Soybean is cultivated in Europe as a GM free cultivation. In spite of a growing demand in identity preserved (IP) seeds and of the high environmental benefit of the soybean in the crop rotations,a great decrease of the soybean acreage has been observed in France and in Europe since 2002. That's why in 2007, Cetiom and Onidol, two bodies of the French oilseed crop organisation decided to carry out a comprehensive survey on the different actors of the soybean production chain from the farmers until the feed and food soybean users. The study showed that 12% of the total acreage is planted under organic farming and that most surfaces are still grown under IP process. It also highlighted that the decrease of soybean's surfaces till 2008 was mainly due to an insufficient economic competitiveness compared to other crops. The survey proved that the French production gained market shares between 2002 and 2007 for the soyfood industry supply (from 5 to 25% of the total acreage). The remaining production is processed in small or medium extrusion plants for the local animal raising. The needs of the industry were described in details showing that the main asset of the French production is the good control of the whole production chain, the high quality management by the farmers, the good protein content and shorter logistic chains compared to the imported soybean. For the future, the increasing environmental constraints and the larger demand of European soyfood industry but also of local high-quality feed and animal raising could lead soybean to recover between 100 000 and 150 000 hectares in France.


The CFS VG on food-systems and nutrition are of high importance for the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, and for achieving food security, improved nutrition and other related SDG targets. The added value needs to be to go steps further with the operationalization of the agreed ICN2 Framework for Action. Moreover, these voluntary guidelines need to build on and integrate the guidance adopted by other member state bodies of the UN system. This includes also the integration of relevant World Health Assembly guidance into the broader multisectoral context for enabling sustainable food systems supporting healthy diets and improved nutrition and health for all.


Chronic alcohol consumption, HIV infection, and anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) have independently been shown to impair whole body insulin responsiveness. Previous studies from our group have shown that skeletal muscle of CBA administered SIV‐infected (CBA/SIV) male rhesus macaques has upregulated ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway activity, enhanced pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and suppressed IGF‐I expression at end stage SIV infection. These findings suggest that CBA may impair insulin‐mediated anabolic responses at end‐stage disease. Whether systemic and skeletal muscle metabolic alterations are present at earlier time points of SIV infection or are affected by ART administration was not known. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CBA decreases whole body insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle during the asymptomatic stage of SIV infection in male rhesus macaques and proposed that this would be further aggravated by ART. CBA or sucrose (SUC) was administered intragastrically for 3 mos prior to inoculation with SIVmac251 and continued until necropsy. At 2.5 mos. post‐SIV infection, daily administration of ART (tenofovir and emtricitabine) was initiated in half of the SUC/SIV and CBA/SIV macaques. Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed to analyze glucose‐insulin dynamics, including acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), disposition index (DI), and insulin sensitivity index, using a homeostatic model. One week prior to necropsy, a controlled feeding protocol was performed with infusion of a Carnation breakfast supplement (9.283 mL/kg/h) beginning 1.5 hours after CBA or SUC administration, continued for one hour, followed by a quadriceps femoris biopsy. One week after the feeding protocol, fasted‐state muscle biopsy was collected. At study endpoint (14 mo CBA, 11 mo SIV) CBA/SIV macaques had a significantly reduced (p<0.05) AIRg and DI and circulating levels of adiponectin, relative to SUC/SIV macaques, irrespective of ART status. Western blot analysis of fasted‐and fed‐state skeletal muscle samples revealed a statistically significant increase in fed‐state PTP1B, a negative regulator of insulin signaling, in CBA/SIV relative to SUC/SIV macaques and irrespective of ART status. These findings suggest that CBA impairs insulin‐mediated effects in CBA/SIV macaques and warrant future studies elucidating the specific alterations in the insulin signaling cascade that are modulated by CBA.


SUMMARY An assessment of tolerance to water stress based upon measurements of cellular membrane thermostability and in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) was made using young leaves of sugar-cane (Saccharum officinarum L. commercial hybrids, Co 419, Co 740 and Co 1148) subjected to stress (51 to 61 d old) and subsequent hydration. An average reduction in leaf water potential (XlL) from -097 to - 191 MPa was associated with a decrease in NRA from 2-68 to 1-13 ,umol g f. wt-1 h-1, and an increase of the membrane injury from 30-8 to 70 9 %. A highly significant positive correlation between NL and NRA and a negative correlation between NL and membrane injury were demonstrated. As IVL declined, the concentration of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation product, doubled. Following rehydration, at 63 d, increases in NL and NRA were higher than those of membrane thermostability and malondialdehyde concentration.


Clinical sites have in their databases the names of many patients with specific conditions, and researchers have often requested direct access to those databases to get the names of potential subjects for their studies. They then contact those subjects to request their consent to participate in research. However, in getting the names of the potential subjects from the database, the researchers have received confidential information about the


The accepted principles of street lighting are reviewed in conjunction with the requirements of the British Standard Code of Practice for Street Lighting. British and oversea techniques and standards are compared, and some important recent experimental work and installations are described. These factors are used to assess the desirable trend of street lighting in the future.


ABSTRACT Objective: To report an unusual case of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) caused by undiagnosed pheochromocytoma in a pregnant subject with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Methods: We describe the clinical course and discuss the management of AFE in a patient with pheochromocytoma complicating NF-1 and present a review of relevant literature. Results: A 29-year-old female with a history of NF-1 presented with hypertension but no neurologic abnormalities. Pre-eclampsia and fetal dysfunction were diagnosed, and a cesarean section was performed. After it was completed, her oxygen saturation suddenly dropped, and an endotracheal intubation was performed. A watery discharge gushed out of the endotracheal tube. Whole-body computed tomography showed a left adrenal tumor (5-cm diameter). Two hours after admission to the intensive care unit, she developed ventricular fibrillation with cardiac shock. Direct current cardioversion, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, and intra-aortic balloon pumping were imme...


BOREHOLE LB-07A, BOSUMTWI IMPACT STRUCTURE, GHANA. L. Coney, W. U. Reimold, C. Koeberl and R.L. Gibson. Impact Cratering Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa (email@example.com), 2 Institute of Mineralogy, Museum for Natural History, Humboldt-University in Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, D-10099 Berlin, Germany (firstname.lastname@example.com), 3 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria (email@example.com).


The fine structure of the lines of the H2 spectrum was discovered by Richardson & Williams in 1931, and a short account of their observations was published in a letter to Nature at the time. Since then no further publication on the subject has appeared. The present paper represents the results of experiments and observations made during the last six years with improved apparatus, including the Royal Society's 40 plate reflexion echelon. About 250 lines at the red end of the visible spectrum have been examined and their fine structures photographed and measured. These include most of the important lines of the triplet systems 3p3Π → 2s3Σ and 3d3ΠΣΔ → 2p3Π, as well as important lines of the system 3s3Σ → 2p3Π and 3Y → 2s3Σ, together with some lines of the triplet system 3p3Σ → 2s3Σ. The singlets are represented by about 20 lines coming from the states 3d1Σ, 3d1Πd, 3s1Σ, 2s1Σ, 31K, 1M, and 1N and ending in 2p1Σ or belonging to the system 3p1Π → 2s1Σ. There is also a small proportion of unclassified lines. The present paper is limited to a descriptive account of the observations and the analysis and tabulation of the data obtained. The analysis of these data has already been carried out and the results will be published separately. The plate which reproduces a photograph of the crossed spectra of the stronger lines dealt with is the first published picture showing the fine structure under consideration.


For many years the low pressure mercury lamps are widely used in general lighting and ultraviolet radiation. Because of its strong 254 nm ultraviolet and 185 nm vacuum ultraviolet radiation, it has played a very active role in environment, agriculture and medical fields. In environmental treatments, 254 nm radiation has been used for disinfecting the air and water, while the 185 nm radiation is applied to the degradation of organic matter. In this paper, the 185 nm radiation of high output low pressure mercury lamp, with 80 cm in length, was measured in a customized vacuum chamber based on Keitz method. The radiant characteristics of the lamp was discussed, indicating that the 185 nm radiant efficiency reached the maximum of 11% at the cold spot temperature 70 °C while it is negatively related to the discharge current. KeywordsLow pressure mercury lamp; 185 nm radiation; Keitz formula; cold spot temperature; radiant efficiency.


Abstract The location of iron in five deferrated soil kaolinites and several reference samples has been investigated using chemical analyses, acid dissolution and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The iron of most of the kaolinites can be divided into a 'structural iron' content, measured by the amount of iron, dissolved at the same rate as aluminium by acid attack, and a 'resistant iron' content, which is concentrated with the residues. Integration of the geff~4 resonance bands of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra allows a semiquantitative estimate of the 'structural iron' in the samples. A multiple relationship seems to exist between the crystallinity index, the 'structural iron' content and the shape and intensity of both geff~4 and geff~2 EPR signals. The tropical soil kaolinites are a peculiar category with a high content of iron (>2% structural Fe2O3) fire-clay kaolinite, low crystallinity and a specific EPR spectrum exhibiting strong geff~4 resonance bands and no or weak geff~2 sharp doublet.


This work offers a comprehensive appraisal of the intercorporate liability for damages of the executive board vis-à-vis the stock corporation for a corporate antitrust fine. Given the nature of the field, this topic is likewise highly controversial and relevant in practice. Subsequent questions, in particular with regard to the possibility of limiting liability de lege lata and de lege ferenda, are answered. The legal issues dealt with in this work are not only situated at the interface between corporate liability, public sanctions and civil compensation law, but also address regulatory matters of the economic order.


On the basis of the practice of college teaching supervision,the experience of college gained in the teaching supervision is aggregated,and some ways are explored.


A multi-location remote controller with wireless remote control,which used to elevator well lighting was designed. The wireless remote control schematic diagram,objective graph,and its application circuit were given. The controller is simple to use and convenient to operate. It could be controlled flexiblly and it has high practical application value.


This article focuses on a circular economy tool, Regenerate, developed by the University of Sheffield, which can support the assessment of new and existing buildings.


Animal models used in vitamin K (VK) studies require VK tissue manipulation while maintaining adequate coagulation. To investigate this in a rodent model used for the study of VK on cartilage, male Sprague Dawley rats (3mo, n=20) were fed either a VK‐deficient diet [21.9±3.9 μg phylloquinone (PK)/kg, D group] or control diet (1035±131μg PK/kg, C group) following destabilization of the medial meniscus knee surgery. Bleeding (in feces) was observed in D group only when housed in wire bottomed cages for 3–5 d. The bleeding stopped once moved to conventional cages. Fecal samples (n=5 group) were obtained at 3.5 wk. In D group, PK concentrations were only 2% of that in C group. No menaquinone‐4 (MK4) was detected in feces in either group whereas MK6–13 concentrations were present in both (p=0.49). At 6 wk, no MK4 was detected in either D or C group in serum or liver; PK was detected in C group only. Kidney PK and MK4 concentrations were 3.4±2.6 and 39.1±3.7nmol/kg, respectively in D group, which were 24% and 50% of their respective values in C group. Our data suggest that conventional cages used with a VK deficient diet reduces PK and MK‐4 concentrations in tissues while avoiding abnormal bleeding. The biological availability of long chain MKs from feces is not known.


Abstract A numerical model of a 6-level, baroclinic ocean with a flat bottom and a regular coast line extending from 51.25S to 48.75N is integrated over 125 years of simulated time using a finite-difference analog of the primitive equations. The surface atmospheric conditions which drive the circulation, both mechanically and thermally, are prescribed and depend on latitude only. The numerical integration is done in two phases. In the first phase (100 years), the temperature is predicted from the complete thermal energy equation, while the equations of horizontal motion are linear and the vertical mean current is constant in time. In the second phase (25 years), the complete primitive equations are used, and the coefficients of eddy viscosity and eddy conductivity are reduced. Integration of the first phase produces western boundary currents in both hemispheres, a surface counter-current at 7N, an eastward undercurrent at the equator, and a narrow band of cold surface water along the equator which is main...


For scaled MOSFET devices, normal operation of devices is seriously affected due to static gate tunneling leakage currents with ultra-thin gate oxide of MOSFET, and the novel MOSFET devices based on strained Si are similar to bulk Si devices in the effects. To illustrate the impacts of gate leakage current on performances of novel strained Si devices, a theoretical gate tunneling currents predicting model by integral approach following the analyses of quasi-two-dimension surface potential is presented in this paper, and on the basis of theoretical model, performances of NMOSFET devices were quantitatively studied in detail using ISE simulator including different gate voltage and gate oxide thickness. The experiments show that simulation results well agree with theoretical analysis, and the theory and experimental data will contribute to future VLSI circuit design.


Chronic cough is one of the common symptoms of pediatric respiratory. The diagnosis of chronic cough is complicated, and the curative effect is not clear. At present, studies on chronic cough in children are still in the preliminary stage. This article summarized the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical treatment of chronic cough.

Key words:
Chronic cough; Children; Traditional Chinese Medicine


This paper presents the generic model of a student engineering organization. The model consists of the optimal structure and processes of the organization. Results of the research are based on the analysis of the experience of the creation, leading, and management of the student software engineering organization, called PNUdev, which functions at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. The model might be used for the creation of similar engineering organizations in different educational institutions and as a point of further research on the explored topic.


At present it is revealed that microorganisms have a deleterious influence on the processes of petroleum production from well-boring to transportation of commercial oil. The vital activity of cellulose-decomposing and other bacterium species led to rapid impairment


The argument of this paper has five parts. First I sketch two opposed views, those of Magna Carta Votaries, True Believers, on the one hand, and Sceptics, on the other. I believe both are mistaken, indeed both make the same mistake on the way to opposite conclusions. Second, I introduce a theme that I think is less banal than it sounds (I hope that's true, because it does sound pretty banal): Everyone is from Somewhere. Then I move from the first part of my title, Magna Carta, to the second part, the rule of law tradition. I treat it in three stages, by saying something first about tradition, then about legal tradition, and finally about rule of law tradition. My conclusion supports two cheers for Magna Carta and three for rule of law tradition.


Fresh water green algae are a group of fast growing autotrophic diversified organism which transform radiant energy into chemical energy by capturing solar energy which maintain the homoeostasis of ecosystem and biomes. Besides having higher photosynthetic efficiency as compared to terrestrial plants, algae also have high growth rates and biomass production. Tropical conditions such as those in India provide favourable environment for the luxuriant growth of these organisms in the nature (Subbaramaiah, 1972; Srivastava and Odhwani, 1992; Thajuddin & Subramanian, 1992; Thajuddin et al. 2002; Rajakumar, 2004; Chellappa et al. 2004; Goyal S.K, 1962,1964; Bhatnagar and Bhatnagar 2005; and Bhatnagar et al. 2008; Makandar and Bhatnagar 2010).


In order to effectively manage a global fixed-income portfolio with many benchmarks, certain adjustments are required to prevent the process from becoming excessively labor intensive. A critical change is simplifying the approach to global asset allocation. Pacific Investment Management Company uses two main methods to address this challenge: first, using the portable alpha concept to run a core-plus portfolio in an efficient manner and, second, analyzing portfolios on a risk-factor basis.


The aims of this study are to investigate the legal certainty of the Land Deed Official that does not meet the minimum price standard on purchasing apartment units for foreigners domiciled in Indonesia and to examine the consequences of the Land Deed Official that does not meet the minimum price standard on purchasing flats for foreigners. This study is normative legal research that uses a statutory approach and a legal concept analysis approach. Legal materials are collected using the snowball method and analyzed systematically with legal discovery techniques. The results showed that the legal certainty of the Land Deed Official that does not meet the minimum price standard in purchasing flats for foreigners according to the provisions of Article 11 of the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation Number 103 Year 2015 on Housing Ownership or Occupancy by Foreigners Occupied in Indonesia. the law and the legal consequences of the Land Deed Official which does not meet the minimum price standard for the purchase of flats for foreigners are null and void, because they are contrary to the legal objective conditions of the agreement stipulated in the provisions of Article 1320 of the Civil Code about a particular measure that is clear, required and justified by law.


Materials on the base of multifunctional alloys with the special physical and mechanical properties for developing the equipment of new generation are in high demand at present. Among these materials are Invar alloys with the minimum thermal expansion and the increased level of mechanical properties, in particular, strength ((c) hardness (HV). Such materials are necessary for creating the components of navigation systems (accelerometers, gyroscopes), sensors of small displacements, laser technology (adjustment units, mirror), antennas, waveguides, etc. The results of complex research of innovative high-strength multifunctional invar class alloys are presented. The effect of thermal treatment on the formation of structure and physical and mechanical properties of alloys in terms of iron nickel alloys, carbon, cobalt and vanadium is shown. Relating to the conditions of OJSC Motovilikhinskiye zavody the base industrial technology of the production of the nano-structured billets of the multifunctional alloys of new generation has been developed. This technology ensures to achieve the increased level of mechanical strength (σ в»1100 MPa) and anomalously low values of the thermal linear expansion coefficient (£1∙10 -6К -1).


Microspore embryogenesis in plants is a process that microspores can switch their developmental pathway from gametophytic to embryogenic by specific stress treatment,resulting in the formation of haploid embryos.Through cytological analysis of microspore embryogenesis in white cabbage( Brassica oleracea L.var.capitata) isolated microspore culture,this paper will be helpful for revealing significant insights into the knowledge of the particularities of embryogenesis induction in this species.Three white cabbage varieties with different response were used in this study.The microspores development and embryogenesis of three white cabbage in vivo and in vitro were studied using several staining techniques with acetocarmine,luorescein diacetate,and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol.Flower buds containing a large number of late uninucleate stage were collected.The microspores were resuspended at a density of approximately 1.0×105mL-1in NLN-13 liquid medium( pH = 6.0).All cultures were treated with 32.5 ℃ heat shock for1 day in darkness,and then incubated at 25 ℃.Aliquots of 100 μL were taken from the microspore suspensions for cytological examination prior to and during incubation.All cells were observed at equal intervals of 1 day during culture.For the staining test,at least four counts of 200 cells each were performed.The results showed that the microspore developmental stages from tetrad,uninucleate,bicellular to mature pollen were observed in vivo.Late uninucleate microspores processed its first asymmetrical division in vivo,giving rise to the vegetative and generative one,and finally formed mature pollen with three nuclei.There was genotypic variation in the correlation of bud length to the optimal developmental stage of microspore for embryogenesis among the three hybrids.The fresh isolated microspores before culture showed low cell death levels.The proportion of dead cells increased after the 32.5 ℃ heat stress treatment for 1 day and reached high levels( 90%) after 3 days in culture.Not all the responding microspores underwent sporophytic development,some stopped at two-cell development stage or other multicellular proembryoid stage after a few divisions,andonly a small percentage could form embryos.A cytological analysis showed that B pathway is the predominant pathway of androgenic induction in white cabbage,which is associated with the splitting of cell nucleus in two identical cells,which both contribute to switching towards embryo formation.In addition,a small proportion of multicellular structures resulting from the generative nucleus( A-G)or both of generative nucleus and vegetative nucleus( A-VG) after being an asymmetrical first division was observed.Conclusion: The B pathway,consisting of symmetrical division from the late unicellular stage,was the most common pathway for sporophytic divisions in white cabbage microspores after being stressed by 32.5 ℃ heat shock for 1 day.A cell death response occured rapidly after the heat stress treatment triggering embryogenesis in microspore cultures.


The determination of the elemental composition of plankton is important for interpretation of functional states of the aquatic ecosystems. The present study is focused on the elemental composition of the plankton assemblages from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Lagos, Nigeria using scanning electron microscope - SEM (VEGA3 TESCAN) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry - EDS (Quantax 200, Bruker EDX) at an accelerating voltage of 5 - 20 kV. Surface plankton samples were collected by horizontal tows with a plankton net (55 μm pore mesh size) at approximately 15 km away from the seashore along the entire Lagos shoreline (180km). The result from the SEM/EDS technique showed that the plankton is composed majorly of 13 elements (O, C, Si, Al, Cl, Fe, Mg, Na, K, S, Ti, Ca and P). The mineral particles of calcium (0.2%), potassium (1.3%), sodium (1.5%), chlorine (5.0%), magnesium (1.8%) and iron (3.3%) as well as organogenic elements of oxygen (36.9%), carbon (27.8%), sulphur (1%) and phosphorus (0.2%) were quantified.


PURPOSE: An ECG signal detection system and a method thereof are provided to save power of an ECG signal detection system by acquiring an ECG signal by changing the rate of sampling. CONSTITUTION: A method of an ECG signal detection system is as follows. An ECG signal of a user is obtained (S10). A patterned ECG is generated by patterning the ECG signal (S20). An under-sampled ECG signal is generated by under-sampling the ECG signal (S30). A corrected ECG signal is generated by using the under-sampled ECG signal and the patterned ECG signal (S40). A correlation coefficient between the patterned ECG signal and the corrected signal is obtained (S50). The correlation coefficient and a predetermined limit value are compared (S60). The corrected ECG signal is displayed (S70). [Reference numerals] (AA) Start; (BB) End; (S10) Obtain an ECG signal; (S20) Generate a patterned ECG signal by patterning the ECG signal; (S30) Generate an under-sampled ECG signal by under-sampling the ECG signal; (S40) Obtain a correlation coefficient between the patterned ECG signal and the corrected signal; (S50) Obtain a correlation coefficient between the patterned ECG signal and the corrected signal; (S60) Correlation coefficient >= a predetermined limit value; (S70) Display the corrected ECG signal


Rationale: Machine learning may augment conventional epidemiologic methods of detecting COVID-19. Prior studies of machine learning to screen for COVID-19 have relied largely upon radiographic and laboratory data. Few have used clinical symptoms alone to screen for COVID-19, and most are limited by sample size. We adapted an existing, open source machine learning pipeline to identify symptoms associated with COVID-19 using a large national cohort of Veterans with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19. Methods: We included members of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Birth Cohort (n=4,221,135) who had PCR-confirmed COVID- 19 between 01/01/2020-06/15/2020. Veterans with an outpatient VA visit from 03/01/2018-02/29/2020 were analyzed. To identify symptoms associated with COVID-19, we adapted the open source v3NLP platform. This symptom pipeline consists of several features (Figure) and was restricted to identify fever, cough, anosmia/ageusia, dyspnea, congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, chills, confusion/altered mental status, myalgia, and fatigue. Before running this pipeline, a multidisciplinary team of 9 clinicians first developed an annotation guideline. Each will use the guideline to review of 100 random notes that include information about symptoms to evaluate interrater agreement. This guideline will be revised until a kappa of 0.85 for inter-rater reliability is achieved. The multidisciplinary team will then review a random subset of 900 notes to assess agreement between pipeline- and human-identified symptoms. Each clinician will review and annotate 150 notes so that each note is reviewed by at least 2 clinicians. We will run the symptom pipeline on text from clinical notes of Veterans with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 and evaluate the performance of symptom identification with snippet annotation. Results: The sample included all clinical notes (n=1,641,935) identified two weeks before through two weeks after a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Initial testing found the opensource symptom pipeline achieved an F-measure (harmonic mean of positive predictive value and sensitivity) of 0.71 to detect symptoms and an overall F-measure of 0.87 indicating excellent performance when combined with detecting negative symptoms. Conclusions: This work demonstrates the method by which an existing open source machine learning pipeline can be adapted to identify symptoms associated with COVID-19. This work has broad applications and is distinguished by its focus on symptoms commonly reported in clinical notes. Future studies may consider applying this methodology to screen for symptoms in populations of interest (e.g., persons with prior COVID-19 or immunization against COVID-19) or to develop an electronic medical recordbased syndromic surveillance system.


FOR THE FIRST time, a palynological assemblage was recovered from the Safi Formation in the west Beni Suef Basin of the Western Desert in Egypt. A total of 65 miospore taxa were recognized; they included 31 species of pteridophyte spores (related to 20 genera) and 34 species of gymnosperm pollen (related to 14 genera). The dominance of monosaccate pollen confirms an age not older than Westphalian (Late Carboniferous) as documented in various Gondwanan basins. Besides the restricted presence and limited counts of typical guide taeniate bisaccate and non-taeniate bisaccate pollen in the present assemblage constrain and limit the age to the Asselian (Early Permian) and not younger. The paleovegetation of the studied palynoassemblage is reconstructed based on the paleobotanical affinities of the identified miospores, which are generally consistent with other macrofloral fossil records obtained from Egyptian outcrops during the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian. The paleoecological significance of the reconstructed paleovegetation enabled the recognition of two paleofloral communities: A lowland paleoflora represented by a cold climate wetland fern community associated with Lycopsida and Sphenopsida and an upland paleoflora dominated by a primitive group of gymnospermic plants with a unique moisture-independent reproduction strategy developed under the influence of a glacial climate. The high representation of the bilaterally or radially symmetrical monosaccate pollen genera, which are typical Late Paleozoic Gondwanan gymnospermic vegetation, in the present material supports the hypothesis that Egypt's Western Desert was part of the Gondwanan floral province during the Late Carboniferous/Early Permian.


William Roche and Elliott Sober argue that explanatoriness is evidentially irrelevant. This conclusion is surprising since it conflicts with a plausible assumption—the fact that a hypothesis best explains a given set of data is evidence that the hypothesis is true. We argue that Roche and Sober's screening-off argument fails to account for a key aspect of evidential strength: the weight of a body of evidence. The weight of a body of evidence affects the resiliency of probabilities in the light of new evidence. Thus, Roche and Sober are mistaken. Explanatoriness is evidentially relevant.


Designers and builders must have a better knowledge of polymeric mortars' mechanical properties' temporal evolution if the mortars are to be used effectively and reliability. The authors discuss a study involving tests and accelerated aging in which those properties' degradation was quantified and the experimental data's possible interpretation were produced. Polyester mortars and epoxy mortars were both used, and coupons were exposed to: salt fogging cycles, radiation cycles, thermal cycles, and dry-wet cycles. Both flexural and compressive testing was done. The authors present a short program in which the preliminary microscopic observations are presented and coupons' moisture diffusion is characterized. Epoxy mortar degradation was higher in salt fogging cycles and temperature cycles, in terms of both bending strength and reduced ductility. Growing strength reductions over time result from dry-wet environment cycles at fixed temperature. Ultraviolet radiation caused a stiffness decrease to be detected, but mechanical strength was negligibly reduced and effects were essentially superficial.


A study of faecal bacteria and heavy metals around an ocean outfall showed that the bacteria could be detected in sediments up to 8km from the outfall and that heavy metals were deposited into the sediments. At times faecal bacteria could be detected in the sediments but not in the overlying water. Estimations of metals in biota collected around the outfall showed a high concentration of metals in the biota compared with metal concentrations in the sewage or water column. The significance of deposition of bacteria and metals into sediments is discussed in relation to the fishing industry.


In §1 and §3, two conjectures mentioned by Ye Yanqian are studied. In §2, by use of elementary methods the author proves some non-existence theorems of limit cycles (LC, for abbreviation) for quadratic differential systems obtained recently by H.Giacomini, J. Llibre and M. Viano.


Creep and fatigue are involved in the loading of deep manned submersible, which is a rather complex variable amplitude pattern. Reasonable assumptions should be made before calculating the room temperature dwell fatigue life. A typical simplified loading type is the cyclic loading with one period of overloaded dwell time. Retardation effects are observed in the prior experimental research while no proper prediction equations were proposed to explain the phenomenon. In this paper, a new prediction model for the load pattern of cyclic loading with a single dwell overload is proposed. Retardation is explained by the increase of monotonic compressive plastic zone size. The calculation methods of the total monotonic plastic zone size in the vicinity of crack tip, due to the overload and the dwell time are provided and the corresponding variation of crack opening level based on the total monotonic plastic zone can be obtained. Tests are conducted to obtain the parameters used in the crack growth models and creep models together with tensile test results of the material TC4 ELI,which is as an example to calculate the retardation effects of overload and dwell time. It is observed that the model can reasonably reflect the retardation effects due to compressive plastic zone in the vicinity of the crack tip induced by dwell time.


Mining emerging patterns aims at contrasting data sets and identifying itemsets that characterise a data set by contrast to a reference data set, so as to capture and highlight their differences. This paper considers the case of emerging gradual patterns, to extract discriminant attribute co-variations. It discusses the specific features of these gradual patterns and proposes to transpose an efficient border-based algorithm, justifying its applicability to the gradual case. Illustrative results obtained from a UCI data set are described.


Paul Morgan, dean of Cardiff University's medical school, has been cleared of research misconduct after an investigation by an independent panel into allegations of image manipulation in papers of which he was a coauthor.

He and his research team have been exonerated by a panel headed by a former circuit judge, which found that a researcher who left the university in 2010 …


In this study extracts of Lactobacillus casei and Ocimum sanctum were separated and analysed for their antibacterial activity against the food borne human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Lactobacillus casei and Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from milk sample.The bacterial culture of Lactobacillus casei was inoculated in nutrient broth and incubated for 24 hours and 7 days on rotary shaker at 28±2C to obtain their antilisterial compounds.The petroleum ether extracts of Lactobacillus casei and Ocimum sanctum were analyzed for their antagonistic properties against Listeria monocytogenes.Their inhibitory patterns were measured in both individual and dual extracts.The petroleum ether extract of Lactobacillus casei culture broth showed good inhibitory result against Listeria monocytogenes when compared with Ocimum sanctum extract.Lactobacillus casei produced 54mm zone of inhibition on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at a concentration of 150μl. Ocimum sanctum produced 46mm zone of inhibition on the Listeria monocytogenes at a concentration of 200 μl. Dual extract of petroleum ether of Ocimum sanctum extract and Lactobacillus casei extract (1:1 ratio) produced 40mm zone of inhibition on the Listeria monocytogenes at a concentration of 200 μl.GC-MS analysis revealed the various components present in the Lactobacillus casei and Ocimum sanctum


Although many researchers have worked on memory development, still little is known about what develops in memory development. When one reviews the literature about memory, she encounters many types of memories such as short term vs. long term memory, working memory, explicit vs. implicit memory, trans-saccadic memory, autobiographical memory, semantic vs. episodic memory, flashbulb memory, verbal memory, and so many other types of memory which are intended to describe the memory processes. But can all these terms thoroughly explain what goes on in memory? Do these terms imply anything about the capacity of memory or about the role of language in memory development? If we could answer the questions about the memory capacity and the role of such factors as language in memory development, we might be able to find the answers to still more interesting and more challenging questions about memory, i.e., what actually develops in memory development and what causes the enigma of infantile amnesia. The purpose of the present research was, then, to find the solutions to the problem of infantile amnesia.


We examine the effect of the initial atomic momentum distribution on the dynamics of the atom-optical realization of the quantum kicked rotor. The atoms are kicked by a pulsed optical lattice, the periodicity of which implies that quasi-momentum is conserved in the transport problem. We study and compare experimentally and theoretically two resonant limits of the kicked rotor: in the vicinity of the quantum resonances and in the semiclassical limit of the vanishing kicking period. It is found that for the same experimental distribution of quasi-momenta, significant deviations from the kicked rotor model are induced close to quantum resonance, while close to the classical resonance (i.e. for a small kicking period) the effect of the quasi-momentum vanishes.


Four blood indexes were determined after the baihui and pishu points group was stimulated with electro acupuncture in 20 Qinghai hybrid goats.The results showed that the electro acupuncture stimulation of the baihui and pishu points group effected not on the erythrocyte count;the leukocyte count increased significantly after 30,60 and 90 min with electro-acupuncture stimulation (P0.05 or P0.01);the proportion of neutrophil leukocyte increased,the proportion of eosinophil granulocyte and lymphocyte decreased (all P0.01) and the proportion of other leukocyte was all undiversified after 30,60 and 90 min with electro acupuncture stimulation.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate got faster significantly after 1,6 and 12h with electro acupuncture stimulation (P0.05 or P0.01)


The genesis of this project was a series of discussions with departmental colleagues at Georgia Southern University. A debate was ongoing around the "practicality" of certain contemporary theoretical movements in the field of critical pedagogy and whether these ideas, specifically poststructuralism, had any "rel evance" to daily pedagogical practice. In response, I began to re-evaluate, with poststructural consider Bryan Deever is a ations, the manner in which my own classes were professor in the constructed. This article, and the reconstruction of Department of the undergraduate curriculum in Social Foundations Educational Foundations of Education (FED 251), are results of that personal/ and Curriculum, professional investigation. Savannah Office of This piece might be mistakenly categorized as a Graduate Studies, "nuts and bolts" essay, i.e., one which deals exclu College of Education, sively with concrete pedagogical practice. It must be Georgia Southern argued, however, that the nuts and bolts of daily University, Statesboro. pedagogy must be framed and analyzed from a


ing from informational asymmetries, a less competitive banking system should increase the cost and decrease the supply of credit for all categories of borrowers, thus resulting in less favourable conditions. As small firms make extensive use of bank credit, a decrease in competition may generate significant problems. An alternative view, which takes into account information asymmetries, suggests that a more competitive banking system may be detrimental to borrowers, such as new and small firms, for whom "soft information", as discussed above, is likely to be of significance. The reason is that a highly competitive environment may discourage intermediaries from investing in longterm relationships, which requires a degree of market power. If the bank expects to be able to extract rents in the future, it will offer lower rates to a borrower facing temporary credit problems. Hence, a reduction in market power of banks in these circumstances may lead to a reduced availability of credit to small firms or new borrowers. How competitors react to mergers and acquisitions The total change in the supply of small-business credit resulting from M&As also depends on the reactions of other lenders and on broader developments in the financial sector. Even if a bank reduces its supply of relationship-based loans because it faces diseconomies associated with supplying transaction-based services, other banks that are not burdened by these diseconomies may expand their own supply. The development of new banks, which are a source of borrowing for small firms, should also be considered. Since de novo banks are small, they issue business loans to small firms. In addition, these new banks may have been created by loan officers who have left consolidating institutions, taking some of their relationship-based loan portfolios with them, or who believe that they possess above average screening capabilities based on knowledge of the local market. Of course, it may be the case that even if borrowers dropped by consolidating banks are picked up by other lenders, the conditions they will face may be worse (ie higher rates or more collateral). Moreover, the possibility of finding another lender is likely to be influenced by the structure of the banking industry: if the industry is highly concentrated it may be difficult for a small business to find alternatives. If, instead, there are many banks even after the consolidation, it may be relatively easier to shift. The overall impact on small firms of changes in the supply of bank credit resulting from M&As will also depend on the availability to these firms of non-bank sources of funding. These include equity finance, trade credit and funding by non-bank financial institutions. The access to these alternative sources of finance may vary with the earnings profile of the firm and the category of business in which it operates. Small firms in high-growth, high-risk sectors are more likely to obtain external private equity (ie "angels" and venture capitalists), while firms with steadier income flows and tangible assets more easily obtain external debt finance from banks and other financial institutions because they have collateral. In countries with particularly concentrated banking sectors (eg Australia, Canada and the Netherlands) consolidation may raise particular concerns for marginal small business borrowers 279 See Sharpe (1990) and Petersen and Rajan (1995). According to this view, the relationship between competition in banking and the availability of credit to new firms is likely to be affected by the informational structure of the market: the ability of banks to obtain information about their clients' creditworthiness, the extent to which that information is appropriable, the presence of credit rating agencies, and the degree of heterogeneity of borrowers and their ability to signal their creditworthiness.


Strawberry is an attractive and highly consumed fruit and can be an important source of essential nutrients as well as polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and phenolic acids. But at room temperature, this fruit is highly vulnerable to physical injury and fungal spoilage. An innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly photodynamic technique, photosensitization, has been applied with the aim to prevent microbial growth and minimize the loss of nutrients and bioactive polyphenols. Photosensitization works based on the combined action of photosensitizer, light and oxygen, which produce reactive oxygen species that inactivate microorganisms. Curcumin, known for its antifungal activity, was used as the photosensitizer in this study. To assess the effect of photosensitization on the nutritional properties of strawberry fruit, physicochemical parameters, anthocyanins (main polyphenols; UHPLC), total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and total sugar (HPLC) in fresh (control) and treated strawberries (Cv. 'Albion') were determined. There were no changes (p<0.05) in colour, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and moisture content between treated and untreated strawberries. Anthocyanins (20.8 ± 1.15 vs. 20.0 ± 0.54 mg/100 g FW) and total phenolic content (192.9 ± 3.16 vs. 195.8 ± 3.05 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g FW) were unaffected by photosensitization, whereas the sugar content of photosensitized strawberry was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the control (5.29 ± 0.26 vs. 4.12 ± 0.13 g/100 g FW). These preliminary results suggest that photosensitization could be a promising technique that has the potential to be used in the horticulture industry for preservation of strawberry. Morning Parallel Sessions – Analytical Chemistry Venue: 63-348 QACS 2019 Programme 13 A6. Identification of unusual fatty acids from vernix caseosa by photodissociation mass spectrometry Venkateswara R. Narreddula1,2, Nathan R. Boase1, David L. Marshall2, Berwyck L. J. Poad2, Adam J. Trevitt3, Todd W. Mitchell4,5 and Stephen J. Blanksby1,2. 1School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AUSTRALIA 2Central Analytical Research Facility, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane QLD 4000, AUSTRALIA 3School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, AUSTRALIA 4School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, AUSTRALIA 5Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, AUSTRALIA Corresponding author`s Email: email@example.com Abstract: Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental building blocks of complex lipids in living systems which perform a myriad of functions including formation of cell membranes, energy sources and signalling agents. Analysis of FAs from complex lipid extracts is a challenging task because of structural diversity of lipids and interference from other biomolecules. Photodissociation mass spectrometry, using different wavelengths of light, has gained acceptance as an alternative activation tool for structural elucidation of biomolecules (e.g., lipids, proteins). We have recently developed a new derivatization reagent, N-(3-aminomethylphenyl-4-iodophenyl)pyridinium (4-I-AMPP+), that incorporates a photolabile aryl-iodine motif and fixed charge.1 This derivative has been demonstrated to be effective for the detection and structural elucidation of FAs when used in concert with laser photodissociation at 266 nm. In these experiments, targeted liquid chromatography-photodissociation mass spectrometry (LC-PD-MS) of 4-I-AMPP+ derivatives of mixture of 37 FAs produced photodissociation mass spectra with characteristic features assigned to site(s) unsaturation and methyl branching on the hydrocarbon chain. Application of the 4-I-AMPP+ strategy for analysis of FAs from vernix caseosa by LC-PD-MS revealed several unusual isomers of unsaturated and branched chain FAs having hydrocarbon chain length as long as 32 carbons. Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental building blocks of complex lipids in living systems which perform a myriad of functions including formation of cell membranes, energy sources and signalling agents. Analysis of FAs from complex lipid extracts is a challenging task because of structural diversity of lipids and interference from other biomolecules. Photodissociation mass spectrometry, using different wavelengths of light, has gained acceptance as an alternative activation tool for structural elucidation of biomolecules (e.g., lipids, proteins). We have recently developed a new derivatization reagent, N-(3-aminomethylphenyl-4-iodophenyl)pyridinium (4-I-AMPP+), that incorporates a photolabile aryl-iodine motif and fixed charge.1 This derivative has been demonstrated to be effective for the detection and structural elucidation of FAs when used in concert with laser photodissociation at 266 nm. In these experiments, targeted liquid chromatography-photodissociation mass spectrometry (LC-PD-MS) of 4-I-AMPP+ derivatives of mixture of 37 FAs produced photodissociation mass spectra with characteristic features assigned to site(s) unsaturation and methyl branching on the hydrocarbon chain. Application of the 4-I-AMPP+ strategy for analysis of FAs from vernix caseosa by LC-PD-MS revealed several unusual isomers of unsaturated and branched chain FAs having hydrocarbon chain length as long as 32 carbons. References: (1) Narreddula, V. R.; Boase, N. R.; Ailuri, R.; Marshall, D. L.; Poad, B. L.; Kelso, M. J.; Trevitt, A. J.; Mitchell, T. W.; Blanksby, S. J., Analytical Chemistry 2019, 91, 9901-9909. Morning Parallel Sessions – Analytical Chemistry Venue: 63-348 QACS 2019 Programme 14 (1) O O HO HO H O O O (CH2)8CH3


[Objective]To explore the relationship between TCM differentiation of cholelithiasis and gallbladder mucous ultrastructures.[Methods] Sixty-two patients of cholelithiasis was selected to detect ~(14)C-urease breath test,then their gallbladder specimens were cut for observing helicobacter pylons through gallbladder mucous histopathology and basic fuchsin-magenta staining.Scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscope(TEM) were used to observe the ultrastructures of gallbladder.[Results] There was rod-shaped and spherical bacteria in pathological sections of some patients' gallbladder mucous stained with basic fuchsin-magenta staining.SEM observation revealed that it was characterized by the decrease of the microvillus of epithelial cell surfaces and the occurrence of little spatium between cells.TEM observation revealed that the epithelial cell's ultrastructures of gallbladder mucous was characterized by the decrease of organelles,the increase of vacuoles,microfilaments and fat drops in cytoplasm,as well as mitochondrial aberration.The above pathological changes were particularly remarkable in the group of qi-stagnancy and blood stasis due to depression of the liver,and there was significant difference of statistics between the two groups(P0.05~0.01).[Conclusion] Syndrome type of qi-stagnancy and blood stasis due to depression of the liver contributes to high incidence of gallstone,which is the result of the existence of several factors.The existence of mucous helicobacter pylons in gallbladder mucous is likely to be associated with the changes of gallbladder mucous ultrastructures and the contributing factors of gallstones,but is not the principal cause of this disease.


TI HE TASK of commenting on two such thoughtful and penetrating papers is a challenging one, for the areas of agreement among us are so broad as to limit the opportunity for meaningful observation. There are, however, a number of points, some minor, others of greater importance, which call for comment. Let me begin by noting that both authors were particularly sensitive to the various connotations of the term "colonial." Professor Borah pointed out that today's program "with equal logic and identical wording of topic could deal with the institutions that work to keep Latin America impoverished and subservient to other regions." Professor Gibson, on the other hand, offered a plea that "colonial" should not be allowed to suffer the fate that has overtaken the word "medieval" in the hands of careless users or writers of editorials. This plea, I fear, will have little effect where it is most needed. The term "colonial" has been so closely related to the word "imperial" as to be rendered guilty by association and thus doomed to suffer the penalty of pejorative usage. Turning now to Professor Borah's paper, we find our attention directed to various survivals of colonial administrative experience. Any of us who have had to deal with governmental agencies in Latin America, whether to extend a temporary visitor's permit so as to complete an archival search, or simply to withdraw an international package from the customs, immediately recognize the features of external administration to which he refers. Were they ever to disappear, I fear that our capacity as historians to appreciate something of the human realities of colonial life would be materially lessened. Professor Borah proceeds to analyze for us the centralizing features that characterize much of contemporary Latin American government. Here I find myself a bit puzzled since there is no clear effort to differentiate the colonial survivals from the accretions of


The authors use an original panel dataset of migrant departures from the Philippines to identify the responsiveness of migrant numbers and wages to gross domestic product shocks in destination countries. They find a large significant elasticity of migrant numbers to gross domestic product shocks at destination, but no significant wage response. This is consistent with binding minimum wages for migrant labor. This result implies that labor market imperfections that make international migration attractive also make migrant flows more sensitive to global business cycles. Difference-in-differences analysis of a minimum wage change for maids confirms that minimum wages bind and demand is price sensitive without these distortions.


An little known yet significant issue in petroleum production processes in petroleum reservoirs is asphaltene precipitation/deposition. Asphaltene has not only a fuzzy and vague nature but it also can cause detrimental problems like reservoir blockage and, as a result, low oil recovery. To tackle this issue, many researchers have attempted to monitor asphaltene behavior versus thermodynamic conditions. A thermodynamic micellization approach is implemented in this work to describe asphaltene precipitation behavior for two sample fluids from Iranian reservoirs. First, the basic structures of the addressed approach and different contributions to Gibbs free energy of micellization proposed by Victorov and Firoozabadi (VF) are demonstrated. Second, a detailed sensitivity analysis with respect to the model parameters is performed by utilizing a new calculation strategy. Finally, a comparison between the predicted precipitation curve and the experimental one is illustrated; moreover, comparing our results with those reported by Victorov proves the superiority of the new strategy over the conventional one. The significance of this study shows the effect of each micellization parameter on the asphaltene precipitation behavior curve and illustrates the ability of the micellization approach evolved by VF in monitoring the effect of pressure on asphaltene precipitation using the new calculation procedure. Outcomes from this study could couple with commercial reservoir simulation software to improve precision and integrity for designing robust and effective production units.


This architecture paper presents EXTENT, a probabilistic framework that uses influence diagrams to fuse metadata of multiple modalities for photo annotation. EXTENT fuses contextual information (location, time, and camera parameters), photo content (perceptual features), and semantic ontology in a synergistic way. It uses causal strengths to encode causalities between variables, and between variables and semantic labels. Through a landmark-recognition case study, we show that EXTENT can provide high-quality annotation, substantially better than any traditional unimodal methods.


The Ecuadorian university has trained professionals, most courses and programs are carried out with habitual practices and there is a little innovation in the use of new tools that favor learning. At Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) there were about eighty programs and each one of them had an average of sixty subjects. The common aspect is focused on the transfer of knowledge, remaining pending in getting learnings based on more active and participatory didactics. In the search for innovating teaching to improve learning, the insertion of new information and communication technologies in the university student´s life has been proposed, considering the implementation of a Virtual Platform, whose main purpose is to support the teaching-learning process. The proposed implementation of the Platform is carried out with a permeable effect according to the levels of interest of teaching, which is considered as a complementary task to the teaching activities and it certainly does not replace the presence of the teacher. It is established that the teaching process management lies down on the faculty´s exclusiveness. The first step was the implementation with an Open Source platform type, where elements such as usability, popularity, support, programming code, adaptability and capitalization were considered. The e-portfolio, including all available activities and resources, which favor innovation in the teaching task was taken into account. The structure of the paper is organized as follows: Introduction where the theoretical foundations are described. Methodology based on the action research through which the application of this process is described. And the results of both the piloting and the final implementation phases where faculty and students, as part of the sample and the implemented classes with the resources and activities used were cuantified.


In companies invested by venture capital funds entrepreneurs usually take both the roles of shareholders and executives. However, their interests are not always fully aligned with those of investors, as they can come to prioritize their short-term compensation through salaries and bonuses at the expense of obtaining a higher company value in the long run. This can lead to an agency problem as the funds seek to maximize the company's value since, at some point, their shares will necessarily be sold in order to obtain return on the invested capital. In this context, the purpose of this work consisted in proposing an executive compensation model for companies invested by venture capital funds that aligns the needs of managers of obtaining short-term gains with those of the shareholders, especially investors, seeking return by increasing the value of their shares. A literature analysis was performed in order to develop the model, which allowed the determination of the main value drivers that impact the valuation of companies and the performance indicators associated with these measures of value. In addition, an evaluation was carried out from twenty-three Brazilian technology based companies (between the years 2012 and 2014) invested by a Brazilian venture capital fund, assessing the relationship of executive compensation with different revenue and profitability metrics of companies, which was important for the parameterization of the model.


Introduction Transplantation of glucose-responsive insulin-secreting cells has the potential to result in a cure for diabetes. Aim To report the development of a model of adult porcine pancreatic endocrine cells (PE cells) exhibiting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during a long-term culture period, in vitro. Methodology The PE cells were prepared by non-enzymatic digestion and purified by modifying a technique developed in our laboratory. The cells were first cultured for 7 days in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 10 m M nicotinamide. On adhesion to the culture flasks, cells were collected by trypsinization, and then cultured in tissue culture dishes in medium with or without stimulators such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and nicotinamide. The ability of the cells to respond to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was also observed with and without stimulators. The immunocytochemical studies demonstrated pancreatic islets with well-preserved insulin and glucagon-containing cells. The morphologic integrity of cultured porcine cells was observed for up to 5–6 weeks after the purification. Results At a concentration of 3.3 m M glucose, PACAP and nicotinamide did not affect glucose-dependent insulin secretion, whereas 10 n M GLP-1 stimulated insulin secretion significantly. However, when glucose concentration was increased to 20 m M, 10 n M GLP-1 had no effect on insulin secretion. We also demonstrated that GLP-1 and PACAP could maintain insulin secretion better than control in the culture up to 5 weeks. Also GLP-1 and PACAP increased the number of insulin-secreting cells in culture. Conclusion These results demonstrate that GLP-1 and PACAP increased the number of pancreatic &bgr;-cells in culture.


Computer simulation is an important tool for studying epidemic dynamics. Owing to the scales and runtime speed requirements, the simulations of large-scale pandemic diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and H1N1 influenza usually require high-performance parallel simulation or computation. Previous works on the parallel simulations of large-scale epidemic were implemented on traditional general purpose CPU-based platforms or clusters. As more and more high-performance computation clusters are being built with so-called general-purpose graphics cards, this paper presents the implementation and optimization techniques for social contact network-based large-scale epidemic simulation on GPU clusters. Compared with previous works, this paper focuses on (1) how to efficiently implement the contact network-based parallel epidemic simulation on GPUs, and (2) how to hide communication latencies between processing nodes to improve scalability. Our proposed techniques are implemented and tested on a commodity cluster whose processing nodes are equipped with GPGPUs. The experimental results show that, for the simulation of 20 million individuals and 1.2 billion host contacts on 80 nodes, the execution on GPUs can achieve 7.4×−11.7× speedup over the execution on CPUs.


The classification result of classical support vector machine(SVM) algorithm in the case of unbalanced data set is not satisfactory.In order to improve the SVM algorithm's classification performance under unbalanced data set,a novel under-sampling algorithm based on optimization of decreasing reduction(ODR) is presented.The algorithm is applied to under-sample the majority class instances for removal of a large number of overlapping samples of redundant and noise samples,which consequently makes reservations for the majority class instances with more useful information,and the ODR under-sampling algorithm is combined with border synthetic minority over-sample technique(BSMOTE) to achieve a balanced training sample data set.The experimental results show that the proposed method can not only improve classification performance of SVM in the minority class data,but also increase the overall classification performance.


This experiment compared the performance of rotated to conventional Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) displays. Rotated and conventional ATIS displays were presented in two locations: Heads-up display (HUD) and instrument panel mounted (IPM). Using a part-task driving simulator, subjects evaluated whether an intersection presented on an ATIS display matched the intersection they were approaching. The results indicated that benefits of rotated displays may be location dependent. Although the results do not clearly indicate an optimal display rotation, the HUD location resulted in improved older driver performance.


Magnesium is attracting the attention of researchers from medical field especially implant material due to its properties, including but not limited to degradation and biocompatibility. Many chemical and physical reactions are considered to play a part in the procedure of magnesium degradation and influence the bio-tissue. To design and analyze magnesium implants, it is important to fully consider the factors that will affect the degradation and the impacts on the mechanical property as well as the in-vivo environment. Computational model gives another way to capture and analyze the in-vivo degradation behavior of the magnesium besides experiment. A review of the current computational models which could be used in study of magnesium medical implant is presented here, with the main mechanisms and accomplishments of each model highlighted.


45 www.erpublication.org Abstract2 This paper demonstrates the analysis of reduced and defected ground microstrip patch antenna employing Teflon as substrate. The Teflon material having dielectric constant 2.1 of thickness 2mm has been sandwiched between the patch and the ground made up of copper material. The proposed antenna covers the frequency range from 3.29MHz to 3.41MHz which is suitable to be employed for the civil and military radiolocation applications. The performance of the proposed antenna has been scrutinized in terms of different antenna parameters such as return loss (S11), gain (dB), directivity (dBi), VSWR, bandwidth (GHz). The proposed antenna has a gain and directivity of 6.747dB and 6.654dBi respectively. The input impedance of the proposed antenna is 50.2 ohms to achieve the maximum power transfer and ensuring minimum reflection losses. The proposed antenna has been designed and simulated using the CST Studio Suite 2017.


New methods to modify epoxy resin, such as interpenetrating polymer networks, liquid crystals, nanoparticle toughening have been review in this paper.


The existence of intrinsic spin of matter requires the metric-affine formulation of gravity, in which the affine connection is not constrained to be symmetric and its antisymmetric part (torsion tensor) is a dynamical variable. We show that the cyclic identity for the curvature tensor in the metric-affine formulation forbids fermions represented by Dirac spinors to form point or string configurations. Consequently, fermionic strings contradict the gravitational field equations in the presence of spin. Superstring theory is therefore incorrect.


Abstract It is shown that one system of coupled KdV equations, found in J. Nonlin. Math. Phys., 1999, V.6, N 3, 255–262 to possess the Painlevé property, is integrable but not new.


We apply machine learning techniques to the synthetic data (Stevens and Anderson-Cook, 2017a), which is univariate data with a binary response of passing or failing for complex munitions generated to match age and usage rate, found in US Department of Defense complex systems (the army and navy). We propose applying machine learning techniques to predict the binary response of passing or failing for the army and navy data.


Grynsztejn's essay voices Small's feminist reading of the cultural and literary racism, puritanism, exploitation and romanticism that link 17th century "captivity" stories with contemporary pulp fiction ("bodice-ripper" novels), the motifs of which the artist collages together into three wall-mural installations: "The Woods," "Captivity Narratives," and "Our Bodice". 7 bibl. ref.


In this paper, we present the Novel Liquid Molding Compound and exhibit the requirements for recent Fan-out Wafer Level Package(FOWLP) including reactivity for molding process, CTE & modulus for warpage, filler size for flowability, thermal stability, moisture resistance, adhesion strength for each material. Through Mold Via(TMV) accuracy is also described.


Parking spaces are limited and hard to find nowadays due to rapid development. Furthermore, parking process can take more time and harden the driver due to the complexity . of the parking area and the lack of experience. Intelligent Robotic Parking System (IRPS) is a parking system that implemented with robotic function. This robot was programmed to act intelligently and require performing a specific task. The task is to to move a car from delivery bay to empty parking space and to return it back. The robot will park the car into the nearest parking space and according to the criteria of the car. This system was adapted to be installed in building parking Jot such as shopping complex and apartment. With this system, we can easier the parking process, save many users time and we can get more parking spaces because of the optimization of the parking space in this system. In future, we can solve the lack of parking spaces problem with this system.


We study the dependence of "vector" and "axial‐vector" boson masses (mesons and diquark baryons with JP = 1±) on the baryon density μB for two‐color QCD. We show that the baryonic axial‐vector boson has a finite vacuum expectation value (VEV) at the finite μB where the U(1)B symmetry is spontaneously broken. We also find that the VEV causes the mixing between "vector" and "axial‐vector" bosons. As a result of the mixing, our model can reproduce the μB dependence of "(axial‐) vector" boson masses shown by the lattice data.


The structure of W -graphs arising in Kazhdan-Lusztig theory by Michael S. Chmutov Chair: John R. Stembridge This thesis is primarily about the combinatorial aspects of Kazhdan-Lusztig theory. Central to this area is the notion of a W -graph, a certain weighted directed graph which encodes a representation of the Iwahori-Hecke algebra of a Coxeter group. The most important examples were given in the original work of Kazhdan and Lusztig in 1979; from these graphs the Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials are obtained via a weighted path count. In the first part, we consider "parallel transport" relations among edge weights. Some of these relations, namely those coming from simply-laced Weyl groups, appeared in the same paper of Kazhdan and Lusztig. We introduce additional ones corresponding to doubly-laced Weyl groups, and, as an application, prove Green's 0 − 1 conjecture in type B. In the second part we clarify the structure of W -graphs corresponding to minuscule and quasi-minuscule quotients of finite Weyl groups. The W -graphs for minuscule quotients can be deduced, on a case-by-case basis, from previous work on the associated Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials; we give a type-independent proof of a weaker result that these graphs can be characterized by simple combinatorial rules. For quasiminuscule quotients, we compute the graphs for all finite Weyl groups except for Lie type D (where we give a conjectural answer). We also compute the parabolic KazhdanLusztig polynomials for the type A quasi-minuscule quotient. The last part concerns the conjecture that in Lie type A, the only strongly connected W -graphs which satisfy a weak set of conditions known as "admissibility" are the Kazhdan-Lusztig examples. We prove a partial result that the symmetrically weighted edges of such a graph are the same as the symmetrically weighted edges of some Kazhdan-Lusztig examples. viii CHAPTER


Social sciences research shoulders the important task of upgrading a nation's soft strength.To accomplish this historical task,we need to understand the relationship between social sciences and natural sciences,the research value and value pursuit.


ADAM10 dysregulates Notch signaling in favor of myeloid derived suppressor cell accumulation (MDSC) that deferentially modulates the host response depending on immune stimuli and interaction with mast cells. By Sheinei J. Saleem, PhD A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Director: Daniel H. Conrad, Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology Although the physiological consequences of Notch signaling in hematopoiesis have been extensively studied, the differential effects of individual notch cleavage products remain to be elucidated. Given that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is a critical regulator of Notch and that its deletion is embryonically lethal, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress ADAM10 at early stages of lymphoid and myeloid development (A10Tg). ADAM10 transgene expression alters hematopoiesis post-hematopoietic LineageSca-1c-kit (LSK) subset differentiation but prior to lineage commitment of progenitor populations. This results in delayed T cell development, abrogated B2 cell development, and dramatic expansion of functionally active myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in A10Tg mice. Given ADAM10's role in Notch signaling, we hypothesized that the observed hematopoietic alterations may be a consequence of perturbed Notch signaling. In fact, blockade of ADAM10 (S2) rescues B cell development and reduces myeloid cells in A10Tg LSKs. Inhibition of γ-secretase (S3) in wild type (WT) LSKs results in enhanced myelopoiesis, mimicking the


PURPOSE – This paper aims to discuss the various anti-money laundering programmes that banks are required to put in place, to mitigate money laundering risk(s).

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – This paper uses the "Mohammed Abacha Case" to illustrate the vulnerability of the banking system to money laundering, and to solidify the hypothesis that effective implementation of anti-money laundering measures, including customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, recordkeeping, account monitoring and suspicious activity reporting can help flag illicit funds before a lengthy asset recovery process becomes necessary.

FINDINGS – This paper determined that a strong due diligence process where the owner of the Bank account and the Next-of-Kin/legal beneficiary are duly identified before the establishment of a business relationship is capable of reducing the risks associated with money laundering to the barest minimum. This paper also determined that anti-money laundering measures like record keeping, account monitoring and suspicious activity reporting can help curb money laundering.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This paper uses the "Mohammed Abacha Case" to help build awareness with the regulatory, enforcement and customs authorities as well as reporting entities about the risks and vulnerabilities of money laundering, and how to mitigate them. This is the only Article to adopt this kind of approach.


In order to improve detection speed and accuracy of biological cells, a quantitative non-interference optical phase recovery method is proposed in commercial microscope, taking the red blood cells as the classical phase objects. Three bright field micrographs were collected in the experiment. Utilizing the transport intensity equation (TIE), the quantitative phase distributions of red blood cell are gained and agree well with the previous optical phase models. Analysis shows that the resolution of introduced system reaches sub-micron. This method not only quickly gives quantitative phase distribution of cells, but also measures a large number of cells simultaneously. So it is potential in the use of real-time observing and quantitative analyzing of cells in vivo.


— Unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles are free swimming marine robots without any human intervention with sensors, navigation and onboard intelligence system . Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) are cost effective and efficient unsupervised vehicle suitable for complicated aquatic operations. Initially the information about AUV is in hypothetical and conceptual manner but now more attention is paid in practical development. Over the past few years India is unfolding her wings in the field of AUV research and development. In this survey paper we are going to discuss the essential architectural attributes and subsystems of autonomous underwater vehicle and also comprise the edge of autonomous underwater vehicle development in India.


Objective:To explore the protective effect of Methylprednisolone(MP) combined with Chinese medicine Yishen Tongbi Decoction(YTD) on the lumbar nerve root injury after operation.Methods:A total of 44 cases were selected,including 27 males and 17 females,aging from 28 to 72 years,averagely(47.77 ± 11.25) years.According to the different postoperative specific medication,the cases were randomly divided into MP group(A) and MP combined with traditional Chinese medicine YTD group(B).VAS and JOA scales were applied on the 1st,7th,15th days and the 1st and 3rd months after the operation for each case.Results:VAS and JOA scores 2 weeks after the operation showed better results for all patients after the operation than before the operation,but there was no significant difference between group A and group B(P 0.05).VAS scores of group B on the 3rd month and JOA score on the 1st and 3rd months after the operation were obviously higher than those in group A(P0.05).Conclusion:MP can mitigate nerve root edema and reduce radicular pain induced by lumbar operation in a short term.MP combined with Chinese medicine Yishen Tongbi Decoction can significantly increase the long-term effect of lumbar spine surgery and recovery of neurological function.


The final goal of monetary policy (i.e., macro-economical objective) is a total, long-time and non-quantitative one, and can only provide guiding principle for the central bank to make the detailed (policies.) To achieve the final goal, the central bank must grasp the information about it, and control the corresponding monetary tools. This essay gave the qualitative quantitative analysis of the controllability of the basic currency and the monetary multiplier with the true economical data and the status in quo of the economic and finance, emphasizing particularly on the growth extent of the monetary market. Although there are some structural systematic restrictions, the two main factors can still be controlled by the (central) bank. To improve them is still a hard job, and the most important key is to develop the (monetary) market.


The frequency of the Ina antigen was determined in population samples from Thailand and Indonesia as well as in Arabs, Chinese, Iranians and Parsis. It was found to be polymorphic in Arabs (11.8%) and Iranians (10.6%) while it was absent in the other population groups.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the complex relationships between permeability, work-family conflict, moral disengagement, behavioral disengagement, job strain and job engagement. In addition, this study aims to determine whether moral disengagement acts as a moderator and mediator in the relationship between work-family conflict and behavioral disengagement.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses, using a sample of 176 valid responses.FindingsThe results indicate that permeability is likely to promote work-family conflict, which in turn may trigger moral disengagement. Moral disengagement may lead to behavioral disengagement, which in turn may increase job strain and decrease job engagement. The findings also show that work-family conflict does not have a significant effect on behavioral disengagement, suggesting that moral disengagement fully mediates the influence of work-family conflict on behavioral disengagement. In addition, the moderating effect of moral disengagement is not significant.Originality/valueApplying the transactional model of stress and coping theory and the moral disengagement theory, this study contributes to a better understanding of employees' experience of job strain caused by work-family conflict (induced by permeability of IM usage), as well as the employee's coping response.


e developing of close contacts of humans with animals that served humans for meat and as guardians brought among others the exchange of microflora in both organisms. By inhalation of aerosol from animal's hair and scales, and especially by consumption of animal meat, eggs and milk, men became a part of natural circulation of animal microorganisms. Many of originally zoopathogenic agents did not survive in human hosts, other some got adapted and slowly became zooanthropopathogenic and cause typical human diseases e.g.: tuberculosis (TBC), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Ebola virus, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. From the epidemiological point of view the animals are an important source of non-typical human diseases. is leads to higher susceptibility and more severe symptoms of the disease in humans (rabies, tick-borne encephalitis). e most common zooanthroponoses are acute alimentary infections and toxicosis. e authors aimed to review the epidemiology of bacterial infectious diseases that are transmitted through primary contaminated animal food (sal- monellosis, campylobacteriosis, yersiniosis, E. coli-enteritidis, listeriosis). e primary and secondary prevention of the diseases both in human and veterinary medicine can limit the transmission and development of the infections. Making food safe in the first place is a major effort, involving the farm and fishery, the production plant or factory, and many other points from farm to table. For some particularly risky foods, even the most careful hygiene and sanitation are insufficient to prevent contamination, and a definitive microbe-killing step must be included in the process. Careful review of the whole food production process can identify the principal hazards, and the control points where contamination can be prevented, limited, or eliminated. A formal method for evaluating the control of risk in foods exists is called the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.


The ''electromagnetic (e.m.) mirror'' for neutral atoms is based on the principle that, for near resonant blue shifted frequency, the a.c. Stark shift of an evanescent wave acts as an inhomogeneous potential repelling the atoms. We investigate the reflection of neon metastable atoms by a surface plasmon wave at the metal‐vacuum interface which enhances the electric field amplitude when compared with the standard technique.


Coastal areas are highly vulnerable to climate change and, in these areas as elsewhere, the assessment and management of climate risks is a key issue. Among natural hazards, flood is one of the most damaging. Flood mapping supports risk assessment and management. In the last decade, new technologies have allowed many innovations in cartography, both in the data acquisition, processing, and modelling phases. In flood mapping, the identification of data and the methodological approach are the first key aspects. Other fundamental aspects are the visualization, transfer and communication of data to different users. Graphic semiology is the discipline that identifies the techniques that make data usable. In this contribution, key steps of flood mapping are analysed, through the study of techniques and products. Furthermore, possible directions for mapping research and development to support flood assessment and management are identified. To validate the theories, the process of developing a flood risk map of road system will be illustrated.


PUVA is a well established phototreatment modality for various dermatoses, like T cell lymphomas, using long-wavelength UV radiation. In contrast, PDT bases on the combination of photosensitizers, especially porphyrins, and radiation mainly in the red spectral region. We analyzed the photochemical effects of both treatments on cell lines MyLa and HuT78, established from patients with cutaneous T cell lymphomas. Our observations document the capability of PDT to inhibit proliferation of transformed T cells similar to PUVA thus pointing out its potential in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphomas.


Renal cancer kills over 26,000 people per year in Europe and 13,000 in the United States (1, 2). If identified before metastatic spread, kidney cancer is usually surgically curable (3), whereas the median survival with disseminated cancer is only 2 years (4). Turney et al. proposed in 2006 that a screening program using ultrasound could have a major impact on renal cancer mortality (5). The suggestion was criticized on the basis that the natural history of renal cancer was poorly understood, and that the treatment of renal masses would not be of net benefit in older populations (6). In the past 7 years, however, the natural history and epidemiology of renal cancer have become much clearer. Moreover, nephron-sparing surgery and minimally invasive ablation are now better established (7), changing the cost-benefit ratio for treatment in older populations. These developments mean that a targeted renal cancer screening program is now a real option. The evidence for such a screening program is presented in three parts: first, an update on the natural history and risk factors; second, a calculation of the benefits and harms of screening in different populations, and third, lessons from other cancer screening programs. Finally, a clinical algorithm to aid with screening and treatment choices is presented.


The fact that every unitary matrix can be expressed in the form A-1A∗ (observed by C. R. Johnson) is interpreted as a "Hilbert Theorem 90" in rings with an involution. Several observations connected with this are included.


The functional layout of a thermogravimelric heat pump is described, with an analysis of the main gemetric-functional features for those systems which work with waler/organic fluid different couples. In particular, for a 300 kW thermal power plant, the curves of the Height Z and Diameter D CE of the bi-phase duct with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 °C are described. The most suitable solution is offered by water/Pf 5050 couple, with Z points between 25 and 50 and D CB between 0.96 and 0.9 m.


Abstract This paper deals with the identification in the frequency domain of errors–in–variables models corrupted by additive and uncorrelated white noises. The noise–free input is an arbitrary signal, not necessarily periodic. The frequency domain algorithm proposed here resembles in many aspects the so–called Frisch Scheme approach, originally developed in the time domain. This paper deals with the identification in the frequency domain of errors–in–variables models corrupted by additive and uncorrelated white noises. The noise–free input is an arbitrary signal, not necessarily periodic. The frequency domain algorithm proposed here resembles in many aspects the so–called Frisch Scheme approach, originally developed in the time domain.


Renewable energy generation has unstable output, so is hard to use independently. In order to improve renewable energy's ease of use, we have proposed the MCMC-based autonomous decentralized mechanism (ADM) to perform energy interchange between AESs so as to be supply energy appropriately for different energy demands among AESs. In this paper, toward the practical realization of our ADM, we investigate its performance in a practical scenario with the fluctuation in energy generation. We conduct the experiment with a model based on the characteristic of energy generation fluctuation with a PV panel, and clarify the effectiveness of our ADM against fluctuation.


Generically,the secant pile was used as the temporary support structure of a deep hole excavated.The secant pile acted as the permanent bearing structure of undercrossing overpass was firstly put forward with engineering practice.The secant pile calculation method under different support conditions was also put forward,based on the theory of sheet pile wall calculation theory.The particular construction method and the applicable geologic condition of the secant pile were pointed out.


Recently,about 15% of potatoes are wasted during storage in winter in Jilin Province ev-ery year.Sometimes,the percent will come to 50%.Thus,the storage and management are very important for potato production.Environmental condition and methods of management for potato storing were intro-duced in this paper.


Planning and devel< forces at play in the· be chosen Over alten The Nabugabo Ram classified into rural p Ramsar site SUpports 200 per hectare per y, Wetlands valuation i: management easier b) political, social, cultu zoned as: no change in rural natural flora and areas, and optimisatior


The purpose of this study was to determine if a simple measurement using hand dynamometer could be used as predictors of boulder climbing performance in youth climbers. The study cohort consisted of 12 competitive climbers (8 males, 4 females) who competed at European Bouldering Youth Championships (B) in Slany, Czech Republic in the year 2017. The hand grip force was measured at fingertips-thumbtip grip at three wrist positions and during free holding. The effect of hand dominance in grip strength was not observed except for free holding. It could be concluded that the elite young climbers has balanced grip strength between the left and the right hand. The performance in competitions was assessed by total number of number of achieved tops. The best predictor of number of top holds achieved in qualification round was the strength at free grip as it describes also upper body fitness level.


TO THE EDITOR: Laxatives have long been a typical example of selfprescribed medicines. However, in 2002, the Food and Drug Administration required removal of 2 stimulant laxative ingredients (aloe and cascara) from over-the-counter drugs, as these products were not generally recognized as safe and effective.1 The European Medicines Agency stated in 2007 that, without medical supervision, the stimulant laxatives cascara, aloe and senna should only be used on a short-term basis,2 which was already the case in France for stimulant laxatives, all recommended for a maximum of 8 to 10 days. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patterns of laxative use in self-medication in actual practice. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of community pharmacies in the Bordeaux area, in southwestern France, in accordance with the requirements of the Regional Ethics Committee. All sales of laxatives without prescription were identified during a 2week period. Characteristics of users and patterns of use were collected during a face-to-face interview by using a structured questionnaire filled out by the pharmacist for each purchase of laxative without prescription. Results. A total of 137 users of laxatives in 29 pharmacies (19% of sampled pharmacies) were identified during the study period. The mean number of self-medicating laxative users was 2.4 per pharmacy per week (range 0–10); 86.1% were female, 64.2% were known customers of the pharmacy, and the median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 46–75 y). Among individuals in the study population, 18.3% purchased more than one brand and 40.9% purchased more than one box of laxatives. Table 1 summarizes patterns of laxative use in self-medication. Laxatives were used for the purpose of weight loss by 8.0% of the study population and chronically (ie, daily and for ≥1 y) by 31.4%. Stimulant laxatives, which were the most commonly used, were used chronically (31.8%) to the same extent as other types of laxatives (30.8%). Discussion. The participating pharmacy rate was rather low but concordant with that found in other studies using no follow-up or fee.3 This study confirms data in the literature showing that laxatives are used primarily by women and the elderly.4 Although notable, the proportion of laxatives used for weight loss among the population studied could have been underestimated, since such nonapproved use is often denied. The finding that stimulant laxatives were used chronically, contrary to the current guidelines and recent regulatory decisions, highlights the poor impact of leaflet warnings. The daily use of these laxatives may be based on the erroneous concept that a daily bowel evacuation is necessary for good health. Motola et al.5 made the same observation in their study, conducted among 70 pharmacies in southern Italy. Almost half of the studied population used laxatives because they considered themselves to be constipated, despite evacuating 3 or more times per week. A large education campaign for patients regarding constipation and the proper use of stimulant laxatives would certainly be appropriate.


component of the multiple outcome independently (Figures 3 and 4 in our article), meaning that any other measure of pain and grip strength would have arrived at essentially the same conclusion, as in fact was the case in the original submission. Finally, the use of 2 pain thresholds on the numeric rating scale was understandably a source of confusion and could certainly be dispensed with. A semantic issue only increases this confusion. The nerve blocks are, of course, meant as analgesics in the immediate postoperative phase, and it seems reasonable to judge their effectiveness using a pain scale. Given the numeric rating scale cut-offs 3 and 6 for distinguishing moderate, considerable and intense pain, we defined the block to be a complete failure if the patient was suffering from intense pain. This does indeed lead to the semantically odd situation that a patient in "considerable" pain may have had a block not considered a complete failure. It is reassuring that after considering these criticisms and acknowledging room for improvement, we are still convinced that the very clear data in our trial allow for the conclusion we drew: "The SSNB provides excellent postoperative analgesia without exposing patients to impaired mobility and to risks of the more potent but also more invasive ISB."


We synthesized magnetically frustrated DyMn 2 O 5 nanoparticles in pores of mesoporous silica, with particle sizes ranging from 7 to 20 nm, and investigated their magnetostructural correlation. We found that the lattice constants of the DyMn 2 O 5 nanoparticles deviated from those of the bulk crystal below ∼ 12 nm and their crystallographic structures at the unit cell level were distorted. The size dependences of the blocking temperature and coercive field drastically change at ∼ 12 nm. In addition, the Weiss temperature depends strongly on particle size, and its sign changes at ∼ 12 nm. It is considered that such features can be realized owing to the distortion caused by the ligand atoms at the surface. The orbital structures of the magnetic sites are easily modified due to the distortion of the ligand ions at the surface, so that the correlation between the crystal structure and magnetic properties can be enhanced. Moreover, magnetization of the nanoparticle results in quasi-superparamagnetic behavior. Monte Carlo calculation of the nanoparticles indicates that such a feature is realized due to the quasi-free spins induced at the surface by magnetic frustration.


This chapter consist of a philosophical investigation of competition and its adverse effects on human moral growth. It considers competition as a Heideggerian technology, a mechanism, which 'enframes' our thoughts, feelings, and presuppositions about possible solutions to the ecocrisis. The history of competitive thought is scrutinized in terms of violent and mechanistically perceived human nature, evolutive mechanism, and the struggle for existence. Furthermore, economic ideas of scarcity, insatiable wants and needs, freedom, and merits are seen important features of defining what competition is. Competition is defined as the pursuit of scarce resources in a free society, and all of the defining concepts of competition are put under critical scrutiny. The chapter shows that competition is not only a neutral economic mechanism, but includes the human pursuit of superiority that impedes the development of empathy and willingness to help others, and limits the way we perceive the world and opportunities for ecological change.


This article discusses what should be included in the review of construction plans for proposed facilities. It also discusses techniques that can be used to deal with problems resulting from deviations from design standards. Initial review questions are noted as well as those relating to design standards, the accommodation of changes, and field reviews. It is noted that it is necessary to require documentation that clearly describes the need for changes, the alternatives considered, and the ultimate recommendation. Field inspection is a major requirement for a thorough plans review.


The dynamic variations of nitrate contents in the asparagus greenhouse soil at different growth stages of asparagus in Chongming Island were measured.The result showed that contents of nitrate in the soils of 10-year,4-year,and 1-year old asparagus greenhouses ranged from 248.3 to 651.0 mg N·kg-1,from 18.4 to 928.4 mg N·kg-1 and from 52.4 to 556.2 mg N·kg-1,respectively.Generally,nitrate accumulated in the soils of all the three greenhouses.Both nitrogen fertilizer applications and plant uptakes of nitrogen caused significant variations of soil nitrate contents at different growth stages.The nitrate was most seriously accumulated in soil at late growth stage of asparagus in summer,which also resulted in heavy leach of nitrogen to the deeper layer.Soil acidifications and salinizations were found in all the three greenhouses.Nitrate accumulation was one of the important factors that caused soil salinization in the 10-year old asparagus greenhouse.