Companies need to become more environmentally conscious in their actions and business-based operations. In developed countries, there is an increased pressure towards this direction enforced by legal requirements. Moreover, a notion of sustainability is more and more perceived as a business advantage and as part of a successful company's business models [1, 2]. Companies have various options on how to innovate their products, operations and business models to be more sustainable by e.g. addressing growing income inequality [3] and minimizing their own impact on the deterioration of our natural livelihood [4]. To identify suitable options companies often collaborate with higher education institutions to develop innovative ideas. And within this realm, lies option for collaboration in the form of hackathons and e.g. code camps. These events are great sources of innovation and these special cases they also did support collaboration driven sustainability innovation seeding too. This work is based on case studies and experience-based evidence on how companies were successful in generating ideas for their operations and new potential options for new implementation directions to support higher levels of circularity in their supply chains. Additionally, companies have been able to improve their services to support their customers' actions to minimize energy consumption and improve operations to positively affect CO₂ emissions thus reducing their carbon footprint. The original version of this article supplied to AIP Publishing contained an error in the author's name. The name originally appeared as, Maria Angelica and Medina Angarita, but the correct name is Maria Angelica Medina Angarita. An updated version of this article, with the author's name corrected, was published on 27 July 2020.


This article presents a novel method for estimating normals on unorganized point clouds that preserves sharp features. Many existing methods are unable to reliably estimate normals for points around sharp features since the neighborhood employed for the normal estimation would enclose points belonging to different surface patches across the sharp feature. To address this challenging issue, a neighborhood reconstruction-based normal estimation method is developed to find a proper neighborhood for points around sharp features. A robust statistics-based method is proposed to identify points that near sharp features and classify the points into two categories: edge points and non-edge points. Two specific neighborhood reconstruction strategies are designed for these two types of points to generate a neighborhood clear of sharp features. The normal of the current point can thus be reliably estimated by principal component analysis using the generated isotropic neighborhood. Numerous case studies have been carried out to compare the reliability and robustness of the proposed method against various existing methods. The experiment results show that the proposed approach performs better than the state-of-the-art methods most of the time and offers an ideal compromise between precision, speed, and robustness.


A direct state-space approach for an estimate of the graph metric of singularly perturbed systems (SPS) is proposed. Based on a new version of the Tikhonov Theorem on uniform convergence of the slow variables in a stable SPS over the L unit ball of inputs in, an estimate of the first order to the small parameter for a 2 graph metric between SPS and its 'state decoupled form' is obtained for both time varying and time invariant cases. Moreover, a similar estimate of a graph metric between SPS and its slow system when the fast system satisfies some additional H conditions is given. Furthermore, the robust state feedback control for SPS is also considered in an analogous manner. An advantage there is that infinitely many composite feedback controls are obtained directly, bypassing the traditional arguments used in SPS theory such as approximation of solutions of Riccati equations and the Implicit function theorem.


Rare-earth ions doped materials have been intensively studied for their potential use in integrated optoelectronic devices like visible (blue, green, and red), infrared luminescent devices and laser materials. The optical properties of rare earth ions mainly depend on the local environment or symmetry of the host materials. However, manipulating the concentration of the dopants and controlling the aspect ratio of the one-dimensional nanostructures are still remain challenges to the nanotechnology community. Euoropium ion doped ZnO nanomaterials were prepared by Chemical synthesis method. The materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR. Their absorption spectra were measured in 300-900 nm regions at room temperature. Six absorption bands have been observed. Various spectroscopic parameters such as Slater-Condon, Racah, spin-orbit interaction, Nephelauxetic ratio, bonding and Judd-Ofelt parameters have been computed from the observed band. The Fluorescence spectra have been recorded of Eu3+ doped ZnO nanomaterial using with intense absorption bands (400 nm) at room temperature in visible region.Radiative properties viz. spontaneous emission probability (A), fluorescence branching ratio (β), radiative life time (t) and stimulated emission crosssection (σp) have been computed. The size range of the generated Eu3+ doped ZnO nanomaterial was approximately 200-20nm.


In our study on the influences of various hormones and various endocrines on the megakaryocyte function by means of bone-marrow tissue culture, we obtained the following.
1. In the repeated administration of ACTH, cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, or thyroxin to guinea pigs, these hormones accelerated the megakaryocyte function, whereas estradiol on the contrary diminished the function.
2. The removal of such endocrines as the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid or testicles will diminish the megakaryocyte function, while removal of the ovaries accelerates it.
3. For the megakaryocytes in the hypophysectomized rats, ACTH acts most effectively to restore their function, followed by cortisone and pulverized thyroid, while testosterone has hardly any effect on the function.
4. ACTH, cortisone, prednisolone, testosterone, progesterone, and pulverized thyroid act directly on megakaryocytes so as to accelerate their function, while estradiol diminishes the megakaryocyte function. 5. For the megakaryocytes in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
ACTH is most effective in restoring the function; for the megakaryocytes in hypoplastic anemia cortisone is most effective; and for the megakaryocytes in Banti's disease prednisolone is most effective in restoring the megakaryocyte function.


The system of electrodes of the uniform field of the slot of high-voltage turbo- and hydrogenerators is designed and investigated. This system is determined as a result of the investigation of the mutual distribution of equigradient and equipotential lines of the electric field in the interelectrode space of the stator slot. By applying the profile of the uniform field, the nonuniform part of the field with high strength is excluded. It helps to increase the insulation strength. "Life term" of the bars with the full field reduction was higher than for similar bars with a partial reduction. The system of electrodes of the uniform field is designed for the stator winding of turbogenerators at the rated voltage 36-60 kV and for the hydrogenerators of special manufacture at the extra high rated voltage 220 kV.


ABSTRACT Pavement condition rating is an essential step in pavement management, as it provides the basis for maintenance decisions and budget allocations. The pavement deterioration process is stochastic in nature because several types of distress usually affect performance of a pavement structure. Hence, the deterministic number-based condition indices used to rate pavement condition are not sufficient. This paper introduces the evidential reasoning (ER) theory to the area of pavement condition assessment and discusses a distress-based condition assessment method using an evidential reasoning approach. The proposed pavement assessment method utilises a condition matrix to assess the basic probability of pavement condition based on extent and severity of different distresses identified in a pavement structure. The Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence is used to aggregate evidence into an overall 'belief value' reflecting the probable condition assessment of the pavement structure. The proposed ER method holds specific advantages over other available condition assessment methods and has potential to enhance the condition rating process. A case study is used to illustrate the proposed method and to validate its results. Based on the obtained results, the proposed method facilitates eliminating inconsistency in subjective judgment processes and produces a robust pavement condition rating.


We report on different types of optical clocks and passive frequency references which are under development in our laboratories: optical lattice clock based on the inner-shell transition in the Tm atom at λ = 1.14μm, optical ion clock on single 27Al+ ion, and a family of lasers referenced to ultra-stable ULE and cryogenic silicon cavities.


Nan-yang,Zhu-madian and Xin-yang,which are in the south of Henan Province.In this paper,these three cities were chosen as the research objects.Because that county economy was the basis of economic development,there were 13 related factors would be given,combining factor analysis and cluster analysis method would be used to study all the 28 counties in the three cities,giving the comprehensive analysis of economic development and the associated evaluation.The results showed that the county comprehensive development,Nanyang City was the highest,and the lowest was Zhumadian City,and each city had obvious gap between every county.So in the end,some suggestions were proposed to the southern Henan for the development reference of the three cities.


To bound the probability of a union of n events from a single set of events, Bonferroni inequalities are sometimes used. There are sharper bounds which are called Sobel–Uppuluri–Galambos inequalities. When two (or more) sets of events are involved, bounds are considered on the probability of intersection of several such unions, one union from each set. We present a method for unified treatment of bivariate lower and upper bounds in this note. The lower bounds obtained are new and at least as good as lower bounds appearing in the literature so far. The upper bounds coincide with existing bivariate Sobel–Uppuluri–Galambos type upper bounds derived by the method of indicator functions. A numerical example is given to illustrate that the new lower bounds can be strictly better than existing ones.


The spatial distribution patterns of trace fossil, Diplocraterion luniforme, from floodplain lake deposits of the Cretaceous Hasandong Formation of Jinju area, Korea were statistically analyzed by using distance method through T-square sampling procedure in six quadrats. The ratio between expected square of point to nearest individual distances and one-half the expected square of T-square nearest-neighbor distance and index of spatial pattern indicate that populations of Diplocraterion luniforme exhibit clumped patterns in five quadrats and random pattern in one quadrat. The substrate condition of the floodplain lake environment seems to be one of controlling factors for spatial distribition patterns of suspension-feeding producers of Diplocraterion luniforme. The heterogeneously-firm substrate condition formed by subaerial exposure of generally-uneven substrate of shallow lake probably caused mostly-clumped distribution pattern of trace fossils.


This article examines Leonard Freed's 1980 Police Work, a photobook that documents the activities of the New York City Police Department from 1973 to 1979. It contextualizes the photobook within this liminal decade after the fullness of the civil rights movement and before the rise of austerity politics. The photobook, I argue, produces a visual repertoire of policing that resolves the crisis of legitimacy faced by the NYPD during this decade, remaking the meaning of the police in the public imaginary from an agent of state warfare into an institution of state welfare. Far from simply creating photographs of policing as community care, Police Work engages in a process by which police violence is visually recoded as police benevolence. The visual politics of the family are central to this process by which we are made not to see police brutality, even when it is placed vividly on display. Ultimately, I show how, even as the camera moves between public and private, Police Work produces an ideology of separate spheres in which the expansion of policing can find its rationalization. Ultimately, this article reveals Police Work as a site through which to examine the intimate, yet often disavowed, entanglements between the domestic and the carceral.


Diaspora is the first step towards an encounter with the other, forcing a re-negotiation of one's cultural identity. This quest for the self, known as diasporic consciousness, is thought to be disruptive, having the power to de-essentialize national narratives. While diaspora does shake the core of individuals, this paper differentiates diasporic from hybrid consciousness as two distinct discourses of self. Maintaining a diasporic consciousness means to sustain the idea of a physical 'home' that has been forever lost. The constant desire to 'return' underscores an unconditional alliance to the homeland and its diasporic footprint. Consequently, the diasporic experience does not necessarily produce transgressive forms of cultural identification. On the contrary, those who dwell on diasporic consciousness reify national discourses abroad. The language of nationalism remains intact, and 'native' and 'other' constitute themselves through a dialectic but mutually exclusive relationship with devastating consequences for those who cannot cope with the binary. The alternative to diasporic consciousness is Bakhtinian heteroglossia, for it exposes national discourses as 'epic,' and de-territorializes 'home' to find it in language. Hybrid narratives of self connect diverse memories, images, and experiences into individual stories of identity that ultimately transform official discourses of national, gender, religious, and racial identifications.


According to the Government's defense policy, "New Economy Growth Motives of Defense Industries", the relevant bodies set up the objective, 'The Defense Export over 3 billion dollars until 2012' and continue to make the effort to reach this goal today. Therefore, the defense technology valuation is going to be a key issue for the domestic defense R&D of equipment including main battle tanks, armored vehicles, air fighters and so on. This paper presents the defense R&D technology valuation model with the in-depth analysis of its theories and current status both domestic and abroad. Also, it provides relevant policy issues and direction in the near future. It should firmly contribute to boosting the defense technology valuation fields and to formulating a concrete tool for analyzing defense R&D technology valuation in the near future.


A newsletter produced by the European Countries/UN Population Fund-funded Reproductive Health (RH) Initiative in Nepal is successfully reaching out to Nepalese adolescents bringing them important RH messages. Three issues of the Jigyasa were published in 2000 containing an interesting mix of informative articles comic stories serialized stories and brainteasers making it appealing to all readers. By and large the newsletter has received positive reactions. It was commended by adolescent readers for its timely provision of correct information. Parents claimed that it has enhanced their understanding of health problems and the concerns of their adolescent children while teachers said that it has helped them explain sensitive issues to their pupils. Moreover peer educators use the newsletter at peer group meetings and other gatherings to explain health and development problems and needs. Various organizations are also known to use the newsletter in their training and awareness raising programs.


The performance of Low-density parity-check (LDPC)code depends on the girth and minimum distance to some extent. In this paper, LDPC code with girth 8 is constructed based on geometry algorithms, and its code weight distribution is improved by combined with randomized search algorithm. Simulation results show that 1.1dB near to the Shannon limit can be achieved at a bit error rate of 10~(-5) using a LDPC block length of 4096 with a code rate of 0.95.


The severe ferriptive anemia is easily to be diagnosed from the clinical and laboratory data, and the diagnosis is confimed by the therapy test. The difficulties appear when the anemia is less experimented and the clinical and laboratory signs are uncertain.


The flow dynamics of non-Newtonian fluid in porous media is much different from the Newtonian fluid. In this work, we establish a lattice Boltzmann model for polymer flooding taking into both the power law fluid properties and viscoelastic fluid properties. Using this model, we investigate the viscosity distribution in porous media, the local apparent permeability in porous media, and the effect of elastic force on the remaining oil in dead ends.
 Firstly, we build a single phase lattice Boltzmann model to evolve the fluid velocity field. Then the viscosity and shear rate in each lattice can be calculated based on the relaxation time and velocity field. We further make the fluid viscosity change with the shear rate according to the power-law fluid constitutive equation, consequently establish the lattice Boltzmann model for power law fluid. Moreover, we derive the Maxwell viscoelastic fluid model in integral form using Boltzmann superposition principle, and the elastic force is calculated from the divergence of the stress tensor. We then couple the elastic force into the lattice Boltzmann model by Newton's second law, and finally establish the lattice Boltzmann model of the viscoelastic fluid. Both the models are validated against analytical solutions.
 The simulation results show that when the power-law index is smaller than 1, the fluid viscosity shows a distribution of that viscosity is higher in pore center and lower near the wall; while when the index is larger than 1, the fluid viscosity shows a opposite distribution. This is because the pore center has a high velocity but a low shear rate, while the boundary has a low velocity but a high shear rate. Moreover, the local apparent permeability decreases with the power law index, and the number of hyper-permeable bands also decreases. In addition, the local permeability shows pressure gradient dependence. Considering the viscoelasticity effects, the displacement fluid has a clear tendency to sweep deeply into the dead end, which improves the oil washing efficiency of the dead end.
 The model provides a pore scale simulation tool for polymer flooding and help understand the flow mechanisms and enhanced oil recovery mechanisms during polymer flooding.


In order to investigate fundamental properties of turning motion of a ship, movements of an elliptic cylinder were dealt theoretically with, when the cylinder in advance was steered suddenly in the perfect fluid.The resultant force on the cylinder in the direction of its long axis is a resistance in a case of stern rudder, while in bow rudder it becomes a negative resistance. But they are small and neglegible.The resultant force on the cylinder in the direction of its short axis is smaller than the lift of the rudder due to steering and acts in the contrary direction. Then the cylinder is on the bodily movement in the direction of the lift of the rudder.The resultant moment due to fluid pressure on the surface of the cylinder is smaller than the turning moment of the rudder and has the contrary sense. Then the turning motion of the cylinder is delayed.These effects is varied in accordance with the shape of the ellipse. The narrow form is effective, that is, it has better directional stability than the broadish one.


* Telecommunications * Computer engineering * Acoustics * Seismic data analysis * DSP software and hardware * Image and video processing * Remote sensing * Multimedia applications * Medical technology * Radar and sonar applications


Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP) is applied to study site choosing of distribution centers.By choosing the main factors which should be considered, constructing multifactor AHP structural model, building AHP judgment matrix and judging the consistency and acceptability of the matrix by testing the consistency of three hierarchies, one can calculate the weight of importance of each factor and hence get the most important factors in site choosing of distribution centers.Examples are given to further illustrate the way of actual operations.This work provides optimized decision-making program with high referral.The obtained results show that this method quantifies the qualitative information, hierarchies the factors of site choosing and has very high application value.


Scheduling of ovum pickup only on weekdays may result in cases of apparently suboptimal timing for human chorionic gonadotropin and ovum pickup. This study aimed to assess whether live‐birth rates were reduced in women with a potentially suboptimal day for human chorionic gonadotropin and ovum pickup to avoid weekend work, according to ultrasonographic data on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin planning.


A lane information building management system using lane marking according to the present invention comprises a GPS sensor installed in a color car or a painting equipment and generating position information; A paint detection unit for detecting whether or not paint is sprayed; A drive control unit for controlling the start and end of driving of the GPS sensor according to whether or not the paint color sensing unit is sensed; A communication unit for transmitting position information generated by the GPS sensor; And a lane information generator for generating lane information including lane length or width information using the transmitted location information.


FIELD: medicine, pharmaceutics. SUBSTANCE: present invention refers to immunology. What is presented is a human antibody or an antigen-binding antibody fragment which specifically binds to human CD20 and contains CDR1-3 of a light chain and CDR1-3 of a heavy chain. What is described is a version of the antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment characterised by amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chains. There are presented: a coding nucleic acid molecule, a based expression vector, as well as a method for producing the antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment with using the vector. What is disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition based on the antibody. What is described is a method for reducing a severity or suppressing a CD20-caused disease or condition, and using the antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment for preparing a medicine for reducing a severity or suppressing the CD20-mediated disease or condition. EFFECT: invention provides the antibodies that extend asymptomatic survival from approximately 2 to approximately 9 times or more, relative to animals control in human lymphoma simulated in mice, have high affinity, that can be find application in medicine. 15 cl, 1 dwg, 14 tbl, 10 ex


Th e paper is a fragment of the exhibition Vladan Desnica and Desnica's encounters held in the University Library of Split from 20 September to 6 October 2014, and then in the Municipal Library "Juraj Šižgorić" in Šibenik from 28 February to 11 March 2015. Th e authors of the exhibition were prof. dr. Drago Roksandić and Ivana Cvijović Javorina. One particular section gave a short list of addresses at which Desnica lived during his twenty years of living in Split.


Objective;To investigate the relationship between DNA mismatch repair gene hMSH2 and the development of human lung cancer. Methods The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) method was applied to measure hMSH2 mRNA expression in 150 cases of human lung cancer tissues,40 normal lung tissues, and in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells from 50 lung cancer cases and 50 normal controls. The protein expressions of P53 ,C-MYC, K-RAS, BCL -2 and hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) were assessed by immuno-histochemistry. The associations of some exposure factors and clinical characteristics with the expression of hMSH2 gene were analyzed. The relationships between hMSH2 gene and cancer related genes P53 ,C-MYC,K-RAS,BCL -2 and hTERT were investigated. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effects of these genes on lung cancer. Result The expression of hMSH2 was low or absent in 48 of 150(32. 0% ) lung cancer specimens,whereas only in 2 of 40 (5. 0% ) normal lung tissues reduced levels of hMSH2 expression were observed. Reduced expression levels of hMSH2 were observed in 8 of 50 ( 16. 0% ) lung cancer patients' peripheral mononuclear blood cells,and 1 of 50 (2.0% ) normal controls' blood cells. We tried to investigate the exposure factors to see if any one affects the expression of hMSH2 gene,but no factor showed correlated with hMSH2. The over-expression of P53 was moderately correlated with the low expression of hMSH2(P =0. 02) ; but the expressions of K-RAS, C-MYC, BCL -2 and hTERT were not correlated with the status of hMSH2 gene,P values were 0. 05. In the multivariate Logistic model, smoking, mutation of P53 ,over-expression of K-RAS oncogene and hTERT genes were risk factors of human lung cancer. By controlling the confounding of sex, age, smoking status and other genes, it showed that low expression of DNA repair gene hMSH2 was a risk factor for human lung cancer, the OR was 9.17(1.31,64.09),P = 0. 035. Conclusion The normal expression of DNA repair gene hMSH2 might play an important protective role in the development of human lung caner, and the low expression of hMSH2 could be used as a valuable susceptibility biomarker of human lung cancer.


Achebe`s novels collectively trace Nigerian social development from the arrival of the British to the first post-colonial political purges. They depict the breakdown of bureaucracy based on a new class system. They also show the pitfalls of reformers who put their own needs in front of concern for their cause. The purpose of this study is to examine two novels, Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, which highlight the transformation of individuals and their societies due to the impact of colonialism. In Things Fall Apart, clans of the past belonging to Achebe`s own Igbo tribe see a decrease in their ability to maintain unity and order as the British influence increases. Behavior that serves both the individual and his community is replaced with self-serving behavior at the expense of the community. In No Longer at Ease, society has only vestigial forms of traditional values and corruption has become rampant. Each protagonist has personal interests that divert his attention away from community and ultimately prevent him from achieving success in his effort to improve society. The protagonists are connected through their efforts to halt the movement away from traditional values and towards selfish behavior. They also share a common failure to keep personal desire from interfering with the success of their causes. In addition, Achebe`s novels show the difficulties faced by native Nigerians trying to take power in a bureaucracy with built-in corruption and no guidelines for new inductees. Furthermore, they show the danger of public apathy towards corruption and the excesses it can lead to.


In the biological systems there are numerous examples of autonomously generated periodic activities. Several different periodic patterns are generated simultaneously in a living body. It is known that in biological systems there are specific neurons which generate such periodic patterns. In spiking neural networks the information processing is carried out by spike trains in a manner similar to the generic biological neurons. This paper presents a method for synthesis of neural oscillators by spiking neural networks. We propose a learning method for synthesizing spiking neural networks which generate desired periodic spike trains with specified spike emission times. A method of stability analysis of the generated periodic spike trains is also discussed.


304 P&T® • June 2006 • Vol. 31 No. 6 NEW DRUGS Decitabine for Myelodysplastic Syndromes Decitabine injection (Dacogen, MGI Pharma, Inc./SuperGen, Inc.) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS comprises a group of bone marrow diseases characterized by the production of poorly functioning and immature blood cells. Over time, MDS can progress to acute leukemia. A phase 3 clinical trial showed an overall response rate of 21% in decitabinetreated patients with MDS who received at least two cycles of treatment, compared with 0% in the patients receiving supportive care. All patients who responded to the treatment became or remained transfusion-independent during the time of the response. It is recommended that decitabine be used for a minimum of four cycles. Treatment may continue as long as the patient benefits from it. (Source: MGI Pharma, May 3, 2006, www.mgipharma.com.)


Author's visits to BMNH, HNHM, MNCN, and MNHN were supported by the SYNTHESYS Project (http://www.synthesys.info/), financed by European Community Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 'Capacities' Program (GB-TAF-490, HU-TAF-2949, ES-TAF-1816, and FR-TAF-1155), and his research is currently sustained by the internal grant GI-2015-02 awarded by the Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi.


Using helicity-amplitude techniques, we derive the partonic level transverse spin-spin asymmetries ${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{NN}}$ for the processes relevant to the hadronic production of three-jet events: namely, $q{q}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}q{q}^{\ensuremath{'}}g$ and $\mathrm{qq}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{qqg}$. Just as in the case of two-jet production, we find that the partonic level asymmetries (${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{NN}}$) are roughly 10 times smaller than the corresponding longitudinal asymmetries (${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{LL}}$).


Aim: To audit the standards for handling time for referrals to a CMHT and investigate GP referral rates and behaviour which may be impacting on the Team's ability to meet standards, particularly given the emphasis to provide services for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Method: Retrospective evaluation of speed of handling urgent referrals over two weeks. Recording of 81 GP referrals, over two months, including referral rate, presenting problems, appropriateness and referral priority. Results: The CMHT met the standards in 100% of cases. No significant differences were found between GP referral rates per 10,000, or between the GPs that Duty Officers hypothesised referred more often. Chi-square did reveal significant differences between numbers of inappropriate referrals and area locality. 78% of inappropriate referrals were returned to primary care because they did not meet the CMHT's criteria of SMI. Affective disorders accounted for over two thirds of returned referrals. However, there was an association between depression with and without risk-to-self and the urgency of referral. Conclusion: A higher number of inappropriate referrals was received by this CMHT than has been found in other services. Although it did appear that GPs were categorising the urgency of referrals on the basis of severity, and the team are accepting referrals on this basis. More prolonged monitoring of standards using the integrated care pathway would be beneficial following feedback of referral rates to GPs. Further studies to investigate referral quality and strategy would provide more information which may help reduce inappropriate referrals.


In order to identify the composition and significance of environmental factors that determined the long-term and seasonal population dynamics of the major barley seeds pathogenic micromycetes, the major pathogenic fungi taxonomic groups was monitored for 7 years in Western Siberia and Eastern Zauralie. The investigations were carried out on 59 barley varieties in the steppe zone of Western Siberia and Eastern Trans-Urals. Years of research (2006 2012) were characterized by different weather conditions from dry to moist ones. For plant pathogen monitoring the conventional mycological methods were used. The study of the seasonal dynamics of ears pathogen populations was performed using paper insulators. In dry years, fungi of the genus Alternaria dominated (68,7-71,9%) on the barley seeds, in wet years in Western Siberia fungi of the genus Fusarium (55,4%), in East Zauralie Bipolaris sorokiniana (84,3%). Effect of hydrothermal conditions to fungal populations was 84-97 %. The seasonal B. sorokiniana dynamics character was determined by rainfall for August and was predominantly «moisture-dependent» (r = 0,73), fungi population of the genus Fusarium was determined by precipitation (r = 0,86) and was a «moisture-and temperature-dependent» with the earlier (5-7 days) grains infection in warm years. Seasonal dynamics of the Alternaria genus was much less dependent on the hydrothermal conditions (r = 0,40). The predominant (50% and more of isolates combinations) biotic relations between the studied fungi taxonomic groups, influenced mycological composition on barley seeds, was antagonism and competition. Within the Fusarium genus the whole range of ecological interactions from neutralism to antagonism was revealed, indicating varying degrees of fungi ecological niches divergence.


meals during the school day. Many studies have been done on nutrition and the effects on learning. The results to these studies consistently show that students that eat nutritious meals improve their grades, are able to pay attention easier in class, decrease disruptive behavior, decrease tardiness and absenteeism and will have fewer visits to the nurse. I would like to remind you that our free and reduced program is completely confidential. This is achieved with the use of the school photo ID cards that each student is provided with. All students swipe his or her card when going through the cafeteria line; therefore, no one is able to distinguish if a student pays for a meal or if it is a free or reduced. You are also able to put money on your students account on line as well as view all transactions made on your child's account. This may be done by going to; mynutrikids.com. Please take a moment to look over the free and reduced price eligibility income chart to determine if your child/children are eligible for free/reduced meals. The chart is part of the Free/Reduced Application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact David Mastin, Business Manager at 728-2212 or Deb Mehlenbacher, Cafeteria Manager at 585-728-2150.


Blackgram is subjected to different biotic constraints, root rot being the serious one. The root rot pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina was isolated from the diseased stems and roots of blackgram collected from seven different places of Tamil Nadu. Among the seven isolates screened, K2m7 collected from Kallipatti in Namakkal district was identified as a virulent culture. Variability among the seven M.phaseolina isolates analyzed by RAPD-PCR technique, grouped them into two clusters. Cluser A had six isolates and cluster B had one isolate.


Simple Summary Pirin is a protein which is detected at low levels in normal tissues. However, it is detected at high levels in multiple cancers, particularly in melanomas, cervical cancer or squamous cell lung carcinomas. Essentially, its role in cancer is related to the host response against factors causing oxidative stress, favoring cell migration and metastasis. Here we summarize the biological functions of Pirin in relation to its role in cancer, suggesting that Pirin is a potential therapeutic target. Abstract Pirin is an oxidative stress (OS) sensor belonging to the functionally diverse cupin superfamily of proteins. Pirin is a suggested quercetinase and transcriptional activator of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. Its biological role in cancer development remains a novel area of study. This review presents accumulating evidence on the contribution of Pirin in epithelial cancers, involved signaling pathways, and as a suggested therapeutic target. Finally, we propose a model in which Pirin is upregulated by physical, chemical or biological factors involved in OS and cancer development.


This set of notes are the core of the lectures given at the Department of Systems theory and Optimal Control in the Institute of Computer Science and Cybernetics of Hanoi, in June of 1985.

They are incomplete, and form part of a book on Complexity theory, which will be published by this author together with J. Balcazar and K. Gabarro. They both have a non-negligible contribution on this set of notes.

I express my gratitud to the people at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybernetics, specially to its director Phan Dinh Dieu, for the invitation and the attentions they had with me while I was there.


Patients with either relapsed or refractory T‐cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T‐ALL) are candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Achieving complete remission (CR) in these patients is difficult but crucial for the success of allo‐HSCT. In this study, we examined 6 relapsed or refractory T‐ALL patients. In the patient group, 4 were male and 2 were female, with ages ranging from 15 to 57 years (median = 29 years). All 6 patients presented with the nonmature T‐ALL phenotype. Cytogenetically, only one had an i(7q) anomaly, whereas the remaining 5 cases had normal karyotypes. One of these patients had the MLL/AF9 fusion transcript, as shown by molecular study. After initial remission‐induction therapy, two patients achieved CR, one showed a partial remission, and all relapsed soon. The other 3 cases failed the therapy. The CAG regimen (cytosine arabinoside 10 mg/m2 subcutaneously every 12 hr, day 1–14; aclarubicin 5–7 mg/m2 intravenously daily, day 1–8; and concurrent use of G‐CSF 200 μg/m2/day subcutaneously) was devised originally for the treatment of relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia. After CAG therapy, all the T‐ALL patients in our study achieved CR, indicating that the CAG regimen is beneficial to the treatment of relapsed or refractory T‐ALL. The efficacy of CR‐induction in T‐ALL patients and the adverse effects of the CAG regimen need to be further studied. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This manuscript presents an experimental study on the process of coverage of single-wall carbon nanotubes by organic dyes molecules. Due to the exceptional electronic properties and the monolayer carbon structures of such nanotubes, a modification of their physico-chemical environment has a great influence on their optoelectronic properties. The consequences of this surface functionalization are studied by means of optical spectroscopy. The process of non covalent functionalization of surfactant suspended nanotubes by porphyrin molecules is separated in three complementary studies. The first one details the kinetic aspects of this reaction process. In particular, the role of the organization of the surfactant environment will be highlighted. This allows to understand and control the reaction timescale. On the second hand, a comprehensive thermodynamic study of the nanotube/porphyrins interaction is performed. The associative behavior of the porphyrin during the interaction with the nanotube is evidenced. Then, the spectral characteristics of the porphyrin when it is adsorbed on a carbon surface is discussed. A dipole-dipole coupling model is developed to understand such effects. This model allows to highlight the geometry followed by the molecules when they are organized on the carbon template (nanotube or graphene).


Self-localization and position estimation are ones of the most important skills of autonomous mobile robot.According to the camera perspective mapping principle,the parameters of inside and outside are determined to reckon the position of mobile robot.Accomplish past location by artificial landmarks.Based on experimental analysis,bring forward a new design of artificial goal.Through established split points at the range of RGB,achieve detach between the objectives and background,thus completing the image mark recognition.The experiments illustrate that the proposed method can effectively identity the robot,and can feedback the current position of the robot.


The influence of H_2S on corrosion behavior of X70 steel in weak acidic solutions was studied by means of static weight loss method,potentiodynamic polarization curves,electrochemical impendence spectroscopy and observations by scaning electron microscope.The experimental results showed that in HAC-NaAC systems with pH=4.6 at 25℃,the corrosion current density increased greatly when the concentration of H_2S is 0.04 mmol/L.While,with the increasing of the concentration of H_2S,the corrosion current density decreased gradually,but it is greater than that in blank solutions,H_2S played a role in promoting the corrosion process.However,when the concentration of H_2S came up to 10 mmol/L,the corrosion current is lower than that in blank solutions and a strong inhibition was found;this could be attributed to the stability of FeS film which was controlled by the concentration(of H_2S.)


of León. Her research interests include ownership structure, growing and contractual mechanisms in franchising and their effects on SME as well as entrepreneurial processes. Her contributions have been accepted to publish in journals such as Journal of Business Venturing and Journal of Small Business Management. Javier Guzmán-Goyanes is currently doing his PhD at the University of León on entrepreneurship under the supervision of Prof. González-Álvarez. More specifically, he is working on the discovery of business opportunities and new venture decisions. His contributions have been presented in international conferences such the Workshops of research based on GEM. Abstract The main goal of this study is to analyse the influence of social capital (the set of networks that influence individuals by interacting with them) and two cognitive characteristics in individuals (self-efficacy and fear of failure) on new venture decisions. A study was carried out on social capital and on cognitive factors with a view to drawing up a set of hypotheses allowing analysis of the relations between these concepts and the decision to set up a business initiative. The hypotheses were then tested on a sample of 28,888 individuals belonging to the Spanish working-age population drawn from the GEM 2009 report. The results indicate that, although both social and cognitive factors have a direct influence on new venture decisions, social factors also influence cognitive factors so that the latter act as mediating variables between social factors and the new venture decision.


Description: This project focuses on the development of iron-based catalysts for the thermochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The thermochemical process of splitting water is particularly well-suited for the utilization of solar energy to provide the heat for the reaction and is a way to produce a renewable hydrogen fuel. As hydrogen is difficult to transport and store, producing hydrogen on site for power plants using proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells or internal combustion engines to generate electricity or for the production of chemicals, such as liquid hydrocarbon fuels, is a very attractive approach. The project uses a two-step process in which water is passed over a reduced iron oxide to generate hydrogen while the oxygen is taken up by the oxygen-deficient iron oxide (Step 1: FeOx-1 + H2O -> FeOx + H2). In the second step the resulting iron oxide is heated to desorb oxygen and regenerate the oxygen-deficient iron oxide to close the catalytic cycle (Step 2: FeOx -> FeOx-1 + 1⁄2O2). The main objectives of the project are to develop mixed metal oxide catalysts that 1) will release oxygen at temperatures lower than 1500°C (Step 2), while still maintaining water-splitting activity (Step 1) and 2) are stable up to the temperature necessary for the oxygen desorption step.


This study is carried out to understand the effect of corporate reputation on the performance of corporate organizations in developing countries: evidence from West Africa. The population for this study consists of selected listed multinational companies in Nigeria and Ghana. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and was measured on an interval scale through the research questionnaire. The statistical tool used to analyze the set variables is multiple regression. It involves the collection, collation, analysis, and interpretation of data for this study. It further incorporated ANOVA to show CSR Practices and their impact on the performance of corporate organizations as explained by the independent variables through the coefficient of determination R2. This design is useful and most appropriate in measuring the degree of association between two or more variables. It is also helpful in measuring the effect of independent variables on a dependent variable. As predicted, the study proves that corporate social responsibility practice can be integrated into corporations' business strategy for enhanced performance. Rather than just being beneficial to society, corporate social responsibility can be the value-added opportunity for corporations that engages in responsible actions. The research adds to the existing literature on corporate social responsibility practices and their impact on corporate performance.


This paper analyzes on the achievements of and some problems existing in Chinese high vocational education,and starting from the characteristics of school running,probes into the paths for the reform benefiting the development of high vocational education.


— Occupant presence and behavior in buildings have been shown to have a significant impact on the energy consumed in buildings for space conditioning. Towards effort to improve the energy efficiency and performance of buildings, demand driven control of building systems and appliances have been proposed and implemented in a number of studies. A core component of demand-driven control in building operation is occupancy detection. The performance of the occupancy detection system impacts the controllability of demand driven applications, the accruable energy savings and comfort of building users. This paper provides initial results from an ongoing research into the development of a multi-agent system (MAS) coordinated demand–driven control application for building operations which utilizes a robust and low-energy wireless sensor network (WSN) technology for occupancy measurement.


Purpose
Based on recent government reports, the manufacturing industry is considered one of the most important sectors in Palestine. In this sense, this empirical study aims to investigate the influence of production performance on financial and market performances, assess the influence of market performance on financial performance and test the mediating role of market performance on the relationship between production and financial performances.

Design/methodology/approach
A convenience sampling method was applied. Accordingly, a set of questionnaires was distributed to 384 managers at Palestinian manufacturing enterprises. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to analyse the collected data.

Findings
The study findings unveiled that production performance directly positively has a positive and direct influence on the financial and market performances. Furthermore, the result revealed that financial performance is positively affected by market performance level, whereas market performance has a partial mediation role in the relationship between financial and production performances.

Research limitations/implications
The study designs are restricted to the manufacturing companies. Hence, the empirical results may not generalise to the other industries.

Practical implications
The findings of this study can draw responsible parties and firms' top management attention in developing countries to the importance of market performance as a key pillar of firm performance.

Originality/value
To the best of authors' knowledge, most of the prior contemporary studies have been restricted to examine the direct relationship and have not considered the mediating influence of market performance. Besides, this study emphasised the inter-relationships between the firms' performance dimensions. This study contributes to manufacturing firms' performance literature by providing further validation of the performance scales from a developing countries "Palestine" with unique business environment because it is under ongoing occupation.


Summary form only given. We report results on spectroscopic research of the explosive emission plasma which is formed at the cathode surface during the operation of a S-band relativistic magnetron with microwave power of ~100 MW powered by Liner Induction Accelerator (4 kA, 300 kV, 120 ns). Plasma parameters (density, temperature, expansion velocity and uniformity) were studied with time- and space-resolved framing images of the plasma by fast framing camera, fast photo-diode with narrow band interference filters and visible spectroscopy. The plasma ion temperature was determined using the Doppler broadening of different spectral lines (Halpha, Hbeta, CII , CIII, and CIV) and the plasma electron density were determined using the Stark broadening of Halpha and Hbeta and the comparison of the Halpha/Hbeta and different CII, CIII, and CIV population ratios with results of collisional radiative modeling.


A beam-on-a-nonlinear Winkler foundation (BNWF) model in which the axial and lateral responses are coupled is developed in this paper for the analysis of piles in sand under cyclic and dynamic loading. To do this, the general equilibrium equ ations of an existing cyclic P -y analysis program are reformulated to a ccount for both the axial and lateral cyclic responses. An exa mple pile problem is then used to study the effect of the various model parameters on the lateral cyclic hy steretic response, and also the influence of both vertical and horizontal ground m otion on the inertial interaction response. The results showed that the model parameters, namely: the angle of wall frict ion, initial confining pressure and effective vertical tangential stiffness did not have a significant influence on the lateral cyclic hyste retic response. Under horizontal and/or vertical ground motion, horizontal ground motion was seen to dominate the inertial interaction r esponse, and significantly affected both the horizontal and vertical displacements due to gapping and se cond-order P-� effects. The results suggest that the use of the uncoupled anal ysis approach could lead to unconservative designs.


Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) also known as red pepper is the member of family Solanaceae. Several sources concordantly put the origin of chilli in Bolivia or Brazil. Chilli originally from South America is referred as chillies, chilli, hot pepper, bell pepper, red pepper, pod pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, pimento and capsicum in different parts of the world. Two species of chilli are under cultivation, the Capsicum annum L. is small in size, more pungent types, whereas, the Capsicum frutescence L. is somewhat larger, mild to moderately pungent types and referred as 'Dhobli Mirchi' and is used mostly as green vegetable. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 12 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com


Teaching hospitals are considered more crucial in the healthcare system, as these hospitals deal with medical education, research, and patient care. Besides, medical schools are usually affiliated with these hospitals to handle their students during the course and training period. Hence, this study discussed the order of teaching hospitals and revealed the difference between the medical school and teaching hospital. The features of university hospitals, academic medical centers, academic health centers, and affiliated teaching hospitals were described. It is observed that the medical school differ from the teaching hospital concerning the structure and culture. A medical school needs a hospital to educate its students, perform medical research, and offer its clinical workforce to practice medicine. However, a teaching hospital focuses on high-quality patient care and patient satisfaction. Conversely, the association among medical schools and their teaching hospitals embraces a complex and variable mixture of monopoly and monopsony power. Such an association has not yet ethically studied. There is a need for the significant effort from the nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals towards the development of academic medicine since it involves in creating future physicians and innovations, and delivering effective patient care.


Recently the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate released a revision to the target acquisition models. The Targeting Task Performance (TTP) metric represents a significant improvement in the U.S. Army's target acquisition modeling capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiments and calculation methodologies behind generating the task difficulty parameter (V-50) value used in the model to predict range performance. Included in this paper are experimental designs for recognition and identification tasks for various target sets. Based upon the results to these experiments new V-50 values are calculated to provide proper guidance for the most accurate performance predictions possible.


Angiographic abnormalities of the lower hindbrain seen in 13 cases of Chiari Type I and Type II malformations are described. Previously reported findings are assessed, particularly deformities of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils without other angiographic localizing signs of an expanding intracranial mass suggest a Chiari malformation. In such cases it is helpful to demonstrate a low cephalic loop of the PICA, reflecting caudal displacement of the fourth ventricle. Associated angiographic demonstration of significant intraspinal localization of the brainstem is pathognomonic of Chiari malformation.


We consider a singular perturbation of the generalized viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation based on constitutive equations introduced by Gurtin. This equation rules the order parameter ρ, which represents the density of atoms, and it is given on a n‐rectangle (n⩽3) with periodic boundary conditions. We prove the existence of a family of exponential attractors that is robust with respect to the perturbation parameter ε>0, as ε goes to 0. In a similar spirit, we analyze the stability of the global attractor. If n=1, 2, then we also construct a family of inertial manifolds that is continuous with respect to ε. These results improve and generalize the ones contained in some previous papers. Finally, we establish the convergence of any trajectory to a single equilibrium via a suitable version of the Łojasiewicz–Simon inequality, provided that the potential is real analytic. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of laparoscopy-assisted transvaginal hysterectomy.(LAVH) by comparison with trans abdominal hysterectomy(AH).Methods:The clinical data of patients during June 2007 and Jan 2008 undergone LAVH or AH were reviewed on the procedure and postoperative recovery.Results:Intraoperative blood loss in LAVH group(102.45±45.36) ml was less than that(180.62±56.43) ml in AH group(P0.05).The return to normal bowel movement after the procedure(20.32±6.34) h in HAVH group vs(31.21±10.42) h,(P0.05)in AH group and the postoperative incidence of morbidity risk was less seen in LAVH(P0.05).The time consumption in both procedures measured similarly equal,but LAVH required shortened length of hospital stay as compared with that of AH[(4.92±1.20) d vs(7.28±2.14) d,P0.05].Conclusion:LAVH should be preferable in clinic practice for its minimal invasion,less intraoperative blood loss and complications but with quick recovery


The purpose of this study is to assess the physical and chemical quality of borehole water intended for consumption in the collines department in Benin. At the end of a sampling campaign, twenty-one (21) drinking water points were sampled. Different physico-chemical parameters were measured using standard analysis methods. The results of the analysis of the samples, showed that the groundwater of the department of the hills is characterized by a neutral pH and an average electrical conductivity in accordance with the WHO and Benin standard relating to the potability of groundwater. With this pH neutrality which would be linked to the nature of geological formations made up of crystalline rocks, the water in the hills is moderately hard with hardness values of 208 mg/L on average for magnesium ions of 22.54 mg/L on average and calcium ions of the order of 46.03 mg/L on average at the scale of the various localities and an alkalinity is of 43.81 mg/L on average. The values between


BACKGROUND
The goal was to improve the methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method and investigate the methylation status of the OPCML gene in carcinoma tissues from ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS
MSP and nested MSP methods were used to examine the methylation status of the OPCML gene promoter in ovarian cancer, borderline tumor, and normal ovary tissues.

RESULTS
Methylation of the OPCML gene was detected in 58.3% (14/24) and 83.3% (20/24) of the specimens from ovarian cancer patients using MSP and nested MSP methods, respectively. No methylation was observed in normal ovarian tissues using either method.

CONCLUSIONS
The modified nested MSP method showed better sensitivity. The methylation of the OPCML gene was significantly higher in ovarian cancer than in normal tissue. The detection of OPCML gene methylation could serve as one of the molecular markers for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.


Key Points Nur77 expression correlates with the degree of autoreactivity of individual B cells. Nur77 is dispensable for receptor editing, central deletion, and anergy. Nur77 restrains the survival of mature self-reactive B cells. Nur77 (Nr4a1) belongs to a small family of orphan nuclear receptors that are rapidly induced by BCR stimulation, yet little is known about its function in B cells. We have previously characterized a reporter of Nr4a1 transcription, Nur77-eGFP, in which GFP expression faithfully detects Ag encounter by B cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we report that Nur77 expression correlates with the degree of self-reactivity, counterselection, and anergy among individual B cell clones from two distinct BCR transgenic mouse models but is dispensable for all of these tolerance mechanisms. However, we identify a role for Nur77 in restraining survival of self-reactive B cells in the periphery under conditions of competition for a limited supply of the survival factor BAFF. We find that Nur77 deficiency results in the progressive accumulation of self-reactive B cells in the mature repertoire with age and is sufficient to break B cell tolerance in VH3H9 H chain transgenic mice. We thus propose that Nur77 is upregulated in self-reactive B cells in response to chronic Ag stimulation and selectively restricts the survival of these cells, gradually pruning self-reactivity from the mature repertoire to impose a novel layer of peripheral B cell tolerance.


We use a method of reducing coupled coincidence point results in (ordered) symmetric -metric spaces to the respective results for mappings with one variable, even obtaining (in some cases) more general theorems. Our results generalize, extend, unify, and complement recent coupled coincidence point theorems in this frame, established by Cho et al. (2012), Aydi et al. (2011), and Choudhury and Maity (2011). Also, by using our method several recent tripled coincidence point results in ordered symmetric -metric spaces can be reduced to the coincidence point results with one variable.


The methodology of general and professional competencies formation was worked out. On its base new state standard at program Bioengineering systems and technologies was formed


The Apollo 16 active seismic experiment (ASE) was designed to generate and monitor seismic waves for the study of the lunar near-surface structure. Several seismic energy sources are used: an astronaut-activated thumper device, a mortar package that contains rocket-launched grenades, and the impulse produced by the lunar module ascent. Analysis of some seismic signals recorded by the ASE has provided data concerning the near-surface structure at the Descartes landing site. Two compressional seismic velocities have so far been recognized in the seismic data. The deployment of the ASE is described, and the significant results obtained are discussed.


This paper presents a new method to estimate the pole position of an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine, IPMSM. The proposed method uses the three phase triangular carrier waves for the PWM signal generation and measures only the current of the DC link of the inverter. The DC link current can be measured with an inexpensive current sensor such as a shunt resistor. The proposed method enables to estimate the pole position at low speeds and standstill. In this paper, first, authors verify the validity of the proposed method by the experiment, and compensate the position estimation. The proposed method needs the current detection at tops and bottoms of carrier waves, precisely. So, the method is investigated in this theory about the effect of the current detection timing delay. And the ways to compensate the timing delay is explored.


I study the time evolution of the density matrices of quantum Fermi systems interacting with classic external Fermi fields. This interaction either changes the temperature of the system or it affects the density of particles. For relativistic Dirac fermions, variations of temperature lead to creation (annihilation) of particle - antiparticle pairs. The change of the density (or of the chemical potential) indicates the existence of the incoming (outgoing) flux of fermions from (to) the bath. These changes are independent for the different modes and in order to model the thermalization one should adjust the spectrum of the noise. The linear time dependences of the densities of particles are characteristic for all the processes.


T he lighting community is well aware of how lighting can overcome some of the consequences of the changes that occur to our aging eyes. The Lighting for the Aging and Partially Sighted Committee is one of the most active committees in the IES and has put forward many recommendations to improve mainly the visual environment for older adults. However, light reaching the retina not only allows us to see [1] , but it also impacts our health and well-being. Light reaching the retina synchronizes our circadian rhythms to the 24-hour solar day [2] and affects the body's perceptual system, enabling us to orient ourselves to the spatial environment and maintain postural control and stability [3]. As we grow older, less light reaches the retina at the back of the eye, where light signals are processed, thus older adults need more light to maintain good visual, perceptual and biological responses. It is estimated that for the same amount of available light, a 60-year-old receives only about 30 to 40 percent as much light at the retina as a 20-year-old. Recent research clearly indicates that a lack of light reaching the retina can have other biological effects on older adults. This reduced retinal light exposure can have an even more dramatic negative effect on persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) due to their decline in cognitive processes. And this is an important fact because according to 2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures published by the Alzheimer's Association , 5.4 million Americans are living with ADRD. The circadian system, which regulates our sleep/wake cycles, requires more light for stimulation than the visual system, and also exhibits a heightened sensitivity to short-wavelength (blue) light, unlike the visual system, which is most sensitive to middle-wavelength (yellow-green) light. Typical light levels in institutions are static and are not high enough or tuned to the correct color of light to activate the circadi-an system of older persons, which may result in circadian disruption. This disruption, in turn, can cause changes in patterns of wakefulness and sleep in older adults and in those with ADRD, resulting in confusion in daily routines, lessening of activity levels and alertness, and alteration in mood often resulting in feelings of depression. Another public health concern is related to injuries resulting from falls in seniors. The visual and perceptual systems intercept cues from the environment that affect postural control and …


Several TOUGH2 Modules Developed for Site Characterization Studies of Yucca Mountain Yu-Shu Wu and Karsten Pruess Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, C A 94720, U . S. A . and/or rapid movement of fluids in thick, highly heterogeneous, unsaturated systems over very long time periods. The improvement of the modeling capabilities for simulating field-scale problems has been subject to continuous research efforts, and considerable progress in this area has been made over the past two decades. Abstract A comprehensive site characterization study has been conducted for the unsaturated zone (UZ) of Yucca Mountain to investigate its suitability as a potential high-level nuclear waste repository. Numerical modeling of moisture, gas, chemicals and heat flow, and their influence on the repository performance has been proven to be essential in understanding unsaturated-zone fluid movement, and the effects of hydrogeologic, geochemical and thermal conditions on various aspects of the overall waste disposal system. In these studies, the T O U G H 2 code has been used extensively as a main modeling tool because of its flexibility and robustness in handling multiphase, multi-component fluid and heat flow and chemical transport in porous/fractured rocks. T O U G H 2 (Pruess, 1991) has been used as a main modeling tool in the Yucca Mountain project due to its flexibility and robustness i n handling multidimensional, multiphase, and multi-component fluid flow and heat transfer in both porous and fractured rocks. In addition, throughout the development of the T O U G H / T O U G H 2 codes, a comprehensive verification and validation study has been conducted (Pruess, 1987 and 1991; Moridis and Pruess, 1992; Pruess e t a l , 1996). More recently, the T O U G H 2 code has been updated and improved in the modeling studies associated with the site characterization of Yucca Mountain, and several new modules have been developed to add to the T O U G H 2 family of codes (Wu et al., 1996). The correctness, validity, and capability of the T O U G H 2 family of codes have been verified by comparing the simulation results against analytical solutions, and results from other numerical codes, laboratory experiments, and field tests. As part of the U Z modeling efforts at L B N L , several new modules of the T O U G H 2 code have been developed to meet different needs of the site characterization studies. In this paper we w i l l summarize some of these new T O U G H 2 modules and their specific features in application to the Yucca Mountain project. These new T O U G H 2 modules include (1) the effective continuum model (ECM) for treating fracture/matrix flow; (2) single-phase gas flow (EOS1G) i n a water-air two phase flow system; and (3) a 3-D radionuclide transport module (T2R3D) for 3-D radionuclide or tracer transport in porous/fractured media under two-phase flow and non- isothermal conditions. In this paper, we w i l l discuss three new TOUGH2 modules, developed during the site-characterization study at Yucca Mountain. These three new T O U G H 2 modules are (1) effective continuum model (ECM) for treating fracture/matrix flow; (2) single-phase gas flow (EOS1G) in a water-air flow systems; and (3) a 3-D radionuclide transport module (T2R3D) for 3-D radionuclide or tracer transport i n porous/fractured media under two-phase flow and non-isothermal conditions. Introduction Numerical modeling approaches used in the Yucca Mountain project for simulating multiphase fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical transport processes involve coupled multiphase fluid and heat flow, and chemical component migration formulations based on finite difference, or finite element schemes. Available numerical simulators for variably saturated nonisothermal flow generally employ mathematical and numerical methods similar to those used in the oil industry or geothermal engineering. Since the oil and geothermal industries have different priorities than organizations dealing with nuclear waste repository assessment, the codes must account for a number of additional processes such as the slow Formulations E C M module was developed to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical transport i n fractured porous media. This module can be used with any of the T O U G H 2 EOS modules in simulation studies of flow and transport in fractured rock. The E C M formulation, as implemented i n the T O U G H 2 code (Wu et al., 1996), is based on the assumption that there is an approximate thermodynamic equilibrium


Ileoanal pouch–vaginal fistula (PVF) is a relatively common complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. There are several operative approaches in the management of PVF. There is currently no consensus as to which approach is the most effective or which should be attempted first.


Abstract : The Navy wishes to develop predictive models describing transformations of CDOM, an assemblage of molecules defined as those that absorb ultraviolet and visible radiation. Our objective was to understand water-column biological processes hypothesized to affect both the 'background' signature of CDOM as well as spatial and temporal changes in CDOM. We performed a series of laboratory experiments designed to understand CDOM transformations associated with micro- and macrozooplankton grazing on phytoplankton. Our approach was to use highly controlled laboratory experiments involving cultured representatives of grazers and prey, and to characterize the time course of CDOM transformations using spectroscopic and chemical techniques. There emerged no significant difference between experimental and control microcosms with respect to production and concentration of DOC and CDOM. Our series of experiments, therefore, stand in contrast to those reported by Strom et al. (1997), in which grazing by macro- and microzooplankton was shown to significantly increase DOC concentrations.


A year ago, a theory of charge ordering in Fe3O4 based on the cooperative Jahn‐Teller effect, with Δ5 symmetry phonons of wave vector (0,0,1/2) as condensing modes, was proposed by Yamada.1 This theory explains the critical neutron scattering above the ordering temperature (Tv)2 at half integer, but not at mixed integer scattering vectors. It also explains the existence of half integer wave vector diffraction peaks below Tv,3,4 but not the existence of mixed integer peaks.


The invention relates to an integrated controller of an automatic bypass frequency-variable escalator, which comprises power source input ends R, S and T, a logic controller, a driver and a main motor M1. The power source input ends R, S and T are connected with the driver which is connected with an input end of the main motor M1 through a frequency converter driven contactor KMB, the input end of the main motor M1 is further connected with a power source driven contactor KMG, and the power source driven contactor KMG is respectively connected with the power source input ends R, S and T by the aid of contactors KMD and KMU which are connected in parallel. An output end of the main motor M1 is connected with contactors KMS and KMF which are connected in parallel, the other end of the KMF is connected with the input end of the main motor M1, the logic controller is respectively connected with control input ends of the KMG and the KMB, comprises an escalator overspeed prevention circuit and an escalator reversion prevention circuit, acquires signals and transmits the signals to the driver, and the driver drives the main motor M1 according to the signals. By the aid of the integrated controller, multiple functions of the escalator are combined effectively, and the escalator can be mounted and debugged conveniently and is guaranteed to run efficiently, stably and safely.


Abstract To improve the damping performance of carbon fiber composite beams with co-cured multilayered viscoelastic damping films, the free vibration characteristics and structural optimization of the composite beams were explored. In this article, a mathematical model of the structure is established based on the first-order shear deformation theory. The strain energy, kinetic energy and dynamic differential control equations of the carbon fiber composite beams with co-cured multilayered viscoelastic damping films are derived by using variational principle and Hamilton principle to explore the displacement function satisfying the boundary conditions of fixed supports at both ends. Galerkin method is proposed to solve the theoretical solution of free vibration of beam structure under fixed support boundary condition. The correctness of the theoretical model is verified by fabricating multilayered damping sandwich composite beam specimens and building an experimental platform for modal experiments. The effects of film distribution and geometrical parameters on the dynamic performance of co-cured damping composite beams were investigated. Finally, it is found that when the structure of carbon fiber composite beams with co-cured multilayered viscoelastic damping films is symmetrical, its dynamic performance achieves the optimal. This work provides a theoretical basis for optimal configuration of multilayer damping film embedded in composite structures.


Fish oil is extensively used in food, pharmaceutical industries and in general it is expensive, but low cost fish oil is used in leather industry for Chamois leathersmanufacture. Oils in general, whether it is vegetable oil or marine oil, have higher viscosity and hence it takes longer time for penetration into the skin during oil tanning. In-addition, a significant amount is wasted in the drumduring processing due to high viscosity of oils. Jatropha oil, is non-edible oil that is used for making soap, bio-fuel etc. is relatively cheap compared to fish oil. Therefore, in this study jatropha oil was trans-esterified using methanol and sulphuric acid to obtain jatropha oil methyl ester which is low in viscosity and this product is used for making chamois leather. This leather was tested for different properties such as water absorption and its strength. The experimental results show that the leathers made using jatropha oil methyl ester has similar properties that of conventional chamois leather and jatropha oil methyl ester could be a substitute to raw fish oil.


The purpose of this article is to analyze the the history of the consolidation of higher education in Brazil. From the study of the origin of the university and its expansion through Europe it is possible to understand the origin of the first institutions of higher education in Latin America. Entering the history of the first higher courses in the country, it is possible to understand some of the political-cultural factors that led to the late consolidation process, in relation to the rest of the Latin American countries, of higher education in the country.


A new cafe and sandwich shop on Harrogate's Hornbeam Park is going down a treat with local businesses and residents. Brunch and Brew, seats up to ...


In seeking to establish the order of peace and ideal society,people still long for the free expression of human nature. In so doing,they are not willing to let their positive values destroyed by desires and impulses of the reality.Thus tragic conflicts occur. In ancient Greek tragedies,the sacred value is the prerequisite of human vale;the freedom of city-state community the prerequisite of ideal life.The former belongs to private domain while the latter public domain.The former should not undermine the latter while the latter should not intrude into the former.


Thebreakdownvoltage of an air gap submittedto switchingsurges may be predetermined by use of a mathe maticalmodelofleaderpropagation.This modelisapplied,inthisarticle,topointplanegaps,forwhicha numberof experimental resultsare available.It ispossible to similatethedevelopmentof a flashover:current, speed,visualappearence. U50voltageand standarddeviationmay be deducedby simulationof test sequences and, as a result, thevariationsof theseparameters, whenthelengthof thegap andtheshapeof theapplied wave vary, may be studied. Generally,results are foundto be inaccordancewithexperiments.


Verbosity levels of logs are designed to discriminate highly diverse runtime events, which facilitates system failure identification through simple keyword search (e.g., fatal, error). Verbosity levels should be properly assigned to logging statements, as inappropriate verbosity levels would confuse users and cause a lot of redundant maintenance effort. However, to achieve such a goal is not an easy task due to the lack of practical specifications and guidelines towards verbosity log level usages. The existing research has built a classification model on log related quantitative metrics such as log density to improve logging level practice. Though such quantitative metrics can reveal logging characteristics, their contributions on logging level decision are limited, since valuable logging intention information buried in logging code context can not be captured. In this paper, we propose an automatic approach to help developers determine the appropriate verbosity log levels. More specially, our approach discriminates different verbosity log level usages based on code context features that contain underlying logging intention. To validate our approach, we implement a prototype tool, VerbosityLevelDirector, and perform a case study to measure its effectiveness on four well-known open source software projects. Evaluation results show that VerbosityLevelDirector achieves high performance on verbosity level discrimination and outperforms the baseline approaches on all those projects. Furthermore, through applying noise handling technique, our approach can detect previously unknown inappropriate verbosity level configurations in the code repository. We have reported 21 representative logging level errors with modification advice to issue tracking platforms of the examined software projects and received positive feedback from their developers. The above results confirm that our work can help developers make a better logging level decision in real-world engineering.


Sakurajima volcano has been active since February 2009. The total number of explosive eruptions was 966 in 2011, which was the highest number in recorded history. Corresponding to volcano activities, the ash accumulation in Kagoshima city increased and total ash amount of 3,500g/ m2 was recorded at Kagoshima local meteorological observatory. Because the volume of volcanic ash in rural area paralyze public ground transportations such as rail road and highway, fast recovery efforts are required to the railroad company and city government. However, no quantitative volcanic ash fall estimation has been established. The present study focuses on utilization of operational weather radar for quantitative ash estimation (QAE), quantitative ash forecasting (QAF), and utilization of crustal movement information for providing ash volume which is necessary for initial conditions of a numerical diffusion model. Although the target volcano of the present study is Sakurajima, the knowledge on volcanic ash and algorithm developed by the present study can be applied to any other volcano which is located in operational weather radar observation area.


Based on three years observation(from 2008 to 2010) on the characteristics of flowering and fruiting,the traits and ecological characteristics of capsule and seed of Camellia mairei in Guizhou Maolan karst national reserve,we analyzed the difference of the characteristics between different mother trees and different specific years.The results show that the number of seeds in different capsules on same mother tree has no significant difference,while the total number of seeds of different mother trees,the morphological characteristics of capsules and the seed mass have significant difference,indicating the development stage of the capsules of same mother tree is similar.The flowering of Camellia mairei is from the middle of December to late March the next year.Capsule ripening occurs in middle September to middle October.The average fruit setting rate is low(15.2% to 30.3%),the capsule capacity in different years are different.The mass of one thousand seeds is 2 657.20 g.The average seed mass is 2.66 g,which is 38.5 times of that of other shrubs species.Relative seed water content is high(37.51%).The proportion of shrunken seeds is 16.6%,which reflects high sterile rate of Camellia mairei.Animals such as mice are harmful to seeds.Test results show that the seeds placed on soil surface are moved away completely by animals.The loss rate is 98%.Adding shields can avoid animal's feeding.


The International Tin Study Group, which parallels in general the other international study groups established for commodities, was created by an international conference held in London in October, 1946. Its functions are to review periodically the world supply and demand position of tin and to make recommendations to the member governments.


The consequences of deficient of iron intake could be more dangerous than low energy diet in regular intake and it can cause anemia. The treatment of anemia is based on iron supplementation or by iron fortification in flour, bread and cereals, as these are the staple food. Fortification is the enrichment of the micronutrients in the food to overcome the deficiency. Iron fortification is a suitable strategy and long term goal to increase the iron intake. Controlling the iron deficiency anemia also depends on the enhanced gastrointestinal iron absorption and minimum quantity of iron absorption inhibitors. In vitro is the mimic of gastrointestinal digestion of human and provides important characterized strain data which is useful precursors to in vivo studies. This review article gives emphasis on major effect and application of iron fortified food to overcome iron deficient anemia.


Romanian consumer credit market is dominated by personal loans and loans for the purchase of durable goods. Inflation and restrictive access to other consume credit products might determine a deeper penetration of Romanian credit cards market. However, this paper argues that such evolution is risky both for lenders and for borrowers. This paper proposes an empirical analysis of the determinants of the number of credit cards a consumer holds at national level. The estimation employs a logistic regression with a polytomous response, imposing the assumption of proportional odds. Results shows that cost of credit cards clearly has a positive impact on the number of credit cards a consumer decides to hold in Romania. .


Abstract This article considers from an empirical point of view the convergence of the distribution function for the waiting time in the classical coupon collector's problem. In addition, the application of the distribution in testing for "randomness" in the decimal expansions of π and e is considered. Some remarks are also made on the inverse problems: namely, given i distinct objects obtained in sampling at random with replacement m times from some population, how many distinct objects are there in the population?


Not surprisingly, Davis's last word is that the future of federalism belongs to those "who can resist the urge to tidy the matter." This is so because he wants us to be able to continue to "play out the limitless potentialities of its diverse history, its diverse progeny, its diverse practices and its diverse purposes." Despite an implied historical determinism, then, Davis does not seem to be totally opposed to allowing federal theorists to do a bit more than just interpret the world. But the point that he seems to miss completely is that, in order to change the world, federal philosophers above all others must know what they are doing. It is, indeed, a pity that Davis not so much as mentions Proudhon's work with the same title as his own, or any of the literature in the tradition of Proudhon. For the simple truth is that there can be no federalism without federal theory. There can be no "promise of communality and individuality," which Davis says is the heart of foedus, if the value of "unity in diversity" is not grasped theoretically. This is why federalism, while certainly not exempt from ordinary contingencies of history and social life, can never be "an evolutionary accident." Its very principle, if we allow it to have a meaning, makes federalism a distinguished instance of praxis, that is, action guided by theoretical understanding of the goals to be achieved. Federalism is thus incompatible with all sociology of knowledge which implies that history always works behind the backs of human beings. The philosophy of history of federalism is different. Shunning both know-nothing existentialism and Utopian dreams, it bids us, in a tidy phrase of Hamilton's, never to give up testing "whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."


Purpose of review This article reviews the latest treatment paradigms in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). Recent findings The aggressive biology and associated advanced presentation of SNUC make successful treatment a challenge shared across medical specialties. Still, studies reporting outcomes in SNUC indicate that an aggressive treatment strategy consisting of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy offers the best chance of prolonged survival. Summary Successful treatment of SNUC requires highly specialized care at tertiary cancer treatment facilities. A better understanding of the biology of the disease coupled with increasing outcome reporting will lead to optimized treatment regimens.


A cheap and simple method has been devised to reduce the viscosity of CV rubber produced from hard rubber latices. Results obtained both on raw rubber properties and techno logical properties, show that CV 50 rubber of satisfactory quality could be produced from high viscosity rubber, by using Renacit VII as peptiser, and hydroxylamine neutral sulphate as viscosity stabilising agent, at ths required concentrations.


This embedded case study explored the alignments between division benchmark intents and practices with regard to benchmark assessments and elementary school teachers' intents and practices. Utilizing the NIRN implementation framework and the embedded case study framework, this study sought to determine what variables are necessary to implement and maintain an effective benchmark assessment system. This study addressed the following research questions: (1) How do teachers describe their intent in making use of the benchmark assessment system? (2) How do teachers describe their practices of making formative use of the benchmark assessment system? (3) What do teachers describe as the perceived outcomes of the benchmark assessment system? (4) What are the similarities and differences between division intent and design of the benchmark assessment system and teacher intent and practices? (5) How competent do teachers feel themselves to be to make use of the benchmark assessment system to progress student learning? (6) How are teachers' responses similar and/or different relative to the state accreditation status of their respective schools?


In the medical domain, misdiagnoses and diagnostic uncertainty put lives at risk and incur substantial financial costs. Clearly, medical reasoning and decision-making need to be better understood. We explore a possible link between linguistic expression and diagnostic correctness. We report on an unusual data set of spoken diagnostic narratives used to computationally model and predict diagnostic correctness based on automatically extracted and linguistically motivated features that capture physicians' uncertainty. A multimodal data set was collected as dermatologists viewed images of skin conditions and explained their diagnostic process and observations aloud. We discuss experimentation and analysis in initial and secondary pilot studies. In both cases, we experimented with computational modeling using features from the acoustic-prosodic and lexical-structural linguistic modalities.


In Organized Out-of-School Activities: Settings for Peer Relationships, editors Jennifer A. Fredricks and Sandra D. Simpkins analyze research on how peers in organized outof-school activities shape the development of adolescents. Fredricks and Simpkins explore a variety of research that is focused particularly on youth 10–18 years of age. To develop a deeper understanding of peer influence and the impact of participation in out-of-school activities, Fredricks and Simpkins begin by examining the reasons organized activities are ideal settings to analyze peer relations. Then, they include reviews from different authors of theoretical and empirical research on peer relationships in a variety of out-of-school activities and settings, and how those peer relationships relate to variations in developmental outcomes across different types of activities. Their review contains a helpful synopsis of the current research available on peer influence and out-of-school activities, while also noting areas where research is lacking and how future studies could be better tailored to address still unanswered questions. In Chapter 1, Fredricks and Simpkins introduce theoretical perspectives and previous research in the area of peer relations and the impact on participation in out-ofschool activities. In addition, they explore empirical evidence on how participation in out-of-school activities relates to indicators of positive development, such as academic achievement, educational attainment, occupational status, self-esteem, and resilience. Fredricks and Simpkins point out that there have only been a few studies on the link between organized activities and peer relationships, but that even so there are many similarities in the research conducted for each literature independently. They also mention that recent national studies indicate that over 70 % of youth in the United States report participating in at least one organized activity, indicating that many adolescents may be affected by peer relations related to such activities. This introductory chapter also addresses particular questions, such as why organized activities are an ideal setting to study peers, how peer relations shape adolescents' participation in organized activities, and how organized activities shape peer relations in positive ways. This chapter helps the reader understand the context that the future chapters are in and provides a great starting point of analysis of peer relationships in organized out-of-school activities. In Chapter 2, which is written by François Poulin and Anne-Sophie Denault, the authors assess research on how participation in out-of-school activities with friends affects those friendships. In particular, the authors explore the quality of characteristics of friendships in out-of-school activities, as well as the associations between involvement in such activities and the education and behavioral adjustments of adolescents. The study resulted in a finding that friendships do exist within organized activities, but that the features of the friendships vary across the different types of organized activities that youth are involved in. For example, studies show that group members are more likely to have cohesion and stronger ties in team sport settings than in individual settings, because team spirit is needed in order for the team to work. As a result, the team sport environment is more likely to encourage support among friends than the individual sport setting. But, the research also showed that youth involved in individual sports reported that friends who co-participated with them were more academically oriented that their friends who did not participate with them in individual sports. The authors K. Focken (&) Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com; email@example.com


This paper describes realizable acousto-optic configurations for the implementation of phased array beamformers. The simple system is capable of generating a distribution of wideband radio frequency (RF) signals with controlled phases. A laboratory demonstration model of the acousto-optic beamformer was built using a pair of Bragg cells and a 10-channel fiber-detector array. Experimental results show that a large phase excursion is obtainable simply by tuning the frequency of the control signal.


We tend to think of the saints as miracle workers and credit them with offering useful services and assistance to the faithful - in particular, healing the sick and even raising the dead (often associated with pilgrimage sites - churches, relics/reliquaries, and holy wells), but many miracles involve punishments (often associated with disrespecting the saint, stealing church property or trespassing on the saint's burial ground or sanctuary). To a modern audience, some of these miracles might appear harsh, but from the point of view of the hagiographer these punishments were fully justified and, of course, there were many biblical precedents. The following lines will try to elucidate the role that was given to Saint Winefride as a vessel for divine justice.  For this purpose, the two twelfth-century Vitae dedicated to this Welsh saint will be analysed for parallels with the Sacred Scriptures and other hagiographical motifs. This information will be put into the historical context of this period without forgetting to highlight the deep-rooted tradition of the Celtic countries. It will also be determined to what extent the role and function of miracles illustrating divine retribution may be linked with the ecclesiastical interests of the time


Newer continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavements in South Dakota have exhibited undesirable levels of transverse cracking. This poor performance was not expected under the current recommended design practices. Long-term pavement performance (LTPP) CRC pavement data, previously analyzed by others, also could not account for the cracking. To seek an explanation, the original LTPP CRC data was reanalyzed with a more thorough approach. With multiple regression techniques on selected LTPP CRC data sets of comparable accuracy, consequential conclusions can be drawn once the base types are separated into subsets in the database. A similar model was developed for newer CRC pavements in South Dakota, and they showed the same response variables as the LTPP subset for granular bases. Significant correlation was found between cracks and steel depth, cracks and steel size, and cracks and pavement thickness, such that recommendations are made for South Dakota to decrease the steel depth and decrease the steel size and percentage. The nominal top size of the coarse aggregate was also found to be a significant contributor to crack width, with a shift from 3/4 in. to 11/2 in. resulting in a reduction in crack width and a much slower development of cracking over time.


Previous research demonstrated that dopamine produces concentration-dependent changes in synaptic transmission in the entorhinal cortex, wherein high concentrations of dopamine (50 µM) suppress evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and lower concentrations of dopamine (1 to 10 µM) facilitate them. Whole-cell current clamp recordings were used to investigate the dopaminergic facilitation of synaptic responses in layer II neurons of the lateral entorhinal cortex. Surprisingly, the pattern of changes in EPSPs was dependent on cell type. During bath applications of 1 µM dopamine, fan cells showed a facilitation of the amplitude of EPSPs evoked by layer I stimulation. In contrast, pyramidal cells showed mixed modulation of EPSPs in response to dopamine, with different cells showing either facilitation or suppression effects. Voltage clamp recordings of excitatory postsynaptic currents suggest that dopamine facilitates AMPA glutamate receptor-mediated EPSCs. To determine the dopaminegic receptor subtype involved, either the D1 receptor blocker SCH23390 (50 µM) or the D2 receptor blocker sulpiride (50 µM) was bath applied to the slices prior to dopamine. Application of SCH 23390 blocked the facilitation of EPSCs, whereas application of sulpiride had no significant effect. Therefore, the dopaminergic enhancement of EPSCs is likely to be mediated primarily through D1-like receptors. D1 receptors can act through a variety of intracellular signaling pathways to modulate synaptic strength. The role of signaling via protein kinase A was tested by including the PKA inhibitor H-89 in the recording pipette solution. Cells filled with H-89 did not show a facilitation of EPSCs in response to dopamine application. Thus, the dopamine-induced facilitation of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic responses in the lateral entorhinal cortex appears to be mediated via a D1 receptor-dependent increase in PKA activity.