In this study nanosized SiO2, TiO2 and their composite were synthesized via the oil in water (o/w) microemulsion method and their thermal treatment was performed at 378, 573, 973 and 1273 K. The physicochemical properties of the samples were studied by surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. The Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface area of all the adsorbents increases from 378 to 573 K, while it decreases upon further heat treatment. The average crystallite size decreases by heating the samples from 378 to 573 K while it increases when the adsorbents were thermally heat treated at 973 and 1273 K. The intensity of a few IR bands was reduced along with the disappearance of most of the bands at higher temperatures. The appearance of the beta-cristobalite phase in SiO2 and the rutile phase in TiO2 was confirmed from the diffraction data. The heat treated samples were subjected to preliminary adsorption of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution at 293 K. Based on the preliminary adsorption experiments, SiO2, TiO2 and their composite heat treated at 573 K were selected for further adsorption studies. The Langmuir model was found to be fitted to the sorption data of TiO2 and the nanocomposite while the adsorption of Cd2+ ions by the SiO2 nanoparticles was explained well based on the Freundlich model. In the present study, the maximum Cd2+ adsorption capacity of SiO2, TiO2 and their composite was found to be 79.72, 98.55 and 107.17 mg g−1, respectively. The qm and Kf values obtained in the present study were found to be far better than those reported in the literature. The negative values of ΔG confirm the feasibility of an adsorption process at higher temperatures. The positive values of ΔH and ΔS represent the endothermic and physical nature of the adsorption process with the increased randomness of Cd2+ ions at the solid/solution interface.


Taking a civil airport as an example,the factors affecting the fly safety in this airport were analyzed according to the system engineering theory of "man-machine-environment-management".Then,a triangular fuzzy complementary judgment matrix was constructed with the experts' judgment information expressed by triangular fuzzy numbers.Through calculation by use of fuzzy AHP(Analytical Hierarchy Process),the general importance of each factor was obtained and ranked,which provided basis for the risk management of civil airports.Fuzzy AHP can describe the fuzziness of experts' judgment objectively and is simple in calculation.So,this approach not only objectively assesses the safety status of civil airports,but also is helpful to the improvement of safety management.


The failure envelope approach is commonly used to assess the capacity of shallow foundations under combined loading, but there is limited published work that compares the performance of various num...


Objective: Injury to the subclavian, carotid or axillary arteries is uncommon. Exposure of these vessels is associated with significant morbidity, and mortality ranges from 5% to 30%. Endovascular methods may offer an alternative approach to these technically challenging injuries. Methods: From March 2011 and February 2013, eight consecutive patients with traumatic subclavian, carotid and axillary artery injuries were treated endoluminally with covered stent. Treated vessels were subclavian (n=7), carotid (n=1) and axillary (n=1) and as one patient had carotid subclavian communication. The target lesion was accessed antegrade via the femoral artery (n=5), retrograde through the brachial artery (n=1), combined antegrade and retrograde via femoral and brachial artery (n1) amd triple access via both femoral and brachial access (n=1). Results: Mean age was 34.5 years with 7 male and 1 female and all patients were symptomatic with palpable mass (n=5), palpable thrill (n=3) and rest pain (n=1). We had 7 cases of traumatic pseudoaneurysm and 1 cases of traumatic subclavian contusion; history of trauma was present in 8 cases with bullet injury 5/8 cases (62.5%), RTA 2/8 cases (25%) and one case of iatrogenic injury (12.5%). Ballon mounted covered stent were used to exclude arterial injury with two cases of endoleak managed successfully. Techniqal success occurred in 100%. Follow-up was up to 1 year in all patients with 30 day and 1 year survival rate were 100% and 1ry patency rate was 100% with no endoleak. Conclusion: Covered stents are a feasible alternative to open repair in properly selected patients with subclavian, carotid or axillary artery injury, resulting in shorter procedure time and less blood loss.


Combinatorial problems are NP-complete, which means even infinite number of CPUs take polynomial time to search an optimal solution. Therefore approximate search algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms are used. However, such an approximate search algorithm easily falls into local optimum and just distributed / parallel processing seems inefficient. In this paper, we introduce distributed GAs, which compute their initial population in a case-based manner and compose their upcoming generations by the particular GAs, which exchange their solutions and make their individual decisions, when composing a next generation based on the fitness of the candidates and diversity issues.


In this study, we examined the in vitro effect of extracts of different neem (Azardirachta indica A. Juss) plant parts such as leaf, bark, oil cake and neem oil on the growth, mycelial yield and sclerotial survival of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. causing charcoal rot of soyabean (Glycine max L.) by poisoned food technique. The radial growth of M. phaseolina was promoted by the autoclaved neem extracts. Maximum enhancement in growth of the fungus was observed at 10 % concentration of cake extract followed by leaf and bark extracts. However, the neem extracts sterilized through sintered glass filter (G-5) showed inhibitory effect on growth and mycelial biomass yield of M. phaseolina. Neem oil was found to be most toxic followed by cake, leaf and bark extracts. Effect of neem extract on sclerotial survival of M. phaseolina was found inhibitory after 2 and 4 days of incubation. Sclerotia treated with neem oil did not germinate, hence resulted in 100% inhibition. Volatile and non- volatile fungistatic effects of different neem extracts (5 %) were also inhibited sclerotial germination of the test fungi. Maximum inhibition in sclerotial germination was observed with cake extract after 96 h of incubation followed by leaf and bark extract. The effect of volatile fungistasis was more pronounced than non-volatile fungistasis. Volatile fraction of cake extracts caused 97 % inhibition in sclerotia germination after 96 h but non- volatile effect of cake extract after 48 h was negligible. (Journal of American Science 2009; 5(5):17-24). (ISSN: 1545-1003).


Aluminium is today commercially produced by the Hall-Heroult process using consumable carbon anodes. Consumable anodes have some concerns such as CO2 emission, continuous anodecathode distance adjustments and replacements of anodes. Replacing the consumable anodes with inert anodes has been a topic for many decades without commercial success so far. Using porous inert anodes where natural gas or hydrogen take place in the anode reaction has been shown in laboratory tests to reduce the anode potential and reduce the CO2 emission. However, formation of water results in evolution hydrogen fluorides which must be solved. Laboratory experiments using porous depolarized SnO2-based anodes with CH4 and H2-gases have been performed with off-gas analysis and with special attention to hydrogen fluoride evolution. Some ideas of how to deal with the additional HF evolution are presented.


In 6 seated subjects with small unilateral pleural effusion without other radiographic abnormality, we measured regional lung function using xenon-133, comparing the function of the lung on the side with the effusion to the function on the contralateral side. When both lungs were equilibrated with Xe, count rates were lower at the base with the effusion, indicating either collapse or displacement of lung in these regions. Regional lung expansion was measured as fractions of regional total lung capacity: regional functional residual capacity/regional total lung capacity and regional residual volume/regional total lung capacity. The distribution of boluses inhaled slowly from residual volume was also measured. In all subjects the results were the same on the side with the effusion as on the other side. These findings were compatible with effective static pleural pressure being the same on both sides and suggest that the reduction in count rate at the base with effusion was due to displacement rather than co...


The chemical composition and pharmacological activity of the dry extract based on the herbal tea composed of black horehound (Ballota nigra) herb, white nettle (Lamium album) herb, wormwood (Artemisiae absinthii) herb in equal amounts have been studied. As a result of the chemical study of the main groups of biologically active substances in the herbal tea and the extract on its basis the presence of phenolic compounds such as derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid, hydroxycoumarins, flavonoids and their quantitative content have been determined. In the research objects aglycons of flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin) have been idenified. 70% ethanol provides a more complete extraction of phenolic compounds from the herbal tea: the content of hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoids is higher than in the infusion of the herbal tea, it is more than 60% and 80% re spectively; the total amount of phenolic compounds in the dry extract is greater than in the infusion – more than 10% (calculated with reference to a dry residue). The results of the pharmacological research suggest the presence of the sedative effect of the dry extract from the herbal tea in the dose of 400 mg/kg. The dry extract from the herbal tea exhibits the antihypoxic activity that exceeds the activity of Piracetam, thus proving its cerebroprotective action. In the last decades diseases associated with the human higher nervous dysfunctions remain one of the most important medical and social problems of most countries in the world, first of all, due to high prevalence and severe consequences for public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 6.7 mln. people die from cerebrovascular diseases annually in the world. Insult is the second most common cause of death; 6150000 inhabitants of the Earth (92 per 100 000) died from insult in 2008, i.e. 10.8% of the total mortality. In Ukraine 754 461 patients died in 2008: of them from insult – 42 422 (91.8 per 100 000 of the population, 5.6% of all the dead) [9, 10, 12]. For the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, in which pathogenesis hypoxia is of key importance, medicines of various groups are used: nootropic (piracetam), amino acid and peptidergic, acetylcholinergic (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine), glutamatergic; when using them a number of side effects appears. The use of herbal drugs in patients with cerebrovascular disease is one of the alternative therapies accelerating normalization of the functions of the nervous system [11]. Therefore, development of effective herbal medicines in cerebrovascular diseases is an important task. The aim of the work was to study the chemical composition, identify the effects on behavioural responses and the possible antihypoxic activity of the herbal tea and the dry extract on its basis.


The discovery of liquid water-related sulfates on Mars is of great astrobiological interest. UV radiation experiments, using natural Ca and Fe sulfates (gypsum, jarosite), demonstrate a large difference in the UV protection capabilities of both minerals and also confirm that the mineralogical composition of the Martian regolith is a crucial shielding factor. It is demonstrated that a thin (500 µm-thick) sample of jarosite prevents UV transmission, providing suitable niches for life exploration.


We report the results of an experiment to determine if low‐frequency turbulence (frequencies less than the ion plasma frequency) seen in magnetron plasmas is responsible for the transport of electrons across magnetic field lines. This is done by finding the scaling of the electron confinement time τ on the mean‐square electric field fluctuation 〈‖δE‖2〉. Turbulent transport models predict the scaling should be τ∝〈‖δE‖2〉−1. Data were taken at a constant pressure of 1.1 Pa of argon and for discharge current densities from 25 to 150 A/m2. Density fluctuations were recorded, and the maximum rms level was <5.2%. Measured values of τ ranged from 0.65 to 0.85 μs as the discharge current density was varied over its full range. Assuming the observed turbulent spectrum is composed of ion acoustic waves, we find that τ∝〈‖δE‖2〉−0.15, quite different from the prediction. We conclude low‐frequency turbulence is not responsible for cross‐field electron transport.


The Krueng Mane People's Market is one of the traditional markets built by the government. Traditional markets are part of the economic facilities and infrastructure in Indonesia. However, its existence is increasingly being eroded by the modern market and the less than optimal use. The government has launched a Market Revitalization Program, but many have failed. The purpose of this study was to determine the use and design criteria of the functional aspects of standard elements of space, accessibility, zoning and facilities. This study uses an evaluation method with a qualitative descriptive elaboration. In collecting data, the method used is place centered mapping on field observations, surveys using questionnaires and interviews. The results of the study indicate that the aspects studied have not been effective for use by traders and buyers during their inhabited period. Therefore, it is suggested that the design criteria are the size of the trading room based on the standard, the width of the circulation does not vary in the sense that it must comply with the standard, the zoning should be given a clear marker and the facilities for the market must be provided again so that the market that has been built can be used optimally in the future.


Three processes associated with sex-meiosis, gametic union, and nuclear fusion-have a mechanical component, i.e., they require movements of supramolecular bodies. Times required for these processes are surprisingly high, probably because of the mechanical component, thus insuring that production of cells by sexual processes will require much longer than production of an equal number of cells by asexual processes. This is especially evident in direct comparisons of meiosis and mitosis. Meiosis requires much longer than two mitotic divisions. For unicellular organisms, and for small multicellular organisms in which the egg-to-egg time is very short, the additional time required by sexual processes at the cellular level lowers the feasibility of sex by slowing the reproduction rate. This is called the "cellular-mechanical" cost of sex. The cellular-mechanical cost of sex is at least twofold and will often exceed 10-fold by comparison with asexual reproduction in unicellular eucaryotes. The cellular mechanical cost of sex thus is a strong selective force acting against sex in unicellular and small organisms and, because it does not apply when the organism stops growing, tends to restrict sexuality to the end of the growth period.


Negligence is specific tort and in any given circumstances is the failure to exercise that care which the circumstances demand. What amounts to negligence depends on the facts of each particular case. The degree of care required in a particular case depends upon the surrounding circumstances, and may vary according to the amount of risk to be encountered and to the magnitude of the prospective injury. A basic knowledge of how judicial forums deal with the cases relating to medical negligence is of absolute necessity for doctors. The need for such knowledge is more now than before. In light of higher premium being placed by the Indian Forums on the value of human life and suffering, but sometimes misinterpretations are done deliberately or inadvertently when the doctors are charged for culpable homicide not amounting to murder (304 IPC) instead of medical negligence (304 A IPC). A case of medical negligence is being discussed in which a gynaecologist has been charged for 304IPC instead of 304A IPC. The scenario was that, the patient died after readmission in private hospital, who had delivered a healthy baby, managed properly and discharged by the Gynaecologist and suffered undiagnosed complications after discharge at home. The charge was framed that the doctor was absent from the hospital and the case was handled by nurses on telephonic conversation with doctor. Earlier also the doctors had been prosecuted under 304IPC instead of 304A IPC in lower courts and even high courts (e.g. Jacob Mathews V. State of Punjab, Dr. Suresh Gupta V. Govt. of NCT Delhi). But in many cases, finally Supreme Court set aside the judgement of high court and held that the doctors could not be criminally prosecuted.


Quality is of increasing importance in web sites. Content Management Systems, however, are just one side of the story. Another aspect is that of a web design which is user friendly and complies with prevailing standards, or in short: Accessible Web Design. The costs and benefits of such accessible web sites are balanced against one another and evaluated on the basis of Quality Management.


Over the last 40 years, the understanding of glycosylation changes in health and disease has evolved significantly and glycans are now regarded as excellent biomarker candidates because of their high sensitivity to pathological changes. However, the discovery of clinical glycobiomarkers has been slow, mainly as a consequence of the lack of high-throughput glycoanalytical workflows that allow rapid glycoprofiling of large clinical sample sets. To generate high-quality quantitative glycomics data in a high-throughput fashion, we have developed a robotised platform for rapid N-glycan sample preparation and glycan characterisation. The sample preparation workflow features a fully automated, rapid glycoprotein affinity purification followed by sequential protein denaturation and enzymatic glycan release on a multiwell ultrafiltration device, thus greatly streamlining all required biochemical manipulations. After glycan purification on solidsupported hydrazide, glycans are fluorescently labelled to allow accurate quantification by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (ultra HPLC or UPLC). Subsequent peak assignment can be carried out utilising GlycoBase, a bespoke chromatographic data system developed to aid the analysis of glycans performed using different chromatographic techniques (UPLC, HPLC, Reverse Phase-UPLC, Capillary Electrophoresis).


Constructed wetland plays an important role in the removal of micro-polluted water pollutants in urban water sources. However, the water purification capacity and influencing factors of the constructed wetlands still need to be explored. This study monitored the turbidity, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), dissolved oxygen (DO), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the water inlet and outlet of Shijiuyang Wetland in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2021. The results showed that the turbidity and the wetland turbidity removal rate stayed high. The DO couldn't meet national standard III for surface water during the high temperature time in summer, and NH3-N and COD are stable within national standard III. The partial regression analysis shows that the addition of chemicals is the most important factor affecting the turbidity. Temperature had the most important affect to NH3-N and DO, the higher the temperature, the lower the NH3-N value and the DO. The flow rate is the most important factor affecting the COD, the higher the flow rate, the lower the COD. Moreover, this paper proposes operation and maintenance improvement measures for the problem of excessive turbidity and DO in Shijiuyang Wetland. The research results are conducive to improving the understanding of water security in the Yangtze River Delta region.


Introduction: Peripheral B-cell abnormalities, a feature of both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), are implicated in the pathogenesis of both diseases and correlate with disease activity. This study aims to investigate how the defective B-cell phenotype in pSS patients compares to patients with SS and SLE (SS/SLE), and whether abnormalities in B-cell phenotype could be related to differential B-cell lipid-raft expression and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) receptor function in patients with pSS and SLE and secondary SS (SS/SLE). Methods: Blood samples and clinical and laboratory parameters from 32 patients with pSS and SS/SLE and 13 age/sex matched HC were obtained. We used flow-cytometry to perform B-cell immunophenotyping and analysed lipid-raft expression (marker of B-cell activation). In vitro cultures were also used to assess lipid-raft expression in response to BAFF. Results: Patients with SS/SLE had a significantly decreased Bm1 and Bm5 and increased Bm2 populations compared to HC (p=0.031, p=0.035 and p=0.01, respectively), and increased Bm2 compared to pSS (p=0.027). Bm1-cells were decreased in both pSS and SS/SLE patients compared to HC (p=0.028 and p= 0.031, respectively). Both age and disease duration correlated strongly with Bm2' cells in SS/SLE patients (r=0.9572, p= 0.0428), and the immunosuppressive treatment correlated negatively with the number of circulating Bm2 and Bm2' cell in pSS (r = -0.54, p=0.01 and r = -0.56, p=0.008, respectively). B-cells from patients with pSS had a significant increase in lipid-raft expression compared to HC (p=0.01) and patients with SS/SLE (p<0.05). Lipid-raft levels correlated with BAFF-receptor expression in HC and SS/SLE B-cells (p=0.17, r=0.694) but not in pSS patients. Both disease activity score (ESSDAI) and IgG level correlated positively with lipid rafts expression in B cells from patients with pSS (r = 0.79, p=0.004 and r =0.53, p=0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with SS/SLE had more significant B-cell abnormalities compared to HC and pSS, detectable even in a small number of patients. Also the relationship between lipid-raft and BAFF-receptor expression was altered between pSS and SS/SLE patients, and correlated with the disease activity and IgG levels in pSS group, suggesting that therapies targeting BAFF might be particularly successful in the SS/SLE sub-group of patients.


Abstract Oriented thin films of poly(diphenylsilane) were prepared by the friction transfer technique. It was found that the film properties depended strongly upon the preparation temperature. Oriented films exhibited purple polarized photoluminescence. Electron diffraction pattern of the oriented PDPhS exhibited that the conformation of the polymer in crystalline state should not be all-trans structure.


Teenagers in any society are fond of using the internet services on the mobile devices in lieu of personal computer, thus affect their behavioural intention in using broadband technology.Studies on the factors that affect the behavioural intention of teenagers towards the usage of broadband technology have been received less attention.This research proposes the model for behavioural intention of broadband technology usage among the teenagers by adapting unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model.A quantitative survey approach was employed by engaging 1,730 teenagers who are secondary school students in the Northern region of Malaysia.The result reveals that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and compatibility are the significant factors to achieve behavioural intention of usage of broadband technology among the teenagers. The use of presented model would help in determining the behaviour of teenagers towards the use of broadband technology which can affect their academic performance.


Introduction:
 Micro-RNAs (miRNAs), have been shown to be one of the main regulators of gene expression and other biological processes. Recently, attention is focused on their potential role as prognostic predictors in different types of cancer, including diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We previously reported several miRNAs associated to progression/refractoriness in DLBCL (miR-1244, miR-193b-5p and miR-1231). The aim of this study was to validate these resultsin vitro, exploring the molecular pathways involved.
 Material and methods:
 The DLBCL cell line, U-2932 (activated B-cell (ABC) subtype) (ACC 633) was obtained from DSMZ (Germany). Transient reverse transfection of DLBCL cells for 48 or 72 h with mirVana miRNA mimics or inhibitors (miR-1244, miR-193b-5p and miR-1231) or with a miRNA negative control (100 nM) was performed using Viromer®GREEN reagent (Lipocalyx). In some experiments, after 24 h of transfection cells were treated with vehicle (1% DMSO) or with increasing concentrations of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone) (Sigma-Aldrich) for 48 h. The ratio of the four drugs was 80 mg/ 5.33 mg/ 0.16 mg/ 5.77 mg. After 48 h of transfection or treatment, cell viability was measured using the CellTiter 96®AQueous One Solution and total RNA was isolated using the RNeasy Mini Kit from Qiagen. Gene expression profiling (GEP) was performed using GeneChip human Clarion S of Affymetrix-ThermoFisher.
 Results:
 Reverse transfection of U-2932 with the miRNA mimic negative control (100 nM) for 48 h did not alter the cell viability compared to non-transfected (NT) cells, showing that the transfection method did not affect viability in these DLBCL cells. Transfection of mimic miR-1244, miR-193b-5p or miR-1231 (100 nM) did not significantly alter the viability compared to cells transfected with the miRNA mimic negative control. However, inhibition of these endogenous miRNA molecules for 48 h significantly decreased by 24.1 ± 5.7%, 28.9 ± 6.5% and 30.9 ± 3.3% cell viability, respectively, suggesting that these miRNAs could be involved in the survival of these tumor cells. In these experiments, the percentage of cell transfection was 89.6%. The effect of miRNA 1244, 193b-5p or 1231 on the response of DLBCL cells to CHOP treatment was also evaluated. Transfection of U-2932 cells with miRNA mimic negative control did not alter its sensibility to CHOP, which dose-dependently decreased its viability with an IC50 of 1.45 μg/ml in NT or transfected cells. Transfection of U-2932 cells with mimic miR-1244 or miR-193b-5p (100 nM) increased cell viability in the presence of vehicle (1% DMSO) and also reverted the inhibitory effect of CHOP (0.3 μg/ml) after 48 h of treatment. However, transfection of U-2932 cells with mimic miR-1231 (100 nM) did not alter the inhibitory effect of CHOP (0.3, 1 and 3 μg/ml) on cell viability at any of the concentrations studied. GEP studies showed that these miRNAs reduced the expression of genes associated to chemosensitivity (MCTP1) in the case of miR-1244 and miR-193-5p or tumoral suppressor genes (NRN1) in the case of miR-1231.
 Conclusions:
 We validatedin vitroour previously reported miRNAs about the role of miR-1244, miR-193b-5p and miR-1231 associated to treatment failure. The inhibition of endogenous miR-1244, miR-193b-5p or miR-1231 molecules significantly decreased cell viability. Transfection of U-2932 cells with mimic miR-1244 or miR-193b-5p (100 nM) increased cell viability of cells treated with CHOP. GEP studies showed that these miRNAs were linked to chemoresistance and inhibition of tumoral suppressor genes. Future works will have to translate these results to clinical practice in DLBCL.

 Salar: Celgene:Speakers Bureau;Janssen:Speakers Bureau;Roche:Speakers Bureau.


The article examines the extent to which child support payments should be adjusted (either upward or downward) to reflect the frequency of visitation by noncustodial parents. The article argues in favor of California's rule, which automatically adjusts support obligations to reflect the amount of time spent with both parents. The California approach gives noncustodial parents (usually fathers) an incentive to remain involved in the lives of their children, and penalizes parents for opting out. The California rule thus works to deter paternal absence and the associated bad effects on children: depression, insecurity, substance abuse, impoverishment, crime, delinquency, premature sexuality, teen pregnancy, unemployment, underemployment, and poor educational performance. California's approach is also more equitable and better grounded in moral principles. It is likely to benefit custodial parents by providing them with economic help when the noncustodial parent opts out, and relieving them of financial and physical burdens of caretaking when the noncustodial parent remains involved. It may benefit women by enhancing their financial situation and by contributing to a cultural climate that is respectful of women's roles. It is likely to enhance satisfaction with the law and to increase compliance with child support orders.


Starting from a set of examples of translations in which translators use paratextual or code-switching devices to voice reservations about the works they are translating, I explore the similarities between this type of translation and what Dorrit Cohn calls discordant narration. I go on to argue in favour of viewing translation as a form of reported discourse, more particularly what Relevance theory calls echoic (and in some cases ironic) speech, a species of interpretive discourse in which the speaker's attitude towards the words being reported is relevant. Viewing translation as reported discourse implies that the translated words are embedded in the translator's reporting discourse. I conclude by suggesting that it is up to the reader to make a translator's attitude relevant, and that deictic shifts from the framing to the framed discourse enable the reader to discern or construe the translator's positioning.


The bachelor thesis focuses on design of the linear hydraulic motor, which is applied in variety of systems and devices. The theory part deals with the specific types of hydraulic motors. With their design, mounts, seals and uses. The practical part is about designing particular linear hydraulic motor for specific opera-ting conditions.


Objective:To evaluate the variation and drugs susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria over 3 years in our hospital.Methods:A total of 1 175 strains of pathogens were analyzed statistically by retrospective study.Results:Among 1 175 strains of pathogens,235 were gram-positive cocci(20.00%);910 were gram-negative bacilli(77.45%) and 30 were fungi(2.55%).In 3 years,the average resistance rate of gram-positive cocci to penicillin,oxacillin,cefazolin,erythromycin and ciprofloxacin were most high.The average resistance rate of gram-negative bacilli to cefotaxime,cefepime,co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin were most high.Respectively the detection rate of Staphyloccocus bacteria producting β-lactamase to penicillin and amoxicillin were 85.71% in 2006 and 89.80% in 2007.Conclusion:In 3 years,gram-negative bacilliin strains causing hospital nosocomial infections increased,gram-positive cocci strains remain stable,but fungous infection showed a decline tendency.In view of the increasing drug resistance,rational use of antimicrobial agents should be stressed in the clinic.


This paper is dealing with the main hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater quality in SafagaQuseir district. Five water-bearing Formations are recognized, Quaternary Alluvial, Middle Miocene sandstone, Oligocene sandstone, Cretaceous limestone and Pre-Cambrian. Nineteen groundwater samples in addition to 17 rock samples were collected from these water-bearing Formations and chemically analyzed. The Hydrochemical data reflects variation in water salinity and types among the investigated groundwater. The main hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry during water-rock interaction are carbonate & silicate weathering, leaching and dissolution, ion exchange and oxidation & reduction. The results show the predominance of carbonate weathering, ion exchange, reduction of sulfate into sulfur in 90 % of groundwater samples. The poor quality of groundwater in the study area results in restrictions and limitations on its use and management, and is an impediment to regional economic development. Therefore, some recommendations in the future are to desalinate brackish and saline groundwater to improve the water quality.


Zinc sulphide nanorods were doped with manganese ions and the structural changes were monitored through positron annihilation measurements. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a transformation from hexagonal to cubic structure, and we observed characteristic changes in the measured positron lifetimes, their intensities and Doppler broadened lineshapes. These features were explained on the basis of positron trapping and subsequent annihilation at the nanorod surfaces. Further incorporation of manganese resulted in an increase of the diameter of the nanorods, and the effect was reflected in the decreasing lifetime of positrons. At sufficiently high concentration of manganese ions, Mn–Mn clusters were formed. The results are compared with those obtained for ZnS nanoparticles where vacancies within the grains trapped a significant fraction of positrons.


PurposeTo describe the Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness profile of dominant optic atrophy (DOA), to differentiate it from that of glaucoma. MethodsRNFL thickness was measured using Stratus OCT in 32 eyes of 16 DOA patients. ResultsThe temporal-most clock hour measurement was outside the 95% normal limit in 29 of the 32 DOA eyes (90.6%). The pattern of RNFL damage was bilaterally symmetrical in location and severity in all subjects. ConclusionStratus OCT shows characteristic findings differentiating DOA from glaucoma.


In this work, we investigate the effects of nondisruptive high‐field stress on the tunneling characteristics of thin SiO2 films (<100 A) and show that after the stress the charge trapped within the oxide reversibly depends on the applied voltage. This is explained with a model where electrons tunnel in and out of trap states located near the injecting interface. Consequently, the trap occupation, hence oxide charge, is determined by transmission coefficients that strongly depend on the actual oxide potential.


Sleep disorders are frequently observed in 40–60% of dementia cases. The complications of sleep disorders cause a decrease in the quality of life of patients and a burden on caregivers. It is clinically very important to address sleep disorders because they can be a factor in the worsening of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Sleep disorders in those with dementia are often caused by a combination of various factors and have complex pathologies, so they are difficult to treat. In this paper, we classify the factors associated with sleep disor ders in dementia into three categories and describe how to address them in clinical practice.


Based on the design of disk brake on a hydraulic control system,the system design is for the belt conveyor in the transportation process control design,so its stability properties and screening ability has the absolute advantage.This paper introduces the hydraulic system of brake loosing process,encountered pressure,normal parking,overspeed braking,emergency braking and system failure,when the running state airport.


The invention relates to a method for the production of a coating or binding agent for oral or dermal pharmaceutical dosage forms, comprising essentially (a) a copolymer consisting of radically polymerized C1-to C4 esters of acrylic or methacrylic acids and additional (meth)acrylate monomers having functional tertiary ammonium groups, wherein the copolymer is contained in the form of a powder with an average particle size of 1-40 mum; (b) 3 to 15 percent by weight in relation to (a) of an emulsifier with an HLB value of less than 14 and (c) 5 to 50 percent by weight in relation to (a) of a C12- to C18- monocarboxylic acid or a C12- to C18-hydroxyl compound, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are mingled or mixed adding or not water and optionally adding a pharmaceutical active ingredient and other common additives. The coating or binding agent is produced from the mixture by melting, pouring, spreading or spraying. The invention also relates to the coating or binding agent itself.


Observations, data, and analyses used to investigate the cause of fly ash-laden seepage from the right abutment of an earthen dam are presented herein. The investigation shows that the sediment-laden seepage occurred through permeable/jointed bedrock in the right abutment that was exposed by a landslide prior to construction of the dam. When the level of the impounded fly ash reached the level of the prior landslide, the fly ash-laden seepage migrated through the jointed bedrock of the abutment and exited on the downstream right abutment. The joint bedrock was exposed to the fly ash reservoir because the landslide removed the clayey colluvium and/or residual soil overlying the jointed bedrock that formed a natural impervious barrier to seepage. This sediment-laden seepage initially was a great concern because of the potential for erosion and piping in earth dams. However, the rapid investigation into and subsequent monitoring of the seepage revealed that accumulation of fly ash and other coarser particles...


If L 1 and L 2 are two Brunnian links with all pairwise linking numbers 0, then we show that L 1 and L 2 are equivalent if and only if they have homeomorphic complements. In particular, this holds for all Brunnian links with at least three components. If L 1 is a Brunnian link with all pairwise linking numbers 0, and the complement of L 2 is homeomorphic to the complement of L 1 , then we show that L 2 may be obtained from L 1 by a sequence of twists around unknotted components. Finally, we show that for any positive integer n, an algorithm for detecting an n-component unlink leads immediately to an algorithm for detecting an unlink of any number of components. This algorithmic generalization is conceptually simple, but probably computationally impractical.


The monoterpenoid lactone derivative (+)‐dihydrocarvide ((+)‐DHCD) can be polymerised to form shape‐memory polymers. Synthetic biology routes from simple, inexpensive carbon sources are an attractive, alternative route over chemical synthesis from (R)‐carvone. We have demonstrated a proof‐of‐principle in vivo approach for the complete biosynthesis of (+)‐DHCD from glucose in Escherichia coli (6.6 mg L−1). The pathway is based on the Mentha spicata route to (R)‐carvone, with the addition of an ′ene′‐reductase and Baeyer–Villiger cyclohexanone monooxygenase. Co‐expression with a limonene synthesis pathway enzyme enables complete biocatalytic production within one microbial chassis. (+)‐DHCD was successfully produced by screening multiple homologues of the pathway genes, combined with expression optimisation by selective promoter and/or ribosomal binding‐site screening. This study demonstrates the potential application of synthetic biology approaches in the development of truly sustainable and renewable bioplastic monomers.


To the Editor: Activin A is a newly recognized pluripotent growth factor1. In a recent issue of Kidney International, we reported for the first time on plasma levels of immunoreactive activin A in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis2. Predialysis levels were 143 81.7 pg/mL in 25 patients, and not different from those of 111 67.1 pg/mL in 18 healthy subjects when measured with commercial colorimetric immunoenzymatic assay kits from RD cat. no. DAC00; Minneapolis, MN, USA). Presently, we determined plasma activin A in another group of 35 chronic hemodialysis patients using immunoenzymatic kits purchased from Oxford Bio-Innovation, Ltd. (product code: MCA1426KZZ; Oxfordshire, UK)3. Surprisingly, they were a median of 978 (range 559 to 2560) pg/mL, and more than 3-fold increased compared with those in 30 healthy control subjects (286 127 pg/mL). The direct comparison of the two immunoassays for activin A, yielding such disparate results, was not possible because R&D Systems had discontinued manufacturing the kit. At the same time, serum activin A level measured recently in healthy subjects by radioimmunoassay from Serotec Limited (Oxford, UK) was about 400 pg/mL4. This result is closer to our present rather than our previous2 findings in healthy control subjects.


Information occurs along a continuum from unorganized text at one extreme to rigorous statistical data at the other. Traditional descriptive analysis handles the former, statistical methods the latter But much of the richest information available for mternational relations research lies between these extremes This body of information can be formally organized, but the resulting data are usually verbal, not clearly bounded, and explained poorly by theory New analytical methods are needed to process such data; the increasingly creative field of artificial intelligence provides one of the most fertile sources of such methods To illustrate this point, a rule-based computational model designed to analyze Sino-Soviet negotiating sessions is presented: one part accepts user input, analyzes a single negotiating session, and constructs a case library, the second part allows highly efficient reviewing of this library. Keywords: computational modeling, artificial intelligence, expert systems, international relations, Smo-Soviet relations, rule-based analysis, prolog.


This paper shows experimental evidence of photorefractive steady state self-focusing in InP:Fe for a wide range of intensities, at both 1.06 and 1.55µm. To explain those results, it is shown that despite the bi-polar nature of InP:Fe where one photocarrier and one thermal carrier are to be considered, the long standing one photocarrier model for photorefractive solitons can be usefully applied. The relationship between the dark irradiance stemming out of this model and the known resonance intensity is then discussed.


The article explains principles and practical solutions in the classification of philosophy according to Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) in the National and University Library in Zagreb (Croatia). The author points out that the literature in philosophy pertains either to original philosophical works or can be in a form of philosophical studies (crticism, interpretation), history of philosophy or reference sources in philosophy. The subject of philosophy itself is organized in UDC into following three areas: the nature of philosophy, philosophical disciplines and philosophical systems and aspects. The author points out some specificities of philosophy as a discipline and discusses difficulties in content analysis and classification of philosophical works which do not belong to any of the suggested categories or are intra- and inter-disciplinary in nature. The author emphasises the need for consistency in collocating philosophical works, according to their subject and form, in order to facilitate their easier retrieval and use.


The Siluro-Devonian Misener sandstone and underlying Hunton limestone are extensive in the subsurface section of central Kansas. They are only approximately equivalent in age to similarly named formations in the Oklahoma surface section. The Misener is a shale and limestone-bearing sand which varies in thickness, and is missing in places. Its impure lithology, irregular distribution, and direct superposition upon both Ordovician and Siluro-Devonian rocks indicate formation during widespread pre-Mississippian erosion intervals. In north-central Kansas the Hunton is primarily a dolomitic limestone. In a southwesterly direction it thins from several hundred feet to zero. Correlations based on chert lithologies indicate that lower Hunton beds disappear toward the southwest because of overlap in that direction, middle Hunton strata are the most extensive, and upper Hunton beds thin and disappear toward the southwest because of erosion, coupled with offlap toward the northeast. Most of the beds are regarded as Silurian, with Devonian present only in the northeastern part of the area, but fossil evidence is scant, and lithologic breaks are obscure. Hunton limestones in south-central Kansas are normally less than 60 feet thick, and are not directly connected with those at the north. They cover a larger area than previously mapped, and extend into the region east of the buried Nemaha granite ridge. Inconclusive evidence indicates they are Silurian in age.


Based on today's increasingly fierce competition in the society,this essay points out the importance of cultivating and improving college students' competitive consciousness and puts forward some effective measures and methods to cultivate college students' competitive consciousness through Physical Education.


Effect of calcium lactate treatment on fresh-cut watermelon was evaluated.The calcium lactate treatments not only decreased the respiratory rate of the fresh-cut watermelon,but also increased the hardness of the fresh-cut watermelon.Moreover,the calcium lactate treatment inhibited the improvement of microbial population of watermelon.Therefore,the calcium lactate treatment at content of 2.5% showed the best capacity to keep quality of fresh-cut watermelon as the original one.


Sir,

A 57-year-old Caucasian male presented with continuous oozing of blood from a large exophytic growth over the abdomen and penile shaft. The patient reported a slowly enlarging exophytic growth over his penis [Figure 1a] and abdomen [Figure 1b] for past 35 years. He never sought medical attention for these; however, for the past 2 weeks, he was continuously oozing blood from these growths, requiring him to change clothes and bed sheets several times a day. Past medical history was significant for end-stage liver disease from untreated hepatitis C. At presentation, his hemoglobin was 6.6 and INR 1.9. During the course of hospitalization, patient was transfused as needed with reversal of coagulopathy; however the bleeding continued. Biopsy from both abdominal and penile growth showed increased mitosis and atypia, causing push effect, but lacked basement membrane invasion, [Figure [Figure2a2a and andb]b] consistent with diagnosis of Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT). Our patient failed radiotherapy and surgery was not an option because of decompensated cirrhosis with irreversible coagulopathy.

Figure 1

(a) Large, exophytic lesions over the penile shaft and scrotum; (b) Large, exophytic lesions on the abdomen

Figure 2

(a and b) Histopathology of lesions illustrates papillomatosis, acanthosis, and keratin pearls with increased mitosis and atypia


The first step in automatic supervision, condition monitoring and fault detection of photovoltaic system is recognition, exploration and classification of all possible faults that maybe happen in the system. This paper aims to perceive, classified, simulate and discus all electrical faults in DC side of photovoltaic system, regarding electrical voltage and current inspections. For that, simplified hybrid model of photovoltaic panel in MATLAB environment is used. Investigation and classification of each type of faults is down and the effects of the faults are illustrated in this paper. Flash test are applied to improved electrical model. Current-Voltage curves signature are interpreted and investigated in simulation environment.


We examined the livelihood of two local communities (Kashmiri & Gujjar) and their dependence on forest resources. New Theed and Mulnar are two villages situated at the northern-west boundary of Dachigam National Park (DNP). The population of New Theed is mainly belonging to the Kashmiri community while the Mulnar residents are from Gujjar community. Data were collected through random questionnaire survey from New Theed 101 and Mulnar 32 households (33% and 46%). It was found that about 21 % and 93.75% of households from Kashmiri and Gujjar communities were totally or partially dependent on DNP for their subsistence. With per capita fuel wood consumption of 1.09 and 4.04 kg/day, the average annual fuel wood consumption was found to be 0.39 and 3.92 metric ton per household of respective communities. According to household questionnaire survey, the average annual fuel wood collection was found to be lower (0.21 & 1.57 metric tons/household) compared to the measured quantity (5.19 & 7.32 metric tons/household) calculated on the basis of head loads being taken out of DNP. Moreover, 22% of Kashmiri community and 65% of Gujjar community collected green fodder from the forest for their livestock. Other resources collected from DNP were medicinal plants, honey, vegetables and fish, as well as timber. The harsh climatic conditions of the area, inappropriate supply of alternative fuels and bad condition of roads are the driving forces of higher fuel wood consumption for Gujjar community. Moreover, dependence on forest resources for subsistence is high among the Gujjar community due to high illiteracy rate and unemployment.


This is a theoretical study of the resonant suppression of the specular reflection of terahertz waves in layered superconductors due to the excitation of surface Josephson plasma waves SJPWs. Here, we consider in detail the specific case of SJPW excitations by evanescent electromagnetic waves via the attenuated total reflection of incident waves in a dielectric prism. We also derive the dispersion relation for surface waves propagating along the vacuum-superconductor interface parallel to the ab plane. We show that, due to the SJPW excitation, the reflectivity of the incident wave depends resonantly on both its frequency and incident angle. We find the optimal conditions for the best matching of the incident wave and SJPWs, as well as for the total suppression of the specular reflection.


Systems of Support for Elementary School Principals: A Case Study by Jennifer Francone MA, California State University, Fresno, 2000 BS, California State University, Fresno, 1995 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University March 2017 Abstract Principals need support throughout their careers in order to lead effectively and promote continuous improvement. However, some elementary school principals of small, rural schools lack access to structured systems of support that could increase their knowledge and skills as instructional leaders. The purpose of this study was to examine a central California school district's existing system of support for elementary school principals to learn the essential features that could be used to provide support for principals of small, rural schools. Informed by the Principal Support Framework provided by the University of Washington's Center for Educational Leadership, the guiding questions for this case study examined the elements of the system of support for principals, focusing on professional development, collaboration through networks and learning communities, and coaching/mentoring partnerships. Interviews with 4 principals and 1 district leader were conducted, and school district documents were collected. Data were coded to identify themes and to help understand the participants' perspectives. The findings suggest that a system of support for principals is structured around the foundation of collaborative learning through networks in both large and small group settings. Based on these findings, a plan for a professional learning network for principals of small, rural schools to collaborate is included as the project outcome. The study has implications for positive social change: through continuous learning and improvement, elementary principals can improve student learning and, through collaborative problem solving and inquiry, they can help prepare students academically and teachers professionally for continuous improvement.Principals need support throughout their careers in order to lead effectively and promote continuous improvement. However, some elementary school principals of small, rural schools lack access to structured systems of support that could increase their knowledge and skills as instructional leaders. The purpose of this study was to examine a central California school district's existing system of support for elementary school principals to learn the essential features that could be used to provide support for principals of small, rural schools. Informed by the Principal Support Framework provided by the University of Washington's Center for Educational Leadership, the guiding questions for this case study examined the elements of the system of support for principals, focusing on professional development, collaboration through networks and learning communities, and coaching/mentoring partnerships. Interviews with 4 principals and 1 district leader were conducted, and school district documents were collected. Data were coded to identify themes and to help understand the participants' perspectives. The findings suggest that a system of support for principals is structured around the foundation of collaborative learning through networks in both large and small group settings. Based on these findings, a plan for a professional learning network for principals of small, rural schools to collaborate is included as the project outcome. The study has implications for positive social change: through continuous learning and improvement, elementary principals can improve student learning and, through collaborative problem solving and inquiry, they can help prepare students academically and teachers professionally for continuous improvement. Systems of Support for Elementary School Principals: A Case Study by Jennifer Francone MA, California State University, Fresno, 2000 BS, California State University, Fresno, 1995 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University March 2017


This paper present a frequency synchronization method for satellite single frequency network of CMMB(China Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting) system.It uses the time-domain correlation of synchronization sequences to estimate the initial frequency offset,and uses the frequency-domain correlation of continuous pilots to track the residual frequency offset.The frequency of satellite downlink signal is locked to the reference frequency by closed-loop control,thus the frequency synchronization of network is realized.Simulation results show that the method has high accuracy and robustness.


Two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 has been intensively investigated for its use in the fields of microelectronics, nanoelectronics, and optoelectronics. However, intrinsic 2D MoS2 is usually used as the n-type semiconductor due to the unintentional sulphur vacancies and surface gas adsorption. The synthesis and characterization of 2D MoS2 semiconductor of p-type are crucial for the development of relevant p-n junction devices, as well as the practical applications of 2D MoS2 in the next-generation CMOS integrated circuit. Here, we synthesize high-quality, wafer-scale, 2D p-type MoS2 (Mo1‒xNbxS2) with various niobium (Nb) mole fractions from 0 to 7.6 by a creative two-step method. The dielectric functions of 2D Mo1‒xNbxS2 are accurately determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. We find that


Pantograph active control is considered as a means to improve the current collection quality in high-speed railways. Different studies have focused on the assessment of pantograph control systems, addressing actuator configurations and control strategies, mainly by means of numerical experiments. In the last few years, it has become possible to transfer the knowledge gained from numerical experiments to real operating conditions. Due to the high cost of on-track tests, which are necessary for the final assessment of active pantograph performances, it is desirable to perform these tests on a system that has already demonstrated its capabilities with less expensive laboratory tests, in which at least the basic features of the real operating conditions are reproduced. This paper deals with the development of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test rig, which allows the reproduction of the dynamical interaction between the overhead lines and the pantograph in high-speed railways. The HIL test rig makes it possible to verify the control strategies, the electrical drive configurations for active control, and the contact force estimation procedures on a real pantograph under conditions that are similar to those encountered on the real line. Some examples of test bench applications for pantograph active control and contact force estimation are also presented.


In today's extensive worldwide Internet traffic, some 60% of network congestion is caused by Peer to Peer sessions. Consequently ISPs are facing many challenges like: paying for the added traffic requirement, poor customer satisfaction due to degraded broadband experience, purchasing costly backbone links and upstream bandwidth and having difficulty to effectively control P2P traffic with conventional devices. Existing solutions such as caching and indexing of P2P content are controversial as their legality is uncertain due to copyright violation, and therefore hardly being installed by ISPs. In addition these solutions are not capable to handle existing encrypted protocols that are on the rise in popular P2P networks. Other solutions that employ traffic shaping and blocking degrade the downloading throughput and cause end users to switch ISPs for a better service. LiteLoad discerns patterns of user communications in Peer to Peer file sharing networks without identifying the content being requested or transferred and uses least-cost routing rules to push peer-to-peer transfers into confined network segments. This approach maintains the performance of file transfer as opposed to traffic shaping solutions and precludes internet provider involvement in caching, cataloguing or indexing of the shared content. Simulation results expresses the potential of the solution and a proof of concept of the key technology is demonstrated on popular protocols, including encrypted ones.


The part I reported on the development of the so called DPM (Distributed Parameter Model). The part II extends the results of the part I and studies the effects of design modifications on the performance of crossflow dryers. Crossflow grain dryer design modifications including airflow reversal, tapered columns and temperature staging were studied using a Distributed Parameter Model (DPM) based simulation program in an attempt to improve drying efficiency and grain quality. Airflow reversal across the dryer outlet or grain flow reversal was found to reduce moisture differential by up to 65% and lowers average grain temperature up to 10°C. Tapered columns were found to lower the moisture differential by up to 25%. Temperature staging was found to lower average grain temperature considerably but resulted in only slight decreases in moisture differential. Simulations of the dryer cooling section indicate that in most commercial applications the cooling section does not need to be greater than 20% of the total column length for drying air temperatures less than 135°C. Two forms of air recycle in crossflow dryers have been studied. These include direct recycle of exhaust air from the cooling section to the heating section and recycle of exhaust air from the heating and cooling sections that has been mixed with fresh air and heated. Energy savings due to direct air recycle ranged from 0 to 25%. Energy savings due to indirect air recycle ranged from 0 to 55%


A nonlinear Schredinger type equation in the case of an unbounded in space operator having, a non-divergent form, is considered. A new approach based on the hyperbolization procedure is suggested. The possibilities of the method proposed are tested.


A number of new distributed file systems have been developed, but the development of such file systems is not a simple task because it requires the operating system kernel to be modified. We have therefore developed the CAPELA operating system, which makes distributed file systems easy to develop. CAPELA allows the users to develop a file system as an extension module separated from the kernel, and protects the kernel from erroneous extension modules by a new fail-safe mechanism, called multi-level protection. The multi-level protection can avoid unnecessary performance degradation by enabling the protection level to be changed without modifying the source code of the module. We have implemented the CAPELA operating system on the basis of NetBSD 1.2 and confirmed that the file system can run more efficiently when the protection level is lowered. keywords: multi-level protection, fail-safe mechanism, distributed file system, operating system


Teaching violin in classes presents unique opportunities for learning experiences quite different from individual instruction. Music is a quintessentially social activity, and classroom instruction emphasizes the social aspects of music-making; it enhances listening skills and makes possible ensemble playing from the very beginning (Epstein 2016a, 2016b). On the other hand, classroom violin instruction poses challenges that will be daunting to the string teacher who is trained in individual instruction. Classroom teaching requires skills that are foreign to traditional string teaching but are familiar to all grammar school teachers: lesson planning, group discipline, classroom management, and a teaching program that involves all the students all the time. In this article, I offer some of the group activities and games that I use in my classrooms of second and third grade beginning violin students. This is not intended to be a complete classroom curriculum—only a list of suggestions. Since I teach violin classes in second and third grades, these activities are aimed primarily at the seven-to-nine age group. I imagine some of these activities would work for older children, but I have not personally tried them. My classes have six children in them, and that seems to me to be the optimal number of participants. I have, however, done some of the games with larger groups—up to fifteen. Any of the activities that require participants to play in turn become unwieldy with larger groups. Even though the framework for teaching is a classroom, there is still a need for the teacher to devote individualized attention to students. Most of these activities are designed to engage all the students in the class, while giving the teacher the opportunity to pay attention to individual students.


Forty three gullies were sampled and measured on the three geological formations underlying the IdahAnkpa Plateau of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria, to define their morphometry as well as their roles in the degradation of the plateau lands. The three geological formations comprise the Ajalli Sandstones (AS), the Upper Coal Measures (UCM), and the Lower Coal Measures (LCM). Of the forty three gullies studied, 37, 5, and 1 were located on the AS, UCM, and LCM respectively. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation were used to describe their morphometric characteristics such as length (L), average depth (D), average width (W), average volume (V), average cross sectional area (A), and the form factor (W/D). Findings indicate that the mean L = 452.27, 361.66, and 400.00 m; mean D = 6.49, 5.96, and 5.00m; and mean W = 7.95, 6.23, and 3.00 m on the AS, UCM, and LCM respectively. These translate to standard deviation values of L = 322.12 and 200.52; D = 3.47 and 4.91; and W = 5.53 and 0.87 with a coefficient of variation of L = 71.22 and 55.44; D = 532.47 and 82.38; and W = 69.56 and 13.97 on the AS and UCM respectively. The respective W/D ratios on the AS, UCM and LCM were 1.46, 0.91, and 0.60. The size and population of the gullies on the AS show that the greatest amount of sediment pollution occurs on this formation. In addition, a W/D ratio of 1.46 indicates that the surface soils are degraded (eroded) more than the sub-soils on the AS. On the other hand, a W/D ratio of 0.91 on the UCM shows that the sub-soils are slightly more degraded and degradable than the surface soils. Furthermore, a W/D of 0.60 of the only existing gully on the LCM reveals that the sub-soils are more erodible than the surface soils. Whereas land management practices shall be geared towards preventing accelerated erosion on the UCM and LCM, government shall intensify more efforts in the control of gullies on the AS. KEYWORDS; Idah Ankpa Plateau, Anambra Basin, Gullies, morphometric characteristic.


An experiment was carried out to standardize seed propagation techniques in Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. Ham.) Oken at Division of Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during 2018-19. Seeds were extracted from the fully matured fruits and treated with different treatments like GA 3 , Kinetin, Ethylene and KNO 3 . Seed coat removed seeds were used for the treatment. Among the different treatments, seeds treated with GA 3 350 ppm showed maximum germination, the minimum number of days taken to initiate germination, maximum number of leaves and seedling height. The dry weight and fresh weight of the plant is also highest in this treatment. Maximum number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of roots was highest in KNO 3 1.0 per cent treatment.


vigour into outdated modes of poetry such as when the late Han poets brought in the five-word metre. In this century it was overwhelmingly rejected in favour of creating a new poetry on the model of foreign poetry. To the westernized urban intellectuals the folksongs that were much vaunted by the Yenan cadres represented a debased form of traditional entertainment, mere doggrels, emanating from the level of society that intellectuals like Lu Hsun has castigated so severely and whose works they had also rejected. For Pien's poems in the folksong style that are treated in this book, "Picking water chestnuts" and "Picking cassia flowers" that look as if they have been written to order, one may look to ancient Yueh-fu folksongs for inspiration if one likes, as Lloyd Haft suggests, but the associations that spring to mind would be the themes of trite popular songs. They are not without their charm but from the poet of Han-yaunchi, whose poems were at the forefront of the westernized "avant-garde," one almost feels a certain embarrassment. Pien's poems even at the time of writing had the distinction of being obscure and he appears to have drawn deeply on his own personal experience, in that he was not a poet of public events or social change which was a subject that attracted many of his contemporaries. Quite naturally he does not enlarge publicly on personal experience, neither does Lloyd Haft probe too deeply for the sake of elucidating the poems. Pien's life in this book has been entirely viewed from the outside in terms of verifiable facts and acts. For such an inward looking poet the impression inevitably is that we can only skate over the surface. Such are some of the problems of studying a living author.


In this paper we put forward arguments for pooling different evaluation conditions for calculating speaker recognition system performance measures. We propose a condition-based weighting of trials, and derive expressions for the basic speaker recognition performance measures Cdet, Cllr, as well as the DET curve, from which EER and C min det can be computed. We show that trials-based weighting is essential for computing C llr in a pooled condition evaluation. Examples of pooling of conditions are show on SRE-2008 data, including speaker sex and microphone type and speaking style.


BACKGROUND: Spontaneous reductions are a possible cause of the increased morbidity in IVF singletons. The aim of this study was to assess incidence ra tes of spontaneous reductions in IVF/ICSI twin pregnancies and to compare short- and long-term morbidity in survivors of a vanishing co-twin with sing letons and born twins. METHODS: We identified 642 survivors of a vanishing co-twin, 5237 singleto ns from single gestations and 3678 twins from twin gestations. All children originated from pregnancies detected by transvaginal sonography in gestational week 8. By crosslinkage with the national registries the main endpoints were prematurity, birth weight, neurological sequelae and mortality. RESULTS: Of all IVF singletons born, 10.4% originated from a twin gestation in early pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for maternal age, parity and ICSI treatment showed for birth weight 8 weeks gestation. We found no excess risk of neurological sequ elae in survivors of a vanishing co-twin versus the singleton cohort; however, OR of cerebral palsy was 1.9 (95% CI 0.7–5.2). Furthermore, we observed a correlation between onset of spontaneous reduction, i.e. the later in pregnancy the higher the risk of neurological sequelae ( r = –0.09; P = 0.02). Adjusted OR of child death within the follow-up period was 3.6 (95% CI 1.7–7.6) in the survivor versus the singleton cohort. CONCLUSIONS: One in 10 IVF singletons originates from a twin gestation. Spontaneous reductions that occur at >8 weeks gestation are one of the causes for the higher risk of adverse obstetric outcome in IVF singletons.


200502-7878-IJMME-IJENS © April 2020 IJENS I J E N S Abstract— The transport of goods has been widely studied due to the importance to guarantee final product quality. The case of particulate materials is even more complicated when companies decide to innovate in the product's shape, because of the trade-off between packaging and cargo space optimization. That is the case of compressed hygroscopic particulate material, which may be addressed by compacting particles in geometric forms to improve end-user experience. However, there is a problem when transported materials are compacted particles: cracks and product damage may occur during transportation if conditions of the truck such as vehicle suspension or road conditions aren't met. These kinds of problems can be simulated to influence design decisions related to vehicle and product specifications to avoid them. This document proposes a crack identification method applied to hygroscopic particulate compressed materials subject to simulated transport conditions. An experimental approach is used to simulate package and transport conditions. Spectral analysis was used to determine if a material fulfills transport requirements to go from a given location to its destination, in terms of cracking. The article describes the experiment, data acquisition (hardware and software), as well as the theoretical basis of spectral analysis used for data processing. Finally, results are presented to explain how this analysis is capable of predicting if such a material will be damaged during transportation. The experiment considers the set of frequencies that affect the product in terms of transportation methods, compacting techniques, and packaging design.


The fundamentals of geodesy are an important and main course for graduate students,and it is also a good reference book for scientists and engineers in fields of geodesy,geomatics,geophysics,surveying engineering, photogrammetry,GIS and RS.This paper introduces their course construction and teaching reformation,which includes guiding ideology of writing,main contents and characteristics, teaching method and future plan.


Client threats toward social workers are a common occurrence in practice and a difficult challenge for clinical intervention and management. This paper reports on results from a survey of 1,129 randomly selected members of the National Association of Social Workers from two states. The prevalence, nature, motives for, and responses to client threats were examined. More than half the sample reported one or more threats, with certain settings and practitioners more at risk than others. The majority of threats were initiated by adult male clients and involved a range of motives and situational contexts. Recommendations for intervention and management are provided.


Aluminum nitride is a relatively new engineering ceramic and its mechanical properties have not been extensively studied. In this work, the effects of porosity (~0 to 38%) on sonic velocities, Poisson's ratio, and elastic moduli of partially sintered A1N, both pure and with additives, were investigated. The elastic constants, determined by the ultrasonic pulse-echo method, were significantly influenced by the porosity, but not by the different types of additives used (2 wt. (%) of CaCO3, CaO, and Y2O3). All elastic constants evaluated decreased with increasing porosity, but the rates of decrease were higher for elastic moduli compared do sonic velocities and Poisson's ratio. The results were analyzed in the light of stress concentration and loading bearing area models proposed in the literature.


Abstract Mercury (Hg) is naturally present in warm springs and mesothermal (orogenic) gold-bearing quartz vein systems in the South Island of New Zealand. Mercury amalgamation was used historically in ore processing at gold (Au) mines, resulting in composite natural and anthropogenic Hg signatures at these sites. This study compares natural Hg enrichment of the Au vein systems, residual anthropogenic Hg added for amalgamation, and enrichment of naturally present Hg during ore processing. Mercury concentration data are presented for solids and water at historic mine sites, the modern Macraes mine, fault-related warm springs, and zones of naturally occurring cinnabar and Hg-bearing Au. Arsenic (As) concentrations are also presented, as As is the most environmentally significant element in this tectonic setting. Tailings and processing residues at historic mine sites (Blackwater mine, West Coast; Golden Point and Golden Bar, Hyde-Macraes shear zone) contain up to 1000 mg/kg Hg, and in adjacent surface waters Hg is at or slightly above background from 0.6 to 0.8 ng/L. Relative to South Island Hg, As is more environmentally significant: solid wastes at some historic mine and mineral processing sites contain up to 30.5 wt% As due to enrichment of natural As in mineralised rocks. Shallow groundwater and processing waters at the modern Macraes mine are up to 0.01 mg/L Hg due to natural Hg in mineralised rocks, and no significant Hg elevation is evident in nearby surface waters, which are <1 ng/L Hg. Mercury concentration in historic mine residues is 103 to 104 times higher than primary ore, and Hg is disproportionally increased relative to As, indicating that much of the Hg was added during the amalgamation process. Natural cinnabar deposition from warm springs results in localised, strongly elevated Hg, equal to or less than the Hg contents in historic mine processing residues. Warm spring precipitates are up to 111 mg/kg Hg and waters are 0.3 µg/L Hg, comparable to data reported for active North Island geothermal (epithermal-style) systems. Natural Hg content in the Au-bearing vein systems results in minor elevation of dissolved Hg in some catchments. South Island Au occurs as an Au-Ag-Hg alloy, up to 8.4 wt% Hg. Cinnabar (HgS) occurs in mesothermal-style veins and as detrital grains in Quaternary gravels hosting Au-Ag-Hg alloy. The Nevis River catchment water, which locally flows through gravels containing cinnabar and Hg-bearing alluvial gold, contains up to 7 ng/L dissolved Hg. This is rapidly diluted to near 3 ng/L by low-Hg waters, and no effects of anthropogenic Hg addition near alluvial mining areas were detected; the dissolved Hg is likely derived from Hg-bearing gold. Mobilisation of Hg from study sites to downstream environments is at least partially controlled by solubility of cinnabar and elemental mercury.


The invention relates to a method for removing norgestrel, norethisterone enanthate and norethindrone in waste water of a pharmaceutical factory. 1-vinyl-1-methyl-2,4-2(c-1-ene-2-base)cyclohexane, tetradecanoic acid-1-methyl ethyl ester, hydroxysuccinic acid, sodium pentahydyoxycaproate, argininyl-fructoyl-glucose, 5-allylguaiacol, 1 hydrogen-tetrazolium-1-acetic acid, (2R, 3R)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-3 hydroxy phenyl) benzodihydropyran-4-ketone, alpha-naphthol-8-sulfonic acid, nitrilotrimethylene triphosphonic acid, 3-[10,10-dimethyl-9(10H)-anthracene subunits]-N, N-dimethyl propyl amine hydrochloride, beta-caryophyllene, alchlor, arginine and microcrystalline cellulose are sequentially added into the waste water in three steps. According to the method, the complexing ability with target materials is high, and the removing rate can reach 99.9 percent.


Video steganography has become a popular option for protecting secret data from hacking attempts and common attacks on the internet. However, when the whole video frame(s) are used to embed secret data, this may lead to visual distortion. This work is an attempt to hide sensitive secret image inside the moving objects in a video based on separating the object from the background of the frame, selecting and arranging them according to object's size for embedding secret image. The XOR technique is used with reverse bits between the secret image bits and the detected moving object bits for embedding. The proposed method provides more security and imperceptibility as the moving objects are used for embedding, so it is difficult to notice the changes in the moving objects instead of using background area for embedding in the video. The experimental results showed the better visual quality of the stego video with PSNR values exceeding 58 dB, this indicates that the proposed method works without causing much distortion in the original video and transmitted secret message.


The present invention relates to a frame structure and a method for the piconet master node on / off schedule. Distributed TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) is a piconet master node should always maintain an active state for the reception of control messages transmitted at any time. Therefore, as to each of the master node having a frame structure for transmitting a control message immediately after the TDMA interval is adjacent to the master node can predict the other side of the control message transmission time. Thus it is possible to on / off operation to reduce the energy consumed. In addition, by introducing a duty cycling (duty cycling) to (Carrier Sense Multiple Access) CSMA region enables the number of the active period and inactive period set. In addition, if you are unaware of the new piconet Group provides access to the CCA in the TDMA interval for initial collision avoidance. Thus while minimizing the probability of a conflict situation in the crash, and to detect the fact that the conflict situation. WSN (Wireless Sensor Network), WBAN (Wireless Body Area Network), a piconet, and scheduling, node


An overview on the glass fiber industry and FRP/composites industry in China is presented,including the glass fiber consumptions for various FRP molding processes in 2009,the glass fiber market distribution in and outside China,the fastest growth of composites in Asia and the highly attractive development of thermoplastics composites.Major interesting markets for FRP/composites,such as aerospace,energy and power,transportation,building,oil and chemicals,water treatment,rural construction and marine,are discussed as well.


Paper recycling is the process of turning waste paper into new paper products such as newspaper, corrugated boxes, tissue products and egg boxes. Thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) were also used in the manufacture of newspaper, lightweight coated and sanitary papers. In This study was to evaluate waste papers in producing newspaper. For this reason, waste papers were bleached in 3 stages which were ozone (Z), sodium dithionite (Y) and peroxide (P) bleaching. Optical and physical properties of bleached waste papers were determined and compare with CTMP newspaper. As the obtained results showed that, optical and physical properties of bleached waste paper were desired values for manufacturing newspaper. When bleached waste papers were compared with CTMP newspaper, physical and optical properties of newspaper producing from waste papers were higher than CTMP newspapers.


To survey the practice preferences and the attitudes of New Zealand gynaecologists, general practitioners and family planning doctors to Guidelines for the Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.


ABSTRCT In parallel with the improvement of technology, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) at schools and related skills have come into the fore. It can be stated that pre-service teachers to become the teachers of the future have significant roles in terms of the use of information and communication technologies and the integration of these skills with the lectures. The aim of this study is to understand the levels of the preservice science teachers regarding the ICT skills. The study was survey study and involved 171 pre-service science teachers studying at a middle size state university located in the north part of Turkey. The questionnaire for data collection includes demographic characteristics, open-ended questions, and Likert scale concerning ICT skills. The quantitative data from the research were analyzed in SPSS program while the qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis. As a result of the data, it was determined that ICT skills of the pre-service teachers were at medium-high level and there was a significant difference on behalf of male pre-service teachers. Suggestions were made in parallel with the results of the research.


A paediatrician by background, Berwick is the founder and chief executive officer of the US Institute for Healthcare Improvement and an adviser to NHS England's vanguard programme, which is testing new models of healthcare delivery


university of toronto quarterly, volume 74, number 1, winter 2004/5 obvious role in shaping public commemorations, it did so through the intervention and mediation of other agencies, including educational textbooks and readers, prominent individuals, and very importantly in the case of Secord, voluntary organizations such as local historical societies, groups often headed by women in the period between 1880 and 1920. At the same time, they show that the considerable popular cultural expressions around both women, including plays, poems, novels, pageants, and even a feature film, are not so much 'oppositional' to official memories generated by the nation-state, but 'dialogical,' with 'official memory informing its "vernacular" cousin and vice versa so that the lines between the two are almost completely blurred and, at times, mutually reinforcing.' In the epilogue, the authors explore the 'Iroquois presence' in these narratives, and especially the disappearance from the story of the Aboriginal group in question once their resistance (in attacking the fort held by Vercheres) or their presumed fierceness (in blocking Secord's route to warn Fitzgibbon) had been accounted for: the authors argue that First Nations' motives or actions in both narratives have been misunderstood and diminished, and that their role has been to symbolize all potential enemies, 'absent, yet present ... necessary but excluded.' This representation too has been gendered, with the construction of the heroic woman dependent on an assumption of 'unthinking Aboriginal cruelty.' In the popular understanding of First Nations' implication in these narratives, Native 'people' were understood to be Native men, and were always pictured as such, while the heroines were represented as Euro-Canadian women. In addition to its many other virtues, then, this study offers powerful examples of the complex ways in which Canadian nation-building has been both gendered and racialized over time. (SHARON ANNE COOK)


The present study has been conducted to evaluate the antialgal activities of Tinospora cordifolia leaves extracts, these extracts included Terpens, Alkaloids, and Phenols of that plant against 3 algal isolates: Anabaena circinalis, Scenedsmus quadricauda and Mougeotia scalaris. The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the inhibitory actions of these extracts with 3 concentrations: 5, 10, and 20 mg/ml. The experiments were conducted and analyzed as factorial experiments with three replications using a completely Randomized Design. Means were compared according to L.S.D. value at 5% significant level. The results showed that Anabaena circinalis was the most sensitive to alkaloid extract and the diameter of inhibition zone was 40 mm in concentration of 20 mg/ml., while this alga was less sensitive to phenol extract and the inhibition zone was 17 mm. The results also showed that alkaloids extract was the most active against all algae used in this study followed by terpens extracts, while the phenols extracts has the lowest antialgal activity.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the behavior of negative stiffness beams when arranged in a honeycomb configuration and to compare the energy absorption capacity of these negative stiffness honeycombs with regular honeycombs of equivalent relative densities. Design/methodology/approach – A negative stiffness honeycomb is fabricated in nylon 11 using selective laser sintering. Its force-displacement behavior is simulated with finite element analysis and experimentally evaluated under quasi-static displacement loading. Similarly, a hexagonal honeycomb of equivalent relative density is also fabricated and tested. The energy absorbed for both specimens is computed from the resulting force-displacement curves. The beam geometry of the negative stiffness honeycomb is optimized for maximum energy absorption per unit mass of material. Findings – Negative stiffness honeycombs exhibit relatively large positive stiffness, followed by a region of plateau stress as the cell walls buckle, similar to reg...


A vector-controlled permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous machine has been modeled and simulated in both the motoring and generating mode of operation. The control provides for the maximized torque and, therefore, maximum efficiency during motoring, and for a controlled power, tight voltage regulation in the presence of load changes, and minimum bus voltage ripple at the output of an ac-dc converter during generation. A three-phase phase-locked loop is used to provide the unity vector information in both the sensor-based and sensorless scheme. The results of the simulation are presented, including modeling details and simulation parameters


This paper describes a method of finding the dynami cally dictated position, velocity, and acceleration of a point along a constrained path. The dynamic equations of motion are formulated on the assumption that reaction forces are available. In the circuit these reaction forces are replaced by magnified errors in velocity constraints. This paper shows that this technique produces a very good approxima tion to the true dynamic equations. The method is suitable for analogue or digital computation and can be applied in other fields.


Hepatotoxicity from chemotherapy occurs frequently. Methotrexate (MTX) was used as chemotherapy to treat children from leukemia (12 mg/dose intrathecally) (The dose may be administered every 2 to 5 days until CSF counts return to normal followed by one additional dose). Increases in aminotransferases (transaminitis) are potential major adverse reactions seen with long-term use of methotrexate (MTX). silymarin is liver support drug that has antioxidant activity, it promotes hepatocyte regeneration, reduces the inflammatory reaction, inhibits the fibrogenesis in the liver and protect from hepatotoxicity. Laboratory liver tests are broadly defined as tests useful in the evaluation and treatment of patients with hepatic dysfunction. in the present study. liver function tests were done to children with acute leukemia and healthy. A significant increased to total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin for children with leukemia during chemotherapy compared to their levels before chemotherapy and in healthy control. The results also revealed that, there were no significant differences on Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities between children with leukemia during and before chemotherapy compared with their activities in healthy control children. This study proved that there were liver abnormalities to children with leukemia that not significant in most tests due to using silymarin drug.


ADAMs are metalloprotease and disintegrin transmembrane glycoproteins with proteolytic, cell adhesion, cell-fusion and cell signalling properties. ADAM8 was originally cloned from monocytic cells and its distinct expression pattern indicates possible roles in both immunology and neuropathology. Here we describe our analysis of its biochemical properties. In transfected COS-7 cells, ADAM8 is localized to the plasma membrane and processed into two forms derived either by prodomain removal or as remnant protein comprising the extracellular region with the disintegrin domain at the N-terminus. Proteolytic removal of the ADAM8 propeptide was completely blocked in mutant ADAM8 with an E330 to Q exchange (EQ-A8) in the Zn 2+ binding motif (HE 330 LGHNLGMSHD), arguing for autocatalytic prodomain removal. In cotransfection experiments, the ectodomain but not the entire MP domain of ADAM8 was able to remove the prodomain from EQ-ADAM8. With cells expressing ADAM8, cell adhesion to a substrate bound recombinant ADAM8 disintegrin/cys-rich domain was observed in the absence of serum, blocked by an antibody directed against the ADAM8 disintegrin domain. Soluble ADAM8 protease, consisting of either the metalloprotease domain or the complete ectodomain, cleaved myelin basic protein and a fluorogenic peptide substrate, and was inhibited by batimastat (BB-94; IC 50 ~ 50nM), but not by recombinant TIMPs 1,2,3, and 4. Our findings demonstrate that ADAM8 processing by autocatalysis leads to a potential sheddase and to a form of ADAM8 with a function in cell adhesion. supernatants transfected A8cF. lack processing by prodomain removal in EQ-ADAM8, a significant amount of protein is transported to the cell Thin arrows indicate processing steps of ADAM8, whereas thick arrows indicate ADAM8 functions.


NEW APPROACHES to the sentencing and treatment of offenders are naturally making a considerable impact upon the probation service. The service, which is being drawn more and more into the penal system, is growing in influence, power and authority, especially in the decision-making process relating to the type of non-custodial sentence to be imposed and in the length of the prison sentence to be served.


In penaeid shrimp, diseases caused by Vibrio species are usually associated with low survival in larviculture, nursery and growth systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei and Farfantepenaeus subtilis juveniles to an experimental infection by V.harveyi. Shrimp were exposed during 96 hours to three concentrations of V.harveyi inoculated directly in the water: 103, 106 and 109 CFU mL-1 and a control without addition of V.harveyi. Three replicates were used for each treatment. Samples of water and shrimp were collected from each treatment at end of the experiment to estimate Vibrio spp. counts. There was no significant difference in survival of L. vannamei and F. subtilis when
compared to control. Both species had lower survival in the treatment 109 CFU mL-1, with 93% and 83%, respectively for L. vannamei and F. subtilis. There was an increase in the total concentration of Vibrio spp. in shrimp submitted to the highest concentration of V.harveyi (109 CFU mL-1) in the water. The results suggest that the concentrations of this V.harveyi strain did not affect shrimp survival at this life stage during the study period.


In the current debate concerning the sustaibability of the drinking-water supply, the networks of connections between ecological, economic and social requirements as well as between quantitative and qualitative aspects have received too little attention. Evaluation of the sustainability of the drinking-water supply in this paper is based among other things on criteria such as quantity consumed, energy demand and substitution relationships between drinking water and beverages. The structures of the public drinking-water supply in the Federal Republic of Germany can be generally considered sustainable. There are deficiencies, especially in relation to the cost and pricing structure.


In 1997, Meng et al. (4) first reported the discovery of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pigs in the United States. Swine HEV is a potential zoonotic agent that is possibly transmitted to humans from infected pigs, as suggested by the close genetic relationship between swine and human viruses and experimental cross-species infection of swine HEV to a chimpanzee and rhesus monkeys (4, 5, 10). Swine HEV isolates exhibit extensive genetic heterogeneity, and HEV variants of genotype III or IV have been isolated from farm pigs in other countries, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and Taiwan (3, 7, 8, 12). However, it remains unknown when such variants emerged in pigs in these countries.

We analyzed serum samples from 24 Japanese pigs of 1 to 6 months of age that had been born in 1990 and raised in a swine farm. The serum samples, which had been stored below −20°C, were tested for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class of antibodies to HEV (anti-HEV IgG) by in-house enzyme immunoassay by using purified recombinant open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein that had been expressed in the pupae of silkworm (6) as the antigen probe; the samples were tested for HEV RNA by reverse transcription-PCR by the method described previously with primers targeting the ORF2 region (6). The amplified product was sequenced directly on both strands.

Anti-HEV IgG was not detected in the serum samples from the seven 1-month-old pigs or in those from the four 2-month-old pigs, but it was detected in samples from two (50%) of the four 3-month-old pigs, all three 4-month-old pigs, and all six 6-month-old pigs. Among the samples, one serum sample obtained from a 2-month-old pig was reproducibly positive for HEV RNA.

The swine HEV isolate (swJC1990) from the infected pig was close to known swine and human genotype III isolates, with 83.2 to 93.9% identity in a 412-nt sequence, and it was most closely related to the HE-JA5 isolate of genotype III that had been isolated from a Japanese patient who contracted sporadic acute hepatitis E in 1998 and who had never traveled abroad (6). Among swine strains, it was closest to swJ681 of Japanese origin, with 93.0% identity. The phylogenetic tree constructed by the neighbor-joining method (9) based on the partial ORF2 sequence of 301 nt confirmed that the swJC1990 isolate belonged to genotype III; it segregated into a cluster consisting of eight HEV strains that had been isolated from six Japanese patients with no history of travel to areas of endemicity who developed sporadic acute hepatitis between 1982 and 2001 (1, 6, 11) and from two Japanese farm pigs (swJ570 and swJ681) in 2001 (7) (Fig. (Fig.1).1).

FIG. 1.

Phylogenetic tree constructed by the neighbor-joining method based on the partial nucleotide sequence (301 nt) of the ORF2 region of 74 human and swine HEV isolates. The nucleotide sequences of 73 known human and swine HEV isolates were retrieved from ...

These results indicate that a presumably Japan-indigenous swine HEV isolate was circulating in Japan even in 1990. The finding that a domestic HEV strain(s) with a high nucleotide sequence identity to human HEV in Japan has been present for more than 10 years in Japanese farm pigs further supports the idea that swine serve as reservoirs for HEV infection in humans.

Nucleotide sequence accession number. The partial nucleotide sequence of swJC1990 obtained in the present study is deposited in GenBank under accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AB096756","term_id":"28971695","term_text":"AB096756"}}AB096756.


In many laboratory studies pupil diameter has proved to be a valid parameter of mental load. During these studies luminance was always maintained at a constant level. However at workplace luminance varies with time. The experiment described here studies the diameter of the pupil to see how much the influence of changes in luminance and mental load interact with pupil diameter.


This article provides an overview of the development and use of fiber-reinforcement in concrete and other materials. Currently, fiber materials for concrete reinforcement include plain carbon and stainless steels, polypropylene, polyester, glass, graphite, ceramic, and nylon. Their various configurations include thin, straight lengths or small round bars, dimpled or bent flat shapes, and dogbone-style bars with enlarged ends. Enhancements achievable through fiber depend on several factors such as the quantity of fibers in the matrix, the mechanical properties of various fibers, and their tensile forces. The present variety of shapes, sizes, and materials of fibers can provide the opportunity to address a wide range of reinforcing requirements.