levels. Treatment of retinospheres, with the inhibitor of RE1 silencing transcription factor, X5050, induces more neurogenesis with the regular arrangement, and a decrease in Müller glial cells. The signatures of major retinal cells and their correlation with pathogenic genes associated with multiple ocular diseases, including uveitis and age‐related macular degeneration are also described. A framework for the integrated exploration of single‐cell developmental dynamics of the human primary retina is provided.


In this paper the property of free swelling of artificially crushed Tertiary (Kobe, Tsuyama and Mizunami group) mudstone is discussed. The degrees of free swelling depend on the the content of active clay minerals, such as montmorillonite and vermiculite, and the water contents are decided with pF value which is determined by soil suction, i.e. The results show that the degrees of free swelling are in proportion to the content of montmorillonite minerals in a soil and the water contents at a certain soil suction except Mizunami group mudstones.


Commercial operation the HART command station transmits valid data corresponding to the control station in the form of industrial Ethernet packet protocol; effective control station transmits the data packet to be unpacked in the form of a CAN protocol; HART unpacking module CAN protocol packets received effective data transmission constitute a HART command form; HART device HART command after receiving the response information returned to unpack the HART module, sent to the packing station in packet form CAN protocol; unpacking station received CAN protocol packets, packets packaged in the form of industrial Ethernet protocol is sent to the industrial operator station. The present invention may be all HART field device data into the main control room operator stations, so that the user can easily view a remote control room, modification, configuration information of the configuration of field devices, improve maintenance efficiency, reduce production costs.


In the tumultuous decade following the Civil War, members of the Republican Party wrestled with deep uncertainty over the direction of their party's ideology. Efforts to reconstruct the Republican political identity following the end of formal hostilities and the emancipation of African-American slaves were not limited to the nation's legislative and executive branches. As I demonstrate in this paper and as exemplified by the Slaughterhouse decision, the justices of the Supreme Court actively participated in this crucial discussion. I characterize this development in terms of a new model of judicial behavior, one that stands in contrast to the prevailing view of judges as mere conduits for an existing partisan agenda. Through a close examination of the case history and primary documents relating to the Slaughterhouse decision, I argue that we can improve our understanding of judicial behavior by conceptualizing Supreme Court justices as partisan political entrepreneurs or coalitional spokesmen, deeply interested and invested in the issue positions adopted by the party with which they are affiliated. Moreover, I consider the ways in which other partisan actors respond to the attempted political interventions of judges.


Purpose: To compare aspheric and spherical hydrophilic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in terms of contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in photopic and mesopic conditions. Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 40 eyes of 40 patients at Al-Zahra Eye Center, Zahedan, Iran. The eyes were randomized to standard phacoemulsification procedure with spherical (Adapt, B&L) or aspherical (Adapt AO, B&L) IOLs. All operation were performed using the Alcon Infinity system by one surgeon and the IOL was placed within the capsular bag. Two months postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in mesopic condition with brightness value of 8cd/m2 as well as contrast sensitivity with BCVA in mesopic and photopic conditions with and without glare of 3cd/m2 were determined using the Metrovision Monelci Contrast Sensitivity Device (53.8lux). Quality of vision was compared between the two groups by comparing average contrast sensitivity at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 cycle per degree using t-test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding BCVA or contrast sensitivity at different frequencies under photopic or mesopic conditions with pupil diameter of 5mm, and under photopic or mesopic conditions with glare. Conclusion: Considering the risk of visual loss due to IOL decentration. Besides contrast sensitivity, other factors such as price and ease of insertion and access should be considered for determining the IOL of choice in cataract surgery.


We measure the performance, in the task of apportioning the Congress of the United States, of an algorithm combining a simulated-annealing-driven search with an exact-computation dynamic programming evaluation of the apportionments visited in the search. We compare this with the actual algorithm currently used in the United States to apportion Congress, and with a number of other algorithms that have been proposed. We conclude that on every set of census data in this country's history, the simulated-annealing apportionment provably yields far fairer apportionments than those of any of the other algorithm considered, including the algorithm currently used for Congressional apportionment. How should the seats in the House of Representatives of the United States be allocated among the states? The Constitution stipulates only that \Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting


Since antiquity, people have observed a complex relationship between alcohol and stress. Apart from stress response dampening effect, long-term ethanol is known to produce remarkable morphological and neurochemical abnormalities in the central nervous system. The present study compared the effect of isolation stress and chronic ethanol administration in modulating various physiological and biochemical parameters in rats. Two groups of Wistar strain adult Albino rats were kept under stress by isolation method for a period of 7 days and 14 days, respectively. Another two groups of rats were treated with ethanol in two dosages, 1 g and 2g/Kg body weight for a period of 7 days and 14 days. The effects of stress and ethanol on body and organ weights, neutrophil and eosinophil counts, blood sugar, serum cholesterol, and serum transaminase levels were studied. Despite decreasing body weights, both isolated stress and ethanol treatment significantly increased liver, heart, kidney, and adrenal weights (expressed as percent of body weight). Blood sugar, serum cholesterol, neutrophils, and eosinophils significantly decreased in both isolation and ethanol groups. In addition, serum transaminase levels increased significantly in all the study groups. The present study indicates that isolation stress and chronic ethanol treatment induce similar physiological and biochemical responses in rats.


Bce/h pc/arias where Bath ye/ar/as became the junior synonym. Recently. using morphological. osteological and zoogeographical evidence. Anseaume & Teugels (1999) reinstated Bathyciaria.r as the valid generic name of the species found in Lake Malawi. While the species of Bathyciarias and other catfishes are the target of artisanal fisheries in some localised areas and may contribute to about 20 per cent of the catch by weight, (Banda et a/. 1995). biological and ecological studies on Bath cc/arias have never been made to foster effective management options of the species. Scant' information and sporadic observations on the biology of Bathyc/ar/as were made by Lowe (1952). Jackson (1961) and Thompson et aI.(1996). This lack of information led to omission of the Bathyciarias from the trophic model that was constructed for the Lake Malawi pelagic food web (Allison et. al. 1995). In cognisance that life hist?ry traits such as age, growth and reproductive biofogv influence diet and food habits and/or vice ver'a (Wootton 1990). and that a fill dietary analysis is necessary to elucidate ecological role of a species (Nagelkerke 1997), this study was conducted to investigate life history traits. diet and food habits of B. nyasensis. The information obtained would assist in determining the trophic role of B. nyasensis.


A nonparametric method to define a pixel neighborhood in cata-dioptric images is presented. The method is based on an accurate mod-eling of the mirror shape by mean of polarization imaging. Unlike most processing methods existing in the literature, this method is nonparametric and enables us to respect the catadioptric image's anamorphosis. The neighborhood is directly derived from the two polarization parameters: the angle and the degree of polarization. Regardless of the shape of the catadioptric sensor's mirror (including noncentral configurations), image processing techniques such as image derivation, edge detection, interest point detection, as well as image matching, can be efficiently performed. 1 Introduction Catadioptric sensors are systems consisting of convex mirror and conventional camera [charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor]. 1 The used mirrors can have several different convex shapes, namely, paraboloidal, spherical, hyperbolical, conical, ellipsoidal, or planar. They produce a hemi-spherical field of view.


Mo-zi and Xun-zi stand for Mojia and the Confucianists School differently in the pre-Qin days launch confrontation of literary and artistic ideas.Their differences of views embody antithesises sharply of political ideas and class position.Mozi insisted on "opposing music".He who stands for benefits of small producer advercates that literature and art was of no use.Xun-zi persists in "advocating music",that is opinion of promoting rules by music and enlightening people.He who standsfor long-term benefits of the landlord class advercated that literature and art was aesthetic.Doctrine of the Confucianists of Later ages included sign of intension of Xun-zi.


ABSTRACT The role of flow experience in a group creativity task, contemporary dance improvisation, was explored through qualitative content analysis. Our focus was upon the creative process itself, rather than upon creative outcomes. Six dancers took part in an improvisation workshop, reflecting on their creative practice and any associated flow. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with all participants supported by a video-cued recall of experience from the workshop. We interpreted their responses using qualitative content analysis. Effortless attention and enjoyment were predominant themes that emerged from the dancers' reports while describing the flow. When experienced in collaboration, the flow was described as 'becoming one with the group'. Dancers commonly associated flow with a highly creative state where they tended to find surprising, very 'organic and natural' movement solutions. Moreover, flow and group settings facilitated creativity through maintaining a desired creative focus for longer, lowering self-judgment and inspiring novel solutions. While findings concerning movement may be specific to dance, others are more generic to the process of group creativity. Our results confirm previous findings that associated flow with a state in which the person feels simultaneously cognitively efficient, motivated, and happy, and that these states can be facilitated in groups characterised by trust.


This final assignment in written bassed on the implementation of the Field
Work Practice (PKL) in Cv. Adhi Fram Karanganyar pig husbandry. The field
wrok practice itself was implemented during six day from Maret 3rd to April 5th
2014. This writing is animed to deepen the knowledge about how to give woof to
fattening pig, along with to understand the fattening pig woof management in CV.
Adhi Fram Karanganyar, Kebakkramat, Karanganyar, Central Java. The materials
for this final assignment are the activity of Field Wrok Practice in CV. Adhi Fram
and the pig which are made into the object of the field wrok practice itself,the
method used in this study is by collecting data which consists of some steps


Abstract : This engineering study was initiated to determine the cause of excessive ignition delay and hangfire potential for the 155 mm howitzer's M203E1 propelling charge, which produced two hangfires during cold temperature testing. The primer, black powder, fabric, environment, and aging of the charge were studied as possible contributors to a hangfire.


Those who have been following the work of the committee on political research cannot escape the conclusion that the great need of the hour is the development of a scientific technique and methodology for political science. When one considers the number of pressing problems in the fields of politics and administration, and the scarcity of scientifically gathered data that is available as a basis of intelligent discussion, the seriousness of the situation becomes apparent. Moreover, most of these problems require immediate action. This means that every-day decisions of great public importance must be made without adequate knowledge of the facts and theories that are involved. Consequently it is small wonder that legislative and administrative action is too frequently the result of guess-work and speculation rather than of precise knowledge and scientifically determined principles. A study of the legislative product of the several states will convince even the casual observer of the imperative need of the development of a body of sound principles of legislation as a guide to legislative activity, the observance of which would avoid much useless litigation, many abortive statutes, and eliminate much needless friction. In other words, the formulation and observance of such principles would tend to produce statutes that would be enforcible, intelligible and practicable. The brilliant work of Professor Freund in opening up this field of political research has amply demonstrated its value and feasibility. What is true of legislation is doubtless true of the other fields of politics. The whole scheme of governmental activity requires a body of scientific political principles for even reasonable efficiency and success. It is the function of political science to provide this science of politics. Those in charge of public affairs rarely have the time and opportunity for political research. This throws the burden primarily upon the teacher and the scholar. There is a considerable body of


The News story 'Phage therapy gets revitalized' (Nature 510, 15–16; 2014) mischaracterized the CRISPR mechanism for tackling antibiotic-resistant microbes. It should have said that the phage injects DNA into the bacterium, which then transcribes it into RNA. And in the News story 'Chicken project gets off the ground' (Nature 509, 546; 2014), the mentions of 'guinea fowl' should have read 'jungle fowl'.


Purpose. An empirical verification of the Hemingway's "sad hypothesis" and study of some individual characteristics of a discourse formation in a process of short texts understanding.
Methods and procedure of research. The study was based on the principle of a standardized interview, which was carried out on a random sample (103 respondents) using the questionnaire. The subjects interpreted two proverbs and the short story by Hemingway ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn"). In each case, it was proposed to choose one of the six ready-made interpretations or to create an original one. Proverb explications were classified by experts as "normative" or "deviating", and interpretations of the story were evaluated into "sad" or "pragmatic" ones. Also, a "normativity index" was calculated for each respondent, reflecting the number of normative renditions of proverbs. The Psychogeometric test was used, and such socio-demographic characteristics were recorded as: gender, age, having children.
Results. This study refutes the "sad hypothesis" regarding Hemingway's six-word story affect. The prevalence of pragmatic type interpretation over sentimental one is statistically significant. The type of interpretation turned out to be not directly related to any of the considered socio-demographic characteristics. It was found that the sad interpretation of the story reliably corresponds to a high normativity of the proverbs explications. Conversely, respondents with deviating interpretations of proverbs were significantly more likely to interpret Hemingway's story in a pragmatic way. Differential psychological features, which were distinguished using the Psychogeometric test, turned out to be an insignificant predictor of the six-word story interpretations.
Conclusions. The analysis of the research results made it possible to argue the thesis that the differences in the formation of individual discourses are directly related to a worldview and indirectly determined by other factors in turn influencing the outlook. The interaction of the worldview with discursive practice that arises in the process of short texts understanding is carried out according to differential scenarios. These scenarios are conditioned by such individual characteristics as discursive conformity and discursive lability, which, in turn, correspond with high and low normativity, respectively. Above features are cognitive in nature. Their ontological localization coincides with the I-language (Chomsky).


A method for the design of counterrotating propellers is given in which the interaction effects of the two propellers are largely determined with momentum theory. This approach permits in a simple manner allowance for slipstream contraction and for mutually induced pressures in the cavitation calculation. The radial distributions of the mutually induced velocities are calculated with lifting line theory. Mutually induced effects are separated from self induced effects in such a way that each propeller can be designed with a design procedure for single propellers. Numerical results, which indicate satisfactory agreement with experiments, are discussed.


The present study made an indepth analysis of lemon being an important citrus variety by studying its costs and returns, economic viability as well as its marketing which is the mostly needed today's researchable issue. With regard to various costs involved, the first year establishment costs per acre worked out to be '3821.59 while as the total establishment costs was '9563.54 The operational costs i.e., cost A, cost B and cost C worked out to be '816.77,'2579.71 and '3268.04, respectively. As far as returns were concerned, overall per acre per year returns were '10475.36. The study further revealed that at 12 per cent discount rate which is actually the prevailing rate, on an average net present value, internal rate of return benefit cost ratio and payback period of lemon was '5475.61, 20.80 per cent, 2.70 and 6.4 years, respectively. The average per quintal marketing cost at producers' level varied to the extent of '399.35, '299.90 and '217.15 per quintal for channel I, II and III, respectively. The average per quintal marketing cost borne by the retailer was '28.65 and '18.75 in channel I and II, respectively, and in channel III whole of the marketing cost was borne by the producer as there was direct marketing of produce. A comparison of price spread through different marketing channels revealed that producers' share in consumers' rupee was the highest (about 81.99 per cent) in channel III. It was due to self sale in the local market where marketing costs were less. The marketing efficiency was found to be highest in channel III.


EXAMINATION of the literature on the subject of intra-ocular inflammation, with or without tension, arising as a result of the liberation of lens matter into the anterior segment, reveals the need for a careful review of the subject. Often tacit assumptions are made which appear to demand justification; conclusions are drawn from histological studies which have not been subjected to the critical analysis they deserve and demand; and a body of suspect theory has grown around the subject, whose very existence is queried in some quarters. It is for this reason that the matter has been taken up; a further stimulus was the striking fact that no writing on the subject emanating from Great Britain could be found, which appeared to indicate a justification for drawing attention to it.


The increased risk for obesity in offspring born to obese mothers may be driven by changes in energy expenditure. To examine the effects of maternal high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity on offspring energy expenditure, female C57BL6/J mice were fed a control (17% fat, TD95092) or HFD (45% fat, TD8811) ad libitum for 12 weeks prior to and during pregnancy and during lactation. Female mice were bred with lean male mice at 17 wk of age. At weaning, male offspring from control and HFD‐dams were randomized to control (C) or HFD (H), provided ad libitum, generating 4 groups of offspring: CC, CH, HC, and HH, where the first letter corresponds to maternal diet and the second to offspring post‐weaning diet. At 20 weeks of age, energy intake and expenditure (EE) were assessed in male offspring over 48 h using the Promethion Continuous Indirect Calorimetry system (Sable Systems). HFD consumption in offspring was associated with reduced respiratory exchange ratio (RER, CC vs CH: 0.89±0.02 vs 0.82±0.02; p<0.01, n=13–16). There was no effect of maternal HFD on offspring RER (CC vs HC, p= 0.66; CH vs HH, p=0.54). To examine the effect of maternal HFD on offspring energy expenditure, ANCOVA using offspring total body weight (measured at the beginning of the indirect calorimety experiment) as a covariate for the 48 h recording period (both light and dark cycles) was performed. When comparing the effect of maternal HFD in offspring fed either a control diet (CC vs HC) or HFD (HC vs HH) postweaning, the covariate (offspring total body weight) significantly predicted EE for both comparisons (CC vs HC, p<0.05; HC vs HH, p = 0.05), while there was no significant effect of maternal diet on EE. Offspring food intake (in both light and dark cycles) was not altered by maternal HFD (CC vs HC, p=0.22; CH vs HH, p=0.21). In control‐fed offspring, maternal HFD had no effect on body weight at 20 wk of age (CC vs CH, 26.84±0.79g vs 28.91±1.03g, p=0.12), while in HFD‐fed offspring, males exposed to maternal HFD were significantly heavier than males from control‐fed dams (CH vs HH, 33.81±1.46g vs 38.42±1.59g, p=0.04). The observed changes in RER indicate that offspring post‐weaning HFD, but not maternal HFD, is associated with a shift in substrate utilization, specifically with increased fat oxidation in response to post‐weaning HFD. In the context of maternal HFD, the EE data suggest that offspring total body weight, and not maternal obesity may be driving offspring changes in energy expenditure.


This issue of the Journal introduces 2 new topics. Barry Greene, one of our Associate Editors, introduces a series of articles on the important topic of changes in ambulatory care 10 years after the Quality Chasm. Michelle Prosser from the National Association of Community Health Centers introduces a rolling series of articles this year, the 45th anniversary of the Community Health Center movement. Her introduction is accompanied by an article by Robinson et al on aspects of efficiency in community health centers. Immediately following the article by Robinson, Patel and colleagues provide a research update on aspects of a critical community health initiative—the REACH 2010 initiative based in Nashville, Tennessee. Roblin and Roberts continue the Journal interest in consumer involvement in healthcare with an important article addressing patient dissatisfaction in managed care organizations. We continue with our regular features that include Ron Goodspeed's ambulatory care management column together with an important news update from the Republic of Texas.


It is well knwon thazt trivalent chromium plating technology has many advantages. Although the technology has been applied in production, some problems remain; for instance, the plated film cannot be thickened at will and its glossiness lacks a bluish hue. Accordingly, these factors may, to some extent, prevent the technology from being further applied in industry. In order to elucidate the problems, the authors investigated the technology by using chemical and electrochemical methods, as well as XPS analysis, were successful and have drawn some useful conclusions from the findings


This article explores the hidden work of workers employed in precarious jobs which are characterized by part-time and temporary contracts, limited control over work schedules, and poor access to regulatory protection. Through 77 semi-structured interviews with workers in low-wage, precarious jobs in Ontario, Canada, we examine workers' attempts to challenge the precarity they face when confronted by workplace conditions violating the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA), such as not being paid minimum wages, not being paid for overtime, being fired wrongfully or being subject to reprisals. We argue that these challenges involve hidden work, which is neither acknowledged nor recognized in the current ESA enforcement regime. We examine three types of hidden work that involve (1) creating a sense of positive self-worth amidst disempowering practices; (2) engaging in advocacy vis-à-vis employers, sometimes through launching official claims with the Ontario Ministry of Labour; and (3) developing strategies to avoid the costs of precarity in the future. We argue that this hidden work of challenging precarity needs to be formally recognized and that concrete strategies for doing so might lead to more robust protection for workers, particularly within ESA enforcement practices.


Abstract Aims This study aimed to describe how occupational therapists evaluate older adults with cognitive impairments. Methods A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Four focus groups were conducted with 16 occupational therapists working with cognitively impaired older adults in institutional and community care settings. An inductive thematic analysis of the content of the interviews was applied. Results Occupational therapists described a three-stage assessment process that was predominantly occupation-based, linear and iterative: (a) gathering information from the older adult, their care network and family members to plan the assessment, (b) assessing cognitive impairment and occupational performance using non-standardized observations and standardized tests, and (c) applying clinical reasoning to predict further performance issues and safety. Despite using a predominantly occupation-based assessment process, occupational therapists reported a lack confidence to predict safety. Conclusion Occupational therapists may require additional knowledge, skills and tools to support them in assessing older adults with cognitive impairments.


Background & Objective: Voice is an important tool for communication through which we express our thoughts in form or sounds produced by movement of vocal folds. The voice quality is affected in children with cleft lip and palate due to velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) which is associated with abnormalities of velum leading to hyper adduction of vocal folds. Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) is an objective multiparametric approach to evaluate voice quality. The present study aimed to compare the Dysphonia severity index (DSI) in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction before and after velopharyngeal surgery. Method: Twelve children (6 males and 6 females) with Velopharyngeal dysfuction in the age range of 7-12 yrs were considered for the present study. Individuals diagnosed to have velopharyngeal dysfunction by craniofacial team using cineradiography were considered for the study. Maximum phonation time (MPT), frequency and intensity, jitter measurements were made using Lingwaves voice clinic suite pro software Version 2.5 (Wevosys, Germany). Results and conclusion: There was significant difference between children with velopharyngeal dysfunction and age matched typically developing children on Dysphonia Severity Index values. There was a significant difference for I-low (p=0.03) and Dysphonia Severity Index (p=0.01) for pre and post-operative conditions. There was significant difference between gender on F o high and females (3.11) had better DSI values compared to males (2.37). These results of the present study suggest the need for gender specific voice therapy goals in rehabilitation of voice problems in children with VPD.  Key words: Dysphonia severity Index; Velopharyngeal Dysfunction; Voice Quality


In this paper, stochastic scheduling of a hybrid system (HS) composed of a photovoltaic (PV) array and wind turbines incorporated with a battery storage (HPV/WT/Batt) system in the distribution network was proposed to minimize energy losses, the voltage profile, and the HS cost, and to improve reliability in shape of the energy-not-supplied (ENS) index, considering energy-source generation and network demand uncertainties through the unscented transformation (UT). An improved escaping-bird search algorithm (IEBSA), based on the escape operator from the local optimal, was employed to identify the optimal location of the HS in the network in addition to the optimal quantity of PV panels, wind turbines, and batteries. The deterministic results for three configurations of HPV/WT/Batt, PV/Batt, and WT/Batt were presented, and the results indicate that the HPV/WT/Batt system is the optimal configuration with lower energy losses, voltage deviation, energy not supplied, and a lower HS energy cost than the other configurations. Deterministic scheduling according to the optimal configuration reduced energy losses, ENS, and voltage fluctuation by 33.09%, 53.56%, and 63.02%, respectively, compared to the base network. In addition, the results demonstrated that the integration of battery storage into the HPV/WT enhanced the various objectives. In addition, the superiority of IEBSA over several well-known algorithms was proved in terms of obtaining a faster convergence, better objective value, and lower HS costs. In addition, the stochastic scheduling results based on the UT revealed that the uncertainties increase the power losses, voltage deviations, ENS, and HPV/WT/Batt cost by 2.23%, 5.03%, 2.20%, and 1.91%, respectively, when compared to the deterministic scheduling.


According to the disturbing mechanism explaining how the construction of hydro junction affects the nearby environment,the comprehensive indicator system to evaluate ecological system was brought forward,RBF Neural Network was used to establish the ecological system comprehensive evaluation model in disturbed construction area of hydro junction,and the paper took Nierji Hydro Junction as an example to do comprehensive evaluation in its disturbed construction area.Evaluation results showed that all the indicators have fallen below the lowest point during the construction period,especially the social progress indicators and landscape ecological indicators.These two indicators had the largest increase rate during the recovery process.Although the natural ecological environment has the strong stability,it is difficult to restore when outside interference exceeds the affordability of its own.RBF ecological evaluation model for disturbed construction area of hydro junction can evaluate the ecological status to provide the theoretical basis for ecological restoration and reconstruction,predict and evaluate state after treatment,and also provide a useful reference for other water-control project construction interference district ecological restoration and reconstruction.


Phytochemicals from food, beverages and medicinal plants have been studied extensively as cancer preventive agents. The rationales of these studies came from epidemiological studies on the association between the consumption of certain food items with reduced risk for some types of cancer, the belief of the medicinal value of herbs, and the concept that natural products are nontoxic. In spite of the interesting results from many laboratory studies, very few phytochemicals have been shown to be effective cancer preventive agents in humans. In this article, studies on vitamin E and tea polyphenols are used to illustrate some of the progresses and challenges in this area of research. Vitamin E is a nutrient, whereas tea polyphenols are not nutrients. Both groups of compounds are known antioxidants. However, their cancer preventive functions involve many other biological activities and depend on the dose and specific forms of vitamin E or tea polyphenols used. 1 Vitamin E and cancer risk