In Japan, managers with the title of section chief and higher are exempt from an overtime regulation that requires employers to pay an overtime premium of 25 percent to hours worked above statutory work hours. Recently, there has been a series of discussions whether or not the range of the exemption currently allowed only to managers shall be broaden to include other employees. We discuss the possible effect of the broader adoption of the overtime regulation exemption, based on the empirical research that investigates the working hours and hourly wages for currently exempt employees and non-exempt employees. We conclude that the possible effect of broadening exempt employees would not be very large, that is, even extending the range of the white-collar exemption, working hours on average would not become considerably longer nor hourly wages lower. We regard that working hours and hourly wages are not determined by the overtime regulations but by the implicit contract (fixed job model) or incentive mechanism through promotion (tournament model).


Abstract In this paper we examine the nature of the alleged realism of Cubism. We start by referring to the unsatisfactory characterisations of the so-called analytic and synthetic periods of Cubism. In our view, a fruitful clue for at least philosophically better understanding of Cubism is found in connecting the efforts of the Cubists to the aims of phenomenology and semantics. For the Cubists this implied creating a method of showing the conceptual (intensional) elements of the picture in the picture itself. Philosophically this entailed a close connection to the problems of intensionality and "inner truth" of any representation. Furthermore, we try to show that the efforts of the Cubists can be seen in the light of the Wittgensteinian distinction between "showing" and "saying". Realising a parallelism in this connection reveals the specific contribution of the Cubists, viz., their explicit assimilation of "saying" by showing visually the conceptual conditions concerning the subject of a painting. Interestingly enough, Picasso too seems to have used the very same words explicitly (as is seen in our title), if not being fully or at all aware of their role in philosophical discussions. Anyway, the clarification of the philosophical contribution of Cubism will be aided by both of our source ideas: noematic conceptualisation, on the one hand, and the distinction between showing – saying for semantics, on the other.


Introduction: Naturally, the kids are curious. They begin exploring their environment and engaging with new objects as soon as they are mobile. But at the same time, while playing with fire or touching hot objects, they are likely to cause serious harm to themselves. Burn is characterised as damage to the skin or other organic tissue caused by thermal trauma, occurring when any or more of the skin cells or other tissue are killed by hot liquids, hot solids (contact burns), or flames (flame burns). Owing to radiation, radioactivity, strength, friction or chemical contact, burns are also considered to be skin or other organic tissue wounds. Aim: To determine the current awareness of parents of children under five years with respect to first aid for burns and prevention. Evaluating the efficacy of planned awareness teaching among parents and to associate the knowledge with the selected demographic variables. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in rural areas of Wardha, Maharashtra and 60 participants were recruited on the basis of inclusion criteria, using the purposeful technique of sampling. Structured questionnaires were the resources and the expected teaching was provided after the pre-test. Results: According to the findings of the analysis in the score of pre-test information, 30% of parents of under five years kids had poor awareness score level, 70% of the parents of under five kids had average awareness score level, mean knowledge score was 5.20±1.97, post-test 10% of the parents of under five years kids had average, 80% good and 10% with an outstanding degree of knowledge score, the mean knowledge score was 10.30±1.87. Mean percentage score, pre-test was 32.50±12.32 and post-test, it improved to 64.37±11.73, thus indicating improved understanding of first aid for burns and its prevention for most parents. Conclusion: It was statistically interpreted that the planned teaching program of the parents of children under five years on knowledge regarding emergency management and prevention of burns was very effective and has improved the knowledge significantly.


Traumatic stress has been known through ages and children make a significant group to face it. Vast research has been done in traumatic stress to show the cause effect relationship. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been recognized subsequent to trauma and has been invariably linked to it. Besides PTSD, there have been a multitude of psychopathologies attributed to childhood traumas. Short-term effects of childhood traumas are studied in depth but the long-term effects are subject to a variety of risk and protective factors. Childhood maltreatment and other cumulative traumas are shown to cause a spectrum of anxiety disorders and mood disorders besides others; in contrast to single traumas of childhood mainly presenting as PTSD as a pathology. Re-trauma in adulthood of these early traumatized children seems to be a risk factor for PTSD and other pathologies. Significant neurobiological changes (structural and genetic) have been shown to occur in adults with childhood traumatic experiences. Resilience has been significant and has been seen more developed in children with effective parenting, stable families, adequate social support, spirituality and humour. Positive self-esteem, ego flexibility, and ego over-control are protective. These protective practices need to be identified and promoted in children with special emphasis in those having experienced traumatic stress.


Investigates research study into performance measures in manufacturing. States the main problem errors are: false alarms; and gaps — the solution being to eliminate the false alarms and fill in the gaps! Measures 12 areas of possible improvement and lists these. Used 92 senior manufacturing executives — 72 from Europe, 8 from Asia, 5 from South America, 4 from Africa and 3 from North America — all of whom had been on IMD's programme prior to mid‐1993. Gives further, deeper explanations of results and recommendations.


Cloud computing technology has become popular of late due to several advantages it has compared to traditional computing models. For example, cloud computing helps users to save a significant amount of cost that is related to infrastructure investment, management, and maintenance. Furthermore, since cloud computing offers agility, flexibility, and scalability, applications could be deployed, developed, and scaled quickly and easily on the cloud. Nevertheless, while it is not difficult to develop a new application on the cloud, there is a question of whether legacy applications could be moved to the cloud. Knowing the answer for this question is very important to users, who have stable applications in traditional computing platforms, but want to move these applications to the cloud to leverage the advantages of cloud computing. In this paper, we will analyze features of cloud computing services to introduce an answer for this question. In particular, our answer will focus on the practicability and methodology of migrating legacy applications to the cloud. As a proof-of-concept, we support our answer with the migration of three existing applications being used at British Telecom to Google Apps Engine: one is a Java-based application while the two others are Python-based applications. Among the two Python-based applications, one requires a migration of its database in addition to the migration of the application itself.


Synopsis--Dry and flaky SKIN can result from a low extensibility in the STRATUM CORNEUM. Because the EXTENSIBILITY of corneum depends upon its water content, HUMECTANTS are often added to skin products to increase the corneum water content. Measurements of extensibility and water holding capacity in isolated animal comeurn showed that conventional humectants such as glycerol, sorbitol or sodium lactate can be effective but that the effect is lost on rinsing the comeurn in water. It was found that isolated animal comeum adsorbed LACTIC ACID and that the resulting increase in extensibility was retained after rinsing in water. In consumer tests, hand skin dryness and flaking was assessed by trained observers. Two weeks' use of HAND LOTIONS, containing SODIUM LACTATE or lactic acid adjusted to pH 4, resulted in less hand skin dryness and flaking than the use of control lotions. A lactic acid lotion also resulted in less dryness and flaking than a sodium lactate lotion.


An approach for designing a multivariable reduced-order controller of a linear, time-invariant, singular system is presented. The approach is based on decomposing the original system into slow and fast subsystems using the Drazin inverse technique. The resulting subsystems are then used to obtain an observer of reduced order. This, in turn, it used in designing a new reduced-order controller which is capable of placing the dominant eigenvalues of the system in arbitrary locations. The technique is shown to overcome some difficulties inherent in other treatments of reduced-order controllers of singular systems and assures that the known corresponding controller of the regular state-space systems is merely a special case of the present results. >


Friction dampers are often used in turbine design to attenuate blade vibration to acceptable levels so as to prolong blades' service life. A wedge damper, also called a self-centering, blade-to-blade damper, can provide more design flexibility to meet various needs in different operating conditions when compared with conventional platform dampers. However, direct coupling of the two inclined friction interfaces of the wedge damper often leads to very complex contact kinematics. In Part I of this two-part paper, a dual-interface friction force model is proposed to investigate the coupling contact kinematics. The key issue of the model formulation is to derive analytical criteria for the stick-slip transitions that can be used to precisely simulate the complex stick-slip motion and, thus, the induced friction force as well. When considering cyclic loading, the induced periodic friction forces can be obtained to determine the effective stiffness and damping of the interfaces over a cycle of motion. In Part II of this paper, the estimated stiffness and damping are then incorporated with the harmonic balance method to predict the forced response of a blade constrained by wedge dampers.


Background: Diabetic forefoot joint deformities are a known risk factor for skin breakdown and amputation, but the causes of deformity are not well understood. The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of intrinsic foot muscle deterioration and limited ankle joint mobility on the severity of metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) deformity, and determine the relationships between these potential contributing factors and indicators of diabetic complications (peripheral neuropathy and advanced glycation end products). Methods: A total of 34 participants with diabetic neuropathy (average age, 59 years; range 41-73) were studied. MTPJ angle and intrinsic foot muscle deterioration were measured with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Maximum ankle dorsiflexion was measured using kinematics. Skin intrinsic fluorescence served as a proxy measure for advanced glycation end product accumulation. Results: Total forefoot lean muscle volume (r = −0.52, P < .01) and maximum ankle dorsiflexion (r = −0.42, P < .05) were correlated with severity of MTPJ deformity. Together they explained 35% of the variance of MTPJ angle. Neuropathy was correlated with forefoot muscle deterioration (ρ = 0.53, P < .01). Skin intrinsic fluorescence was correlated to severity of neuropathy (r = 0.50, P < .01) but not maximum ankle dorsiflexion, or forefoot deterioration when controlling for neuropathy. Conclusion: These results suggest that the interplay of intrinsic foot muscle deterioration and limited ankle mobility may be the primary contributor to the development of MTPJ deformity. Identifying these muscle and ankle motion impairments as risk factors for MTPJ deformity supports the need for targeted interventions early in the disease process to slow, or possibly stop the progression of deformity over time and reduce the risk of amputation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


BACKGROUND
Treatment of small, localized tongue cancer is an act of balance between sufficiently extensive surgery and/or radiotherapy for safe cure, and minimizing treatment-related morbidity. The biological aggressiveness of these cancers is variable and conventional histopathology does not give sufficient information concerning the risk for local or regional recurrence. Laminin-5 is an extracellular matrix protein noted to have special importance for epithelial cell invasion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
We investigated 43 diagnostic biopsies from patients with T1 tongue cancer treated with wedge excision only. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using a polyclonal antibody against the gamma2 chain of laminin-5.

RESULTS
Thirty-six specimens were evaluated and 16 patients had a recurrence. A staining pattern of 50% or more was seen in the majority of patients (75%) with tumor recurrence and in fewer patients (45%) without recurrence.

CONCLUSION
In order to optimize treatment for the individual T1 tongue cancer patient, immunostaining against laminin-5 appears to be one possible useful tool.


Efficient decontamination of pipeline system is an essential action in situations where a drinking water distribution system is contaminated. The challenge in decontamination is the fact that biofilms may protect faecal and pathogenic microbes against disinfectant after contamination event. The one of the most frequently used cleaning method for drinking water distribution networks is clorination. Shock‐chlorination can be used for purification of microbial contaminated water distribution system in waterborne outbreaks. As an example, shock‐chlorination was applied to clean the network after the severe waterborne outbreak in the Nokia city, Finland year 2007.


Bone-derived cells were cultured in three-dimensional reconstituted matrices made of type I collagen or type I collagen chondroitin-4-sulfate. As observed by microscope, their characteristics were as follows: The cells deposited a faint extracellular matrix mainly composed of type I collagen. In the collagen-chondroitin-sulfate sponge fibers, a calcification process, which involved the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals, was demonstrated. Mineralization occurred only in collagen chondroitin sulfate sponge fibers when seeded with bone-derived cells and was not seen with nonosteogenic cells, such as gingival fibroblasts. Gla protein was intracellularly visualized in both types of sponges seeded with bone-derived cells while an extracellular secretion was seen only in the collagen chondroitin sulfate sponge fibers where calcification occurred. These results suggest that collagen chondroitin sulfate promotes in vitro mineralization of three-dimensional collagen matrices when seeded with bone-derived cells.


Explains how the Wolfsberg Principles came about in late 2000, when leading banks met at Wolfsberg castle in Switzerland to improve private banking standards for combating the huge amounts of money being laundered; two further sets of Principles have appeared since the original. Discusses the reasoning behind the Principles: to create a common standard which would lessen the complexity and uncertainty from running multinational banks across disparate anti‐money laundering regimes. Lists the Wolfsberg Principles Relating to the Suppression of Terrorism, and concludes that they represent a triumph of risk‐based over rule‐based management; this should result in more precise and practice‐based regulations than from the traditional regulator‐led compliance approach.


More than any other author of the Lancelot-Graal, the author of the Suite found himself at a crossroads of narratives. The writing of this text reflects a desire to put in the last piece of a puzzle and then discovering that this indispensable piece did not fit. Indeed, Merlin and Lancelot were drafted without any thought of the assembly that would one day unite them and the first of these texts plans events that the second either ignores or contradicts. Furthermore, there is not enough time between these two works for a connection to exist. Despite this, the author borrows characters from Merlin and the circumstances that put them in conflict with each other from Lancelot. Thus he gains a virtual period of time, a temporal fault in which he can unfold his narrative. But he then develops his work for its own sake and endangers the "continuation" function inherent in the Suite. The flight into the future of the diegesis is suspended in extremis, but not before irredeemable harm has been done to the cycle's coherence.


A renewable energy source for mini / micro hydro usually exploits the potential energy of water flow that have certain head and the specific discharge which is converted into electrical energy through a turbine and generator. However, in many rivers, the average of water resource potential has a large discharge and low head. Thus, the development of a low head turbine or a very low head is very suitable to be developed in Indonesia. Screw turbine uses low head and high flow rate of water to generate torque and rotation as mechanic energy. Screw turbine has many advantages such as simple in construction and installation, low cost in operating and maintenance, and fish-friendly. The influencing parameters to mechanics performance of screw turbine are pitch distance, water discharge and the shaft slope. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of shaft slope angle and discharge variations to mechanics performance of a 2-blades screw turbine in laboratory scale. A model used in the research was a 2-blades screw turbine, pitch (distance of a screw wave) is 1.6 Ro, external radius (Ro) is 0.1419 m, and internal radius (Ri) is 0.0762 m. The screw turbine was tested in Hydraulic Laboratory of the Vocational School of Civil Engineering, Gadjah Mada University, with various average discharges of water was about 0.00364 m/s to 0.00684 m/s, and the angle of turbine shaft slope was from 25°to50°. The result of the testing showed that the discharge and turbine shaft slope affected the turbine power and efficiency. The highest turbine power and efficiency were produced at average discharge was 0.00684 m/s. The optimum screw turbine shaft slope was 35, indicated by the output power of screw turbine of 16.231 watt and the efficiency of 61.61%.


Current media policy regarding rural and regional community broadcasting favours a competitive environment, which constrains the potential for community radio to meet its founding principles. These include the provision of alternative programming and the development of a new relationship between broadcasters and their audiences. Part of the problem stems from widespread adoption of dominant media codes and practices. A reorientation towards development journalism could offer a way forward, both in terms of facilitating community development and in terms of developing a true 'community' perspective for community radio news.


Like many other neuropeptides, oxytocin was known until quite recently only as a peripheral hormone, secreted from the pituitary gland. But immunocytochemistry has shown that oxytocin is present in a range of neurones and axons in the brain. These are mostly in the limbic system but also in the brain stem and spinal cord.1 Oxytocin receptors are also present on other neurones.2 Clearly oxytocin must have actions other than the familiar ones of promoting parturition and ejection of milk.

About 10 years ago it was found that infusing oxytocin into the brains of non-pregnant female rats rapidly induced maternal behaviour towards young pups.3 This was striking as treatments that attempted to mimic the supposed endocrine conditions of late pregnancy (treatment with oestrogen and progesterone, sometimes with added prolactin) had proved relatively ineffective. Similar findings have been reported in ewes, which are also hostile to offspring other …


In 1610, the plague hit London with unusual force. Ever since the Black Death more than a century earlier, bubonic plague had been endemic to Britain, and city dwellers were accustomed to the loss often or fifteen lives each year. But when the number of plague deaths exceeded thirty or forty, panic threatened. Then public gathering-places, such as theaters, were closed, since the disease was thought to spread directly through human contact. A predictable exodus from the city began: anyone with money and access to a country house fled for the duration of the epidemic, leaving the less fortunate in the grip of "the Poor's Plague."' When members of the dominant social classes decamped, they delegated household authority to their servants. These temporary aristocrats shared the city with quack doctors who sold unicorn's horn and patent nostrums guaranteed to cure the disease. The city took on a macabre carnival atmosphere of license, at least for those who were still healthy.


The article identifies and reveals the essence of functional elements of corporate tax management, which are tax planning, tax analysis, tax accounting and reporting, tax control and tax monitoring. The article builds a functional model of corporate tax management that reflects interaction of its functional elements in the process of realisation of tax activity of economic subjects. Pursuant to this model, the corporate tax management is conducted in several stages, namely: development of alternative variants of tax activity, analysis of alternative variants of tax activity, selection of the optimal variant of tax activity, realisation of tax activity, control over realisation of tax activity and development of measures of increase of efficiency of tax management. Application of the functional model of corporate tax management, which envisages use of all instruments, allows optimisation of tax payments of economic subjects.


This paper reports on the prosody of rhetorical questions (RQs) and information-seeking questions (ISQs) in German for two question types—polar questions and constituent questions (henceforth "wh-questions"). The results are as follows: Phonologically, polar RQs were mainly realized with H-% (high plateau), while polar ISQs mostly ended in H-^H% (high-rise). Wh-RQs almost exclusively terminated in a low edge tone, whereas wh-ISQs allowed for more tonal variation (L-%, L-H%, H-^H%). Irrespective of question type, RQs were mainly produced with L*+H accents. Phonetically, RQs were more often realized with breathy voice quality than ISQs, in particular in the beginning of the interrogative. Furthermore, they were produced with longer constituent durations than ISQs, in particular at the end of the interrogative. While the difference between RQs and ISQs is reflected in the intonational terminus of the utterance, this does not happen in the way suggested in the semantic literature, and in addition, accent type and phonetic parameters also play a role. Crucially, a simple distinction between rising and falling intonation is insufficient to capture the realization of the different illocution types (RQs, ISQs), against frequent claims in the semantic and pragmatic literature. We suggest alternative ways to interpret the findings.


The binding of Candida albicans yeast cells to human fibronectin (Fn), a major glycoprotein of mammalian cells, was studied using an in vitro assay. Adherence was quantitated in microtiter dishes coated with Fn to which radiolabeled yeast cells were added. Under optimum conditions of the assay, i.e., 1 mM CaCl2 and 70 micrograms Fn protein, approximately 40% of the radiolabeled yeast cells adhered to the Fn. Adherence to Fn was greater at 30 degrees C than at 4 degrees C and was greater with viable yeast cells than with heat-killed cells. Candida albicans (two strains) and C. tropicalis adhered to Fn to a greater extent than C. pseudotropicalis, C. krusei, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pretreatment of C. albicans with chymotrypsin, pronase, or papain, but not pepsin, decreased adherence to Fn. Blocking experiments using mannan, sugars, or amino sugars were carried out by preabsorbing the Fn with each of the above-mentioned compounds. Candida mannan blocked adherence of C. albicans to Fn. The mannan effect was dose dependent. However, adherence of C. albicans to Fn was not significantly reduced by mannose, glucose, or several other sugars. The role of FN as a receptor for the binding of C. albicans yeast cells to buccal and vaginal epithelial cells was investigated also using an in vitro assay. We determined, using indirect fluorescent antibody techniques, that both buccal and vaginal epithelial cells possessed Fn. In addition, yeast cells, when pretreated with Fn, showed reduced adherence with buccal and vaginal cells when compared with nontreated cells. These studies may indicate a role for Fn in the adherence of C. albicans to buccal and vaginal epithelial cells.


BACKGROUND
Suicide is a complex action of suicidal methods and peripheral factors with seemingly threatening components representing actual cause for the suicidal actions. It is especially those, apparently unimportant factors that represent a crucial milestone in the network of all the other, personal, cultural, genetic and biochemical factors, forming the method of action consequently deciding between life and death.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Based on the Register of Suicides in the Republic of Slovenia kept by the University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, we used a combination of attributes varying within a variable and between variables. Due to limited application of standard statistical methods and analyses in such cases, we used the Machine learning method, Multimethod hybrid approach, which allows combining of different approaches to machine learning (decision trees, genetic algorithms and supplementary vectors). The research included 56712 persons attempting suicide and 21913 persons committing suicide. We chose a form of a suicide action with both possible results: attempted suicide and suicide.

RESULTS
Based on the analysis of machine learning, we defined attributes of the action regarding their lethal effect: attempted suicide and suicide commitment. The suicide register kept for the last 40 years shows hanging as the most commonly used suicidal method, used by men with the purpose of causing suicidal death rather than a suicidal attempt. On the other hand, use of medicaments is linked to the suicidal attempt and mostly used by females.

CONCLUSIONS
All methods of suicidal actions cannot predict suicidal death, thus we examined different methods of suicide to most accurately predict the link between the method and its effect in terms of suicide attempt or suicide. The Machine learning method confirmed the attributes of suicide methods in connection with their different outcomes. This analytical method is useful in processing large databases since it enables one variable's intensity to affect other variables in terms of result and meaning. The identification of the most decisive risk factors for suicidal behaviour can serve as basis for planning an effective prevention strategies, timely identification and adequate proffessional help to the high risk persons.


Abstract Much work has been conducted in the social psychological sciences both modelling and predicting how the storage and retrieval of images and words in the mind operate (e.g. Baddeley 1974, 2000, Damasio 1999, Barsalou 1999). The focus has largely been on the interactions between short-term and long-term regions of memory. Such studies have also on occasion been complemented by behavioural experiments. More recently, a growing body of work has started to emerge from the biological cognitive neurosciences which looks at these same processes with the aid of scanning technologies (e.g. Dehaene 2003, 2009, Ledoux 1998, Eichenbaum 2011). The questions that will be considered in this paper are can these scientific findings be extended to aesthetic objects that are studied in the humanities, and in particular to the style of literary texts, and also can the way literary style figures operate shed light on how the mind and brain might function.


Engineering![Figure][1]

CREDIT: RAMIN TALAIE/CORBIS

The adage out of sight, out of mind has some resonance as the first big crop of plug-in hybrid cars hits the road in the United States. People see and sometimes smell gasoline; plugging a car into a socket may make it seem like the energy is conjured from the ether. Of course, power plants actually bear the burden, and Peterson et al. are among the growing number of researchers gauging the implications. They have examined the net effect on carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur emissions of replacing a fraction of the cars in a number of Eastern and Midwestern U.S. states with plug-in hybrids. They modeled several different scenarios, such as when cars were charged and whether carbon dioxide emissions were priced or captured and sequestered. For a 10% hybrid fleet scenario, they found significant reductions in CO2 emissions across the board, and NOx reductions in most cases. The principal drawback was an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions as demand for coal combustion rose.

Environ. Sci. Technol. 45 , 10.1021/es102464y (2011).

 [1]: pending:yes


Purpose: This study aimed to examine the experiences of nursing students who took a clinical practicum in geriatric nursing through virtual and hybrid simulation.Methods: The study employed a mixed-method design. Participants in quantitative research were 94 nursing students (Virtual simulation group: 45, Hybrid simulation group: 49). Qualitative research was conducted with 4 focus groups (7 students per group). Quantitative data were analyzed using x2 and t-test with SPSS/WIN 23.0. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.Results: The hybrid simulation group had significantly more interest in gerontological nursing (t=10.45, p=.002), sharing opinions (t=6.93, p=.010), and recognition of one's own strengths and weaknesses (t=15.90, p<.001) than the virtual simulation group. The two simulation training experiences were shown in five themes: (1) space and relationship, (2) role differences as learners, (3) higher-order thinking skills, (4) embodied knowledge by acquisition, and (5) differences in perspectives on patients. Overall, the learning attitude according to the hybrid simulation was reported to be higher than that of the virtual simulation.Conclusion: This study is meaningful in that it suggests an effective method for nursing practice for older adults by comparing the experience of virtual simulation and hybrid simulation methods in clinical practice of gerontological nursing.


We study numerically statistics of superfluid turbulence. We generate a quantized superfluid vortex tangle driven by a realistic model of normal-fluid turbulence whose energy spectrum obeys Kolmogorov's classical k−5/3 law, where k is the wave number. We find that the resulting superfluid velocity spectrum has approximately a k−1-dependence for wave numbers of the order of 1/δ and larger, where δ is the average intervortex spacing. This result is similar to what happens in a pure superflow. We also find that the spectrum of the total velocity field follows the classical k−5/3 law, even at temperatures low enough that the normal-fluid mass is only 5% of the total helium mass. We discuss our assumptions and results in view of recent experiments.


In this study the problem of short-term forecasting for coal and crude oil production in Ukraine within the period of 2008–2012 is considered. Linear autoregressive and autoregressive moving average models as well as optimal filtering algorithm for linear systems (Kalman filter) based upon autoregressive model of second order were constructed for short term forecasting. The Kalman filter was successfully applied for generating optimal estimates of states and short-term forecasts. The state noise covariances were estimated recursively with new data coming what corresponds to the general ideology of adaptation. The best forecasting results for coal and crude oil production were received for autoregressive models with optimal filter and for ARMA models.


Feature selection of confusable textural images is a difficult and challenging problem. Based on the theory of rough set and with classification error rate as the standard, a three-class schema and two-step mapping model aiming to reduce and to optimize feature set is proposed in this paper. Feature set is optimized with the proposed model and then the optimized feature set is applied to classification. In this paper, classification accuracy is used to evaluate the model. Finally test samples of texture images are processed with the proposed model and also texture features obtained by the model are compared in classification capacity with texture features that are obtained with other methods. Thus feasibility and simplicity of this model in feature optimization is confirmed.


Background
Prone positioning has evolved as a therapeutic intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS remains a critical condition, with a mortality rate of approximately 40%. Prone positioning, which involves placing patients in a face-down position, has the potential to enhance gas exchange and improve lung mechanics, possibly leading to better patient outcomes.

Objectives
This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of prone positioning on mortality (primary outcome) and the occurrence of adverse events (secondary outcome) in patients with ARDS compared to conventional supine positioning.

Methods
We conducted an extensive systematic review, including studies published from 2000 to 2022. We searched databases including PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and WEB OF SCIENCE. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the outcomes of patients with ARDS in prone and supine positions were included. We employed the Cochrane risk of bias instrument to assess the methodological quality of the included RCTs.

Results
Our review included a total of twelve RCTs involving 2736 patients, with 1401 patients in the prone position. The meta-analysis demonstrated a lower mortality rate among patients in the prone position compared to those in the supine position (odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.98; P = .04). Notably, there was a higher incidence of pressure sores in patients placed in the prone position (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.09-0.20) compared to those in the supine position. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of arrhythmias, unplanned extubation, or pneumothorax between the two positioning strategies.

Conclusions
Prone positioning offers potential benefits for patients with ARDS by reducing mortality rates. However, it is important to note that there is an associated risk of pressure sores. Further research and clinical consideration are needed to optimize the use of prone positioning in ARDS management.


This research based on the lack of students interest in learning physics. The students need for the inovation of teaching materials that can make the learning process into a pleasant atmosphere for students. This research aims to develop on abstract in subject  physics to produce  Student's Work Sheet (SWS) Accompanied by Physiscs Comic on The Subject Of Pressure in Junior High School. . This research is  using the 4D model. This product can be implemented to the class after pass validation process. This product is designed by using comics as a medium of learning.If students find a pleasant atmosphere in their study of the total involved in the learning process to deliver the final results of this succses. The results of expert validation is 89.5%. The result of the user validationvalue achieved was 82%. It mean the teaching materials has been declared valid by the validator. Based on the analysis to student cognitive score, the effectiveness of the SWS is 71.22%,it mean the SWS is perceived to have sufficient effectiveness.Student's response score is71.6%. This is included in high respons. So it mean, SWS can be used as teaching materials.


Summary form only given. In 1992 Philips Lighting introduced the QL-lamp, an inductively coupled low pressure RF discharge containing a mixture of argon and mercury. Its main advantage is the absence of electrodes, which benefits the life-time. In order to improve our knowledge of this kind of plasmas a model to has been developed and measurements have been performed. In the near future the model will be used to optimize this lamp. In every plasma the free electrons are an important species: they control the energy transfer from the electromagnetic field to the heavy particle's. Therefore, it is important to know the spatial distribution of the electron temperature and of the electron density. These parameters can be obtained from the atomic state distribution function (ASDF), since the levels close the ionization limit are in partial local Saha equilibrium (pLSE), i.e. they are populated according to the Saha relation. From the ASDF also the densities of the mercury and argon ions can be determined. The densities of the excited states are obtained from absolute line intensity measurements. The intensities are measured using a combination of a monochromator and a two dimensional CCD-array. In one dimension of the CCD-camera the information is depicted as function of the wavelength and in the other as function of the lateral position. In this way the lateral profiles of the line and the continuum are obtained at once. The setup is calibrated by a tungsten ribbon lamp. However, it appears that the highly excited, measurable, states are not in pLSE, indicating that the QL plasma is far from Saha equilibrium. In order to obtain the electron densities and temperatures the ASDF has to be combined with either measurements of continuum radiation or a collisional radiative model (CRM).


A simple, rapid and reproducible assay for the determination of melanoma cell proliferation in vitro is described, based on the hydrolysis of a fluorogenic substrate by cell esterases in the cytoplasm of living cells. Human melanoma cells were cultured at several densities in 96-well culture plates for 24 h and were then incubated with 4-methylumbelliferyl heptanoate. The generated fluorescence showed a strong correlation with the cell numbers, similar to those assessed by determining the [3H]thymidine incorporation into cellular DNA and by quantifying the fluorescence obtained after DNA labelling with Hoechst 33258. The latter, however, was less sensitive and exhibited higher standard deviations. In addition, the method reliably detected the anti-proliferative effects of the anti-cancer compounds cisplatin and vindesine. It is, therefore, suggested that the fluorometric assay with 4− methylumbelliferyl heptanoate as substrate could prove useful for the screening of potential anti-cancer agents with anti-proliferative activity.


Introduction : Biliary ileus is a rare emergency condition that mainly affects the elderly population, with a predominance of females and a mortality rate of 12-27%. It is a mechanical intestinal obstruction caused by the impaction of the biliary calculus within the gastrointestinal tract. It occurs due to the formation of bilio-enteric fistula, as a rare complication of cholelithiasis. Case report: A 73-year-old male patient with epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting was referred for ultrasound exam. The analysis of the clinical-biochemical status of the patient as well as the ultrasound examination of the abdomen itself raised the suspicion of small intestine obstruction, due to the enclaved biliary calculus. After an urgent exploratory laparotomy, the diagnosis was confirmed, and enterotomy was successfully performed with calculus extraction. Cholecysto-duodenal fistula has been confirmed as a major cause of biliary ileus. The post-operative course was uneventful. Conclusion: This case report highlights the enormous importance of ultrasound diagnostics in diagnosing biliary ileus using the criteria of The Rigler Triad, which includes pneumobilia, intestinal obstruction and ectopic calculus. Initialy unrecognisied cause of obstruction and a late diagnosis correlated with bad prognosis. Ultrasonographic examination of these patients, can be a sufficient diagnostic modality in making an accurate diagnosis and further surgical treatment of these patients.


This Article seeks to advance the debate regarding transnational bankruptcies by examining the single most contentious question that divides supporters of territorialism from advocates of universalism. To date, the primary objection to universalism has focused on the treatment of local creditors. The central concern is that a universalist regime may disadvantage local creditors by turning assets over to foreign bankruptcy courts. In an effort to move the debate forward, this Article addresses the question of local creditors and shows that when one takes local creditors into account, the case for universalism remains strong. It is clear that creditors that adjust the terms of their loans on a case by case basis earn a market rate of return regardless of the choice of law rule governing transnational bankruptcies. Any argument based on the treatment of creditors, therefore, must look to creditors that do not adjust the terms of their lending in this way. This Article analyzes the impact of universalism and territorialism on these non-adjusting creditors. It is shown that many such creditors are able to adjust the terms of their lending over their entire portfolio of loans, even though they do not adjust the terms of each individual loan. These "weakly non-adjusting creditors," are not harmed by universalism because they receive a market rate of return on their portfolio. In terms of the efficiency of the lending process, there is a distortion that is introduced by universalism in the presence of weakly non-adjusting creditors, but it is shown that the magnitude of this distortion is almost certainly small, and that territorialism causes a much larger efficiency loss. Overall, it is argued that territorialism offers local creditors very few benefits over universalism, and that universalism offers a more efficient regime, whose benefits are felt by debtors in the form of cheaper credit. After demonstrating the weakness of territorialist claims regarding local creditors the Article responds to the other arguments advanced in defense of territorialism. It is shown that even when one focuses on the supposed benefits of territorialism universalism remains a superior rule for cross-border bankruptcy.


Objective: To perform the androgenic and anti-androgenic activity of the total alkaloid fraction of Alangium salviifolium (Family: Alangiaceae). Materials and methods: The total alkaloid fraction of the methanolic extract of stem bark of Alangium salviifolium was used for the experiment. Immature male albino rats received orally a dose of 10 mg and 20 mg/kg body weight of the fraction for 7 days. The weight of the reproductive organs of the treated rats was measured on the eighth day of the treatment and histometric measurements were carried out. Results: A significant increase in the weight of testis, seminal vesicles, ventral prostate and epididymis was observed in the treated rats. Conclusion: The results suggest the androgenic behaviour of the total alkaloid fraction.


This article examines the role of the creative arts in renegotiating the border between memorable and unmemorable lives. It does so with specific reference to the (un)forgetting of the colonial soldiers in European armies during World War One. Focussing on the role of aesthetic form in generating memorability, it shows how the creative use of a medium can help redefine the borders of imagined communities by commanding the attention of individual subjects and hence providing conditions for a cognitive and affective opening to the memory of strangers. It concludes that future studies of transformations in collective memory should take a multiscalar approach which takes into account both the shifting social frameworks of memory and the small changes that occur in the micro-politics of viewing and reading.


To begin, we will consider the ways in which literature is involved in the research process, how scientists are involved in the production and consumption of this literature, and the role of information providers and the library. The scholarly communication cycle is at the core of the scientific endeavor for both research and teaching purposes and is standard practice across the disciplines. Published literature is the lasting product of scientific research. It captures and documents the ideas, methods, results, implications and applications of projects and makes this information available to the broader research community and society to further research developments, grants, products, marketing, competitive advantage, etc.


An ATM-based demonstration model for multimedia services using different access networks.- A transnational IN/B-ISDN integrated network for the provision of multimedia services.- Divide your systems to conquer the market.- trigg&link a new dimension in television program making.- The ATLANTIC news studio: Reference model and field trial.- The design and implementation of a multimedia system for the interactive and time-synchronised analysis of vehicle crash tests.- Resource management for distributed multimedia applications.- A multicast network architecture for large scale Collaborative Virtual Environments.- Consensus making activities in Europe: The example of multimedia in ACTS.- Low cost watermarking based on a human visual model.- Image database indexing and retrieval using the Fractal Transform.- DIANE: A multimedia annotation system.- Connectionless ATM using an ATM switch router.- Engineering aspects of an architecture for non-real-time VBR video services.- Video on Demand distribution over ATM Virtual Private Networks.- An authoring and run-time environment for interactive multimedia services.- Tools for multimedia content creation, manipulation and management: The ACTS perspective.- Interaction with digital broadcast services through a terrestrial return channel.- Dynamic multiplexing for digital TV broadcasting.- The work of ACTS in Interactive Distribution and Transmission: Towards interoperable Interactive Multimedia Services.- User interfaces for interactive TV - A case study with end users.- Use of object articulation and motion estimation for video production.- A multi-site teleconferencing system using V. R. paradigms.- Object encapsulation of multiscale image region representations.- Subjective assessment of a multimedia system for distance learning.- The impact of service competition on navigation.- Copyright protection in video delivery networks by watermarking of pre-compressed video.- A fully configurable secure environment for multimedia applications.- Temporal and interactive relations in a multimedia database system.- Validation of video retrieval systems.- The KYDONIA multimedia information server.- A critique of modern internet protocols: The issue of support for multimedia.- A congestion control scheme for multimedia traffic in packet switching 'best-effort' networks.- User requirements and resource control for cooperative multimedia applications.- Multimedia multicast routing.- Swiss Top Vision, the trial with interactive content.- Consumer interactivity in Cambridge.- Using DAB and GSM to provide interactive multimedia services to portable and mobile terminals.- ISIS Project Demonstration System and Pilot Trials.- An open software architecture for multimedia consumer terminals.- Using an asset model for integration of agents and multimedia to provide an open service architecture.- Definition and implementation of a TINA based terminal architecture.- Integrated multi-media project: A case study in lesson sharing using video-conferencing technology.- Telelearning: New trends in education through global multimedia networks.- The BONAPARTE telemedicine ATM multimedia applications.- InfoCity NRW a phased approach to multimedia.- DIGISAT: A technological solution via satellite for interactive SMATV networks in the DVB environment.- Multimedia service provisioning in the Munich trial of the AMUSE project.- VIDAS workshop on Synthetic Natural Hybrid Coding.


The winter and spring of 2020 was a challenging time worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic seriously affected all spheres of life: from an industrial decline to educational transformations. In order to continue the 2019/2020 academic year, higher educational institutions had to adjust in-class learning to online. This paper aims at assessing the satisfaction and acceptance rate of Ukrainian lecturers with online education, as well as indicating problems and benefits they had singled out. The technical side of online education was also of interest. Therefore, the study employed an online survey to investigate technical support and tools used during the quarantine, advantages and disadvantages of online teaching, the level of satisfaction and acceptance. The findings from the study suggest that lecturers got different levels of technical support and used an assortment of tools to organise online education. The study revealed that the main advantage was time efficiency, while internet connection and technical problems were the most commonplace problems. Other findings of the survey are that lecturers were partially satisfied with online education but showed low acceptance of online education.


Upon activation, in an active process known as netosis, neutrophils can release their chromatin into the extracellular space. The resulting meshwork of DNA is called Neutrophil Extracellular Traps or NETS (1). These NETS are thought to retain bacteria at a site rich in neutrophil derived proteases and thus contribute to the anti-bacterial action of neutrophils. This process, therefore, is regarded as beneficial in the context of bacterial infection. However, recent studies in SLE patients suggest that in other situations, when neutrophils are activated in the context of autoimmunity, NETS can add to disease pathology (2). The release of the normally tightly packed chromatin depends on the citrullination of histone proteins (3), by an enzyme known as peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). PAD4 and related other PAD family members have caused great interest in the research of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Proteins citrullinated by this group of enzymes are recognized by acpa, or anti-citrullinated protein specific antibodies. These antibodies are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis, although their contribution to disease pathology is currently unclear. Here, we have been investigating the role of NETS in the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Most sites of chronic inflammation contain few neutrophils. An exception here is the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with chronic arthritides. The majority of the infiltrating immune cells found here are activated neutrophils. We initially quantified extracellular DNA in SF from patients with RA, OA and crystal arthritis, confirming previous reports of the presence of DNA in SF (4). Further, we applied a range of imaging technologies to generate images of NETS and attached proteins such as neutrophil elastase, PAD4 as well as citrullinated proteins. NETS were enriched from in vivo and in vitro activated neutrophils and probed for the presence of citrullinated proteins and PAD4 by western blotting. In functional experiments, we are investigating the consequences of NET generation by synovial fluid neutrophils. Taken together, our data suggest that generation of NETS by locally activated neutrophils contributes to the production of autoantigens in the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. References Brinkmann V, Reichard U, Goosmann C, Fauler B, Uhlemann Y, Weiss DS, et al. Neutrophil extracellular traps kill bacteria. Science. 2004 Mar 5;303(5663):1532-5. Garcia-Romo GS, Caielli S, Vega B, Connolly J, Allantaz F, Xu Z, et al. Netting neutrophils are major inducers of type I IFN production in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Science translational medicine. 2011 Mar 9;3(73):73ra20. Wang Y, Li M, Stadler S, Correll S, Li P, Wang D, et al. Histone hypercitrullination mediates chromatin decondensation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. J Cell Biol. 2009 Jan 26;184(2):205-13. Leon SA, Revach M, Ehrlich GE, Adler R, Petersen V, Shapiro B. DNA in synovial fluid and the circulation of patients with arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1981 Sep;24(9):1142-50. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


This paper presents the actuator with adjustable stiffness (AwAS-II), an enhanced version of the original realization AwAS. This new variable stiffness actuator significantly differs from its predecessor on the mechanism used for the stiffness regulation. While AwAS tunes the stiffness by regulating the position of the compliant elements along the lever arm, AwAS-II changes the position of the lever's pivot point. As a result of the new principle, AwAS-II can change the stiffness in a much broader range (from zero to infinity) even by using softer springs and shorter lever arm, compared to AwAS. This makes the setup of AwAS-II more compact and lighter and improves the stiffness regulation response. To evaluate the aptitude of the fast stiffness adjustment, experiments on reproducing the stiffness profile of the human ankle during the stance phase of a normal walking gait are conducted. Results indicate that AwAS-II is capable of reproducing an interpolated stiffness profile of the ankle while providing a net positive work and thus a sufficient amount of energy as required for the toe-off.


The long-term safety and efficacy of twice-daily sustained-release verapamil were assessed compared to thrice-daily immediate-release verapamil in 25 patients with mild to moderate systemic hypertension. Patients were monitored on immediate-release verapamil (480 mg/day) for 6 months and were then placed on twice-daily sustained-release verapamil for an additional 6 months. Immediate-release verapamil, with and without a diuretic, successfully controlled standing and sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p less than 0.001) compared to pretreatment baseline values. The effects of verapamil on blood pressure were sustained for an additional 6 months when the sustained-release formulation was utilized. Both formulations were well tolerated, with no significant effects on heart rate. In conclusion, verapamil, in both the immediate- and sustained-release formulations, is equally effective in lowering blood pressure for up to 1 year.


The accuracy and applicability of the break-frequency method for estimating the reactivity in a subcritical 2-D, 2-group reflected system with a distributed source is investigated for two different system sizes. The source is distributed according to the static thermal flux. This method could be useful in power reactor cores during loading conditions for determining the subcriticality. The validity of the point-kinetic approximation in the same systems is also tested. A neutron noise simulator is used to calculate the actual neutron noise induced by fluctuations of the source which is compared with the analytically calculated point-kinetic term. The break-frequency method is used to estimate the reactivity from the neutron noise calculated by the simulator. The conclusion of this work is that the point-kinetic approximation in general is not valid in 2-D, 2-group reflected systems and hence the break-frequency method is not valid either.


This study aimed to offer an alternative reconstruction of the fifth-grade Pancasila and Civic Education learning process at SDN Cugenang. This was done on the basis of thefinding that the learning that has been held so far tends to be theoretical-abstract and difficult for students to understand. The method used was a classroom action research method with four stages of activity, namely: planning, action, observation, and reflection, which are carried out in three cycles. In general, it could be concluded that Pancasila and Civic Education learning held in elementary schools with a contextual approach could make the learning process and outcomes better and more improved.


This paper examines Filipino graduates' social networks, educational attainment, degree field, English language proficiency, immigration status, age and gender—factors that influence and determine their employability in the U.S. labor market. While each of these factors does have an effect on employability, the paper argues that the use of Weak Ties was the strongest and most beneficial in improving employability, that is, in securing their first job in the United States after migration and in obtaining more advantageous employment opportunities. These include higher pay, a more secure job status, and a higher percentage working in occupations commensurate with their educational qualifications. The strength of Weak Ties in affecting employability was established through statistical analysis of demographical data collected from Filipino graduates.


Potatoes have a high production demand in the world, but they are constantly under threat from germination to harvest due to pest infestation; for control, insecticides are used, which are highly polluting chemicals, systemic insecticides of the carbamate group due to their mode of action, with contact activity against different pests. This research sought to evaluate the influence of carbofuran on soil macronutrients in the District of Chongos Bajo, in the highlands of Peru. Through the experimental study method, with a quantitative research approach in a deductive process. We worked with a representative area of 10 m2 with 6 analyses of soil samples every 15 days in a period of 3 months. The results showed a loss value of 7.85% of total nitrogen, 14.05% of available phosphorus and 10% of available potassium in the period of 90 days, where there was a variation in the pH in water with a tendency of acidity, and a decrease in organic matter with a loss value of 6.93%. It was possible to demonstrate that the toxicity of the insecticide carbofuran had an influence on the decrease in the concentration of the main macronutrients and on the physical and chemical properties of the soil.


Accurate vibration prediction for helicopter airframes is needed to "flyfrom the drawing board" without costly development testing to solve vibration problems. The principal analytical toolfor vibration prediction within the U.S. helicopterindus-try isthe NASTRAN finiteelement analysis. Under the NASA DAMVIBS research program, Bell conducted NASTRAN modeling, ground vibration testing, and correlations of both metallic (AH-1G) and composite (ACAP) airframes. The objectivesof the program were to assess NASTRAN airframe vibration correlations, to investigate contributors to poor agreement, and to improve modeling techniques. In the past, there has been low confidence in higher frequency vibration prediction for helicopters that have multibladed rotors(three or more blades)with predominant excitation frequencies typically above 15 Hz. Belrs findings under the DAMVIBS program, discussed in this paper, included the following: (1) accuracy of finiteelement models (FEM) for composite and metallic airframes generally were found to be comparable; (2) more detailisneeded in the FEM toimprove higher frequency prediction;(3) secondary structure not normally included in the FEM can provide significantstiffening;(4) damping can significantlyaffect phase response at higher frequencies; and (5) future work isneeded in the areas of determination of rotor-induced vibratory loads and optimization.


In this paper, we analyze the end-to-end performance of dual-hop free-space optical (FSO) fixed gain relaying systems under heterodyne detection and intensity modulation with direct detection techniques in the presence of atmospheric turbulence as well as pointing errors. In particular, we derive the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in exact closed form in terms of the bivariate Fox's H function. Capitalizing on this cdf expression, novel closed-form expressions for the outage probability, the average bit-error rate (BER) for different modulation schemes, and the ergodic capacity of dual-hop FSO transmission systems are presented. Moreover, we present very tight asymptotic results for the outage probability and the average BER at high SNR regime in terms of simple elementary functions, and we derive the diversity order of the considered system. By using dual-hop FSO relaying, we demonstrate a better system performance as compared with the single FSO link. Numerical and Monte Carlo simulation results are provided to verify the accuracy of the newly proposed results, and a perfect agreement is observed.


When dealing with the indoor microclimates of cultural and historical heritage cult buildings, it is important to know the types of these buildings by their spatial volumes and by the types of enclosing structures, and it is also important to understand the moisture transfer processes in these buildings, which would allow one to generate solutions on how to more effectively control the indoor microclimate. Due to the antiquity and specific load of these buildings, the existing standards are not applicable. This study summarizes 275 churches in Latvia, dividing them both according to five spatial volumes and according to the types of the materials used, which makes it possible to create potential air flows for all spatial volumes and to predict condensation risks in the future. Additionally, the results of temperature and humidity measurements in two different churches from one region of Latvia are given and the absolute humidity was calculated, and the data were analyzed depending on the outside air temperature. These measurements have yet to be followed up with the data of a full year.


Background: Lots of data can be found to approve that exposure to mycobacteria has the potential to suppress the development of allergic rhinitis or atopy.But the influence of bacilli Calmette Guerin-polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN) especially on nasal airway inflammation and resistance (R NA ) on mice,are poorly understood. Objective: Investigate the effects of BCG-PSN on nasal airway inflammation and resistance in allergic rhinitis mice. Method: Balb/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA)/saline,then challenged by intranasal administration under conscious to establish an allergic rhinitis model.The mice were intervened with BCG-PSN by intranasal administration (1, 5, 10μg) before sensitization. A novel method of R NA was applied to measure nasal function. Then the inflammation of nose was accessed by nasal tissues histology. Result: In 3 interventions groups the R NA had no statistical difference compared to rhinitis group.But compared to the normal group,the R NA of expiration in 10μg,5μg group and the R NA of inspiration in 10μg group had no statistical difference.The number of eosinophils (Eos) in 10μg group was lower than rhinitis group as well as mucosal thickness. Conclusion: BCG-PSN can inhibit nasal airway inflammation and decrease nasal airway resistance in allergic rhinitis mice.


Simon and Gagnon's sexual script theory identifies multi-tiered influences which shape individual ideas about sexual relationships. The cultural celebration of heterosexuality as the accepted standard dominates major social institutions, and permeates cultural sexual messages. The reception of these heteronormative messages influences the formation of individualized sexual scripts; however, how individuals apply these individualized scripts to understanding the sexual lives of others is little understood. More specifically, what are the effects of heteronormative sexual scripting for imagining a sexual scenario not marked by a male-female partnership? This study asked a sample of heterosexual, bisexual and non-identified college students at a four-year private institution in the northeastern United States to define lesbian sex. Results suggest the influence of culturally heteronormative sexual messages for orienting one's initial understanding of what sex is, though participants described various levels of acceptance, rejection and/or revision of these messages as they formed their own scripts. However, when asked to define lesbian sex, participants drew from the more rigid heteronormative cultural script to form their definitions. The association of lesbian sex with vaginal penetration by a phallic substitute, such as a dildo, affirmed the overarching influence of the heterosexual, male-centric sexual standard for shaping the individual sexual imaginary.


Considering the advantage of the modified stacked multicell converter over flying capacitor and stacked multicell converters, and noting that investigation of the conduction and switching power losses can be advantageous in the design of multilevel converters, an analytical approach to calculate and analyze conduction and switching power losses in modified stacked multicell converter is presented in this paper. First, rms and average currents flowing through the insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and antiparallel diodes are analytically calculated by considering the duty cycle of each IGBT and diode in terms of converter modulation index, load current, and power factor. For validation, numerical results of the derived closed-form equations for computation of the rms and average currents are compared with simulation results and experimental measurements. Numeric computations of the closed-form equations match the simulation results and experimental measurements very well, which verifies the analytic equations. Next, derived equations for rms and average currents computation are utilized to calculate the conduction power losses. Finally, switching power loss analysis is performed by numeric approach and curve fitting method.


In adults, longer quiet-eye (QE) durations have been associated with more successful sport performances and less deterioration in skill during anxiety-inducing situations. This study aimed to establish if QE patterns in youth are similar to those reported in adults. Ten youth shooters, age 13.13 ± 0.83 years, completed an air-pistol task under a control and an anxiety condition. Mixed-design 2 (performance outcome) × 2 (condition) ANOVA tests were conducted with two performance measures-objective and coach rated. No significant main or interaction effects were found. Unlike in adults, performance and anxiety did not differentiate QE duration in youth athletes, although QE duration was longer during good shots than poor shots across both performance measures, and the shortest durations were recorded during poor shots in the anxiety condition. This preliminary exploration encourages more research with youth athletes to determine the efficacy of QE patterns across different learners.


The tremendous advances in wireless technologies have driven an immense interest in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). However, the performance of MANETs is highly affected by the behaviour of its constituting nodes, which must cooperate in order to provide the basic networking functionality. We present a solution that detects and avoids misbehaving nodes which agree to route packets for other nodes and subsequently drop these packets. Such misbehaviour is of direct effect on quality of service (QoS) solutions, namely the QoS goodput metric. The solution takes a transparent layered approach and assumes no security constraints. The solution was simulated using NS2. Experiments were done using multiple variations of mobile ad hoc environments, according to the hostility degree, mobility scenario and traffic load. The experimentation results show that the solution consistently detects and avoids misbehaving nodes, and improves the goodput by up to 25%.


Glycation is known to play a key role in complications of many pathophysiological processes. The present study was carried out to assess whether there are abnormalities of nonenzymatic glycation of proteins in smokers. Fourteen current smokers and 10 healthy nonsmokers were enrolled for the present study. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were evaluated. A significant rise in the mean levels of fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were found in smokers when compared with controls. Significant difference in insulin values was observed between these two groups. When Pearson's correlation analysis was performed, no significant correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose with either fructosamine or total plasma glycated protein levels. These data suggest an increased glycation of proteins in smokers independent of glucose concentration.


Objectives: the aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness
of fentanyl, remifentanil and propofol as a premedication for
INSURE procedure, to treat preterm newborns suffering from
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Design: non-placebo controlled, double blind, randomized
controlled clinical trial.
Setting: multicenter clinical trial, involving 22 centers from
Catalonia and Madrid. Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta
(Girona) will be the reference center.
Participants: preterm newborns, below 32 GW or 1,500 grams
of birth weight, suffering from RDS
Interventions: patients will be randomized in three groups and
each group will receive one of the three premedications.
Secondly they will undergo INSURE procedure, response and
adverse effects will be recorded. Infants will be followed-up
during two years, and long-term effects development will be
collected.
Main outcome measures: primary outcome measure is the time
to succesful extubation. Secondary outcome measures include
appearance of complications during the procedure, and
development long-term secondary effects


In PWR fuel assemblies(FAs), spacer grids(SGs) are very important structural components for laterally and vertically supporting the nuclear fuel rods(FRs). Based on the design experiences and by scrutinizing the design features of foreign advanced nuclear fuels and foreign patents of SGs, KAERI has devised 16 kinds of SG shapes and has been applying for domestic and foreign patents since 1997. To date, KAERI has obtained US, Japan, China, and Republic of Korea (ROK) patents for 15 kinds of SG shapes from them and the other is under review for patent-rights in USA, EC, China, and ROK. We carried out mechanical/structural performance tests on two KAERI devised SG shapes, which are assumed to be the most effective candidates for the SG of the next generation nuclear FA in ROK, and also on two commercial SGs for the sake of a comparison.


SUMMARY A meta-analysis was conducted to study milk fatty acid (FA) profile in dairy cows in response to changes in dietary nutrient composition in relation to supplementation of fat sources, their technological form, addition of fish oil and main forage type in the basal diet. Data comprised 151 treatment means from 50 experiments, which were included in the database when diet composition, nutrient composition, FA composition, dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield, milk composition and milk FA profile were reported. Mixed model regression analysis including a random experiment effect and unequal variances among experiments was used. Least squares means were obtained for the different fat sources (unsupplemented, rapeseed, soybean+sunflower, linseed, or fish oil), technological form including addition of fish oil (oil, seed, protected and added fish oil), and main forage type (lucerne silage, barley silage, maize silage, grass silage, maize silage combined with haylage, or haylage) in the basal diet. Results showed that the technological form of supplemental rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, or linseed significantly influenced the effect of dietary nutrient composition on milk fat content and milk FA profile resulting in significant differences between technological forms within the different fat sources. Protected rapeseed and linseed increased C18:2n6 and C18:3n3 proportions in milk fat, respectively, whereas soybean and sunflower seed increased transfer efficiencies for C18:2n6 and C18:3n3 and their proportions in milk fat. Soybean, sunflower, or linseed supplied as oil increased trans-11-C18:1 proportions in milk fat, whereas the addition of fish oil to a diet containing soybean or sunflower decreased C18:0 and cis-9-C18:1 proportions in milk fat. The main forage type in the diet also significantly influenced the effect of dietary nutrient composition on milk fat content and milk FA profile, resulting in significant differences between main forage types in the diet within the different fat sources. Maize silage as the main forage type increased trans-11-C18:1 in unsupplemented diets or diets supplemented with a source of soybean or sunflower. For rapeseed supplemented diets, barley silage increased transfer efficiency and milk fat proportion of C18:2n6, whereas grass silage increased proportion of C18:3n3 in milk fat. For soybean or sunflower supplemented diets, haylage increased proportions of saturated FA, cis-9-C18:1 and C18:2n6, whereas the combination of maize silage and haylage increased transfer efficiency and milk fat proportion of C18:3n3. For linseed supplemented diets, grass silage as the main forage type resulted in the highest C18:3n3 proportion, whereas cis-9-C18:1 proportion was comparable for grass silage, lucerne silage and maize silage as the main forage type. This meta-analysis confirmed that the effect of dietary nutrient composition on several milk FA proportions depends on the type and form of fat supplementation, addition of fish oil, and main forage type in the basal diet.


Down syndrome (DS) with an additional copy of the human chr.21 (HSA21) is characterized by various phenotypes, such as intellectual disability and neurological abnormalities. Although it is widely accepted that a high level of oxidative stress (OS) is involved in DS symptoms, the actual role of elevated OS on DS phenotypes remains unclear. Among the genes on HSA21, amyloid-β precursor protein (App) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) are thought to be involved in the elevated OS and neurological abnormalities commonly described in DS. Ts1Cje mice, a widely used genetic model of DS, exhibit some of the abnormalities of DS patients, including cognitive impairment with electrophysiological abnormality, despite the exclusion of App and Sod1 in their trisomic region. We demonstrated a high level of OS in Ts1Cje mice, suggesting that the trisomic gene(s) other than App and Sod1 increase the OS in Ts1Cje mice. In this symposium, I intend to introduce our latest results, which suggest the accumulation of copper in the Ts1Cje mouse brain, and discuss the pathophysiological significance of copper in relation to the abnormalities observed in DS patients, particularly elevated OS.


Reality counseling is an approach that considers that realization to grow in order to satisfy the needs. Reality therapy is a system focused on behavior now. The problem in this study is the influence of reality counseling to improve the career taking of students of class XII SMKN 1 Taliwang West Sumbawa District Academic Year 2020/2021. The purpose of this study is to find out the influence of reality counseling to improve the career taking of students of class XII SMKN 1 Taliwang West Sumbawa School Year 2020/2021. The sample used in this study was 29 students. Instruments used in collecting data are questionnaire methods as the main method, while interview, observation and documentation methods as complementary methods. In this case the questionnaire is developed in indicators of career retrieval. Analyze the data using the t-test test. In accordance with the results of the analysis with a significant level of 5% it turns out that the value of "t" count is greater than the "t" table or (5.3187>1.833). Thus, the nil hypothesis (Ho) which reads "No influence of reality counseling to improve the career taking of students of class XII SMKN 1 Taliwang school year 2020/2021" is stated to be "rejected" while the alternative hypothesis (Ha) which reads "There is an influence of reality counseling to improve the career taking of students of class XII SMKN 1 Taliwang school year 2020/2021. declared "accepted". It can then be concluded that this study is "significant".


Nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing human health. Proper diet protects to some extent against such illnesses as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, oncologic diseases, etc. Energy taken with food makes proper functioning of organism possible. 30 students of the University of Warmia & Mazury in Olsztyn, both sexes, age 19-25, collected at the turn of 2005/2006. The average weight of the ration amounted to about 1.5 kg (from 802 to 3196 g). More than half of the rations did not supply the portion of calories recommended by norms, most diets did not contained enough fats; also, composition of fatty acids was not adequate. In most cases the diets did not supply enough portion of proteins. Decreased intake of calcium and magnesium was found and improper calcium to phosphorous proportion was calculated, which increased the risk of osteoporosis. Diets of most women contained too little iron, zinc, copper and manganese; men's diets were deficient in copper only. High selenium deficiency was stated. The model of nutrition after prolonged time can create a serious threat to health of the population under examination.


The application of electropulse to hot‐rolled and cold‐rolled, medium carbon low alloy steels has generated completely different effects. For cold‐rolled steel samples, electropulsing treatment causes microstructure refinement and, hence, increments in tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. For hot‐rolled steels, the effect of electropulsing is found to be negligible. This proves the importance of dislocations in the micromechanism of electropulse‐induced microstructure transformation in solids. The optimal electropulse parameters for the improvement of cold‐rolled steels are observed. The experimental observations are explained within the frameworks of thermodynamics and kinetics of microstructure transformation.


Lithotype is shown to be the main geological control on the spatial distribution of reservoir flow properties. The distribution of lithotypes is in turn controlled by lithofacies. Using core data, assemblages of lithotypes were grouped into major facies associations (MFA`s). Log signatures were used to pick MFA`s in uncored wells to provide conditioning data for a stochastic description of their interwell distribution using the sequential indicator simulation (SIS) technique. Deterministic correlation was not enforced. Characteristic object-models of the distribution of lithotypes within each MFA were then generated and converted to fine-scale poro-perm models using core-lug data. These models were upscaled to yield characteristic poro-perm distributions at the reservoir simulation scale. Finally, the MFA model was used as a template to distribute the upscaled poro-perm within the simulation model. The model history-matched rapidly and accurately, even though the wells were conditioned only to the MFA`s and not to foot-by-foot data. Multiple MFA realizations were generated to provide some understanding of the uncertainty in thickness and other rock properties between wells.


The theme of the symposium is identified by 2 questions: (1) is the mechanism that underlies functional amblyopia sensory or motor? and (2) How do sensory and motor factors contribute to the loss of acuity in amblyopic eyes? The answers to these questions as well as to several questions about clinical diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia are provided in the following 7 papers and panel discussion that comprise this symposium.


Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), an invasive grass species native to Asia, has been shown to reduce tree vigor in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations, which comprise more than 50% of growing stock in commercial forests of the United States. I. cylindrica produces exudates with possible allelopathic effects that may influence abundance of P. taeda symbionts, such as soil microbes and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Soil microbial communities and root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi were sampled in intensively managed P. taeda stands in Greene County, Mississippi, in I. cylindrica present and absent plots. I. cylindrica present plots had reduced abundance of ectomycorrhizal colonization of pine fine feeder roots in the top 40 cm of soil in comparison to I. cylindrica absent plots. Abundance of pine fine feeder roots in the 21–40 cm and 41–60 cm layers of the soil profile was also reduced in I. cylindrica present plots. Vegetative diversity was negatively correlated with I. cylindrica (% cover), which probably contributed to the reduced microbial diversity in I. cylindrica present plots. Because of the variety of roles microorganisms play, changes associated with the invasion of I. cylindrica are likely to alter nutrient cycling and reduce site productivity.


Management of water-related disasters on the island of Jeju is the most difficult in the world because of the island's environmental characteristics; Jeju Island suffers from flooding and drought simultaneously. There is a limitation to the existing water management plan for mitigation of natural disasters, and a new management plan is needed which will apply to Jeju Island. In this study, we introduce the new paradigm of decentralized rainwater management. The starting point of this new paradigm is that the disasters are local problems. In order to prevent them, it should be dealt under local control. Rainwater management in the new paradigm sets a goal in which water management should be performed at the source not by linear means such as the stream and the drainpipe. Considering the environmental characteristics of Jeju Island, we selected several technologies suitable for decentralized rainwater management and designed systems suitable for group of buildings, roads, streams, mountains, and households. We are suggesting building feasibility methods for the decentralized rainwater management strategies. And we expect to find a solution for the water problem on the Island, as these plans are applied across Jeju Island, and to achieve a good engineering and scientific result.


In this work, the problem of design of M channel IIR causal stable perfect reconstruction filter banks is addressed, and design approach based on similarity transformation of the state transition matrix is presented. The analysis and synthesis polyphase matrices are constrained to be minimal. The state transition matrix of the synthesis polyphase is obtained by similarity transformation of the analysis state transition matrix. Simulation results are provided.


ABSTRACT Protein kinases play a key role in signal transduction pathways in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Using in vivo expression technology, we have identified several promoters in Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are preferentially activated during infection of neutropenic mice. One of these promoters directs the transcription of a gene encoding a putative protein kinase similar to the enzymes found in eukaryotic cells. The full characterization of this protein, termed PpkA, is presented in this communication. The ppkA gene encodes a 1,032-amino-acid polypeptide with an N-terminal catalytic domain showing all of the conserved residues of protein kinases with the substrate phosphorylation specificities for serine and threonine residues. The catalytic domain is linked to the rest of the protein by a short proline-rich segment. The enzymes showed anomalous migration behavior when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which could be attributed to autophosphorylation activity. The full-length enzyme was expressed as an oligohistidine fusion protein and was shown to phosphorylate several artificial protein substrates. Both autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of added substrates were strongly reduced by a single-amino-acid substitution in the catalytic domain of PpkA. Although PpkA appears to be differentially phosphorylated by autocatalysis, the levels of phosphorylation have minimal effect on its overall enzymatic activity. Our results, therefore, indicate the operation of a novel protein phosphorylation mechanism during transduction of signals in P. aeruginosa, and this pathway may be important in regulating the expression of virulence factors by this pathogen during certain phases of infection.


Background: Smoking is the largest preventable risk factor for morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Smoking has many effects on the body like lung cancer, oral cancer, heart disease, and strokes typically do not occur until years. Smoking also has many effects on oral cavity; one of these effects is teeth staining or called (smoking stain). Aims of the study: To compare occurrence of dental stain between smokers and nonsmokers, among dental students, and to explore the relation between duration of, number of cigarettes smoking and the type of dental stain. Materials and Methods: The sample collected was 40 males (23 years old), 5 grade dental student's university of Baghdad, divided into two groups 20 smokers and 20 control. All teeth of the students were examined for the presence of dental stain, distribution of that stain and the color of the stain according to Leung (1950).Results: The percentage of dental stain was 90% among smokers, while it is 65% among non-smokers. The brown dental stain was the comments type among both groups, followed by the yellow stain, while none was seen with the green and orange stain. Results demonstrated that the duration of smoking and the numbers of cigarettes smoked did not affect dental stain. Conclusion: Smoking may have an influence on extrinsic dental stain.


Metal nanowires are one of the potential candidates for nanostructured sensing elements used in future portable devices for chemical detection; however, the optimal methods for fabrication have yet to be fully explored. Two routes to nanowire fabrication, electron-beam lithography (EBL) and focused ion beam (FIB) etching, are studied, and their electrical and chemical sensing properties are compared. Although nanowires fabricated by both techniques exhibit ohmic conductance, I-V characterization indicates that nanowires fabricated by FIB etching exhibit abnormally high resistivity. In addition, the resistivity of nanowires fabricated by FIB etching shows very low sensitivity toward molecular adsorption, while those fabricated by EBL exhibit sensitive resistance change upon exposure to solution-phase adsorbates. The mean grain sizes of nanowires prepared by FIB etching are much smaller than those fabricated by EBL, so their resistance is dominated by grain-boundary scattering. As a result, these nanowires are much less sensitive to molecular adsorption, which mediates nanowire conduction through surface scattering. The much reduced mean grain sizes of these nanowires correlate with Ga ion damage caused during the ion milling process. Thus, even though the nanowires prepared by FIB etching can be smaller than their EBL counterparts, their reduced sensitivity to adsorption suggests that nanowires produced by EBL are preferred for chemical and biochemical sensing applications.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and accuracy of CT first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging (CT first-pass MPI) at rest for diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. Results of adenosine-induced myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) were used as gold standard.

METHODS
Twenty-two patients with suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) were included and CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and MPS were performed within 2 weeks. CT first-pass MPI detected myocardial ischemia results through analyzing the raw date of CTCA were compared with MPS results.

RESULTS
The sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of CT first-pass MPI at rest for detecting myocardial ischemia were 92% (12/13), 78% (7/9), 86% (12/14), 88% (7/8) and 86% (19/22), respectively.

CONCLUSION
CT first-pass MPI at rest could detect myocardial ischemia with an accuracy similar to that of MPS.


mulate testable hypotheses. Apart from some very simple tasks which presumably represent cognitive processes, he seems to have relied mainly on such complex and poorly defined personality traits as "reaction to frustration," "reaction to feelings of insecurity in interpersonal relationships," "life dimensions," etc. Moreover, these global attributes were not evaluated in situations which might meaningfully reveal their presence, magnitude, and composition, but were presumably inferred from the protocols of projective techniques. It is hardly surprising that having examined the results of the experiment, "it is tentatively concluded that there are no unique associations between any single electroencephalographic variable and any specific psychological parameter." Faced with this disappointing outcome of his study, the author seems to have become aware of some of the complexities of the psychological method, but not sufficiently so to reconsider the problem he had set out to study and to re-design his research. Instead, the conclusions lean heavily on the findings of earlier workers whose inadequate accomplishments this study was to have superseded.


We applied an element-based retrieval approach in this study to improve search accuracy for information retrieval on small screen devices. Finer-grained retrieval units compared with document granules are expected in mobile information retrieval because of limited screen size. An information retrieval system employing information units (iUnits), i.e., text fragments that are relevant to a query and atomic in interpreting information, is one of the solutions to finer-grained retrieval units. An iUnit-based mobile information retrieval task, called MobileClick, assumes two-layered information access where the most important iUnits are arranged in the first layer and detailed iUnits for individual intents are arranged in the second layer. This two-layered information access enabled useful information to be presented with fewer page transitions. We first adopt element-based retrieval to identify elements containing relevant descriptions in a document to tackle MobileClick. The next step is scoring the iUnits where we assigned higher scores to iUnits that are similar to elements with higher scores. Our experimental evaluations demonstrated that our method is more accurate than a baseline by 9.7%.


Colletes francesae , new species, is described and differentiated from other Colletes species. All specimens were collected from Florida scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge in Peninsular Florida, an area known for arthropod endemism. Colletes francesae is oligolectic, at least locally, on a shrub of the genus Sideroxylon . Specimens of C. francesae are currently known from 5 protected sites; its conservation status is uncertain.


This paper proposes a novel method for a hand-pose estimation that can be used for vision-based human interfaces. The aim of this method is to estimate all joint angles. In this method, the hand regions are extracted from multiple images obtained by a multiviewpoint camera system. By integrating these multiviewpoint silhouette images, a hand pose is reconstructed as a "voxel model." Then, all joint angles are estimated using a three-dimensional model fitting between the hand model and the voxel model. The following two experiments were performed: (1) an estimation of joint angles by the silhouette images from the hand-pose simulator and (2) hand-pose estimation using real hand images. The experimental results indicate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm for vision-based interfaces, although the algorithm requires faster implementation for real-time processing.


In this paper we present the design of a linear constrained MPC controller for magnetic actuated small satellites. The controller may be derived by formulating a linear constrained MPC problem as a multi-parametric quadratic program (mpQP). The solution will be a piecewise affine (PWA) function, which may be evaluated at each sample to obtain the optimal control law. We apply this approach to the design of an explicit model predictive controller (eMPC) for the Norwegian student satellite nCube.


In this article we consider an inverse boundary problem, in which the unknown boundary function is to be determined from overposed data in a time-fractional diffusion equation. Based upon the free space fundamental solution, we derive a representation for the solution f as a nonlinear Volterra integral equation of second kind with a weakly singular kernel. Uniqueness and reconstructibility by iteration is an immediate result of a priori assumption on f and applying the fixed point theorem. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.


Restoration of functional endothelium is a requirement for preventing late stent thrombosis. We propose a novel method for targeted delivery of stem cells to a site of arterial injury using ultrasound-generated acoustic radiation force. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were surface-coated electrostatically with cationic gas-filled lipid microbubbles (mb-MSC). mb-MSC was characterized microscopically and by flow cytometry. The effect of ultrasound (5 MHz) on directing mb-MSC movement toward the vessel wall under physiologic flow conditions was tested in vitro in a vessel phantom. In vivo testing of acoustic radiation force-mediated delivery of mb-MSCs to balloon-injured aorta was performed in rabbits using intravascular ultrasound (1.7 MHz) during intra-aortic infusion of mb-MSCs. Application of ultrasound led to marginalization and adhesion of mb-MSCs to the vessel phantom wall, whereas no effect was observed on mb-MSCs in the absence of ultrasound. The effect was maximal when there were 7±1 microbubbles/cell (n=6). In rabbits (n=6), adherent MSCs were observed in the ultrasound-treated aortic segment 20 min after the injection (334±137 MSCs/cm(2)), whereas minimal adhesion was observed in control segments not exposed to ultrasound (2±1 MSCs/cm(2), p<0.05). At 24 h after mb-MSC injection and ultrasound treatment, the engrafted MSCs persisted and spread out on the luminal surface of the artery. The data demonstrate proof of principle that acoustic radiation force can target delivery of therapeutic cells to a specific endovascular treatment site. This approach may be used for endoluminal cellular paving and could provide a powerful tool for cell-based re-endothelialization of injured arterial segments.


This paper presents the novel argument that John Milton's Paradise Lost shows clear evidence of Gnostic influence. While the potential influence of gnostic concepts on Milton has been noted before, previous work has been partial, suggestive, and/or limited to other of Milton's works. Here, we build on the case made by Michael Bryson regarding Milton's Paradise Regained by providing our own reading of four core themes in the prior Paradise Lost through a gnostic lens: (1) the manner of creation through the Son, (2) Milton's understanding of materialism, (3) the Son's attitude orientation toward outward displays of power, and (4) the parallels between Milton's Eve and the gnostic Sophia. We ground this argument around Milton's Gnosticism by presenting the historical case that Milton had access to, and was likely persuaded by, key aspects of ancient Gnosticism found within both Christian heresiologists (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian) and Neoplatonism (Plotinus). We then survey our core themes of Paradise Lost, presenting evidence around where ancient Gnosticism – in concert with other, often overlapping influences such as Neoplatonism and parabiblical literature – seems to provide the best framework for understanding certain, distinct elements of Milton's conceptual and poetic frameworks.


In This paper, An efficient architecture for the implementation of two dimensional discrete wavelet transform based on lifting scheme for two types of JPEG2000 filters (5/3 and 9/7 filter) are proposed. The pipelining method is applied in the proposed architecture to design multilevel (threelevel) architecture for both direction (forward and inverse) transform. After that, the proposed architecture is used to study the effect of clearing the detail coefficients HH, HL and LH sub-band images into the quality of Clearing the detail coefficient of 2-D DWT Architecture based on Lifting scheme ... 179 reconstruction image, the proposed one-level two dimensional discrete wavelet transform architecture (one-level 2-D DWT) is built by using the one dimensional discrete wavelet transform (1-D DWT) only,then by using the 1-D DWT as basic element, the architecture are developed to built the three-level two dimensional discrete wavelet transform module (three-level 2-D DWT). The Matlab was used to simulate the proposed architectures and measure the quality of image by using the signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Keyword: 2-D DWT, lifting scheme, 5/3 and 9/7 filter, 3-level 2-D DWT.


Microarrays are useful tools to investigate the expression of thousands of genes rapidly. Some researchers remain reluctant to use the technology, however, largely because of its expense. Careful design of a microarray experiment is key to generating cost-effective results. This article explores issues that researchers face when embarking on a microarray experiment for the first time. These include decisions about which microarray platform is available for the organism of interest, the degree of replication (biological and technical) needed and which design (direct or indi- rect, loop or balanced block) is suitable.