Background : This study aims to determine the effect of adding modifications kontraplanar SWD applications, combined with a provision of ultrasound and traction oscillations shoulder toward Increasing Number of Range of motion (ROM), shoulder frontal plane and transverse On Frozen Shoulder Patients. Methode : The sample taken is the installation of physiotherapy patients Hospital physiotherapy Mintohardjo Navy Hospital, Jakarta totaling 14 people who are selected based on purposive sampling techniques were then divided into two intervention groups using the assessment tables are available. This was a kind of quasi-experimental research to determine effect of an intervention undertaken to research object. This research ststistik analysis used t-test to determine the effect of therapy related to the research sample at the same treatment group, and independent t-test as a test to compare differences between control and treatment groups. Result : Based on the results of independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference in effect between the intervention and traction oscillations Ultrasound Ultrasound and shoulder with shoulder with the addition of traction oscillations SWD kontraplanar modification application on Frozen Shoulder condition with P = 0.070 for the frontal plane and P = 0.185 for field trasnversal (P> 0.05). The intervention ultrasound and traction oscillations shoulder or shoulder ultrasound and traction oscillations with the addition of the modification application kontraplanar SWD had shown to increase due to frozen shoulder ROM, which can be used as an effective intervention selected that can be applied and developed in frozen shoulder condition . Keywords : frozen shoulder, traction oscillations, ultrasound, application kontraplanar SWD, ROM.


Two equivalent of 4-methyl thiosemicarbazide was reacted with 2,6-diformyl-4-methyl phenol to give the new pentadentate ligand H3L type N2S2O {where H3L= 4-methyl-2,6Bis[4-methyl thiosemicarbazonyliden]-phenol. Also complexes of the ligand of H3L in general formula [M HnLX] where M=Ni, Cu, n=2, X=Cl, y=0; M=, pd , Zn, Cd and Hg ions , n=3, X=0, y=+2 were prepared. All complexes and ligand have been characterised by spectroscopy methods {IR, UV-Vis, H, C, H-C NMR spectroscopy}, atomic absorption, microanalysis of elements (C.H.N), along with conductivity measurement. From the above data, the proposed molecular structure for Ni and Cu ions are octahedral, pd complexes is square planner, while Zn ,Cd, Hg complexes are forming distorted tetrahedral. Introduction Various transition and inner-transition metal complexes with bi-, tri-, and tertradentate Shiff bases containing nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms play important role in biological systems and represent interesting models for metalloenzymes, which efficiently catalyst the reduction of dinitrogen and dioxgen (1,2). Schiff base derived from condensation of thiosemicarbazide with carbonyl compounds have been reported as complexing agents for various transition metal ions. Thiosemicarbazone moiety without substitute attachted to the thiol sulfur coordinates as either neutral or anionic (N, S) bidentate Ligand depending on the method of complex preparation , when an additional coordinating functionality is presented in the proximity of the donating centers, the ligands bind in atridentate manner N N S, O N S. This occurs with either the neutral molecul or the monobasic anion upon loss of a hydrogen from N. If the additional functionality can also lose a proton phenol group, anions of greater negative charge are formed. There are instances reported. However, where the hetrocyclic atom and the azomethine nitrogen are involved in bidentite coordination, and the sulfur atom is considered not be coordinated, weakly coordinated to the same metal center or coordinated to an adjacent metal center. In (2005) Chandra and co-worker reported the synthesis and charactrisation of 2methyl cyclohexanon thiosemicarbazone [MCHTSCL] 2-methylcyclohexannon N(4) methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone [MCHTSCL2 ] ligands, and their complexes with Mn (II), Co( II) and Ni(II) ions. This paper reports the synthesis and characterissation of anew ligand type N2S2O derived from the reaction of two equivalent of 4-methyl thiosemicarbazide with 2,6 diformyl -4-methyl phenol and it s complexes with Ni, Cu, Pd, Zn, Cd, and Hg.


The article proceeds from the hypothesis that Bengal was peripheral to the main Brahmanical zone, and that many religious beliefs and ritualistic practices existed there, probably in much diversity, before Brahmanism established its dominance. Brahmanism absorbed, modified and unified the local cults. The article takes the cult of the Goddess Maṅgalacaṇḍī as an illustration of how it is specific to Bengal and drew on various local rituals and beliefs in goddesses locally prevalent previously, but now regionalised. The cult as it was being formed was also sought to be accommodated in the Punāṇic framework: thus Bengal was given its particular cults, while preserving its place in the Brahmanical world.


Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Early detection and accurate diagnosis of mucosal cancer is desirable in order to achieve decreased mortality; cause‐specific survival of patients with early gastric cancer is reported to exceed 95%. Endoscopy is the functional modality to detect early cancer; however, the procedure is not definitive when using conventional white‐light imaging. In contrast, magnifying narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI), a novel endoscopic technology, is a powerful tool for characterizing gastric mucosal lesions because it can visualize the microvascular architecture and microsurface structure. To date, many reports on the diagnosis of early gastric cancer by M‐NBI, including multicenter prospective randomized studies conducted in Japan, have been published in peer‐reviewed international journals. Based on these published data, we devised a proposal for a diagnostic strategy for gastric mucosal cancer using M‐NBI to simplify the process of diagnosis and improve accuracy. Herein, we recommend a diagnostic algorithm for early gastric cancer using magnifying endoscopy.


3 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Background 5 2.1 History of data analytics 5 2.2 Significance of data analytics 6 2.3 Review of traditional business intelligence solution 7 3.0 Statement of the Problem 9 3.1 Demonstrating the features and capabilities of IBM Watson Analytics. 9 3.2 What kind of questions can IBM Watson Analytics answer? 9 3.3 Compare IBM Watson Analytics with other tools in decision making. 10 4.0 Business Component 10 4.1 Decision making in business 10 4.2 Benefits of IBM Watson Analytics 11 4.2.1 The case of PensionBee 11 4.2.2 The case of Mondi 12 4.3 Cost analysis and implementation time 16 5.0 Technology Component 19 5.1 How is IBM Watson Analytics work? 19 5.2 Using IBM Watson Analytics analyze airline survey 20 5.3 How to access the system 21 6.0 Results 29 6.1 Demonstrating the features and capabilities of IBM Watson Analytics. 29 6.1.1 Features 29 6.1.2 Capabilities 30 6.2 What kind of questions can IBM Watson Analytics answer? 30 6.2.1 Building questions 30 6.2.2 Add special keywords to build question 32 6.3 Compare IBM Watson Analytics with other tools in decision making. 33 6.3.1 SAS Visual Analytics 33 6.3.2 Salesforce Analytics 34 7.0 Conclusions 35 8.0 Future Research 37 Data Analytics Helps Business Decision Making Jiang 2


Abstract : The central focus of the effort on this project has been the development of analog VLSI circuit models intended for use in distributed, model-based control of vibrations for flexible structures. The availability of piezo strain elements and memory alloys has created the possibility for actively controlled composite structures in which actuation is integrated with the structure. The advances in miniaturization of analog VLSI circuits allow analog models, controllers, and observers to be embedded directly on flexible structures with little increase in weight 1, 2, 3. Thus, a chip model of a substructure could be integrated directly into the controller and embedded in the substructure with the actuation. The research presented in this report has involved designing analog models of flexible structures for applications involving sophisticated embedded control applications.


A considerable number of patients with Alzheimer‐type pathology begin with various types of psychiatric symptoms. In discussing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer‐type dementia (ATD), psychiatric symptoms other than memory impairment must be considered. There is no obvious neuropathological boundary that distinguishes dementia from non‐dementia. In fact, although Alzheimer‐type pathology of MCI corresponds mainly to Braak's stage I or II, it has a wide range extending from Braak's stage I to V or VI. Difference in compensatory ability and environmental factors among individuals seem to affect the mental state more extensively than previously thought. MCI manifests most frequently in Braak's stage I and II (transentorhinal stage) and its Alzheimer‐type pathology is almost confined to the hippocampal region. Although the degree and distribution of senile plaques vary in each patient, the cerebral isocortex is virtually free from degeneration. There is discrepancy between the corresponding neuropathology and hypo‐metabolism in the posterior cingulated cortex (PCC), which is regarded as an important finding for the early diagnosis of ATD. In PCC, hypo‐metabolism seems to precede that morphological change especially in its premorbid or early period of ATD. The state of MCI could also occur in other diseases causing dementia, among which tangle‐only dementia is particularly notable. The characteristic of tangle‐only dementia is the gradually progressive, persistent pathological memory impairment with relative preservation of personality and cognitive function. These characteristics meet the criteria for MCI. Thus, tangle‐only dementia should be taken into account in patients who exhibit MCI but do not progress to the development of dementia over a prolonged period.


Abstract The nonbreeding period represents a significant part of an Afro‐Palearctic migratory bird's annual cycle. Decisions such as whether to remain at a single site and whether to return to it across years have important effects on aspects such as survival, future breeding success, migratory connectivity, and conservation. During this study, we color‐ringed 337 common Whitethroats Curruca communis and undertook daily resightings to understand site persistence and the degree of site fidelity throughout three nonbreeding periods (November–April) in Nigeria. The probability of detecting a color‐ringed Whitethroat when it was present was 0.33. Site persistence varied widely across individuals (1–165 days) and did not differ significantly with sex or year, though first‐year birds remained for significantly shorter periods than adults. We believe that shorter residencies are likely due to the use of multiple stationary nonbreeding sites rather than low winter survival. A minimum of 19% of individuals returned to the study site the following year and shifted, on average, 300 m, suggesting that Whitethroats have a relatively high degree of between‐years site fidelity at a very fine scale. An individual's previous residency duration did not seem to determine its residency duration the following year. We suggest that spatial fidelity is high and constant through years, but temporal fidelity is not, and individual residency patterns vary, probably according to yearly and seasonal conditions. Our results highlight the complexity of the annual cycle of a single species and the importance of carrying out in situ, fine‐scale research throughout a migrant's annual cycle over several years.


Abstract : Modulation considerations for the design of a real-time space/earth television link were treated. To illustrate two extremes of transmission possibility, the baseband signal was assumed: (1) digitally encoded and modulated on a carrier as binary PCM/PM; and (2) analogue modulated as wideband FM. Standards of quality established for the design of each system were then used to estimate receiver power requirements. The performance and complexity of these two approaches were then reviewed with parameters typical of a moon mission. In comparing the digital to the analogue approach, it was found that the analogue system was superior in all respects, e. g., simplicity, reliability, and spacecraft power. Identical comparisons as the foregoing were necessary to establish the modulation techniques for Telstar and Relay, the world's first wideband communication satellites. It is not surprising, therefore, that these satellites utilize analogue wideband FM with frequency-following receivers.


It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the normative base of cardiac valve's dimensions for cardio-surgical practice. The normative base allows: 1. To assess the degree of deviation from the normal value; 2. To eliminate disproportion between the altered dimension the normal value during the correction of a congenital heart defect; 3. To predict the results of surgical correction as well as its impact on the development of the heart after surgical intervention, which is especially important for the pediatric population; 4. To assess the efficacy of a surgical correction during the follow-up. However, it remains unclear, which morfomentric normative base should be used for the assessment of cardiac valves. Morphometry can be performed on fixed as well as non-fixed preparations. Methods of measurement differ from one study to another. Many publications, especially those that are devoted to congenital heart defects, contain normative data in control group only. Usually, due to the specific aim of a given study, this group is not large and includes a narrow age range. Normative values of cardiac valves for children are most thoroughly presented in the work of Schulz DM et al. [1]. The authors performed morphometry on 1845 preparations of non-fixed pediatric hearts of different age groups starting from prenatal period to 15 years of age. They performed statistical analysis of data that are distributed according to age and gender. The study by Capps SB et al. [2] presents diameters of semilunar valves corresponding to different values of body surface area. The study by Falc AA et al. [3] for fetuses and children below the age of 17 is performed on fresh preparations; and despite the absence of statistical analysis, is relevant because the material (199 preparations) is carefully selected and prepared for morphometry. Moreover, all data are presented in accordance with age and gender.


Recent results from the H1 and ZEUS collaborations on inclusive single and multiple jet productions in neutral current deep inelastic scattering of electrons/positrons on protons and high energy photoproduction on protonsat HERA are reported. The procedures for jet analysis are briefly described and the experimental results are compared with NLO QCD calculations. Determinations of the strong interaction coupling constant α s from these jet measurements are discussed.


A novel strategy for the representation and manipulationof distributed documents, potentially complex andheterogeneous, is presented in this paper. The documentunder the proposed model is represented in a hierarchicalstructure. Associated metadata' describes the flexiblehierarchy with the scope of dynamically restructuring thetree at runtime. All useful functionals can also be includedwithin the hierarchy to minimize reliance on externalprograms in manipulating sensitive data. Thisgives the proposed model two key properties: generality(capable of representing any document format includingfuture innovations) and autonomy (non-reliance on externalprograms). The model also allows incorporation ofadditional features for security and access control. Biometricperson authentication measures are introduced. Abrief example illustrates the key ideas.


Background: Maternal unpreparedness in facing childbirth is one of the factors causing the high MMR,which is 306 per 100,000 live births in 2019. 90% of maternal mortality occurred around delivery and 95%of the causes of death were obstetric complications that were often not predicted beforehand. At the time ofdelivery, if obstetric complications are found and the mother does not understand the preparations neededfor delivery, the mother does not get appropriate and timely services, resulting in three delays in referrals.This study aims to describe the knowledge of primigravida pregnant women about preparation for childbirthin Wonorejo Village, Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency.Methods: This type of research is quantitative descriptive, the research location is in Wonorejo Village,Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency, the total sample is 30 people, with the sampling technique usingsaturated sampling. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire. The data analysis used was univariateanalysis.Results: The knowledge of primigravida pregnant women about preparation for delivery was in the moderatecategory as many as 21 respondents (70%).Conclusion: Most of the primigravida pregnant women had sufficient knowledge, namely 21 respondents(70%).


We read with interest the article by Krishnan et al. (1) reporting the healing of acute wounds in type 2 diabetic patients versus control subjects. The authors also reported the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-R2, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in intact skin biopsies from …


Does it mean anything?-Leo Steinberg, 'Jasper Johns: the First Seven Years of His Art', 1962It is one of the great idees recues in the history of contemporary art that Jasper Johns is difficult to interview. Despite his otherwise affable rapport, he is alleged to stonewall his interlocutors by blocking their efforts to find meaning in his artworks and intentions. He has given many interviews in the course of his career.1 These dialogues contain plenty of parry and joust that, at first glance, appear to yield very little insight. In what Michael Crichton dubbed the 'Johnsian conversation',2 the reader routinely encounters the sort of exchange that the late Leo Steinberg fictionalized in his now canonical essay on Johns in 1962.3 The interview, as Steinberg later acknowledged, was not transcribed from an actual dialogue, but rather was 'patched together' from conversations between artist and critic.4 Steinberg noted: 'The made-up answers were shown to Jasper, and when he agreed, "Yes, I could have said that", the catechism was sealed'.5 This exchange is tucked into the essay and follows Steinberg's reflection on the crisis at the time in modernist criticism induced by Johns' ordinary subjects such as targets, flags, alphabets, and light bulbs. In his subsequent discussion of those subjects, Steinberg pressed his faux interview with the artist into service. He wrote:When you ask Johns why he did this or that in a painting, he answers so as to clear himself of responsibility. A given decision was made for him by the way things are, or was suggested by an accident he never invited.Regarding the four casts of faces he placed in four oblong boxes over one of the targets:Q: Why did you cut them off just under the eyes?A: They wouldn't have fitted into the boxes if Yd left them whole.He was asked why has bronze sculpture of an electric bulb was broken up into bulb, socket, and cord:A: Because, when the parts came back from the foundry, the bulb wouldn't screw into the socket.Q: Could you have done it over ?A: I could have.Q: Then you liked it in fragments and you chose to leave it that way?A: Of course.The distinction I try to make between necessity and subjective preference seems unintelligible to Johns.6Noteworthy here are tone and substance. Steinberg's doubt is as rhetorically strategic as the exchange is contrived.7 He later admitted that he played the part of the 'slightly bewildered stooge' so as 'to convey a sense of Johns' far-out position'.8 This send up of the artist's apparently rote method reveals Steinberg's unspoken premise that Johns is, in fact, fully conscious of the ways that meaning operates in his work but reluctant to engage in the interpretive enterprise that it invites. If Johns' failure to directly respond to the question 'Does it mean anything?' (posed twice in the opening paragraphs of Steinberg's essay), then the exercise of interviewing Johns is a dead end. Or is it? If the interviewer's intended quarry is insight into the meaning of Johns' art, then what is to be learned from Johns' interviews?9Quite a bit, I would argue, provided the reader is prepared to countenance meaning that is both explicit and elusive in Johns' work and that it often emerges out of processes that attend both the making of the work and the manner in which it is viewed.10 For his part, Steinberg offered a useful model of inquiry. In his essay he identified a discrepancy in the critical reception of Johns' work. Some critics argued that Johns meant for his ordinary subjects to be visible whereas others believed that they were chosen for their invisibility. Steinberg declared this critical discrepancy 'a heuristic event'.11 He thereby invoked an empirical method by which a problem could be explored rather than explained. In this case, it sent the viewer back to the work of art to dislodge the discrepancy. Articulated in this way, Steinberg identified an opportunity for the viewer to re-think a critical impasse by checking back in with the artwork that generated it. …


We apply a theory (Böhm et al 2006 AIP Conf. Proc. 850 111, 2007 Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 21 2055) developed recently on dynamic two-pair fluctuations to layered systems, such as electrons in semiconductor hetero-structures or He on graphite. The theory fulfils the zeroth and first frequency moment sum rule. Results are presented for the static effective particle–hole interaction, the dynamic structure function and the dispersion of the plasmon.


Point Defect Engineering (PDE) using high-energy ion bombardment can be used as a method to inject vacancies near the surface region with excessive interstitials created near the end of the projected range deep inside the substrate. We demonstrate that PDE not only suppresses transient enhanced diffusion of B in Si caused by implantation-induced defects, but also suppresses boride-enhanced diffusion normally associated with a high B concentration layer. With PDE, we can retard B diffusion, sharpen boron profile and increase B activation. An enhancement of substitutional ratio of B was observed by aligned nuclear reaction analysis. By drive-in diffusion of B from a surface deposited layer, the concept of boron diffusion control was used as an approach to form sub-10 nm ultrashallow junctions in Si.


Excerpt The relative efficacy of Clonidine and methyldopa, each combined with a diuretic, was studied in 41 outpatients with moderately severe or severe hypertension. The antihypertensive effect of...


Scoping is the process of defining and prioritising the issues to be covered in environmental impact assessment. It is the foundation for effective environmental impact assessment, of which Assessment of Environmental Effects is one, project-based, variant. In the Resource Management Act (RMA) context, inadequacies in scoping can be shown to lead to poor assessment of effects, inadequate consultation, and requests for further information. This can result in a difficult, sometimes attenuated, and often more expensive consenting process.


Fifty one pregnant women have urinary tract infection were tested to isolate the organisms and to test action of carrot juice in curing the infection. In this study Escherichia coli accounts for 54.9% of infections. Other gram-negative rods such as Proteus spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae are also common. Gram-positive organisms such as group B streptococci and Staphylococcus spp. are less common causes of UTI. By drinking of carrot juice from the patients about 7 days (200ml three times daily), 78.43% of women have been recovered. The antibacterial study revealed the role of carrot juice in the inhibition growth of bacteria, 18mm inhibition zone has been reported against E. coli, 23 mm in case of Proteus spp., 12 mm in case of K. pneumoniae and group B streptococci, and less than that in case of Staphylococcus spp. These results may be reveal to more safety of using carrot juice during pregnancy from the using of any antibiotic that can not be use during primary stages of pregnancy. Because of the long list of chemical constituents and their activities, yet the active material of carrot against these bacteria can not be known.


NGOs are the driving forces behind the efforts at presenting identities, aspirations and positions, and promoting socio-economic and cultural development in various communities throughout Middle East societies. Due to the lack of effective state initiatives that support the interests and address the basic needs of certain social groups, NGOs from all kinds of backgrounds (religious, educational, women, labor, charitable, cultural) have taken up such a role in an attempt to fill the vacuum and meet the needs. In the past two decades, NGOs have evidently become a crucial component of Middle Eastern civil societies, especially as the governments are still reluctant to establish real democratic structures and are increasingly unable to allocate resources to a variety of problem areas, such as education, housing, health care, day care, productivity and unemployment.


The article presents all the steps needed to form an innovative teaching methodology for specialized translation texts according to the principles of information literacy and the contribution of a social bookmarking tool (Diigo) in the practice of translation. It describes the process followed within an online learning community aiming at indexing terminology sources as well as creating a personal repository of terminology sources which can be mutualised to all members of the learning community and a community of practice in the future. ΕΛΕΤΟ – 9 Συνέδριο «Ελληνική Γλώσσα και Ορολογία» Αθήνα, 7–9 Νοεμβρίου 2013


In the preface, Altmeyer confesses he has made no attempt "to analyze the long range economic, social and political forces at work." He sought, rather to discuss those immediate problems and policies which necessarily preoccupy the administrator. Similarly, the concluding chapter ("The Years Ahead") primarily deals with the work of tidying up the Social Security Act to make it a more effective instrument for achieving its original purposes. Unfortunately, the author does not seek to place today's law in the context of the historic transformations which prompted the Ad Hoc Committee on the Triple Revolution to make such drastic recommendations. If Altmeyer had chosen to back away from the Act he administered so long and so well, and evaluated the relevance and adequacy of social security's basic premises in the world of tomorrow, his conclusions and logic would have commanded unusual interest. Or does total immersion in a program over a long period of time create a perspective and a defensiveness which ineluctably disqualify one for such a task?—REO M. CHKISTENSON, Miami University (Ohio).


Multiple shell fusion targets for use with electron beam and ion beam implosion systems are described. The multiple shell targets are of the low-power type and use a separate relatively low Z, low density ablator at large radius for the outer shell, which reduces the focusing and power requirements of the implosion system while maintaining reasonable aspect ratios. The targets use a high Z, high density pusher shell placed at a much smaller radius in order to obtain an aspect ratio small enough to protect against fluid instability. Velocity multiplication between these shells further lowers the power requirements. Careful tuning of the power profile and intershell density results in a low entropy implosion which allows breakeven at low powers. For example, with ion beams as a power source, breakeven at 10-20 Terrawatts with 10 MeV alpha particles for imploding a multiple shell target can be accomplished.


The line between ROVs and AUVs continues to blur, with 'smart' ROVs taking on more autonomous functions and AUVs in the works that can perform light intervention. Russell McCulley talks to industry experts about the current crop of underwater vehicles and how offshore demand is shaping the next generation.


Lithochrysa borealis sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Nothochrysinae) is described from the early Eocene locality at Driftwood Canyon (British Columbia, Canada). The forewing venation of the new species is similar to that of the late Eocene L. wickhami (Cockerell, 1914) from Florissant (Colorado, U.S.A.), but is distinguished from it by a slightly longer intramedian cell and distinctly longer branches of RP to CuA between the pseudocubitus and the posterior margin.


It is popular to discuss low energy physics in lattice gauge theory ill terms of the small eigenvalues of the lattice Dirac operator. I play with some ensuing pitfalls in the interpretation of these eigenvalue spectra. In short, thinking about the eigenvalues of the Dirac operator in the presence of gauge fields can give some insight, for example the elegant Banks-Casher picture for chiral symmetry breaking. Nevertheless, care is necessary because the problem is highly non-linear. This manifests itself in the non-intuitive example of how adding flavors enhances rather than suppresses low eigenvalues. Issues involving zero mode suppression represent one facet of a set of connected unresolved issues. Are there non-perturbative ambiguities in quantities such as the topological susceptibility? How essential are rough gauge fields, i.e. gauge fields on which the winding number is ambiguous? How do these issues interplay with the quark masses? I hope the puzzles presented here will stimulate more thought along these lines.


Pro-active message's delay tolerant networks DTNs are based on the usage of mobile code to obtain messages that contain their own routing code. This architecture allows applications to use the same network in different ways. The keystone of this type of heterogeneous network is a collection of contextual and application-related information that it is stored in every node and accessed by the messages' routing code. Access to that information must be protected in order to make the whole architecture feasible; the operation of the network has to be secure, and attacks of information poisoning have to be avoided. We propose an identity-based access control system for pro-active message's DTN based on tools that are available in DTN networks, like symmetric key encryption and hashes. Our system grants confidentiality and integrity to the contextual information and solves the question of messages needing to use distributed information stored in nodes to route properly. The proof of concept of identity-based access control in a certain kind of application demonstrates the feasibility of the proposal. The comparison between our proposal and other access control systems shows that identity-based access control is the only system that fits well with the special characteristics of pro-active message's DTN. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Random electromagnetic fields (REF) exist in all forms and one common origin is a result of the interaction of coherent fields with randomly inhomogeneous media. This coherent light-matter interaction is a complex interference process leading to fields with strong fluctuations in intensity, fields that are most commonly known as speckle. A simple way to describe the intensity speckles is to consider the superposition of waves originating from discrete centers as a result of scattering. Different scattering regimes may vary from "single scattering" specific to most surface scattering to different degrees of multiple scattering characteristic to the interaction with three-dimensionally disordered media. When one single polarization component is analyzed, i.e. when the speckle field is measured through a polarizer, the intensity contrast often reaches unity. This is the case of the so-called fully developed speckle pattern, a manifestation of interference between a large numbers of wavelets with uniformly distributed random phases. This is a rather universal behavior present in scattering from a variety of media ranging from metallic rough surfaces to diffusive materials. However, the distribution of polarization states in REF is much richer and nonuniversal properties are to be expected. Most importantly, it is anticipated that the polarization properties of REF corresponding to different scatting regimes will depend greatly on the strength of the scattering process. For instance, it is likely that when the wave interaction is dominated by single scattering processes, a fully developed speckle pattern will occur but the REF polarization will strongly resemble the incident state of polarization. On the other hand, when the interaction is subject to strong multiple scattering, the scattered field remains locally fully polarized but its state of polarization will vary from point to point. When the scattering process is completely diffusive, universal distributions emerge for the polarization parameters. It is therefore of interest to examine in detail the relation between the degree (order) of scattering and the polarization properties of the resulting REF. Distribution Statement This is block 12 on the SF298 form. Distribution A Approved for Public Release Explanation for Distribution Statement If this is not approved for public release, please provide a short explanation. E.g., contains proprietary information.


Complete list of warranties by vendors table of cases table of statutes history and function of warranties and indeminities parties rights and liabilities general points relating to warranties taxation warranties property warranties typical long commercial warranties disclosure letters deeds of indemnity warranties, undertakings and indemnities by purchaser.


Institutional theory suggests that organisational survival depends not just on material resources and technical information but also on an organisation's perceived legitimacy (Powell & DiMaggio, 1991). Aconferred status, organisational legitimacy is controlled by those outside the organisation and thus relies on the organisation '5 maintaining Q coalition of supportive stakeholders who have
legitimacy-determining power (Pfeffer & Salancik, 1978). Organisational action and communication can build a legitimacy reservoir and defend such a reservoir in times
of crises. This paper explores how the organisational actions and communication strategies of James Hardie Industries, in dealing with claims from past employees and
customers regarding the company's products, have impactedon the organisation's legitimacy. Media reports will be examined using Suchman's (1995) three types of legitimacy-pragmatic, moral, and cognitive-to identify the main focus of organisational action in defending the challenge to its legitimacy. The implications of this challenge for future relationships between the organisation and key stakeholders
will be examined.


Recent reports from CCRC, Community College Research Center (Hughes& Scott-Clayton, 2011; Scott-Clayton, 2012) have raised questions about the validity of placement tests. These authors all repeat a common mistake made too frequently in the literature. They attempt to assess the validity of placement tests by measuring the predictive validity, specifically correlating measures of achievement, such as placement test scores, with student success measures, such as course grades or GPA. These recent reports all misunderstand that a placement test is a measure of achievement and, therefore, using predictive validity is the wrong approach to evaluate a placement test- A Placement test is a basic skills achievement test that measures skills proficiency (e.g., in reading, writing and/ or mathematics^ The purpose of a placement test is to assist entering college students to select appropriate beginning courses aligned with their skill set. A placement test is not a test that should be used to predict success in college courses or in college itself. Placement tests assess the skills or proficiencies of the students at the time of the testing and should be used with multiple variables as an integral part of a counseling/advising process to place students in beginning college courses.These articles and recent reports do point out legitimate concerns about how colleges misuse placement tests (e.g., using one test score within a rigid cut score process for placement and ignoring the standard error of measurement). These articles also make recommendations about appropriate testing and placement practices, such as providing opportunity for students to become familiar with the purpose and consequences of assessment and placement as well as the kinds of questions asked on the test. It is also recommended that students be given an opportunity to practice, review, and even take mini-courses before taking the placement test. Other worthwhile recommendations include using multiple variables within a well-designed counseling/advising system administered by trained professionals as well as opportunity for reasonable retesting. Placement decisions should not be made solely on the basis of one score on one test.Given that using predictive validity is inappropriate in evaluating achievement tests including placement tests, what would be appropriate? A generally accepted concept is that a test should be evaluated in the context of both the test itself and how it is used (Messick, 1995). This includes a professional content evaluation of the test by curriculum and faculty experts of what the domains, content, and standards of the test should be and what they are. The placement test content should adequately sample and represent the kinds of skills/proficiencies that a student should have to be ready to handle the reading, writing, or math skills needed for beginning college courses. …


The high temperature anhydrous interaction between copper(II) acetylacetonate Cu(acac)2 and NH4Y was investigated to prepare a chlorine-free CuY catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl carbonate. When a physical mixture of Cu(acac)2 and NH4Y is heated from ambient temperature to 230 °C, Cu(acac)2 firstly sublimates and then is adsorbed immediately onto the surface of the Y zeolite. Simultaneously the ion exchange between Cu(acac)2 and NH4Y occurs at about 174 °C. During the activation process from 230 to 500 °C, the exchanged Cu2+ is reduced to a Cu+ active center, and the adsorbed and unreacted Cu(acac)2 on the NH4Y surface decomposes to nano-CuO. For NaY zeolite, no solid state ion-exchange occurs between Cu(acac)2 and NaY during the heat treatment and only CuO exists on the Cu/NaY catalyst surface. While for HY zeolite, there is less ion-exchanged Cu+ in the supercages. The Cu/NaY catalyst has no catalytic activity and the Cu/HY catalyst exhibits lower activity than the Cu/NH4Y catalyst. Strong evidence is provided that during heat treatment, a solid state ion-exchange between Cu(acac)2 and NH4Y occurs and makes more of the Cu+ located in the supercages accessible to reactants.


At first glance, Anna Broinowski's latest documentary may seem to be taking the piss out of North Korea's ostensible backwardness and its Dear Leader's cinematic sensibilities. In reality, however, it reveals the humanity shared by Korean and Aussie, and the power of film to influence our thoughts and feelings, writes Anthony Carew.


1 DOI: 10.37398/JSR.2022.660101 Abstract:The Malanjkhand copper deposit is formed due to hydrothermal processes by scavenging metals from the surrounding granitoids. Present study is based on the field observations, quartz recrystallization texture, ore petrography and stress-strain measurements using High-Resolution X-ray Diffractometry (HRXRD) techniques. Field investigation and quartz recrystallization texture suggest that extensively deformed quartz reef has under gone multiple episodes of tectonic activitiesthat experienced external stress between 12 MPa to 386 MPa in the shallow crustal level. Inhomogeneous strain localization with variable magnitude measured on the quartz samples from the Malanjkhand, up to 2×10με was recorded along 45 to 75 from normal to the strike of the quartz reef due to external stress. The measured strain-rates in the quartz reef have higher values than the geological strain-rates within the range 1.78×10 s at 250 C to 1.74×10s at 400C. The long-term crustal scale multiple episodes of tectonic events that lead to the development of CIS also show their imprint on the ore bearing quartz reef that results ingrowth of the arcuate shape at the Malanjkhand copper deposit.


Whatever in time of Cold War or post-Cold War, the Middle East region that possesses plenty of energy and occupies exceptive geopolitical position has been one important part of U.S. global strategy. According to historical clues and logical relations of origin of U.S. Middle East Policy, its interests and its policy to Middle East in cold war and post-cold war, "the theory of analyzing U.S. Middle East policy" has offered after systematic carding, examining and analyzing whole. And also, "the coordinate system for examining U.S. Middle East policy" established many years ago, has proved valid and effective. In post-cold war time, the Middle East has become "connect point" and "under-prop" with irreplaceable in U.S. global strategy emphasis namely "Strategy of Europe-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific", forming a strategic posture as "dumbbell" and echo each other at a distance, thereby strengthening strategy of Europe-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific. After the Cold War, U.S. has launched three wars with great influences: Gulf war, Afghanistan war and Iraq war, it further attests to that the United States has the great interests in the Middle East which can not be easily abnegated. And also shows that this area is an important stage which the United States could achieve its strategic goal across the world.


This article offers an exposition of Karl Barth's actualistic reorientation of the Augustinian notions of original sin and the bondage of the will in § 60 and § 65 of Church Dogmatics IV/1–2. Barth redefines human nature as a total determination of the human being (Sein/Dasein) "from above" by the covenantal history of reconciliation. Human nature as such remains totally intact in the historical state of sin. The human being, however, is also determined "from below" by the Adamic world-history of total corruption. With this dialectical construal of sin and human nature, Barth redefines original sin as the radically sinful activities and decisions that determine the confinement of human beings to the historical condition of fallenness. Barth also challenges the famous Augustinian account of the bondage of the will to which original sin gives rise, and uses the present active indicative to express his actualistic reorientation of the Augustinian notion of the bondage: "non potest non peccare".


We observed the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 509 for ~59 ks with the Chandra high-energy transmission gratings, simultaneously with HST/STIS and RXTE. Here we present a detailed analysis of the soft X-ray spectrum observed with Chandra. We measure strong absorption lines from He-like Ne and Mg and from H-like N, O, and Ne. Weaker absorption lines may also be present. The lines are unresolved except for Ne X Lyα (λ12.134) and Ne IX 1s2-1s2p (λ13.447), which appear to be marginally resolved. The profiles are blueshifted with respect to the systemic velocity of Mrk 509, indicating an outflow of ~-200 km s-1. There is also a hint that the profiles may have a velocity component near systemic. The soft X-ray spectrum can be described in remarkable detail with a simple, single-zone photoionized absorber having an equivalent neutral hydrogen column density of 2.06 × 1021cm-2 and an ionization parameter of log ξ = 1.76 (or log U = 0.27). Although the photoionized gas almost certainly is comprised of matter in more than one ionization state and may consist of several kinematic components, data with better spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio would be required to justify a more complex model. The UV data, on the other hand, have a velocity resolution of ~10 km s-1 and can easily detect eight kinematic components, covering roughly the same velocities as the X-ray absorption profiles. Even though the X-ray and UV absorbers share the same velocity space, the UV absorbers have a much smaller column density and ionization state. We show that models of the X-ray data do not predict significant UV absorption and are therefore consistent with the UV data. Finally, we do not detect any soft X-ray emission lines.


The preterm diaphragm is structurally and functionally immature, potentially contributing to an increased risk of respiratory distress and failure. We investigated developmental changes in contractile function and susceptibility to fatigue of the costal diaphragm in the fetal lamb to understand factors contributing to the risk of developing diaphragm dysfunction and respiratory disorders. We hypothesized that the functional capacity of the diaphragm will vary with maturational stage as will its susceptibility to fatigue.


Imaging system - having a dipole aperture (2), the two along a dipole axis (y) at a distance of juxtaposed apertures (2b) and - a mask with mask structures (20, 23) for the manufacture of semiconductor structures (10 ', 13') on a wafer (15 ') by means of imaging the mask (25) to the wafer (15'), and wherein - for imaging the mask (25), the dipole aperture (2) is provided, and - the mask (25) for producing the main semiconductor structures (10; 10 ') on the wafer (15') main mask structures (20) parallel to a plane perpendicular to the dipole axis (y) extending imaging axis (x) which is characterized, in that is formed at least one at least partially inclined to the dipole axis (y) oriented link mask structure (23 ') on the mask (25) connecting at least two main mask structures (20) together.


To offer support for relevant studies by elaborating the concept and operational mechanism of industrial Product Service System(iPSS),the current research of iPSS was summarized.Besides,the concept and execution logic of iPSS were defined in detail.The iPSS was classified according to contributions of service to production capacity generation.iPSS and its similar concepts were discriminated from the perspectives of service object,location,mode,etc.The key techniques,including iPSS operation mode and process modeling,iPSS production capacity modeling,and iPSS service value-added analysis were presented.The function as well as interrelationships of each technique were also analyzed.Furthermore,the current research on these key techniques were described,and future research trend was discussed.


In the Internet, it is supposed that all connections are treated equally in the network. Due to the limitation of network resources are limited, providing guarantees on performance measures imposes declining new connections if resources are not available. Assigning network resources to connections according to their classes requires differentiating between the connection classes. For this reason, the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) has been proposed. Many of the QoS mechanisms have been developed which allow different services carried by the Internet to co-exist. Many of these mechanisms were both complex and failed to scale to meet the demands of the Internet. MRED is the common mechanism used in DifJServ routers. It suflers from large queue length variation and untimely congestion detection and notification. These consequences cause performance degradation due to high queuing delays and high packet loss. In this project, enhanced version of MRED is developed to improve the performance of Diffserv networks that use TCP as the transport layer protocol. Enhanced MRED includes average packet arrival rate when computing the packet drop probability. Enhanced MRED showed a good pedonnance compared to that of MRED, in term of fast congestion detection and notification. The limitation of the new mechanism is that it works only with responsive
connections which play a big role in avoiding and controlling the congestion. The major contribution of this project is to provide an improved queue management mechanism for Diffserv networks that responds to congestion more quickly, delivers congestion notification timers, and controls the queue length directly to congestion which results in minimizing queue length variation. All these would help improve the DlffServ networks performance.


Abstract By using suitable synthetic procedures, we have first isolated the square‐planar organosilver(III) compounds [PPh4][trans‐(CF3)2AgX2] [X=Cl (1 a), Br (2 a)]. The geometry and stereochemistry of the chloro‐derivative 1 a have been unambiguously established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) methods. Following our calculations on the relative stability of the cis‐/trans‐[(CF3)2AgX2]− couples (X=F, Cl, Br, I), the experimentally obtained compounds 1 a and 2 a appear to be kinetically favored stereoisomers. They display some tendency to associate an additional X− ligand affording rare five‐coordinate AgIII species [(CF3)2AgX3]2−. Interestingly, compound [PPh4]2[(CF3)2AgBr3] (3) has been identified by SC‐XRD methods as the first AgIII derivative with trigonal symmetry in general and trigonal bipyramidal geometry in particular. This unusual five‐coordinate species also exhibits inverted ligand field.


In the Research Article previously titled "Gender Representation Among Physician Authors of American Academy of Neurology Clinical Practice Guidelines" by Ross et al.,1 several changes were made after online-first publication of the accepted manuscript before final publication. The article title was revised, along with the titles of Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Wording changes were made throughout the article, along with the additions of new paragraphs in the Results and Discussion, an eAppendix, the "Subanalysis of AAN Developed PGs" subsection, and Figure 5 in the Results. The authors regret the confusion.


The designing work of the Japanese LCT coil was begun based on the cold end recovery criterion. But, as the result of research and development work on the conductor's cooling surface, the completed coil was estimated to be in the unconditional recovery region more stable than the cold end one. This is verified in this paper by the results of the domestic test and the detailed analysis. The estimated current margin at the nominal operating condition is about 22%.


Through the optimization of fixation alkaline agent in reactive printing,the alkaline agent N is used to substitute common soda.The result shows that it can resolve a series of quality defects resulted from the problem of soda dissolution.


Objectives: To investigate the consumption and the frequency of meat and milk and its products in Lhasa in 2002. Methods: Using the Food Frequency Questionnaires(FFQ) in the 2002 Tibet Nutrition and Health Survey to analyze the consumption and the frequency of consumption in the last 1 year. Results: The consumption of pork, beef and mutton, poultry and animal intestines were 26.2g, 63.4g, 11.4g and 1.2g, respectively. The frequency per week of pork, beef and mutton, poultry and animal intestines were 3.1, 5.8, 1.4 and 0.4, respectively. The consumption of milk, powdered milk, cheese and yogurt were 22.9g, 23.0g, 27.8g and 19.9g, respectively. The frequency per week of milk, powdered milk, cheese and yogurt were 2.1, 4.2, 4.1 and 1.2, respectively. Conclusions: The consumption of beef and mutton were higher than other meats. The frequencies of consumption of powdered milk and cheese were higher than milk and yogurt in Lhasa in 2002.


ONE ACCEPTED METHOD FOR THE THICKNESS DESIGN OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS IS THAT OF THE U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS BASED ON EVALUATION OF THE STRENGTH ACCORDING TO THE CBR SCALE. SINCE THIS METHOD OF THE U.S. CROPS OF ENGINEERS IS PARTICULARLY SUITED TO THE CALCULATION OF PAVEMENT THICKNESS FOR RUNWAYS, THERE IS SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD OF EXTENDING THIS METHOD FOR USE IN DETERMINING THE THICKNESS OF HIGHWAY PAVEMENTS. OBVIOUSLY SUCH AN EXTENSION SHOULD INCLUDE HIGHWAY PAVEMENT THICKNESS CALCULATION FORMULAE EQUIVALENT TO THOSE OF THE U.S. CROPS OF ENGINEERS AS A SPECIAL CASE WHILE ALSO PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATE METHOD OF CALCULATION FOR MIXED TRAFFIC, WHICH IS THE ACTUAL CASE ON THE ROADS. THIS PAPER PRESENTS THE ABOVE MENTIONED EXTENDED FORMULAE AFTER FIRST DEVELOPMENT OF THE SETTLEMENT RELATIONS WHICH ENABLES THE REQUIRED TRANSLATION OF THE U. S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS METHOD TO HIGHWAY PAVEMENTS. THIS TRANSLATION IS DONE BY ASSUMING THAT THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SETTLEMENT IN HIGHWAYS IS 1.5 TIMES THAT OF RUNWAYS DESIGNED BY THE U.S. CROPS OF ENGINEERS. THE FORMULAE DERIVED BY THIS PROCEDURE GIVES VALUES WHICH ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THOSE OBTAINED BY MCLEADS METHOD AND BY FOSTERS METHOD. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ABOVE SETTLEMENT PRINCIPLE ENABLES ALSO CALCULATION OF THE PAVEMENT THICKNESS IN SUCH A CASE BY TRANSLATION OF THE MIXED TRAFFIC LOAD AND VOLUME INTO A SINGLE, EQUIVALENT UNIFORM LOAD, THE BASIS OF THE EQUIVALENCE BEING THE MAGNITUDE OF THE SETTLEMENT CAUSED BY EACH TYPE OF LOADING. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS SUGGESTED METHOD AND THE EXISTING METHODS OF CALCULATING THICKNESS FOR MIXED LOADS AND TRAFFIC VOLUMES, IS DUE TO THE ABOVE SETTLEMENT PRINCIPLE. /AUTHOR/


In order to choose main factors of soil nutrient affecting cherry tomato fruit quality, the soil nutrient content and total soluble solids(TSS) content of cherry tomato in different regions of Lingshui county in Hainan province was determined, with Millennium cherry tomato as material. The results showed that the TSS content in mature cherry tomato fruit was extremely significant positive to available potassium and exchangeable calcium content in soil, with correlation coefficients of 0.587** and 0.514**, respectively. The TSS content was significant positive to zinc content, with a correlation coefficient of 0.324*. And the TSS content showed extremely significant negative to copper content with correlation coefficient of-0.613** and significant negative to sulfur content with a correlation coefficient reaching-0.332*. In certain range of contents, the quality of cherry tomato fruit in Lingshui county could be improved through increasing the content of available potassium, exchangeable calcium and zinc in soil, as well as control copper and sulfur content.


In this article a versatile home control and monitoring system, specifically designed for applications of ambient assisted living, is presented. It implements features such as safety and security, enhanced communication, comfort control, health monitoring. In the development of this technology, particular attention was paid to reliability aspects, ease of use and configuration, at the same time aiming at low installation and maintenance costs. Significant results were achieved by using mainstream networking technologies. Moreover, such an approach is inherently open to further expansions toward telecare and e-health services. A pilot site exploiting the proposed technology has been implemented and provides validation of the proposed home automation and monitoring strategy.


Teaching medical undergraduates clinical theory courses is carried out by doctors from the teaching hospitals of medical colleges.The doctors,however,affected by multiple factors,are reluctant to do the job,which contributes to a poor teaching quality.In view of this situation,we tried to improve the quality and effectiveness of management of clinical theory courses teaching from three aspects: improving the teaching organization structure,instituting teaching incentive mechanism and constructing a system to guarantee the teaching quality.


Focusing on the problem of high user density in visible light communication ultra-dense networks (VLC-UDNs), this paper proposes a resource allocation method based on dynamic user priority. Firstly, this paper establishes a dynamic user priority measurement model, which realizes a multidimensional measurement for the differences among users. In the first stage, multi-dimensional features are selected dynamically with the change of network environment. In the second stage, the user priority calculation process is achieved through fuzzy logic (FL). Secondly, a throughput-maximizing resource allocation method with user priority guarantee is proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed multidimensional user priority model performs better than the conventional one-dimensional user priority model. In addition, the proposed throughput-maximizing allocation method outperforms the conventional proportion allocation method. The proposed resource allocation method based on dynamic user priority improves the system throughput against the conventional required data rate proportion allocation (RPA) method by 4%. Meanwhile, when the average blocking probability is higher than 0.45, it improves the proportion of satisfied users by up to 17.5%.


Objective To study the parotid function with quantitative rtechnetate salivary scintigraphy prior to and after radiotherapy for patients with nasopharygeal carcinoma (NPC) and to analyze irradiatiorn induced changes in relation to time interval following radical radiotherapy. Methods From April 2002 to April 2005, 35 histologically proven NPC patients were referred to receive radical radiotherapy. 26 patients were treated with IMRT (GTV 6 600 ~7 230 cGy/30~32fx/6~7w) and 9 patients with conventional radiotheraphy (tumor doses 7 200 cGy/36fx/7~8w) to the primary regions. The parotid scintigraphy was performed prior to radiotherapy and at the end of radiotherapy ,and every 6 months for 3 years after radiotherapy. After intravenous administration of 99M0-99mTcTc-370MBq/0.5ml, sequential-minute frames were acquired simultaneously. After 50 minutes, 200 mg of vitamin C were placed on the tongue to stimulate salivary excretion. Data were analyzed by computer and parameters including uptake rate (UR), excretion rate (ER) and excretion index (EI) were acquired. Results ER and EI decreased significantly after end of IMRT or conventional radiotheraphy. During the 3 years follow up period , obviously increase of ER and EI was observed. The ER and EI of IMRT were higher than those of conventional radiotheraphy more than 6 months after radiotherapy. Conclusion Parotid function decreased significantly after conventional radiotheraphy and IMRT and increase was observed during the 6 months follow up time. It would contribute to improve of the quality of life of the patients if the patient were accepted IMRT.


Push-pull is a stimulo-deterrent diversionary approach to managing Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in sugarcane, whereby an indigenous repellent grass, Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv (Cyperales: Poaceae), is planted between sugarcane fields, while attractant plants provide alternate oviposition sites (Conlong and Rutherford, 2009; Rutherford and Conlong, 2010). The attractant plants used in this system are Bt maize, which has been shown to be more attractive to egg-laying moths than sugarcane when maize plants are old and carry large amounts of dry leaf matter (Keeping et al., 2007), and two species of indigenous sedges of the genus Cyperus. Cyperus papyrus L. (Cyperales: Cyperaceae) and Cyperus dives Delile (Cyperales: Poaceae) are the indigenous host plants of E. saccharina which grow in wetlands throughout the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. A diagram of the push-pull system which is prompted within an IPM framework by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is provided in Chapter 4 (Figure 4.1).


The aim of this research is to find out the attitudes and the perceptions of the undergraduate students in a private higher institution in Malaysia, towards making video recording specifically video blogging (vlogging) to enhance their speaking skill in the target language – English. This research is also carried out to determine the advantage(s) and disadvantage(s) of using vlog for similar purpose. A quantitative design was employed in this study where a questionnaire was used to elicit data. The questionnaire touched on students' attitudes and perceptions towards the use of vlogging in enhancing their speaking skills. The overall findings showed that the university students agreed that using vlogging can improve their English-speaking skills to a certain extent.


The relation between host and parasite is frequently so intimate as to impress upon the reactants behavioral alterations persisting beyond their association. Enhancement of virulence for one host compared to another by "adaptation" is an example of host-parasite interaction familiar to virologists. For bacteriophage, several mechanisms are known or can be postulated to account for differences in virulence between virus infecting a cell and virus produced by a cell. Virulence here is defined as relative plaque-forming efficiency. Modification of virulence of resulting viral populations could involve: 1) non-hereditary host-induced modification of a bacteriophage by its previous host (Luria and Human, 1952; Bertani and Weigle, 1953); 2) hereditary hostinduced modification of infecting virus; 3) hereditary modification by host-selection for particular mutants; or 4) changes in the constitution of the viral population resulting from induction by a superinfecting virulent virus of a temperate virus carried by a lysogenic host (Rountree, 1956). This diversity of modifying mechanisms is possible for the microbial cell-phage system because gross production of virus by a single host cell represents 6-8 intracellular generations, each susceptible to alterative or selective influence by the host. This paper is concerned with the observation that the relative virulence of streptomyces phage WSP-3 for a particular host depends upon the prior host, and with analysis of the origin of this host-influenced variation in virulence.


Methionine is an essential amino acid that is incorporated into protein and is also the primary methyl donor for transmethylation reactions via S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), SAM is demethylated to S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) with the majority of methyl groups either being transferred to DNA or used for synthesis of creatine (CR) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). SAH is converted to homocysteine (HCY) which can be oxidized or remethylated back to methionine by the methyl donors folate and choline (via betaine). 4–8 d old neonatal piglets were fed a diet devoid (n=8) or replete (n=7) of these methyl donors. After 5 d, dietary methionine was reduced to 80% of requirement. On day 8, animals received a constant infusion of [3H]methyl‐methionine for 6 h to measure flux to PC, CR, and DNA. Methyl deficient pigs had a lower SAM/SAH ratio and higher plasma HCY (p<0.05). Methylation to CR, but not PC and DNA, was lower in methyl deficiency, suggesting this methylation reaction is most sensitive to methyl supply. Moreover, methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to PC tended to be higher with methyl deficiency suggesting this pathway is upregulated when choline is deficient. Severe restriction of remethylation in piglets reduces methionine availability for creatine synthesis. (CIHR funded).


Abstract This cave in the Sierra Madre Occidental was excavated to obtain information from a little-known region which might help clarify problems of Mexican-Southwestern contacts. The excavation produced ten burials with associated mats and blankets, only a few artifacts, and both cultivated and gathered plant remains. Stylistic elements of Mogollon and Casas Grandes pottery and the cultivated plants suggest a beginning date of A.D. 1000; the lack of European artifacts, a terminal date of 1600. The death complex is interpreted by analogy with modern Tarahumara practices. The use of the cave is described in terms of a series of events and episodal analysis is presented as a way of operationalizing the conjunctive approach.


Bin collections remain unaffected this bank holiday weekend in the South Northamptonshire; however the council offices at The Forum will be closed on Bank holiday Monday.


Learning a predictive model of the mean return, or value function, plays a critical role in many reinforcement learning algorithms. Distributional reinforcement learning (DRL) methods instead model the value distribution, which has been shown to improve performance in many settings. In this paper, we model the value distribution as approximately normal using the Markov Chain central limit theorem. We analytically compute quantile bars to provide a new DRL target that is informed by the decrease in standard deviation that occurs over the course of an episode. In addition, we propose a policy update strategy based on uncertainty as measured by structural charac-teristics of the value distribution not present in the standard value function. The approach we outline is compatible with many DRL structures. We use two representative on-policy algorithms, PPO and TRPO, as testbeds and show that our methods produce performance improvements in continuous control tasks.


a. A resin preparation for coating by cationic electrodeposition. b. A resin was prepared for coating by cationic electrodeposition by reacting 1. a polyisocyanate with a polyol and 3. 2. a monofunctional blocking agent, in a molar ratio such that there is an excess of isocyanate groups compared to all hydroxyl groups of the polyol and functional groups of the monofunctional capping agent to give an intermediate a having isocyanate groups; and reacting a tertiary amine having at least two hydroxyl groups with the Intermediary A in a molar ratio such that there is an excess of hydroxyl groups of the tertiary amine to isocyanate groups of intermediate A; and cationizing the reaction product B result. c. Including protection of metals.


The shift of the emitted frequencies towards lower frequencies during a solar outburst is usually interpreted as due to a progressive rarefaction of the emitting gas. If one assumes that the emitted frequency is identical with the plasma frequency and furthermore that the density of the emitting plasma is similar to the density of the solar corona at the location of the radiating material, then it follows that this material is subject to an acceleration throughout the solar corona which compensates or exceeds the effect of the gravitational field of the sun.


No impending development holds greater potentialities for affecting fish and wildlife than plans sponsored by the U. S. Army Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation for manipulating the streams of the Nation. If consummated, these water development progra ns will govern the kind and amount of fish and wildlife over much of our country and will have far-reaching effects on the life and economy of our people. These effects will arise from profound and permanent changes in the environment.


Dr. Cameron Turner is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering with a research interest in the foundations of design across multiple disciplines. Dr. Turner earned his Ph.D. at the University at Texas in 2005, focusing on Surrogate Model Optimization for Engineering Design. He also holds an MSE from the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on robotics, and a BSME from the University of Wyoming. He has more than 13 years of experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and in 2009 accepted a position at the Colorado School of Mines. From 2009-13, he directed the Engineering Design Program at CSM, covering the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as well as the BS Engineering program.


A key element of recent assertions of cold fusion'' has been the claim that electrochemical loading of deuterium into Pd electrodes can produce D:Pd levels exceeding 1:1. Using external beam nuclear reaction analysis of Pd foil electrodes in operating electrochemical cells, we have directly monitored deuterium content in-situ. No conditions were found which resulted in loadings higher than {approximately}0.9. 15 refs., 5 figs.


gation was made to determine which portion of the midbrain is involved in the control of ovulation and the proestrous surge of gonadotropins and prolactin (PRL) by placing various transections in the rat brain, and their effects were evaluated by comparison with those under other hormonal conditions. Wistar male rats and females showing two consecutive regular 4 day estrous cycles were used for the experiments. Blood samples were taken through an indwelling atrial cannula without anesthesia, and serum LH, FSH and PRL were measured by radioimmunoassay. Bilateral lesions in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were made by applying 2.5 mA of DC current for 20 sec through a platinum electrode. In order to cut the neural element in the three different portions of the midbrain, a small knife of bayonet shape was used. The following results were obtained: (I) Bilateral lesions in the VTA made in the morning of proestrus, which destroyed more than 50% of the bilateral sides of the VTA, blocked ovulation in 5 out of 10 animals (P<0.05), delayed the peak of the proestrous surge of FSH and PRL by 2 hrs, and signifi-


The interaction between a nanostructured metal and a semiconductor can lead to advantageous enhancement of the emission properties of the semiconductor, which is important for light-emitting diode applications. Herein, we present a study of the interaction between ZnO nanoparticles (3 nm) and two types of gold nanostructures: 10-nm particles and 50-nm-thick films. Photoluminescence emission measurements were performed to characterize the effects of the gold on the emission properties of ZnO and to study the dependence of the interaction on the structure of Au. Stearic acid Langmuir–Blodgett layers were introduced onto the film to control the distance between the noble metal and the semiconductor. The largest (12-fold) enhancement in the emission intensity due to plasmonic coupling was observed for a continuous Au film with one spacer layer, that is, a 2.2-nm distance between the metal and the ZnO.


This thesis describes a resolution based theorem prover designed for users with little or no knowledge of automated theorem proving. The prover is intended for high speed solution of small to moderate sized problems, usually with no user guidance. This contrasts with many provers designed to use substantial user guidance to solve hard or very hard problems, often having huge search spaces. Such provers are often weak when used without user interaction. Many of our methods should be applicable to large systems as well.
Our prover uses a restricted form of locking resolution, together with an additional resolution step. Pending resolvents are ordered using a priority-based search strategy which considers a number of factors, including clause complexity measures, derivation depth of the pending resolvent, and other features.
Also described are transformations that convert formulas from one to another. One is a nonstandard clause-form translation which often avoids the loss of structure and increase in size resulting from the conventional translation, and also takes advantage of repeated subexpressions. Another transformation replaces operators in first-order formulas with their first-order definitions, before translation to clause form. This works particularly well with the nonstandard clause-form translation. There is also a translation from clauses to other clauses that, when coupled with some prover extensions, is useful for theorem proving with equality. The equality method incorporates Knuth-Bendix completion into the proof process to help simplify the search.
Some implementation methods are described. Data structures that allow fast clause storage and lookup, and efficient implementation of various deletion methods, are discussed. A modification of discrimination networks is described in detail.


This paper describes the current state of an on-going survey that aims at determining the needs of users with respect to available and potentially available Language Resources (LRs). Following market monitoring strategies that have been outlined within the Language ResourcesPackaging and Production project (LRsP&P LE4-8335), the main objective of this survey is to provide concrete figures for developing a more reliable and workable business plan for the European Language Resources Association (ELRA) and its Distribution Agency (ELDA), and to determine investment plans for sponsoring the production of new resources.


The requirement of higher storage density in hard disk drives is pushing the head-to-media spacing(HMS) to become ever smaller. Currently, thermal protrusion at the transducer that is realized by the heating element in dynamic fly-height(DFH) sliders can be used to control the HMS by applying controllable electrical power. Thus, just how low the slider can fly stably and reliably using the DFH technology is a major concern for the hard-drive industry. This article describes a test for evaluating the flyability and durability of the head–disk interface(HDI) at desired and ultrasmall clearance using DFH sliders. Through such a test, the HDI flyability and durability at 1-nm clearance were examined using commercial DFH sliders with two specially designed air-bearing surfaces(ABSs). The possibility of stable and durable on-track flying at 1-nm clearance for optimized DFH sliders was demonstrated in an ambient environment.


Many recent studies of ecological speciation have focused on "magic trait" scenarios, in which divergent selection on viability traits leads inextricably to corresponding divergence in mechanisms, especially mate recognition systems, that facilitate assortative mating. Speciation however may also proceed via other scenarios, such as when populations experience directly se- lected or random divergence in mate recognition systems. The relative contributions of magic trait versus other scenarios for speciation remain virtually unexplored. The present study aims to test the relative contribution of the magic trait scenario in the divergence of populations of the medium ground finch Geospiza fortis of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. First, we assess differ- ences in G. fortis song between a northern population (Borrero Bay) and a southeastern population (El Garrapatero), differences that we propose (along with other within-island geographic song variations) have arisen via scenarios that do not involve a magic trait scenario. Pairwise comparisons of raw and composite (PC) song parameters, as well as discriminant functions analyses, re- veal significant patterns of song divergence between sites. Second, we test the ability of territorial males at Borrero Bay to dis- criminate songs from the two sites. We find that G. fortis males can discriminate within-island song variants, responding more strongly to local than to "foreign" songs, along 3 raw and 1 composite response measures. Third, we compare these findings to prior data sets on song divergence and discrimination in Santa Cruz G. fortis. These comparisons suggest that song divergence and discrimination are shaped less strongly by geographic sources than by morphological (beak-related) sources. We thus argue that interpopulation song divergence and discrimination, fundamental elements of assortative mating in Darwin's finches, can be fos- tered in early stages of divergence under magic trait as well as alternative scenarios for speciation, but with more emphasis on the


should be torn apart, division into two is worthless. For people who divide in this way necessarily separate and tear apart; some of the many-footed things are among the land-dwellers, while some are among the water-dwellers. (642b10–19, Lennox trans.)


The appearance of the official Pharmacopeia of the United States XII, and the National Formulary VII (November 1942) warrants the presentation of a few items of interest to dermatologists. The description of calamine and neocalamine from the official texts should remove for all time the ancient ideas regarding the character of these preparations. The early texts gave less simple definitions for the calamine of the pharmacy. Prior to 1914, there may have been some form of calamine available with special chemical characteristics. But the description of prepared calamine as "calcined zinc carbonate" really meant zinc oxide, for the process of calcining drove off the carbon dioxide and left the oxide form of the zinc. Whether calamine (prepared) or neocalamine (prepared) is utilized, the only ingredient is zinc oxide slightly and variously colored with some form of iron rust. The color of the neocalamine is a closer match to that of


PRE POST CASE PATIENT HISTORY • Lena is a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis who is in clinic today because her daughter reports her mother "is not herself; she sits in her chair a lot and stares into space" • When asked if she knows where she is, she says, "The clinic, but I don't know why I'm here on Sunday" (it is Wednesday) • Over the past 12 months, her Child-Pugh score increased from 6 to 8, and her last esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed small esophageal varices


The work presented here discusses a new technique for preparing silk fibers and films with persistent antimicrobial activity through use of metallic dyestuffs during the fiber dyeing process. The length of the silk fibers investigated contracted when the fibers were immersed in concentrated neutral salt solutions, such as calcium or potassium nitrate, at elevated temperature levels. The birefringence and molecular orientation of the silk fibroin molecules became less ordered by the action of the neutral salt solutions, resulting in increased dyestuff absorption. Subsequently, contracted silk fibers were dyed with metallic dyestuffs containing Cr or Cu for the purpose of obtaining silk fibers with antimicrobial activity. Silk fibers dyed with metallic dyestuffs showed significant antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogen Cornebacterium and the human pathogen Coli bacillus. Tensile strength of the silk fibers after the salt shrinking and dyeing processes did not show a significant change, whereas the elongation at break was increased slightly. The techniques described here for preparing significantly active antimicrobial silk fibers are effective and economic ways of providing new materials for industrial and biomedical applications. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1181–1188, 2002


Shogunate's foreign policy could not adapt to the new situation.so that Japan was facing numerous crises.and ultimately the shogunate was overthrown.In order to get out of the difficult positions and establish its new image at home and abroad.the Meiji government began to carry out positive diplomatic actions.So Japan began to seek to establish diplomatic ties with China.This is its first active diplomatic action.and also it is the starting point for change in Japan's diplomatic style.This process contains positive factor and promotes Japanese government to make changes.The formation of this active diplomacy style(which is different from Shogunate's foreign policy) is not only linked to Meiji but also closely linked to Japanese culture.


The unimolecular decomposition of large polyatomic hydrocarbon (120 and 1000 modes) and protein (540 modes) molecules and molecular ions is investigated by applying RRKM, effective RRK (ERRK), and Arrhenius models. It is found that the calculated values of the RRKM unimolecular rate coefficients, k(E), agree well with fragmentation lifetimes of molecular ions in a mass spectrometer. Calculations of the effective number of modes at a given temperature and excitation energy together with ERRK expression for k(E) yield values which are similar to those calculated by RRKM


Objective:An HPLC method for the quantitative determination of chlorogenic acid in Coriandurm seed was investigated.Method:The sample was extracted with 50% methanol solution and then analyzed by HPLC.The operating conditions were Hypersil-ODS column(6.0 mm×125 mm ,5 μm)at room temperature,mobile phase of methanol-0.4% acetic acid(25:75)at 1.0 mL·min~(-1) and UV detection at 328 nm.Results:There was a good linear relationship between the area of chlorogenic acid and the mass of sample in the range of 0.015-0.106 μg for chlorogenic acid.The corresponding regression equation was Y=9903.85X+12.72,r=0.9996.The average re- covery was 98.3% (n=3).Conclusion:This method is simple,specific and accurate.


Objective: To determine the effect of visfatin on blood lipid levels in balb/c strain of albino mice. Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at the department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad from April to December 2007. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty balb/c strain albino mice were procured from NIH, Islamabad. After taking base line blood samples, mice were divided randomly into four groups. Animals in groups I and II were made obese by feeding high fat / high carbohydrate diet whereas mice in Groups III and IV were induced diabetes mellitus by injecting streptozotocin. Groups I (obese) and III (diabetic) served as controls whereas groups II (obese treated) and IV (diabetic treated) were administered visfatin injection. Terminal intracardiac blood sample was used to measure the serum lipid and visfatin levels. Results: Serum lipid levels were found increased in obese and diabetic groups as compared to healthy mice. The administration of recombinant-histidine soluble (mice) visfatin significantly (p< 0.01) decreased the serum lipid levels with concomitant increase in HDL levels (p< 0.01) in obese and diabetic groups of mice and were comparable with baseline normal values of healthy controls. Conclusion: Visfatin is a potential antilipidemic adipocytokine that probably modulates insulin sensitivity and decreases atherogenic lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL) with concomitant increase in HDL in obesity and diabetes mellitus.


The conclusions of fieldwork by geomorphologists are increasingly being based on statistical methods of interpretation of samples. In this task, it is imperative that the research worker should take the optimum number of items in a sample for his work; a larger sample size than is necessary is a waste of resources, while a sample that is too small will inhibit the derivation of any meaningful conclusions from the sample data. The optimum sample size is a function of three variables: the amount of information wanted about the "population" or "populations" from which the sample(s) came, the amount of confidence desired in the conclusions, and the variability within the individual populations. The last of these is usually an unknown to the research worker in geomorphology. As a consequence, it sometimes results in a prior investigation to determine this or, not uncommonly, in the undertaking of the main research without any real knowledge about the optimum sample sizes. As a preliminary to a main research project, data have been acquired on the variability of a selection of characteristics within individual valley-side slopes. It is felt that this information ought to be of sufficient interest to future workers on valley slopes that it is displayed here for their benefit. An important conclusion stemming from this set of data is the rather obvious, but, nevertheless, often overlooked, one that the optimum sample size will differ for different characteristics of the same population.


Monolithic transdermal films of Fenoprofen were prepared to avoid hepatic first pass effect by using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) by solvent casting method. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was used as plasticizer. D-limonene and oleic acid were used as permeation enhancers. The formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, thickness uniformity, weight uniformity, drug content uniformity and water vapour transmission rate. In further study the effect of permeation enhancers on in vitro drug release from the films was studied by using Keshary-Chein diffusion cell. Permeation parameters like diffusion rate, permeability coefficient, flux, enhancement ratio and permeability rate were determined. The films containing HPMC showed more permeation than films with EC. The monolithic film made up of HPMC with 10%w/w d-limonene showed better in vitro permeation through rat skin. In vitro permeation of fenoprofen from the films was diffusion controlled and followed zero order kinetics. The transdermal film that showed better permeation was subjected for in vivo studies and it showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity statistically significant at P<0.05. It was concluded that the above transdermal drug delivery system could be useful to treat chronic pain and inflammation in arthritis.


Species of Psilocybe collected in Yunnan Province in southwest China were identified using both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and nrLSU sequence data. Six phylogenetic species were recognized among the studied collections. In this paper, Psilocybe ruliensis is introduced as a new species , while Psilocybe keralensis is new to China, P. aff. fasciata is new to Yunnan and P. chuxiongensis is recollected in Yunnan Province. The remaining two phylogenetic species are not described or detailed due to the paucity of the material. The four species appear to be endemic to Asia.


The intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity of MoS2 is an important aspect in the design of MoS2‐based nanoelectronic devices. We investigate the lattice dynamics properties of MoS2 by first‐principle calculations. The intrinsic thermal conductivity of single‐layer MoS2 is calculated using the Boltzmann transport equation for phonons. The obtained thermal conductivity agrees well with the measurements. The contributions of acoustic and optical phonons to the lattice thermal conductivity are evaluated. The size dependence of thermal conductivity is investigated as well.


New institutional theory has been criticized, for describing institutionalization as a static qualitative state rather than a process. In this paper we provide an extended understanding of the process of institutionalization by replacing the mechanical concept of diffusion by the concept of translation and an analytical model of "travel of ideas". Analyzing the field material from three cases of translation of ideas in the Swedish health care sector we have traced not only various homogenizing but also heterogenizing processes which reproduce organizational ideas, models, and practices. In the paper we thus suggest and discuss how name, form, and practice can be seen as different expressions of an idea through which organizations can be homogenized or heterogenized in an institutional process.


The rs28599926 polymorphism in the microRNA-1268a (miR-1268a) has been reported to correlate with tumor carcinogenesis; however, its role in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma (DIA) has not yet been evaluated. Here we conducted a hospital-based case-control study, including 163 DIA cases and 189 age-, sex-, and racematched healthy controls, to assess the association between rs28599926 polymorphism and DIA risk and prognosis. Genotypes were tested using TaqMan-PCR technique. We found a significant difference in the frequency of rs28599926 genotypes between cases and controls. Compared with the homozygote of rs28599926 C alleles (rs28599926-CC), the genotypes with rs28599926 T alleles (rs28599926-CT/-TT) increased DIA risk [odd ratios, 3.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.19-5.31]. Furthermore, this polymorphism modified the overall survival and recurrence-free survival of DIA patients [hazard ratios (95% CI), 3.25 (2.14-3.79) and 2.52 (1.67-3.79), respectively]. Additionally, rs28599926 polymorphism was not only associated with tumor dedifferentiation of DIA, but also modified the effects of temozolomide treatment on DIA. These results suggest that miR-1268a rs28599926 polymorphism may be associated with DIA risk and prognosis.


Liquid-phase vacuum sintering was used to densify four carbide groups. These were titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, and zirconium carbide. The liquid phase consisted of nickel with additions of molybdenum from 6.25 to 50.0 wt.% at doubling increments. The liquid phase or binder compromised 10, 20, and 40 wt.% of the pressed powders. The specimens were tested using three-point bending.


The dissertation describes a method for registration and model-based analysis of transaortic valvular flow ultrasound images. The image analysis is do


The utility model relates to a medical instrument, in particular to a bone nail with a replaceable nail cap. The bone nail comprises the nail cap, a nail body and a nail groove which is formed in the upper surface of the nail cap. The nail body is fixed on the lower surface of the nail cap which is fixedly connected with a standby nail cap. A spring clamping block is arranged at the side end of the nail cap. A clamping groove is formed in the side end of the standby nail cap. The nail cap is fixedly connected with the standby nail cap by the fact that the spring clamping block is clamped into the clamping groove. When the bone nail is used, under the situation that the bone nail cap is damaged, the nail cap is added for nail taking, therapy time cannot be delayed, and accordingly medical staff can take out the bone nail conveniently and quickly.


Polysulfone main chains have been functionalized with hypersulfonated aromatic side chains where the sulfonic acid groups were highly concentrated on a local scale, with two acid groups placed on the same aromatic ring. This molecular design was implemented to promote the nanophase separation that takes place in proton‐exchange membranes between the hydrophobic polymer main chain and the hydrophilic ionic groups responsible for the water uptake and conduction. Morphological investigations revealed that polysulfones functionalized with disulfonaphthoxybenzoyl or trisulfopyrenoxybenzoyl side chains contained larger and more uniform ionic clusters, as compared to conventionally sulfonated polysulfones where the acid groups are dispersed along the main chain. Membranes based on the polymers carrying hypersulfonated side chains formed efficient networks of water‐filled nanopores upon hydration, which facilitated excellent levels of proton conductivity exceeding that of the commercial Nafion membrane at moderate water uptakes.


Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease caused by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils in the heart muscle. Tafamidis, currently the only approved drug for the treatment of ATTR-CM, demonstrated reduced mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalisations in the Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT). Real-world data in patients with ATTR-CM, including patient characteristics, are scarce. Here we analysed the baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in an expanded access programme (EAP) for tafamidis. Initiated in 2018, this tafamidis EAP allows access to tafamidis for patients who have exhausted all standard-of-care options and are not eligible for a clinical trial.

 To examine baseline characteristics of patients with ATTR-CM enrolled in a tafamidis EAP.

 All patients enrolled in this tafamidis EAP from the start (May 2018) until November 2020 were included. To be eligible for inclusion, patients had to have documentation of the following: genetic testing for transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR sequencing); ATTR-CM diagnosis, including the criteria used; exclusion of light chain amyloidosis; and current medical/cardiac status, including New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. Patients were grouped for analysis purposes in the following NYHA classes: I–II, >II–III, and >III–IV.

 A total of 700 patients (88.7% male) from 20 countries were enrolled over 2.6 years. Mean age was 76.2 years in males and 76.6 years in females. Of 518 patients with a recorded genotype, 87.5% were wild-type (89.6% male) and 12.5% hereditary (73.8% male). In males and females, respectively, mean age was 77.0 and 79.4 years in wild-type patients, and 66.2 and 69.3 years in variant patients. The NYHA class distribution is shown in the Figure. The greatest proportion of patients was considered NYHA class I–II. The proportion of patients considered NYHA class I–II was lower in the first half of the data collection period (Months 0–15, 55.3%) compared with the latter half (Months 15–30, 59.4%). In 254 patients with baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) data, the median NT-proBNP level was 2784.5 pg/mL (NYHA class I–II, 2408.5 pg/mL; NYHA class >II–III, 3165.0 pg/mL).

 These are the first multi-country, real-world data evaluating baseline characteristics of patients with ATTR-CM enrolled in an EAP. It is of interest that, compared with the ATTR-ACT population, this patient group was older and had a greater proportion of wild-type patients. As a higher percentage of patients with less severe disease was enrolled in the latter half of data collection, these data also suggest a potential shift over time to earlier diagnosis of ATTR-CM. This analysis provides insight into the characteristics of real-world patients with ATTR-CM.

 Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Pfizer Figure 1. Baseline NYHA class distribution


Objective. The comparative analysis of surgical treatment results for progressive idiopathic scoliosis in children. Material and Methods. The study included 138 patients operated on using Rodnyansky and Harrington methods in different modifications and 52 patients — using two-plate endocorrector for multilevel fixation. Clinical, radiological, and mathematical methods of investigation were used. Results. The best correction of the spine was achieved in patients operated on using two-plate endocorrector for multilevel fixation. Among them patients of 11–13 years of age had better mean index of intraoperative correction of the spine, than patients of 14–17 years of age. Satisfactory indices of intraoperative correction in patients operated using Rodnyansky and Harrington methods in different modifications significantly reduced and minimum residual correction was preserved. Conclusion. Application of multilevel two-plate endocorrector significantly decreases spinal deformity in three planes, arrests its further progressing, reduces duration of hospital stay, saves patients from a prolonged bed rest, external immobilization, and additional surgical interventions.


Background/Aims: Since impaired glucose tolerance and iron overload are frequently demonstrated in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related liver diseases, in this study we investigated insulin resistance, pancreatic β‐cell function, i.e., insulin secretion, and serum ferritin levels in patients with HCV infection, especially non‐diabetic patients.


Objective: To know the predictors of successful outcome of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) other than described in Wilkin's scoring system. Methods: Two hundred fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled for this observational study in a tertiary care heart center of Pakistan who had Wilkin's score of ≤8. Patients with more than mild mitral regurgitation (MR) or had clot in left atrium were excluded. Bonhoeffer multitrack system was used as a default technique. PTMC was defined successful as achieving mitral valve area (MVA) of ≥1.5 cm2 with no more than mild MR. Results: Out of 258 PTMC procedures 197 were successful. Bonhoeffer multi-track system was used in ~94% cases. Among unsuccessful procedures, 41 patients did not achieve required valve area, 21 patients developed more than mild MR including those 8 patients who did not achieve required valve area and had more than mild MR. Bigger mean annulus size (33.5±2.6 versus 32.8±2.1 mm; p=0.02) and preprocedure MVA (0.93±0.1 versus 0.87±0.1 cm2; p=0.002) had significant effect on successful PTMC. Lesser mean preprocedure systolic right ventricular pressure on Echo (65.4±19.4 versus 75.3±18 mm Hg; p=0.000) and on cath (74±21.5 versus 81.5±24.6 mm Hg; p=0.002), lesser grade of left ventricular dysfunction (p=0.04) and tricuspid regurgitation on echo (p=0.003) also had positive effect on outcome. Conclusion: Greater height and built of the patient, bigger preprocedure mitral valve annulus size and mitral valve area, and better left and right ventricular hemodynamics are correlated with successful PTMC. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2014; 14(0): 000-000)


Due to the intermittency of solar photovoltaic (PV) power and fast fluctuations in the PV output power, very short-term PV power prediction is of paramount importance for efficient control of resources and units such as loads and energy storage systems and market regulation. As PV power is volatile and highly nonlinear, data-driven machine learning models are developed to predict PV power for a very short-term horizon. In this study, 10 previous samples (i.e., 50 minutes of data) are used as features to predict PV power for the current time and 5 next time periods (i.e., 25 minutes). Four machine learning techniques including Linear Regression (LR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, and long short term memory (LSTM) are utilized in this study. Metrics including the coefficient of determination (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) have been used to evaluate the performance of the developed machine learning models. Simulation results on a one-year dataset with a sampling resolution of five minutes indicate that the prediction accuracy of the proposed tuned machine learning methods is high and acceptable. The optimized RFR is found to be the best method in terms of computational performance and accuracy.