Holy basil essential oils (HBEO) can be used in many food applications due to antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes, but they are susceptible to degradation upon storage. Therefore, a protective system is required to extend their shelf life. HBEO was microencapsulated by coacervation using gelatin and the microcapsules were subsequently coated with stearic acid (1%, 2%, and 3%) in carboxymethyl cellulose emulsions. The results showed that HBEO contents decreased with increasing stearic acid concentrations from 76% to 59%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested that HBEO was stable during microencapsulation. After 3-month storage, changes in appearance were detected in all samples, especially the uncoated and 3% stearic acid-coated microcapsules. Additionally, the surface HBEO content increased significantly, consistent with a distinct increase in darkness and agglomeration. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the physical change of microcapsules, attributed to the renaturation of gelatin and recrystallization of stearic acid. The antioxidant activity of both non-encapsulated and encapsulated HBEO after storage decreased significantly, except the microcapsule coated with 1% stearic acid (half maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.35 mg/mL), whereas the antimicrobial activity remained constant. The findings suggest that HBEO microcapsules coated with 1% stearic acid could serve as antioxidant and antimicrobial additives in food industries.


In this paper we summarize the recent results on nonlinear dynamics of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) which are bearing the fingerprints of the particular polarization properties of VCSELs. Due to the surface emission and cylindrical symmetry, VCSELs lack strong polarization anisotropy and may undergo polarization switching and polarization mode-hopping. This provides new specificities to the rich nonlinear dynamics induced in VCSELs by an external perturbation. We unveil both experimentally and theoretically these new specificities for the case of optical feedback, optical injection, and unidirectional synchronization between VCSELs.


Recent results from several laboratories including ours strongly suggest that farnesyltransferase (FT) inhibitors belonging to distinct chemical classes block growth of oncogenic Ras transformed cells at concentrations that do not affect the growth and viability of normal cells. This is despite blocking the farnesylation and thus the membrane association of Ras in both cell types. This is a paradox given the requirement for Ras function in normal cell growth. Recent evidence that R-Ras2/TC21 utilizes components of Ras signal transduction pathways to trigger cellular transformation (Graham et al., MCB 14, 4108-4115, 1994) prompted us to consider the possibility that R-Ras2/TC21 is involved in some aspects of the growth regulation of normal cells. If so, R-Ras2/TC21 may be compensating for Ras function in untransformed cells treated with FT inhibitors. In this study, we demonstrated that a cell active bisubstrate analog FT inhibitor, BMS-186511, completely blocked the function of oncogenic Ras, but did not affect the function of oncogenic R-Ras2/TC21, as determined by several criteria including inhibition of anchorage dependent and independent growth, reversal of transformed morphology and restoration of actin cytoskeleton. While it is known that TC21 protein becomes prenylated, it is not known whether it is farnesylated or geranylgeranylated. Our in vitro prenylation experiments indicate that R-Ras2/TC21 protein serves as a good substrate for FT as well as geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTI) and thus provide the apparent molecular basis for these differences. Overall, these results, coupled with the ubiquitous expression of R-Ras2/TC21 in many cells including untransformed NIH3T3 cells, are consistent with the possibility that R-Ras2/TC21 may be one of the factors that render normal cells insensitive to the growth inhibitory action of FT inhibitors.


The franchise has been used as an expansion strategy, based on Know-how and the brand, which allows both the entrepreneur and the franchisor to obtain an economic benefit from said intangible assets. This work proposes a structure for the valuation of franchises using real options for three Colombian companies from different economic sectors, based on historical information from their Financial Statements, as well as market information to determine the cost of capital in order to discount cash flows. Future cash, the real option as a complement to the traditional valuation models allows, through binomial trees, to incorporate the uncertainty in the cash flows in order to estimate under simulations the royalty rate and the Initial franchise fee according to the conditions and performance of the sector


Background:  Optic perineuritis (OPN) is a rare inflammation involving the meningeal sheath surrounding the optic nerve. Clinically it is difficult to differentiate OPN with optic neuritis, but it is critical to have an accurate diagnosis as both the diseases have different regime of treatment. Here we report a case of bilateral optic perineuritis in a young Malay male. Case Report:  A healthy 15 years old young Malay boy presented with subacute, painless and severe blurring of vision in his both eyes, worse on the right. Relative afferent pupillary defect was negative in both eyes. Patient had bilateral generalised optic disc swelling, which is more severe on the right eye. Typical feature of optic perineuritis (OPN) 'doughnut sign' was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Connective tissue and infective screening were negative. He was diagnosed with bilateral idiopathic optic perineuritis. He was treated with high dose intravenous corticosteroids followed by a three-month course slow tapering of oral steroids. His vision and optic nerve function recovered. Conclusion:  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a vital diagnostic tool to diagnose optic perineuritis. Longer steroid treatment has to be given to prevent relapse of the disease and further damage to the optic nerve. Keywords:  Optic perineuritis, young male, distinguish between optic neuritis


It is required to fix typical shape engine components on conveyor while performing cleaning operation. In conveyorised multistage washing machine, to fix these typical shape components is very difficult. Hence these components need dedicated fixturing with pokeyoke to avoid accidents inside the zone on conveyor. This project gives feasible solution on conventional roller chain conveyorised arrangement with dedicated moving fixture with conveyor for the tractor components like rear axle career, bull gear and shaft of a tractor model. This arrangement will be widely used for numerous cleaning purposes owing to its effectiveness for high production volume, reliable and durable


Objective: This study examines the relationship between schizoid and narcissistic personality features. While the schizoid personality disorder seems widely accepted as a diagnostic category, the utility of the narcissistic personality disorder construct is under discussion. We regard schizoidism as a primary, structural disturbance of interaction with the world, whereas narcissism appears as a secondary phenomenon of self-organization and self-regulation. This study focuses on the question, whether these features are correlated or interact with each other in personality structure. Method: A standardized narcissism inventory is being applied to a group of schizoid and nonschizoid patients. Results: Only 1 of 18 narcissism scales differentiates significantly between these patient groups. By cluster analysis, the group of schizoid patients is divided into two subgroups characterized by their higher or lower narcissism scores. These are contiguous to existing descriptions of an active/fighting and a passive/evading schizoid subtype. Conclusion: 'Schizoid' and 'narcissistic' personality features can be regarded as distinct, but complementary personality conditions.


The third and last project preparation workshop for the Management of the Forest Resources Project (formally called the National Forests Project) was held in Brasilia on December 18-20, 1995. The overall objective of the project is to support the development and adoption of sustainable forest management systems in the Amazon through strategic actions and pilot experiences in priority areas.


We developed two machine learning frameworks that could assist in the automated litho-stratigraphic interpretation of seismic volumes without any manual hand labeling from an experienced seismic interpreter. The first framework is an unsupervised hierarchical clustering model to divide seismic images from a volume into certain number of clusters determined by the algorithm. The clustering framework uses a combination of density and hierarchical techniques to determine the size and homogeneity of the clusters. The second framework consists of a self-supervised deep learning framework to label regions of geological interest in seismic images. It projects the latent-space of an encoder-decoder architecture unto two orthogonal subspaces, from which it learns to delineate regions of interest in the seismic images. To demonstrate an application of both frameworks, a seismic volume was clustered into various contiguous clusters, from which four clusters were selected based on distinct seismic patterns: horizons, faults, salt domes and chaotic structures. Images from the selected clusters are used to train the encoder-decoder network. The output of the encoder-decoder network is a probability map of the possibility an amplitude reflection event belongs to an interesting geological structure. The structures are delineated using the probability map. The delineated images are further used to post-train a segmentation model to extend our results to full-vertical sections. The results on vertical sections show that we can factorize a seismic volume into its corresponding structural components. Lastly, we showed that our deep learning framework could be modeled as an attribute extractor and we compared our attribute result with various existing attributes in literature and demonstrate competitive performance with them.


At its recent approach Mars was photographed with color filters with the Crossley reflector, using auxiliary apparatus that has already been described. Two photographs, taken respectively by ultraviolet light and by light of the near infrared, are reproduced in Plate XXXIII. In the telescopic view, at the time these photographs were taken, both northern and southern polar caps appeared. These are both present in the ultraviolet picture, but only the southern, which is the uppermost one in the illustration, is shown in the infrared image. On the basis of a general interpretation of filter photographs of Mars that has been outlined in a former paper this is regarded as indicating that the northern is altogether a haze cap, while the southern is composed both of haze and surface deposit. The time corresponds to early fall in the northern hemisphere of Mars, the so-called Martian date being November 1. The phenomenon may have a seasonal significance. The white patch on the left edge of the ultraviolet image is a "blue" or high-level cloud. The left is the sunset edge. The sun is rising on the right edge and the familiar bright arc, probably due to condensation during the night, is easily visible there. The part of the planet shown in the photographs may be identified by the Trivium Charontis, the small elongated dark area lying below and to the right of the center of the infrared photograph.


In this study, the phase behaviour of emulsified systems (oil + biosurfactant + water) was analyzed. The biosurfactant was produced in a 4-L batch bioreactor by Bacillus subtilis LAMI005, using residual glycerine from biodiesel production as a carbon source. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses demonstrated that the biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis (LAMI005) consists of a lipopeptide similar to surfactin. The influences of temperature and the composition of oil + biosurfactant + water were determined by using phase diagrams. Three types of oil were used, namely: motor oil, hydrogenated naphthenic oil (NH140) and castor bean oil. The emulsified systems were analyzed using optical micrography. The results presented here indicated that the biosurfactant produced in this work presents a potential use as stabilizing agent for oil-in-water emulsions.


The nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities of Chromolaena odorata (Linn) King and Robinson, was investigated and compared with standard Plant Phenolic antioxidant Quercetin. Disodium pentacyanonitrosyl ferrate (2) dihydrate (sodium nitroprusside) was used as a nitric oxide donor. On disintegration at a physiological pH (7.2), 5 mmol/l of sodium nitroprusside generated a time dependent nitric oxide concentration which was scavenged in vitro by the extract. Inhibition of nitrite formation by Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Methanolic Extract of C. odorata (EAFCO), showed a dose-dependent response. Ability of EAFCO to scavenge nitric oxide radicals in vitro was compared to a standard Plant phenolic compound (Quercetin). Quercetin and EAFCO had IC50 = 50 and 380 μg/ml respectively and an IC100 of 2000 and 2800 μg/ml respectively. The overall result showed that the plant C. odorata is a good nitric oxide radical scavenger. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of chromolaena odorata extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Quantitative determination of total phenolic content shows that the EAFCO contains an appreciable amount of phenolic compounds and may be responsible for the observed potential.


During 1984 to 1991, 54 out of 569 lupus nephritis patients at Siriraj Hospital were male (F:M sex ratio = 10:1). Mean age of the males was 29.8 +/- 14.6 years, range 12 to 69. The three most common extrarenal manifestations were anemia, cutaneous, and musculoskeletal involvement (74.5, 51.1, and 43.9%, respectively). The major renal manifestations were edema (75.9%) with heavy proteinuria over 3.5 g/day in 62.2% and nephrotic/nephritic findings in 51.9% of cases. Hypertension was found in 35.2%. Mean serum creatinine was 2.0 +/- 1.4 mg/dl while 60.5% of cases had creatinine clearance below 50 ml/minute. Mean serum albumin was 2.6 +/- 0.8 g/dl, cholesterol 262.8 +/- 129.5 and triglycerides 343.2 +/- 244.6 mg/dl. Interestingly, hypercholesterolemia (> 250 mg/dl) was found only in 44.8% of cases with nephrotic syndrome. Antinuclear antibody was demonstrated in 91.5%, anti-dDNA antibody in 64.4% and LE cells in 40.4% of cases. Renal biopsy was done in 45 patients and 30 cases (66.7%) were classified as diffuse proliferative nephritis (WHO type IV), 15.6% of type II, 6.7% each of type III and V, with the rest of type V plus IV (4.4%). Tubulointerstitial inflammation was found in 77.3% of cases. During the follow-up period (42 +/- 35.8 months), 6 patients died. The cause of death were uremia in 3, infection in 2, and cardiac failure in 1. By life-table analysis, the probabilities of survival for 1 and 5 years were 89.5 and 80.6%, respectively. In comparison between sexes, except for a higher amount of urinary protein excretion (4.5 +/- 3.1 vs 3.5 +/- 3.0 g/day, p < 0.05), there were no statistically significant differences in clinical and pathological parameters, and probability of survival.


Since software development is of a dynamic nature, the impact analysis is an inevitable work task. Traceability is known as one factor that supports this task, and several researchers have proposed traceability recovery tools to propose trace links in an existing system. However, these semi-automatic tools have not yet proven useful in industrial applications. Based on an established automation model, we analyzed the potential value of such a tool. We based our analysis on a pilot case study of an impact analysis process in a safety-critical development context, and argue that traceability recovery should be considered an investment in findability. Moreover, several risks involved in an increased level of impact analysis automation are already plaguing the state-of-practice work flow. Consequently, deploying a traceability recovery tool involves a lower degree of change than has previously been acknowledged. (Less)


A design method, which decouples an interactive system by using a compensator obtained from the plant inverse matrix, which is often called the direct-decoupling method is modified in this paper. The modified direct-decoupling method uses the adjoint matrix instead of the inverse of the plant matrix to construct the compensator. The method uses a frequency-domain model-reduction method to simplify the degree of the given plant transfer function matrix and the obtained compensator. For an open-loop stable multivariable system, the proposed method gives a simple, practical, and realizable controller without using an unstable pole-zero cancellation approach.


AIM
Evaluation of appropriate models for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in vitro studies by investigation of different model materials regarding suitability for intraoral scanners and dimensional stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A typodont model was prepared to accommodate a 10-unit prosthesis. The model was duplicated using six different materials: class IV die stone (DS), cobalt-chrome molybdenum (CoCrMo), epoxy resin (EPOX), polyurethane (PU), titanium (TI), and zirconia (ZI). An intraoral scanner was used to obtain three scans of each model. Reference datasets were generated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The first scan was compared with the corresponding reference micro-CT dataset to assess its trueness. The precision was measured by comparing all scans within one test group. For the evaluation of dimensional stability, micro-CT was used to generate three-dimensional (3D) datasets of the models at different time intervals over a 6-week period. The models were kept under constant conditions during the study. All datasets were analyzed with software that determined the deviation of two datasets by alignment using a best-fit algorithm.

RESULTS
The criterion of trueness was fulfilled by CoCrMo, EPOX, PU, and the typodont model. Scans of CoCrMo and ZI showed the best precision. PU and the typodont model did not meet the requirement of dimensional stability, whereas EPOX and gypsum were stable only for a period of 10 days.

CONCLUSION
The CoCrMo model was the only one that met all the criteria for an appropriate model for CAD/CAM in vitro studies. The other investigated materials either lacked dimensional stability or could not be scanned accurately and reproducibly.


The use of colistin for the treatment of multiresistant bacteria has led to the emergence of colistin-resistant strains of Gram-negative bacilli. Treatment of infections caused by these pan-drug-resistant bacteria is difficult owing to the paucity of effective antibiotics. We report two cases of ventilator-associated respiratory infection caused by pan-drug-resistant, colistin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that were successfully treated with ceftolozane-tazobactam.


Introduction: Careful selection and timely activation of clinical sites in multicenter clinical trials is critical for successful enrollment, subject safety, and generalizability of results. Methods: In the Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial (CREST-2), a multidisciplinary Site Selection Committee evaluated applicants referred via participation in CREST, CREST principal investigators (PIs) and other investigators, StrokeNet and industry partners. Data for consideration included performance metrics in CREST and other carotid trials and a site selection questionnaire containing information on the investigators as well as quantitative data on carotid procedures performed. Any FDA warning letters were reviewed. Results: The Committee met bi-weekly for 36 months (n=64 meetings). Applications from 176 sites between March 2014 and July 2016 were evaluated: 153 were approved, 7 are under Committee review, 5 were approved but withdrew, 5 were placed on a waiting list, and 6 were rejected. One-hundred-four sites have completed the regulatory and training requirements to randomize: 51 (49%) academic medical centers, 31 (30%) private hospital-based centers, 16 (15%) private office-based practices, and 6 (6%) Veterans Administration medical centers. The mean times from application-to- approval was 5.2 weeks (interquartile range, 1.9, 6.2), and from approval-to-randomization status was 46.7 weeks (interquartile range, 35.4, 51.7). Specialties of the 104 site PIs are vascular surgery for 35 (33.7%), cardiology for 30 (28.8%), neurology for 25 (24%), neurosurgery for 8 (7.7%), interventional radiology for 4 (3.8%), and interventional neuroradiology for 2 (1.9%). Conclusions: Careful site selection is time-consuming for prospective sites and for trial leadership. Times from application-to-site-approval were modest (mean = 5.2 weeks), in contrast to the times for completing regulatory and training requirements (mean = 46.7 weeks). However, subject enrollment by teams from a wide range of medical centers led by a multi-disciplinary cohort of PIs will promote the generalizability of trial results.


The classification of tumours is based on the traditional classification into epithelial, mesenchymal and less common types. The most frequent epithelial tumour is hepatocellular carcinoma, which usually develops in a cirrhotically altered liver. Its differentiation from regenerative and hyperplastic liver changes by needle biopsy may prove very difficult. Malignant mesenchymal liver tumours are rare. Because of a more frequent incidence and uncertain biological behaviour epitheloid haemangioendotheliomas are more important. Newly described units include also inflammatory pseudotumours and primary MALT lymphoma of the liver.


Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells present in virtually all tissues; they have a potent self-renewal capacity and can differentiate into multiple cell types. They also affect the ambient tissue by the paracrine secretion of numerous factors in vivo, including the induction of other stem cells' differentiation. In vitro, the culture media supernatant is named secretome and contains soluble molecules and extracellular vesicles that retain potent biological function in tissue regeneration. MSCs are considered safe for human treatment; their use does not involve ethical issues, as embryonic stem cells do not require genetic manipulation as induced pluripotent stem cells, and after intravenous injection, they are mainly found in the lugs. Therefore, these cells are currently being tested in various preclinical and clinical trials for several diseases, including COVID-19. Several affected COVID-19 patients develop induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with an uncontrolled inflammatory response. This condition causes extensive damage to the lungs and may leave serious post-COVID-19 sequelae. As the disease may cause systemic alterations, such as thromboembolism and compromised renal and cardiac function, the intravenous injection of MSCs may be a therapeutic alternative against multiple pathological manifestations. In this work, we reviewed the literature about MSCs biology, focusing on their function in pulmonary regeneration and their use in COVID-19 treatment.


The hydrolysis process for Silver carp by-products was studied. Protein hydrolysate was prepared with proteolytic enzyme, Alcalase. Hydrolysis conditions were optimized by the regression model of three factors five levels quadratic rotation perpendicular regressive design. The optimum hydrolysis conditions of hydrolyzing the protein of Silver carp by-products were determined to be concentration of enzyme (E/S) 3.33%, pH 8.54, hydrolyzing temperature 58 ℃, reaction time 90 min, concentration of substrate 8%. Nitrogen recovery was more than 75%.


Using computer simulations, we have investigated the deformation and stress–strain behavior of a series of ideal gels without any defects, with a bimodal molecular weight distribution, subject to tensile strains. These networks were prepared with a spatially homogeneous distribution of short and long chains, where all chains are elastically active, without needing to consider possible effects of chain aggregation or entanglements on the physical properties. For all fractions of short chains, the first chains to rupture were the short chains that were initially oriented along the strain axis. The average orientation of the short chains slightly increased with decreasing fraction of short chains. This could be explained by the detailed structure of the network at different compositions. Analysis of the stress–strain relation for the short and long chains showed that the stress was not uniformly shared. Instead, the short chains are more strongly deformed whereas the long chains only make a negligible contri...


It is generally acknowledged that Lu Xun's collection of prose poems, Wild Grass (Yecao), is his epitomizing work. Among the numerous research on this work, it is rare to find studies that explicitly expound Zhou Zuoren's relationship with Lu Xun and his effect upon the latter's writing. This is probably because scholars seldom associate poetry with Zhou Zuoren, a writer famous for his prose and essays. In addition, the relationship between the two brothers broke up completely in 1923. Therefore, Zhou Zuoren does not appear to have played a significant role in the composition of Wild Grass in 1924. This essay attempts to explore the relationship between the two brothers from a new perspective, revolving the analysis around the "Shadow's Leave-Taking" (Ying de gaobie) the most difficult and important work in Lu Xun's collection of prose poems, Wild Grass.


A successful support group for teenagers with type I diabetes requires more than informational lectures and discussions. Active learning by doing and the client's feeling of being in control are important. Attempts at gaining control require development of self-image, group solidarity, and the ability to communicate with nondiabetic peers and parents. Here is how one group did it.


Transformation or change is a necessity; it is very clearly described in Vedanta theories, such as Trikona's theory; Jantra theory and Caturyuga theory. Trikona's theory and Jantra's theory describe that everything that exists is materially invisible, it is seen only in the middle, and then it will be invisible. Over time, after being invisible, it will be re-created so that it is seen again for a certain period of time, after which it is lost back from sight. This happens continuously unceasingly like a jantra (circle), so transformation is something that can not be avoided by anyone and anyone.The transformation in Caturyuga's theory presupposes the universe and its contents as a four-legged table for one yuga (age); then on the authority of the Time, all changed. Change is described as the turn of the times, theuniverse of the table, gradually ignoring the legs one by one. Finally, the longer the table becomes more unstable until it collapses to the floor. Identical to that allegory, the reality of today's society shows its sacred attitude increasingly propane; the appreciation of the sacred is getting worse, the taksu is getting weaker, and the more holiness loses value.Religious teachings today seem to appear just as lip ornaments only, attributes of spirituality also appears as a mere accessory only. All of things more lost the meaning of authenticity, so that falsehood becomes a verypopular tradition today. Today's modern human attitudes seem to conform to the term 'musang berbulu domba', or 'harimau berjubah', or 'singa berdasi'; humans are increasingly shameless; something sacred to be made merely ceremonial, the formal being made into a mere formality. This is a reality that is hyper-reality to make good people becoming pensive full of questions.


Objectives
To compare the effect of arms positions on the static endurance ability of trunk extensors, and to investigate the effect of home endurance training of trunk extensors on isokinetic outputs.

METHODS
The prospective, randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled- intervention study was conducted from December 2017 to October 2019 at the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and comprised males aged 20-24 years who were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Group A had their hands above the head, group B had their hands behind the head, group C had their hands parallel to their trunk, and group D had their hands on the chest. Data was collected at baseline, and after 6 and 8 weeks of static trunk extensors endurance training. Isokinetic outputs of peak torque and average power were also measured. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS
Of the 60 participants, 15(25%) were in each of the four groups. The overall mean age was 22.02±1.2 years. At baseline, there was no significant difference among the groups (p>0.05). There was significant intra-group improvement for all outcome variables after 6 and 8 weeks of training (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Static endurance of the trunk extensors with having arms parallel to the trunk was superior to other arm positions, especially after six and eight weeks of training but didn't affect the isokinetic outputs.

Clinical Trial Number
NCT03107676.


This essay presents conclusive evidence of the impermissibility of Copenhagen's single system interpretation of the Schroedinger process. The latter needs to be viewed as a tool exclusively describing phase and orientation randomized ensembles and is not be used for isolated single systems. Asymptotic closeness of single system and ensemble behavior and the rare nature of true single system manifestations have prevented a definitive identification of this Copenhagen deficiency over the past three quarter century. Quantum uncertainty so becomes a basic trade mark of phase and orientation disordered ensembles. The ensuing void of usable single system tools opens a new inquiry for tools without statistical connotations. Three, in part already known, period integrals here identified as flux, charge and action counters emerge as diffeo‐4 invariant tools fully compatible with the demands of the general theory of relativity. The discovery of the quantum Hall effect has been instrumental in forcing a distinction between ensemble disorder as in the normal Hall effect versus ensemble order in the plateau states. Since the order of the latter permits a view of the plateau states as a macro‐ or meso‐scopic single system, the period integral description applies, yielding a straightforward unified description of integer and fractional quantum Hall effects.


Additives treatment is as a very effective strategy to optimize bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphology. However, the inherent working mechanism of this strategy still lacks systematical investigations in non‐fullerene‐acceptors‐based organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a series of BHJ and pseudo‐planar heterojunction (PPHJ) OSCs using PM6 and IT‐4F as the electron donor/acceptor pair, are developed to unveil the promoting effect of solvent additive 1, 8‐diiodooctane (DIO) on active layer morphologies and device performance. The study clearly demonstrates that DIO can increase the crystallinity of IT‐4F significantly, while it has less impact on PM6. It is notable that a new efficiency‐determining crystalline balanced factor (CCLpolymer/CCLacceptor) is put forward, indicating that the more balanced CCLpolymer/CCLacceptor results in more balanced charge mobility and much better short‐circuit current densities (Jsc) and fill factors (FF) of OSCs. The PPHJ blend film of PM6/IT‐4F(DIO) exhibits enhanced crystallinity with more balanced CCL and favorable hierarchical distribution morphology, contributing to a champion efficiency of 13.70% with a record Jsc of 20.98 mA cm−2 and a remarkable FF of 75.9%. This work not only reveals the underlying mechanism of DIO caused morphology evolution, but also achieves highly efficient PPHJ OSCs with superior thermal stability by elaborately controlling the morphology of PPHJ film.


Shock wave synthesis of diamond was an unexpected result of experiments designed to explore the effects of shock waves on a variety of materials. The initial announcement in 1959 was controversial; shock synthesis of diamond had been shown to be unlikely, on the basis of kinetic arguments. Jamieson confirmed the identification and suggested a diffusionless mechanism, c-axis compression of rhombohedral graphite. Subsequent work has provided strong evidence that shock wave synthesis of cubic diamond is a conventional thermally activated nucleation and growth process. Thermal inhomogeneities provide the requisite high temperatures; quenching via thermal equilibration is implicit in the process. Shock synthesis of adamantine BN phases appears to be quasi-martensitic; a martensitic mechanism may partially account for the Lonsdaleite (hexagonal diamond) observed in some meteorites and in some artificial shock products. Diamond is also formed as a detonation product in oxygen-deficient explosives. The polycrystalline product of shock synthesis is similar to natural carbonado. The association of carbonado with an ancient giant impact crater is noted.


[1] The 14-month-long (December 1999 to February 2001) Central California Regional PM10/PM2.5 Air Quality Study (CRPAQS) consisted of acquiring speciated PM2.5 measurements at 38 sites representing urban, rural, and boundary environments in the San Joaquin Valley air basin. The study's goal was to understand the development of widespread pollution episodes by examining the spatial variability of PM2.5, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and carbonaceous material on annual, seasonal, and episodic timescales. It was found that PM2.5 and NH4NO3 concentrations decrease rapidly as altitude increases, confirming that topography influences the ventilation and transport of pollutants. High PM2.5 levels from November 2000 to January 2001 contributed to 50–75% of annual average concentrations. Contributions from organic matter differed substantially between urban and rural areas. Winter meteorology and intensive residential wood combustion are likely key factors for the winter-nonwinter and urban-rural contrasts that were observed. Short-duration measurements during the intensive operating periods confirm the role of upper air currents on valley-wide transport of NH4NO3. Zones of representation for PM2.5 varied from 5 to 10 km for the urban Fresno and Bakersfield sites, and increased to 15–20 km for the boundary and rural sites. Secondary NH4NO3 occurred region-wide during winter, spreading over a much wider geographical zone than carbonaceous aerosol.


We describe the successful fabrication of a three-dimensional branched (NH4)xWO3 nanowire array film on fluorine-doped tin oxide coated glass by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The porous WO3 nanorod array film formed after heat treatment and recrystallization. Specifically, the branched (NH4)xWO3 nanowire array film has very thin nanowires that were about 10 nm in diameter. The results of an optical and photoelectrochemical test show that the branched (NH4)xWO3 nanowire array film could be used as a near-infrared shielder, while the porous WO3 nanorod array film can be used as a photoanode for water splitting. Moreover, the morphology, structure, and composition of the as-prepared films are revealed, and the related changes caused by heat treatment are discussed in detail.


Suboptimal mobility (any deviation from optimal mobility) is an important area of concern in modern dairy production systems. Up to now, suboptimal mobility in dairy cows managed in spring calving, pasture-based systems have been overlooked. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to gain a better understanding of the potential causes and impacts of all levels of sub optimal mobility in spring calving, pasture-based dairy cows. First, the associations between claw disorders and mobility scores were investigated. The mobility scoring method utilized in this thesis is a four-point scale from 0, which refers to a cow with optimal mobility, to 3 which refers to a cow with severely impaired mobility. The presence of most types of claw disorders were associated with an increased likelihood of a cow having any level of suboptimal mobility. Therefore, it is implied that mobility scoring of cows should be routinely practiced to identify cows with imperfect mobility at an earlier stage. Second, potential risk factors were identified for suboptimal mobility. Potential cow-level risk factors for suboptimal mobility included body condition score, milk yield, genetics for 'lameness', somatic cell score, calving month and cow breed. While, potential herd-level risk factors for suboptimal mobility included the length of time taken to complete the milking process, farm layout factors and foot bathing practices. These factors should be considered by farm advisors when advising and implementing a cow/herd health program for dairy cows in spring calving, pasture-based systems. Third the production and reproductive impacts of specific levels of suboptimal mobility were analysed. Yield losses of up to 4.7% were associated with mobility score 3. Elevated somatic cell count, and longer calving intervals were associated with all levels of suboptimal mobility. Cows with any level of suboptimal mobility were more likely to be culled. This demonstrates associations between specific mobility scores and production and reproductive performance in spring calving, pasture-based dairy cows scored during the summer grazing period. Finally, the economic impact of varying prevalence of suboptimal mobility was determined within typical spring calving, pasture-based dairy herds. A new sub model predicting suboptimal mobility was developed and integrated within the Pastured Based Herd dynamic model. The impact on profitability was simulated based on production and reproductive effects of individual animals as well as the associated treatment costs. For a very poor mobility herd the overall farm net profit was €16,500 less compared to a good mobility herd. The substantial decrease in farm net profit is due to reduced milk yield, increased culling, and treatment costs for mobility issues. Therefore, as the prevalence of cows with suboptimal mobility scores (even mild suboptimal mobility scores) increases within a herd, the overall farm next profit decreases. Based on this thesis it is concluded that although the prevalence of severe suboptimal mobility with spring calving, pasture-based herds is less than that in other types of systems, the potential impact of the less severe states of suboptimal mobility have a substantial effect on production and reproductive performance, and the overall profitability of the farm.


BACKGROUND
The sensation of taste provides reinforcement for eating and is of possible relevance to the clinical problem of obesity.

OBJECTIVE
Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to explore regions of the brain that were preferentially affected during the taste perception of a liquid meal by 11 right-handed, lean men in the fasting state.

DESIGN
After subjects had fasted for 36 h, 2 measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) obtained immediately after subjects retained and swallowed 2 mL of a flavored liquid meal (the taste condition) were compared with 2 measurements of rCBF obtained immediately after subjects retained and swallowed 2 mL of water (the baseline condition).

RESULTS
Compared with the baseline condition, taste was associated with increased rCBF (P < 0.005) in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior temporal gyrus; the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, supramarginal gyrus, and anterior thalamus; and bilaterally in the hippocampal formation, posterior cingulate, midbrain, occipital cortex, and cerebellum. Taste was also associated with decreased rCBF (P < 0.005) in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, and supplementary motor area, and bilaterally in the medial prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule.

CONCLUSIONS
This exploratory study provides additional evidence that the temporal cortex, thalamus, cingulate cortex, caudate, and hippocampal formation are preferentially affected by taste stimulation. The asymmetric pattern of activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior temporal gyrus may contribute to the taste perception of a liquid meal perceived as pleasant. Additional studies are required to determine how these regions are affected in patients with obesity or anorexia.


Omic data are characterized by the presence of strong dependence structures that result either from data acquisition or from some underlying biological processes. In metabolomics, for instance, data resulting from Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) -- a technique which gives access to a large coverage of metabolites -- exhibit such patterns. These data sets are typically used to find the metabolites characterizing a phenotype of interest associated with the samples. However, applying some statistical procedures that do not adjust the variable selection step to the dependence pattern may result in a loss of power and the selection of spurious variables. The goal of this paper is to propose a variable selection procedure in the multivariate linear model that accounts for the dependence structure of the multiple outputs which may lead in the LC-MS framework to the selection of more relevant metabolites. We propose a novel Lasso-based approach in the multivariate framework of the general linear model taking into account the dependence structure by using various modelings of the covariance matrix of the residuals. Our numerical experiments show that including the estimation of the covariance matrix of the residuals in the Lasso criterion dramatically improves the variable selection performance. Our approach is also successfully applied to a LC-MS data set made of African copals samples for which it is able to provide a small list of metabolites without altering the phenotype discrimination. Our methodology is implemented in the R package MultiVarSel which is available from the CRAN (Comprehensive R Archive Network).


Current reported spatiotemporal solutions for fusing multisensor aerosol optical depth (AOD) products used to recover gaps either suffer from unacceptable accuracy levels, i.e., fixed rank smooth (FRS), or high time costs, i.e., Bayesian maximum entropy (BME). This problem is generally more serious when dealing with multiple AOD products in a long time series or over large geographic areas. This study proposes a new, effective, and efficient enhanced FRS method (FRS-EE) to fuse satellite AOD products with uncertainty constraints. AOD products used in the fusion experiment include Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS) DB/DT_DB_Combined AOD and Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) AOD across mainland China from 2016 to 2017. Results show that the average completeness of original, initial FRS fused, and FRS-EE fused AODs with uncertainty constraints are 22.80%, 95.18%, and 65.84%, respectively. Although the correlation coefficient (R = 0.77), root mean square error (RMSE = 0.30), and mean bias (Bias = 0.023) of the initial FRS fused AODs are relatively lower than those of original AODs compared to Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AOD records, the accuracy of FRS-EE fused AODs, which are R = 0.88, RMSE = 0.20, and Bias = 0.022, is obviously improved. More importantly, in regions with fully missing original AODs, the accuracy of FRS-EE fused AODs is close to that of original AODs in regions with valid retrievals. Meanwhile, the time cost of FRS-EE for AOD fusion was only 2.91 h; obviously lower than the 30.46 months taken for BME.


Providing high-speed data transfer is vital to various data-intensive applications in cloud computing systems. We design a middleware layer of high-speed communication based on Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) that serves as the common substrate to accelerate various data transfer applications in cloud computing, such as FTP, HTTP, file copy, sync and remote file I/O. This middleware offers higher end-to-end bandwidth than the traditional TCP-based alternatives, while it hides the heterogeneity of the underlying high-speed architecture. In this paper, we describe the design of this middleware, including resource abstraction, and task synchronization and scheduling. We provide a reference implementation of the file-transfer protocol over this RDMA based middleware. Our experimental results show that it outperforms several TCP-based FTP tools, such as GridFTP, while maintaining very low CPU consumption on a variety of platforms. Furthermore, these results confirm that our middleware achieves near line-speed performance in both LAN and MAN, and scales consistently from 10Gbps Ethernet to 40Gbps Ethernet and InfiniBand environments.


Background and Aims RAST and related in-vitro tests assist in diagnosing childhood allergies. Aims 1. To analyse paediatric RAST results and determine local prevalence of sensitivities, 2. To develop guidelines towards recetly introduced ImmunoCAP® test panel selection incorporating local sensitivity prevalence in Ireland. Methods RAST requests from 0–16 year population in Mid-West of Ireland were analysed between January 2004 to February 2009, excluding those not born in the Regional Maternity Hospital, to gain true birth cohort reflection of sensitivity patterns. Both total and allergen specific IgE levels were tabulated. Results Total of 3033 successful sample requests for RAST (Immulite 2000) during the 62 month study period qualified for analysis. Standardised classification system for allergen specific allergy levels showed mean total IgE of study population at 314.75 kU/L and median of 52kU/L (expected elevated levels in a possible symptomatic patient sample). 76.8% of tests originated in hospitals and 23.2% from primary care. Most commonly tested allergen was house dust mite (1595) followed by Timothy grass (1155) and at 3rd place food panel 5 comprising egg white, milk, cod fish, wheat, peanut & soya bean. With standardised cut-off levels high and very high levels were noted frequently for egg 5.5%, dust mite 19%, timothy grass 14% followed by Horse, Cat and Dog. Our ImmunoCAP test guidelines incorporated information from RAST audit. Conclusion Our paediatric RAST analysis provided regional allergen specific sensitivity pattern in Ireland thus assist ing clinicians in choosing appropriate allergens to be requested thus reducing cost and enhancing clinical relevance.


According to the basic assumption underlying this article, people are more likely to participate in protest the more they feel that a group they identify with is treated unjustly. Depersonalization and the politicization of group identification are discussed as two processes that mediate the relationship between group identification and protest participation. Empirical evidence from three studies is discussed. In a study among people older than 55, participation in unions for the elderly appears to be correlated strongly with identification with the elderly. In a study of participation in peaceful protest among South African citizens, indicators of identification appeared to be correlated with protest participation, and finally, Dutch farmers were more likely to participate in farmers' protest the more they identified with other farmers. Results from the latter, longitudinal study suggest a recursive relationship between identity and protest participation: Group identification fosters protest participation and protest participation reinforces group identification.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate preliminarily the significance of dynamic detection of Wilms' tumor gene (WT1) expression level on monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) and predicting clinical relapse in patients of malignancy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

METHODS
WT1 expression level was measured with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-RT-PCR) method on 102 bone marrow specimens from 31 patients following allo-HSCT. WT1 expression level was determined as the ratio of WT1 mRNA to ABL mRNA times 100%.

RESULTS
The levels of WT1 expression showed significant difference between the relapsed group and the non-relapsed group (P < 0.01), with 0.80% and 0.17% as their median expression level respectively. After dynamic measuring WT1 expression level on patients in the relapsed group, the level was found to increase significantly as compared with those during or before the clinical hematological relapse, both being > 1.0%. The level at the time of relapse was significantly higher than the latest previous one (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Dynamic detection of WT1 expression level with RQ-RT-PCR may be of help in monitoring MRD and warning clinical relapse on the patients following allo-HSCT.


Increasing evidence suggests that alcohol abuse may be linked to adverse immunomodulatory effects on immune responses. Our study was undertaken to clarify the immunological consequences of chronic and acute alcohol exposure on differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells (DCs). Using immunochemical and cytofluorimetric analysis we determined the phenotype and functions of monocyte-derived DCs from alcoholics and healthy subjects and analyzed their ability to respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Our results showed that alcoholics' monocytes differentiated to immature DCs with altered phenotype and functions (alc-iDCs). Alc-iDCs showed fewer CD1a+ cells, weaker CD86 expression and higher HLA-DR expression associated with lower endocytosis and allostimulatory functions than iDCs from healthy subjects (control-iDCs). Despite these impairments, alc-iDCs produced TNF-α and IL-6 in large amounts. LPS stimulation failed to induce full phenotypical and functional alc-iDC maturation. In vitro acute EtOH exposure also prevented alc-iDCs and control-iDCs from maturing in response to LPS. T-cell priming experiments showed that EtOH treatment prevented LPS-stimulated control-iDCs from priming and polarizing naïve allogeneic T cells into Th1 cells, thus favouring a predominant Th2 environment. Collectively, our results provide evidence that chronic and acute alcohol exposure prevents DCs from differentiating and maturing in response to a microbial stimulus.


Second-exciting surface-polasmon-polariton (SPP) interference lithography (SE-SPPIL) designed by an improving attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode is suggested for fabricating metal nanograting. A metal film coated under a prism excites SPP first, and then the SPP energy transmits into another metal film and launches SPP again. An interlayer between two metal films is a thin resist coated on the second metal film. An interference nanopattern is formed in the resist when two SPP waves are launched symmetrically. After development, chemical or physical etching, the nanopattern is transferred into the metal film. A random thickness metal grating can be achieved as the thickness of the second metal film does not influence the interference pattern intensity. This scheme is promising for fabricating metal nanograting at low cost.


This paper discusses the philosophical hypothesis, which claims that modern democratic culture based on individual consumption and culturally stressed consumerism functions as an almost purely economic phenomenon. It is proposed to treat this culture as the mythical validation of goals of eternal freedom and equality, finding a way of pooling modern people together and at the same time being a contradictory form of their management and control. The article ends with the conclusions about the necessity of searching for other ways to convincingly justify and normatively legitimise the practical implementation of egalitarian and libertarian cultural and political theories, especially trying to establish them as a norm throughout the entire world.


Root-knot nematodes are serious economic pathogens of horticultural and crop plants in sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world including Australia. The nematodes invade the roots and are able to induce the redifferentiation of root cells into multinucleate feeding cells called 'giant cells'. These feeding cells form by repeated mitosis without cytokinesis and develop wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells.

It is clear that the pronounced morphological and physiological changes associated with the formation of these specialised feeding cells are caused by altered gene expression in host cells. For this reason, the study of molecular responses induced in host cells by the pathogen will not only provide new information to the host-parasite relationship but could provide better options for control strategies.

Differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) was used as a tool to study changes in gene expression during the compatible interaction between tomatoes {Lycopersicon esculentum) and the root-knot nematode M javanica 25 days post-infection. A series of experiments were undertaken to develop this method, to improve sensitivity and reliability. Both short and long primers were used in the DD polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that long primers in combination with a two-step PCR and the use of 33P as the radio-labelled nucleotide greatly improved the sensitivity and reproducibility of the technique. In addition, sequence-specific primers, which were originally designed for analysis of specific genes could be used as 5' arbitrary primers, further expanding the number of primers that could potentially be used in DD. Using a total of 16 primer combinations, 25 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 12 were selected for further analysis.

Although DD has several advantages over other methods for isolating differentially expressed genes, it is also prone to artefacts. An efficient methodology was developed that enabled false positives to be discarded after the cloning step via a reverse Northern blot analysis. This involves probing the clones with labelled cDNAs from healthy and giant cell enriched tissues to differentiate between true and false positives. Clones harbouring truly differentially displayed bands were sequenced and semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to reconfirm their differential expression and to allow isolation of low abundance differential cDNAs. Use of the screening strategy described here led to the isolation of six cDNAs; three down-regulated (HA/HT1 and HAS) and three upregulated (IC1, IC9 and IA2) genes whose expression was as predicted by the display gels, whilst minimising the amount of RNA used.

In order to determine the transcriptional activity of the genes more precisely, a relative real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay was developed that provides a quick, sensitive and reliable method of measuring and analysing expression patterns of genes. The starting materials from both healthy and giant cell enriched tissues were normalised to their relative amounts of actin in a TaqMan PCR assay. The expression pattern of the differentially expressed genes was then determined at various time points after infection (3, 15, 25 and 30 days) using SYBR Green I dye as the fluorescent dye, in TaqMan PCR. In healthy tissues, the expression pattern of the genes did not show any marked developmental regulation over time. However, significant changes in their transcriptional activity were observed in the giant cell enriched tissues particularly between 3 and 15 days after infection. Overall, the transcriptional regulation of the genes was up to 10-fold except for IC9 and HA/HT1, which showed a 69-fold increase and 28-fold decrease respectively, by 15 days post-infection. The real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay can be used to provide information on gene expression over the lifetime of the nematode plant association, and promises to be very widely applicable to study other systems. These results also demonstrate the sensitivity of DD to isolate genes that show subtle changes in gene expression.

Of the six differentially expressed genes studied in detail, five were found to be of plant origin and one (IC1) was found to be of nematode origin. Database searches of these differentially expressed genes revealed that at the amino acid level, the deduced IA2 gene product shares 72% identity to cucumber basic protein (a plantacyanin). HA3 and IC1 showed weak similarity to Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor MYB59 and C. elegans cosmid C respectively. IC1 could be a nematode mRNA contamination or it could be part of the stylet component that the nematode injects inside the plant cells. If this results stands and it is not a contaminant of tissue preparation, the result is novel and could be highly significant. Transcripts HT1 and HA both showed very strong homology to the previously identified Lycopersicon esculentum RB7 gene and interestingly in this study, the level of its mRNA was found to be down-regulated during infection relative to control tissues. The full-length sequence of IC9 was determined by 5' RACE and its cDNA showed 58% identity with the gibberellin 2- oxidase protein from Piswn sativum, indicating the involvement of gibberellic acid in giant cell or gall formation. Because most of the genes identified represent the 3' noncoding regions of the mRNA or they are members of gene families for which the function is unknown, their significance of regulation is difficult to interpret without any further characterisation. Nevertheless, the results obtained are new, and add to the pattern of genes with altered expression in feeding cells.

The results presented in this thesis highlight the power of DD as a reliable, rapid and efficient method to systematically screen and identify differentially expressed genes in this system. The development of the SYBR Green PCR assay provides a novel approach to quantify native gene transcripts in giant cells compared to the use of a reporter gene assay. The genes isolated provide additional information on aspects of and function of nematode feeding cells. With the use of more primer combinations, many more genes transcriptionally regulated by the nematode can be revealed. This will lead to a better understanding of plant-nematode interactions and plant development, and may reveal ways to engineer sound and durable forms of synthetic resistance to the pathogen.


AIM
To obtain an efficient delivery system for transporting endostatin gene to mouse liver tumor xenografts by administration of aerosol.

METHODS
Recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.0/endostatin containing human endostatin gene together with signal peptide from alkaline phosphatase were transferred into human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) by transferrin(TF)-liposome-endostatin complex. Western blot was used to detect the expression of human endostatin in transfected HUVEC cells and its medium. After the tumor-bearing mice were administrated with TF-liposome-endostatin complex, the lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemical method for expression of endostatin and the tumors were treated with CD-31 antibody to detect the density of microvessels in tumor tissues. The inhibition of tumor growth was estimated by the weight of tumors from groups treated with different doses of TF-liposome-endostatin complex. DNA fragmentation assay was used to detect the apoptosis of the cells from primary liver tumor.

RESULTS
Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical method confirmed the expression of endostatin protein in vitro and in vivo. After the tumor sections were treated with CD-31 antibody, the positive reaction cells appeared brown while the negative cells were colorless. The positively stained area of the TF-liposome-endostatin treated group was significantly smaller (P<0.01, 645.8+/-55.2 microm(2)) than that of the control group (1 325.4+/-198.5 microm(2)). The data showed a significant inhibition of angiogenesis. After administration of TF-liposome-endostatin, comparing with the control group administrated with TF-liposome-pcDNA3.0, liver tumor growth in the mice treated with 50, 250 and 500 mg DNA/kg was inhibited by 36.6 %, 40.8 %, and 72.8 %, respectively (P<0.01). And a typical DNA fragmentation of apoptosis was found in the cells from tumor tissues of the mice treated with TF-liposome-endostatin but none in the control group.

CONCLUSION
Endostatin gene could be efficiently transported into the mice with TF-liposome-DNA delivery system by administration of aerosol. TF-liposome-mediated endostatin gene therapy strongly inhibited angiogenesis and the growth of mouse xenograft liver tumors. It also could promote the development of apoptosis of tumors without direct influence on tumor cells.


Intermodulation occurring in a guided wave acousto-optic spectrum analyser device has been observed experimentally for the case of two input signals of equal strength. Limited agreement with the existing theoretical model has been obtained and possible reasons for this are considered. Recommendations are made for more wide ranging experimental investigations and areas identified where additional analysis would be useful. Taken together these will enable the limitations of practical large bandwidth devices to be properly assessed.


NuSTAR observed G1.9+0.3, the youngest known supernova remnant in the Milky Way, for 350 ks and detected emission up to ∼30 keV. The remnant's X-ray morphology does not change significantly across the energy range from 3 to 20 keV. A combined fit between NuSTAR and Chandra shows that the spectrum steepens with energy. The spectral shape can be well fitted with synchrotron emission from a power-law electron energy distribution with an exponential cutoff with no additional features. It can also be described by a purely phenomenological model such as a broken power law or a power law with an exponential cutoff, though these descriptions lack physical motivation. Using a fixed radio flux at 1 GHz of 1.17 Jy for the synchrotron model, we get a column density of NH = (7.23 ± 0.07) × 1022 cm−2, a spectral index of α = 0.633 ± 0.003, and a roll-off frequency of νrolloff = (3.07 ± 0.18) × 1017 Hz. This can be explained by particle acceleration, to a maximum energy set by the finite remnant age, in a magnetic field of about 10 μG, for which our roll-off implies a maximum energy of about 100 TeV for both electrons and ions. Much higher magnetic-field strengths would produce an electron spectrum that was cut off by radiative losses, giving a much higher roll-off frequency that is independent of magnetic-field strength. In this case, ions could be accelerated to much higher energies. A search for 44Ti emission in the 67.9 keV line results in an upper limit of 1.5 × 10−5 photons cm−2 s−1 assuming a line width of 4.0 keV (1 sigma).


The paper overviews personality formation of the woman surgeon Vera Ignat'evna Gedroits (1870-1932), a follower of the world-famous Cesare Roux of Lausanne.


Regression models with a scalar response and a functional predictor have been extensively studied. One approach is to approximate the functional predictor using basis function or eigenfunction expansions. In the expansion, the coefficient vector can either be fixed or random. The random coefficient vector is also known as random effects and thus the regression models are in a mixed effects framework. The random effects provide a model for the within individual covariance of the observations. But it also introduces an additional parameter into the model, the covariance matrix of the random effects. This additional parameter complicates the covariance matrix of the observations. Possibly, the covariance parameters of the model are not identifiable. We study identifiability in normal linear mixed effects models. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions of identifiability, particularly, conditions of identifiability for the regression models with a scalar response and a functional predictor using random effects. We study the regression model using the eigenfunction expansion approach with random effects. We assume the random effects have a general covariance matrix and the observed values of the predictor are contaminated with measurement error. We propose methods of inference for the regression model's functional coefficient. As an application of the model, we analyze a biological data set to investigate the dependence of a mouse's wheel running distance on its body mass trajectory.


We compared death certificates for asbestos-associated diseases (mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis) in two asbestos workers' cohorts. One (insulation workers) had current or recent employment and a strong, continuing union support system which gave them much information about the effects of asbestos exposure. The second cohort, asbestos factory workers, had no such advantage. The factory had closed almost 30 years before, and its workers had dispersed into many areas of the state and nation. Accuracy of medical diagnosis was comparable in the two groups, but occupational listings were not. Three-quarters of the insulators' death certificates told of asbestos work, while virtually none of the factory workers' certificates provided such information, even for deaths of mesothelioma and asbestosis. The data indicate that disease categories, based on medical and pathological diagnoses, at least for asbestos-associated disease, tend to be accurate. Attempts to identify groups at risk by sorting occupational categories can give variable results, good for those with current exposures, much less satisfactory for those with long-past occupational exposures.


We provide an introduction to molecular dynamics simulations in the context of the Kob-Andersen model of a glass. We introduce a complete set of tools for doing and analyzing the results of simulations at fixed NVE and NVT. The modular format of the paper allows readers to select sections that meet their needs. We start with an introduction to molecular dynamics independent of the programming language, followed by introductions to an implementation using Python and then the freely available open source software package LAMMPS. We also describe analysis tools for the quick testing of the program during its development and compute the radial distribution function and the mean square displacement using both Python and LAMMPS.


By Alexus Curry, Neuroscience
 Advisor: Sarah Whitton
 Presentation ID: PM_A13
 Abstract: Studies have shown that a positive relationship between a child and their parent during childhood predicts that when that child reaches early adulthood, they will also have positive relationships with romantic partners. However, research suggests that there is a transition that takes place in the parent-child relationship when an adolescent becomes an emerging adult (Scheinfiled & Worely, 2018). Relational turbulence often occurs within the relationship between the parent and child during emerging adulthood. During this time, parents may begin to play less of a role on their children's romantic partnerships. Therefore, it is not clear if the quality of the parent-child relationship during emerging adulthood will be associated with concurrent romantic relationship quality. This study examines whether the quality of the relationship between emerging adults and their parents is associated with the quality of an emerging adult's romantic relationship. To test the hypothesis, we ran a correlation analysis between the parent-child relationship with investment size, satisfaction level and commitment in the romantic relationship. We expect parent-child relationship quality during emerging adulthood to be positively associated with romantic relationship quality during emerging adulthood. A sample of 484 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 who were currently involved in a dating relationship were administered an Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment survey, parent subscale, that assess an individual's perception of their relationships with parents. Our results showed that the parent-child relationship was positively correlated with satisfaction levels in the romantic relationship but not with investment or commitment levels.


Understanding how consciousness arises from neural activity remains one of the biggest challenges for neuroscience. Numerous theories have been proposed in recent years, each gaining independent empirical support. Currently, there is no comprehensive, quantitative and theory-neutral overview of the field that enables an evaluation of how theoretical frameworks interact with empirical research. We provide a bird's eye view on studies that interpreted their findings in light of at least one of four leading neuroscientific theories of consciousness (N=412 experiments), asking how methodological choices of the researchers might affect the final conclusions. We found that supporting a specific theory can be predicted solely from methodological choices, irrespective of findings. Furthermore, most studies interpret their findings post-hoc, rather than a-priori testing critical predictions of the theories. Our results highlight challenges for the field and provide researchers with a unique, open-access website to further analyze trends in the neuroscience of consciousness.


History of bamboo application in Suzhou gardens was reviewed respectively in three stages:Wei and Jin Dynasties,Tang and Song Dynasties,Ming and Qing Dynasties.Bamboo landscapes in such famous classical Suzhou gardens as Humble Administrator's Garden,Lion Forest,Master-of-Nets Garden and Pavilion of Surging Waves were introduced.Techniques of creating bamboo landscapes in classical Suzhou gardens were analyzed,centering on "pathways in bamboo woods winding to serenity","realization to truth","bamboo shadows on white wall","green bamboos and white stones","listening to bamboo breeze","misty bamboo woods",poetic and pictorial splendor and also musical rhythm of bamboo landscapes were highlighted.


Photoperiod-sensitive genic male-sterile (PSGMS) rice (Oryza sativa L.), a natural mutant found in the rice cultivar Nongken 58, is very useful for the development of hybrid rice cultivars. Despite its widespread use in breeding programs, the initial stage of the abortive development of PSGMS rice and the possible cytological mechanisms of pollen abortion have not been determined. In the present study, a systematic cytological comparison of the anther development of PSGMS rice with its normal fertile counterpart is conducted. The results show that pollen abortion in PSGMS rice first occurs before the pollen mother cell (PMC) stage, and continues during the entire process of pollen development until pollen degradation. The abortive process was closely associated with the abnormal behavior of the tapetum. Although tapetum degeneration in PSGMS rice initiates already at the PMC stage, it proceeds slowly and does not complete until the breakdown of the pollen. Such cytological observations were supported by the results of the TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay, which detects DNA fragmentation resulting from programmed cell death (PCD), indicating that the premature tapetum degeneration is in the process of PCD.


Due to the recent technological advancements in data collection, transmission and storage, the amount of data that is available in private or publically accessible databases is growing exponentially. In principle this data may enable individuals and organizations to make well-informed decisions and timely adapt to changing conditions. However, as datasets increase in size and complexity, it becomes more and more difficult to explore the data, select the relevant information, perceive patterns and interpret the data correctly to make the right decisions. Efficient and effective information visualization tools that allow a user to explore and understand the data in an intuitive manner may serve to achieve this goal. Dashboards are promising candidates for this purpose. Dashboards are graphical user interfaces consisting of different components, that organize and present information in a way that is supposedly easy to read and comprehend. The overall quality of dashboards depends on the quality of their components and the synergy between them. Because of their inherent complexity, determining the overall quality of dashboards is difficult. We are currently developing a framework to evaluate and optimize the performance of dashboards. Such a framework will enable the design of efficient and effective dashboards that provide users with an intuitive view on data. www.humanfactors.nl


Because of the current interest in the use of syngas in gas turbine applications, this article provides an overview of the fundamental combustion characteristics of H2/CO mixtures, with emphasis on ignition and flame propagation at high pressures. Specifically, the effects of pressure on the fundamental combustion properties, including auto-ignition delays, forced ignition limits, and laminar flame speeds, are demonstrated and discussed through several recent high-pressure experiments. The controlling reactions in ignition and flame propagation are identified. Through comparison of the newly obtained high-pressure experimental data and the computational results based on existing kinetic models, discrepancies in the rate parameters for the sensitive reactions are also discussed.


Within this study we have examined the self-reported benefits and shortcomings experienced by patients fitted with bone-anchored hearing aids using an open-ended approach developed for hearing aid users. Reports were obtained from 39 patients who, between them, listed 165 benefits and 105 shortcomings. Benefits and shortcomings could be sub-divided into four main groups: practical, acoustical, psychological and medical, in that order of frequency. The most commonly reported benefits included hearing better and clearer, ease of use, inconspicuousness, and the fact that it made the individual more confident. The main shortcomings were difficulties with the telephone, wind noise and hearing speech in noise.


This article addresses the challenges that media historians face when they aim to reconstruct the early history of YouTube. Since the platform is constantly adapting its policies, there is a great level of uncertainty as to what is still there or what is no longer traceable. Therefore, addressing the question if and/or how YouTube can be understood as an archive is crucial and, in addition, the issue of how YouTube related content can be used as historical sources. Although many people, including media scholars, treat YouTube like an online open access archive, there are reasons to be cautious. The article will explore strategies dealing with formal but also with informal web archival practices. These informal archival practices concern users who curate early YouTube videos, user profiles and comments or even old layout versions of the website. Developing methods that critically acknowledges user-generated archival practices, and uses the insights of early generation of users' reconstructions of the platform's history, even if it might seem anecdotal evidence, can lead to deeper knowledge of that early community. By actively participating in reconstructing YouTube's recent past these users shape nostalgic narratives while they also collect and share useful information that guide historians finding new traces.


Storage facilities are specifically for holding fish temporarily. To keep costs down, quite high stocking densities are used. This thesis project has been focused on the hypothesis that the storage and maintenance of Mediterranean fish species such as Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) at high densities could involve immune suppression. Very often, the intensive production of fish has the following constraints: water quality and density at which the fish are kept for fattening and breeding. These two factors and environmental characteristics such as temperature, salinity, pH, or photoperiod, determine productivity and therefore profits. In this sense, the manipulation of these parameters has reached the main goal: high productivity with low costs. However the presence of pathogens is implicitly tied to high density conditions. This environment facilitates the spread of infections (particularly opportunistic pathogens) that determine the main economic losses. For instance, Nodavirus has become a serious pathogen for a wide range of cultured marine fish species. Gilthead seabream and European sea bass are species of a high economic value cultured in the Mediterranean Sea. Gilthead seabream has been initially reported as an asymptomatic carrier of the disease. However, we have previously shown that sea bream can be experimentally susceptible to Nodavirus, depending upon the temperature and route of infection. Also, Gilthead seabream is often cultured in the Mediterranean in the vicinity of European seabass and other susceptible species, raising the possibility of cross infection. Photobacteriosis, also known as fish pasteurellosis or pseudotuberculosis, is a serious bacterial disease affecting Gilthead seabream, European seabass in the Mediterranean area. The aetiological agent of this disease is Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (syn. Pasteurella piscicida), a Gram-negative bipolar coccobacillus. It leads to the heaviest losses in aquaculture production of Mediterranean Aquaculture. In order to evaluate the effects on immune system under high density conditions, we compared the following situations: low-density or normal density (10 fish kg/m3) and high density (50 fish kg/m3). Moreover, it has been also studied the effect of infections either by bacteria (Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida) or virus (Nodavirus) in both density conditions. Thus, we tried to analyze the possible weakening of the immune response at plasma level. On the other hand we cloned and characterized the C3 protein of the Complement System. By the measure of transcript abundance of the C3 protein we indirectly measured the expression of C3 under different conditions. And in addition a transcriptomic analysis of liver was also performed in order to obtain a global interpretation of the whole hepatic response. To assess the immune system effectiveness at plasma level, we analyzed bacteriolytic activity, lysozyme activity, the haemolytic activity of the complement system (one of the most important systems of defence) and the gene expression of the key protein of this system, C3. We have found that bacteriolytic and haemolytic activities (which are mainly produced by the complement system) lysozyme activity and C3 mRNA abundance can be modified depending on the conditions of density and the presence or absence of pathogens. The immune response in terms of plasma parameters is clearly attenuated. To be able to confirm at the molecular level the previous results, we cloned and characterized for the first time the nucleotide C3 protein sequence in both species. In addition we have described two isoforms for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). We have observed the same pattern, with an initial non-specific response, as a warning and a subsequent response that becomes different if we analyze the different isoforms, first described at the level of mRNA. Results are reinforced by the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) hepatic transcriptomic analysis. We have corroborated a non-specific activation either in stress level or in immune level responses. Therefore and according to the results of this thesis, the density alone could not cause a significant modification of the analyzed immune parameters. The C3 haemolytic activity, lysozyme activity, bacteriolytic activity and C3 mRNA abundance did not seem to be altered due to density. However, the addition of pathogenic activity of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida and Nodavirus, showed a significant attenuation of the immune responses analyzed. Thus, the potential role of density as an aggravating factor of a possible infection has been reported.


We perform an analysis of all existing experimental data on the pion-photon transition form factor (TFF). In the calculation, we include the next-to-leading order correction to the valence-quark contribution and estimate the non-valence-quark contribution by a phenomenological model based on the TFF's limiting behavior at both Q2 → 0 and Q2 → ∞. At present, the pion distribution amplitude (DA) is not definitely determined, it is helpful to have a pion DA model that can mimic all the behaviors suggested in the literature. For the purpose, we adopt the conventional model for pion wavefunction/DA whose broadness is dominantly controlled by a single parameter B. We fix the DA parameters by using the CELLO, CLEO, BABAR and Belle data within small Q2 region (Q2 ≤ 15 GeV2), where all the data are consistent with each other. The pion-photon TFF is then extrapolated into a larger Q2 region. It is found that we still need more data at a large Q2 region in order to determine the precise value of B, and we hope that the definite behavior of pion DA can be concluded finally by the consistent data in the coming future.


By using fresh leukemia cells from 5 cases of acute monocytic leukemia M5 as in vitro model, we investigated the effects of recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (rhTGF-beta 1) on differentiation induction of fresh leukemia cells. The results indicated that after 6 days of induction with TGF-beta 1 in a concentration of 10 ng/ml, leukemia cells in 5 AML-M5 patients differentiated obviously to maturation. The proportion of monoblasts and premonocytes was reduced, while that of mature mononuclear cells elevated. Following administration of TGF-beta 1, alpha-nonspecific esterase (alpha-NSE), whose expression could be inhibited by sodium fluoride, remained positive and peroxidase (POX) was shown to be weakly positive. These results demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 may induce in vitro differentiation of fresh leukaemia cells, but the reactions to TGF-beta 1 may vary in different cases.


For 15 patients with refractory gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis, intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP) using mitomycin C combined with extensive surgery was prescribed. The antitumor effects were assessed cytohistologically in pre‐IPHP and post‐IPHP specimens of the abdominal effusion and peritoneal tissue. Gastric cancer cells in the abdominal effusion and/or lavage vanished from post‐IPHP peritoneal exudate obtained from the pouch of Douglas. Peritoneal tissues from nine patients were harvested just after the IPHP treatment. All the nuclei of cancer cells were pyknotic in three of nine patients, and two of these three patients are alive with no local recurrence; one patient died of hepatic metastasis. In the remaining six patients, four with preoperative ascitic effusion and positive post‐IPHP histologic findings died of peritoneal, intraabdominal, and pericardial metastases. The other two had some residual microscopic foci in the subperitoneal deep layer; one patient died of pleural recurrence, and the other is alive with no evidence of recurrence 42 months after the IPHP. Among the other six patients, whose post‐IPHP peritoneal tissues were not available because of disappearance of disseminating foci as a result of the IPHP, two are living with no recurrence and, of the remaining four patients, three died of hepatic and intraabdominal metastases and the other one died of other causes. The histologic findings are suggestive of the following: (1) uniform heat and drug distribution in the abdominal cavity with IPHP treatment, except for an area adjacent to the inflow point of the perfusate; and (2) limited penetration of heat and drug through the subperitoneal layer. Thus, IPHP treatment results in complete destruction of cancer cells in the abdominal effusion and on and just beneath the peritoneum.


Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTI) has made treatment options limited. The use of fosfomycin along with other drug combination can significantly address this problem. Our study aimed to identify the rate of resistance among uropathogens and their susceptibility patterns to fosfomycin along with other antibacterial agents. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Jinnah Sindh Medical University in collaboration with Dr. Tahir Laboratory, Karachi. A total of 146 urine samples were included which were processed for antibacterial susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and rate of resistance for antibacterial agents especially fosfomycin were recorded. The statistical analysis was performed by using Chi squared tests and p>0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study reported lowest rate of resistance for fosfomycin among Escherichia coli 3(5.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 7(14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9(22.5%) in comparison with ampicillin, which showed resistance in 43(76.8%), 41(82%) and 39(97.5%) cases of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa respectively. The subgroup carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producers were seen noticeably high in P. aeruginosa. Overall, the female to male ratio was 1.4:1 (87/59), showing female preponderance (p=0.02). A majority of patients belonged to adult age group (61.6%) followed by senior adults (23.2%, p=0.05). Conclusion: High levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics were observed. The increasing rate of resistance among Enterobacteriaceae to cephalosporin and ampicillin is an alarming situation. In this context, fosfomycin is an interesting alternative option in treatment of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.


Three experiments were carried out to assess the potential effectiveness of videotelephony as an adjunctive aid to speech reception by the hard of hearing. The experimental procedure consisted of audio-only and audio-visual presentation of standard prerecorded sentences to hard-of-hearing subjects who subsequently had to repeat as many words as possible. The percentage of correctly reported syllables was taken as the speech reception score. Several independent variables related to picture quality parameters. The temporal resolution (frame rate) and the spatial resolution of the video image were the most important of these. The spatial resolutions were QCIF (180*144 pixels) and 1CIF (360*288 pixels), and for both these resolutions the image was processed through a 64-kb/s codec. >


An electrical and physical design power optimization methodology and design techniques developed to create an ARM 1136SF-S microprocessor in 9Onm standard CMOS are presented. A 40% reduction in power dissipation has been achieved while maintaining a 355 MHz operating clock rate under typical conditions. Functional and electrical design requirements were achieved with the first silicon


This paper has three goals. First, to build and publish a transparent Social Accounting Matrix, based on the 2008 Input-Output Table of Mexico. Second, to develop a parsimonious Applied General Equilibrium Model (AGEM), which can be modified, and applied to other research purposes. And third, to apply this AGEM to the analysis of taxes on hydrocarbons extraction, given their importance for public budget and recent energy reforms. Specifically, we analyze an increase in Households Income Taxes that would collect the same amount of money, while we diminish taxes on hydrocarbons extraction. Our main results show that income tax would have to triple in order to compensate for diminished taxes on hydrocarbons extraction, and that the first four deciles would benefit with a positive HEV (given the progressive structure of the Income tax), but deciles from V to X would suffer a severe loss, which would overcome low income deciles gains by far.


The role of the nursing profession in the multidisciplinary specialty of neurological rehabilitation has not been clearly defined in the United Kingdom. A qualitative exploratory study was performed in a highly specialized neurological rehabilitation unit. Nine registered nurses having at least 1 year of experience in this setting were interviewed in a semistructured manner. Transcripts of the interviews were subjected to a theme analysis. Three main themes emerged in relation to the role of the nurse. The first theme referred to actions directly related to patient care. This theme included four concepts: the promotion of patient independence, routine tasks, the management of patient care, and counseling. The second theme involved the organizational issues that influence practice. Nurse opinions and views of their roles formed the third theme. The subjects' views identified skills specific to neurological rehabilitation nursing and areas for further exploration.


Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare disorder that may be classified as congenital, acquired, or idiopathic, in the case of unclear etiology. When associated with severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, such a case of PAA may present to the operating room as an indication for lung transplantation. In this article, we present such a case of a patient with a giant main and right PAA that underwent a double lung transplant. We describe the pathophysiology and natural course of this PAA and discuss the role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in the management of patients with this rare diagnosis.


Abstract Professional pharmaceutical services may impact on patient's health behaviour as well as influence on patients' perceptions of the pharmacist image. The Health Belief Model predicts health-related behaviours using patients' beliefs. However, health beliefs (HBs) could transcend beyond predicting health behaviour and may have an impact on the patients' perceptions of the pharmacist image. This study objective was to develop and test a model that relates patients' HBs to patient's perception of the image of the pharmacist, and to assess if the provision of pharmacy services (Intervention group-IG) influences this perception compared to usual care (Control group). A qualitative study was undertaken and a questionnaire was created for the development of the model. The content, dimensions, validity and reliability of the questionnaire were pre-tested qualitatively and in a pilot mail survey. The reliability and validity of the proposed model were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to explain relationships between dimensions of the final model and to analyse differences between groups. As a result, a final model was developed. CFA concluded that the model was valid and reliable (Goodness of Fit indices: x²(80) = 125.726, p = .001, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .04, GFI = .997, NFI = .93, CFI = .974). SEM indicated that 'Perceived benefits' were significantly associated with 'Perceived Pharmacist Image' in the whole sample. Differences were found in the IG with also 'Self-efficacy' significantly influencing 'Perceived pharmacist image'. A model of patients' HBs related to their image of the pharmacist was developed and tested. When pharmacists deliver professional services, these services modify some patients' HBs that in turn influence public perception of the pharmacist.


The company history of a newspaper company raises new questions about the genre of company histories. Who reads them? What features should readers and researchers be aware of when using them as a source? This article examines the shashi of the Chugoku Shinbun, the Hiroshima regional newspaper. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 were significant because of their perceived role in bringing World War II to an end and in signaling the start of the nuclear age. Most research to date has emphasized the role of national newspapers and the international media in informing the public about the extent of the damage and generating a framework within which to understand. I compare the representation of three key events in the Chugoku Shinbun company history ( shashi ) to those in two national newspapers (Asahi and Yomiuri), as well as the ways that the Hiroshima company's 100 th and 120 th year self-presentations reveal important concerns of the region and the nation, and motivations in going public with its shashi . These comparisons will reveal some of the merits and limits of using shashi in research. This article is part of a larger study on the work of the influence of regional press and publishers on literature in twentieth-century Japan.


Seen everywhere from posters to coffee mugs, Winston Churchill's words remain a source of public fascination over fifty years after his death. Through a study of the evolution of Churchill's ethos construction in the speeches he gave before and during World War II, this article examines the link between Churchill's continued cultural relevance and his persuasive power. Using the theory of prophetic ethos as a conceptual framework, this essay analyzes the changes in Churchill's tone, style, and word choice between speeches given before and after he became prime minister, concluding that he adopted a prophetic rhetoric. By embodying a prophetic persona, Churchill persuaded the British public to share his vision of Britain's eventual victory over Nazi Germany.


In this study the catalytic properties of gold nanoparticles in electro-oxidation process of glucose, were investigated, taking into account, an influence of catalyst composition. Graphene oxide was applied and for electro-oxidation studies of glucose, cyclic voltamperometry was used. It was found that an application of graphene oxide sheets during catalyst synthesis have an influence on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) size and size distribution. It was confirmed that the application of composite catalyst consisting of graphane-AuNPs significantly changes electro-oxidation of glucose shifting the potential of oxidation to higher positive values and increasing oxidation current.


We have used STM to observe changes in surface structure during the reaction of formic acid and methanol with oxygen precovered Cu(110). The reactivity pattern of oxygen on Cu(110) is strongly coverage and reactant dependent. This is partly due to the nature of the p(2 1) oxygen layer itself, which is an added row structure consisting of Cu-O chains in the (001) direction. Cu is unstable at the end of these chains and seeks an alternative, stable location during reactions. With methanol this location is associated with the methoxy layer itself. Formate resulting from formic acid adsorption, however, prefers to bond to the original surface layer, leaving the Cu atoms to diffuse elsewhere. If the surface is partially covered by oxygen this 'elsewhere' is the step, where Cu builds up between the diminishing O islands creating a sawtooth structure. When the surface is fully covered by the p(2 1) layer, however, the copper can only diffuse over the (2 1) layer itself, where it is converted into the higher coverage c(6 2) structure by rearrangement and compression of the original p(2 1) layer.


Objective To test the hypothesis that IQ is a fundamental cause of socioeconomic inequalities in health. Design Cross sectional and prospective cohort study, in which indicators of IQ were assessed by written test and socioeconomic position by self report. Setting West of Scotland. Participants 1347 people (739 women) aged 56 in 1987. Main outcome measures Total mortality and coronary heart disease mortality (ascertained between 1987 and 2004); respiratory function, self reported minor psychiatric morbidity, long term illness, and self perceived health (all assessed in 1988). Results In sex adjusted analyses, indices of socioeconomic position (childhood and current social class, education, income, and area deprivation) were significantly associated with each health outcome. Thus the greatest risk of ill health and mortality was evident in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, as expected. After adjustment for IQ, a marked attenuation in risk occurred for poor mental health (range of attenuation in risk ratio across the five socioeconomic indicators: 15-58%), long term illness (25-53%), poor self perceived health (41-56%), respiratory function (44-66%), coronary heart disease mortality (31-111%), and total mortality (45-131%). Despite the clear reduction in the magnitude of these effects after controlling for IQ, in half of the associations examined the risk of ill health in socioeconomically disadvantaged people was still at least twice that of advantaged people. Statistical significance was lost for only 5/25 separate socioeconomic health gradients that showed significant relations in sex adjusted analyses. Conclusions Scores from the IQ test used here did not completely explain the socioeconomic gradients in health. However, controlling for IQ did lead to a marked reduction in the magnitude of these gradients. Further exploration of the currently scant information about IQ, socioeconomic position, and health is needed.


New 2-(4-arylpiperazine-1-yl)-N-[4-(2-(4-substituted phenyl)thiazol-4-yl)phenyl]acetamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activities. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the compounds were found weak contrary to expectations. It is unlikely that antifungal activity of the compounds was found significant, especially against Candida parapsilosis.