The first reaction of this pathway, the formation of 3-deoxy-~-arabinoheptulosonic acid 7-phosphate (DAHP) is catalyzed in E. coli by three separable DAHP synthetases (DOY and BROWN 1965; WALLACE and PITTARD 1967a, b). One DAHP synthetase is feedback-inhibited almost completely by phenylalanine and partially by tyrosine; another is inhibited almost completely by tyrosine. The third DAHP synthetase is not inhibited by any one of the aromatic amino acids but there is some evidence that it may be partially inhibited by tryptophan (DOY 1967; BROWN unpublished results). Earlier experiments in E. coli W (BROWN and DOY 1966) had shown that the phenylalanine-inhibited DAHP synthetase is repressed by exogenous phenylalanine or tryptophan while the tyrosine-inhibited DAHP synthetase is repressed by low concentrations of exogenous tyrosine and by high conceiitrations of phenylalanine or tryptophan. In these experiments the possibility of multivalent repression of DAHP synthetase could not be directly tested. The present paper reports similar repression properties for wild-type E. coli K12. In addition, experimentation lwith aromatic auxotrophs of E. coli K12 in the chemostat reveals multivalent repression of one of the DAHP synthetases. Repression of several other enzymes of the aromatic pathway is also reported as a preliminary to obtaining an integrated picture of repression for the whole aromatic pathway. The occurrence of three discrete DAHP synthetases, each regulated in a specific fashion by feedback inhibition and repression, raised the possibility of separate structural and regulatory genes for these enzymes and prompted the genetic and biochemical studies reported here. Two classes of mutants lacking individual DAHP synthetases were obtained by applying the principle that, if the activity of two of the three DAHP synthetases could be minimized through feedback inhibition and repression by two of the aromatic amino acids, then a mutation affecting the third DAHP synthetase would result in a requirement for the third aromatic amino acid. Such mutants require one of the aromatic amino acids when the other two aromatic amino acids are present but do not require it (when the other two amino acids in Figure 1.


Sexual contact is the main route of transmission of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) pandemic in China. New unique recombinant forms (URFs) were increasingly characterized in sexual populations in recent years. We reported two URFs identified from two male HIV-1-positive patients who were infected through sexual exposure in Shaanxi, China. Phylogenetic analyses and bootscan analyses revealed that the near full-length genomes of the two URFs were having four recombinant breakpoints, with two CRF07_BC fragments inserted into CRF01_AE backbones. The CRF01_AE fragments of the two URFs clustered with previously reported a cluster 5 lineage of CRF01_AE. The four recombinant breakpoints of the two URFs were quite similar. The emergence of the new CRF01_AE/07_BC URFs indicated the complexity genetic variability and the active epidemic of HIV-1. Much more attention should be paid to monitor the emergency of recombinant strains.


Background: Aflatoxins are the potent carcinogens; mainly formed by species Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are frequently present in different food entities. The aim of the study was to determine aflatoxin contamination levels in brown and white rice samples and to check the environmental temperature effect on aflatoxin concentration during storage. Materials and methods: The present study entails the comparative analysis of brown and white rice for Aflatoxin B1 contamination. The rice samples were collected from rice supplying companies of Punjab Province of Pakistan during 6 months i.e. June 2016-November 2016. Aflatoxin B1 was analyzed by thin layer chromatography technique. Among total 150 samples, 90 samples were white rice and 60 samples were brown rice. Results: AFB1 was detected in 67% of total brown rice samples and 56% of total white rice samples. Among contaminated brown rice; 43% samples were unfit i.e. beyond EU permissible limits while 24% were found fit i.e. within EU permissible limits. In white contaminated rice; 23% were unfit while 33% samples were fit. The results show a miserable condition of the both brown and white rice samples. Percentage analysis shows that brown rice samples were more contaminated with AFB1 as compared to white rice. Temperature effects on aflatoxin contamination in brown and white rice samples during storage was studied by dividing 6 months in three groups i.e. hot, humid and cold. It was shown that brown rice were not affected by temperature variation during storage while white rice samples were not properly stored and show maximum contamination in humid environment than hot and cold. Conclusion: It is direly needed to implement strict quality checks during pre harvest and post harvest practices to make rice safe for human consumption.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of extended spectrum b-lactamase at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to compare the ability of the disc diffusion, double disc potentiation methods and the extended-spectrum b-lactamase E test to detect exended-spectrum b-lactamase among enterobacteriaceae.

METHODS
This study was undertaken during the time period period January 1 through to September 30 1999, at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 187 multiresistant isolates of enterobacteriacae from different clinical specimens were tested for the extended-spectrum b-lactamases. The performance of disc diffusion, double disc potentiation methods using cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and aztreonamand the extended-spectrum b-lactamase E based on the reduction of the minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftazidime in the presence of clavulanic acid were compared for the detection of extended-spectrum b-lactamase production.

RESULTS
Thirty six percent of our isolates produced extended-spectrum b-lactamases. Among these 42% were Klebsiella pneumoniae and 20% were Escherichia coli. Other species of Enterobacteriaceae produced extended-spectrum b-lactamase in low numbers. Disc diffusion method was not suitable for detecting extended-spectrum b-lactamases among the isolates. Double disc potentiation performed comparably well with the extended-spectrum b-lactamases E test.

CONCLUSION
Extended-spectrum b-lactamases occurs in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli at a significant number. The use of double disc potentiation method for screening is practical and the extended-spectrum b-lactamase E test with ceftazidime is a useful confirmatory test for extended-spectrum b-lactamase production.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE is providing new client-service opportunities for CPA firms because clients need just as much help as ever, with basic installation and weekly bookkeeping to higher-value accounting, financial reporting and management consulting. * THE MARKET FOR ENTRY-LEVEL ACCOUNTING software is large because there are so many small businesses. A handful of multinational companies dominate the production of bookkeeping and accounting software. A CPA's success in this niche requires him or her to learn about the products and their manufacturers. * FEW CPAs MAKE MONEY IN SOFTWARE, and some provide it to clients free or at cost yet make money by supporting the program. * THERE ARE THREE BASIC TYPES of accounting software engagements: The new business setup (practitioners help a startup choose, install and operate a new accounting system); system management (accountants oversee the bookkeeping, produce monthly reports and meet with management on a regular basis); and the rescue or recovery (a CPA is called in to clean up data entries or establish a new and workable operation). * TODAY'S SOFTWARE IS STABLE AND RELIABLE, so much so, in fact, that clients get lulled into a false sense of security that their books may be as trouble-free as their technology. A CPA's success in this niche necessitates a thorough knowledge of small business issues. * A RELIABLE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM CAN provide a sharp-eyed CPA with a multitude of business insights about a client's staffing needs, compensation issues, redundant processes, marketing opportunities, e-commerce and process improvement. When low-priced accounting software was first introduced, some CPAs feared that do-it-yourself-minded clients would replace their traditional services such as monthly write-up with cheap and easy-to-use automated packages. Instead, they find business owners need just as much help as ever--from assistance with basic installation and solutions for a range of setup problems to higher-value CPA services, financial reporting and management consulting. In fact, the widespread popularity of entry-level small business accounting software appears to be providing practitioners with fresh client-service opportunities. The software may be cheap, but the catch For owners is that learning how to use it correctly requires an investment in training. "You've got to let the client know that," says John McCabe, CPA, sole owner of the four-person John E. McCabe, CPA, PC, a firm his grandfather founded, in Norcross, Georgia. "I tell clients, 'You can pay me now to go through the proper setup with you, or you can pay me later when something goes wrong,'" he says. McCabe's firm makes money from providing small business clients services connected to the administration of entry-level accounting software. This article explains how he and many like him are doing it. SPECIALIZATION AND EXPERTISE The small business market for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting software is huge. According to the Census Bureau, there are 5 million companies with 20 or fewer employees and annual revenue of $5 million or less. The major, global technology companies--discerning that all businesses have books to keep--set their sights on that software market early, and a few now dominate production for it. A CPA's success in this niche requires him or her to learn about those products and the fitness of the companies that manufacture them. Besides understanding clients' needs and characteristics and the particular software's operating features, the practitioner must evaluate each vendor's business viability; strategic plans and capacity to deliver ongoing support. (For more information see "Vendors," page 70, and "A Strategy for Finding the Right Accounting Software," JofA, Sep.03, page 39.) Ilene Eisen, CPA, CITP, of ie Solutions in Monterey, California, says practitioners should take a sensible approach to building entry-level software business and specialize only in a small number of products. …


Modelling and simulation represent well established approaches when analyzing systems' properties, their behaviour, predicting possible scenarios, or estimating potential results or responses when influencing the observed system (Cellier, 1991; Cassandras & Lafortune, 1999; Cellier & Kofman, 2006; D'Inverno & Luck, 2010). Such knowledge organization about a given problem can help in its presentation, understanding, explanation and it is also frequently used through system design (Matko et al., 1992). Modelling and model usage can be classified and/or chosen as methodology regarding different criteria which can in addition be interdependent due to important activities needed in such situations. Criteria can represent the way of data collecting, their form and degree of confidence, model structure and possibilities of model experimentations, the level of problem abstraction and its aggregation, the selection of time granulation, etc. One of the most important aspect (in spite of the fact that it is often not mentioned) which has to be taken into account, is also the goal of modelling which should lead the designer through the whole procedure of model development, its interpretation and experimentation. The last two facts are very important also for the user of developed model. This is perhaps also one of important reasons why very different mathematical approaches and descriptions are used, where the disciplines like medicine, pharmacy and the life sciences are no exception (Hoppensteadt & Peskin, 2002; Atanasijevic-Kunc et al., 2008a; Stahl, 2008; Belic, 2009; Arnold 2010). This is true even in the cases where the same problem, like certain disease development (diabetes for example) is observed. Here the following questions can arise: Which presented or known model regarding certain problem (disease) is the most important or relevant one? Should this model be chosen in all situations? Can different modelling structures, descriptions or approaches predict the same or very similar results? When there is a need to develop a new approach or problem description? Is it possible to benefit from the usage of several different descriptions of the same problem? If the answer to the previous question is positive, it can be important also to find out, how different descriptions or models can share their results and/or complement each other?


A new route is developed to control the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a novel pyridyl-ended porphyrin-oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) conjugated oligomer (P-OPV-Py) into branched-rods, chain-networks, uniform fractal-like Au clusters, and larger nanoparticles. The techniques of optical spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used to characterize the self-assembly in various solvent systems (pure toluene, CHCl(3)/toluene, THF/toluene and n-butanol/toluene). A combination of the ligand/AuNPs molar ratio and relative concentration serves as the driving force to control the size and shape of P-OPV-Py capped AuNPs.


Abstract The regional tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the offshore SE Mediterranean passive margin is evaluated using detailed 2D seismic interpretations. New models for the development of the margin are proposed in the context of the break-up of northern Gondwana and the subsequent evolution of the southern Neotethys Ocean. The SE Mediterranean margin is segmented into distinct rift and transform-dominated tectonic domains as a consequence of multiple phases of rifting and continental break-up during the Middle Triassic–Middle Jurassic (c. 240–170 Ma) and the Late Jurassic–Mid-Cretaceous (c. 145–93 Ma), controlled by reactivation of pre-existing Pan-African basement fabrics and shear zones in varying regional stress fields. The pre-existing basement-involved extensional fault systems were repeatedly reactivated during major phases of inversion in the late Santonian–Maastrichtian (c. 84–65 Ma) and Middle–Late Eocene (c. 49–37 Ma) and episodes of mild inversion during the Oligocene–Early Pleistocene, as a consequence of the convergence of the African–Arabian and Eurasian plates and closure of the Neotethys oceans. The inversion history was fundamentally controlled by the structure and along-strike segmentation of the margin inherited from Neotethyan rifting.


The authors study the stability of motion in the form of travelling waves in lattice models of unbounded multi-dimensional and multi-component media with a nonlinear prime term and small coupling depending on a finite number of space coordinates. Under certain conditions on the nonlinear term we show that the set of travelling waves running with the same sufficiently large velocity forms a finite-dimensional submanifold in infinite-dimensional phase space endowed with a special metric with weights. It is 'almost' stable and contains a finite-dimensional strongly hyperbolic subset invariant under both evolution operator and space translations.


We describe a new electrochemical cycle that enables capture and release of carbon dioxide. The capture agent is benzylthiolate (RS-), generated electrochemically by reduction of benzyldisulfide (RSSR). Reaction of RS- with CO2 produces a terminal, sulfur-bound monothiocarbonate, RSCO2-, which acts as the CO2 carrier species, much the same as a carbamate serves as the CO2 carrier for amine-based capture strategies. Oxidation of the thiocarbonate releases CO2 and regenerates RSSR. The newly reported S-benzylthiocarbonate (IUPAC name benzylsulfanylformate) is characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR, and electrochemical analysis. The capture-release cycle is studied in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMP TFSI) and dimethylformamide. Quantum chemical calculations give a binding energy of CO2 to benzyl thiolate of -66.3 kJ mol-1, consistent with the experimental observation of formation of a stable CO2 adduct. The data described here represent the first report of electrochemical behavior of a sulfur-bound terminal thiocarbonate.


The improper regulation of angiogenesis is implicit in a variety of diseases, including cancer. Angiogenin is unique among angiogenic factors in having ribonucleolytic activity. Inhibitors of this activity could serve as chemotherapeutics. The ribonucleolytic activity of angiogenin is toxic to the Origami strain of Escherichia coli. Herein, this cytotoxicity was used to identify inhibitors from a random nonapeptide library tethered to the C-terminus of human angiogenin. The selected sequences fell into three classes: (i) extremely hydrophobic, (ii) putative protease (ClpXP) substrates and (iii) slightly anionic. Two peptides corresponding to sequences in the last class were synthesized chemically and found to inhibit the ribonucleolytic activity of human angiogenin in vitro with micromolar values of Ki. Both peptides also inhibit bovine pancreatic ribonuclease, a homolog of angiogenin, though one exhibits selectivity for angiogenin. The affinity and selectivity of these peptides are comparable with the best known inhibitors of angiogenin. Moreover, the strategy used to identify them is general and could be applied to other cytotoxins.


People interacting with voice assistants are often frustrated by voice assistants' frequent errors and inability to respond to backchannel cues. We introduce an open-source video dataset of 21 participants' interactions with a voice assistant, and explore the possibility of using this dataset to enable automatic error recognition to inform self-repair. The dataset includes clipped and labeled videos of participants' faces during free-form interactions with the voice assistant from the smart speaker's perspective. To validate our dataset, we emulated a machine learning classifier by asking crowdsourced workers to recognize voice assistant errors from watching soundless video clips of participants' reactions. We found trends suggesting it is possible to determine the voice assistant's performance from a participant's facial reaction alone. This work posits elicited datasets of interactive responses as a key step towards improving error recognition for repair for voice assistants in a wide variety of applications.


We consider the impact of trading fees on the profits of arbitrageurs trading against an automated marker marker (AMM) or, equivalently, on the adverse selection incurred by liquidity providers due to arbitrage. We extend the model of Milionis et al. [2022] for a general class of two asset AMMs to both introduce fees and discrete Poisson block generation times. In our setting, we are able to compute the expected instantaneous rate of arbitrage profit in closed form. When the fees are low, in the fast block asymptotic regime, the impact of fees takes a particularly simple form: fees simply scale down arbitrage profits by the fraction of time that an arriving arbitrageur finds a profitable trade.


The major environmental impact of concrete comes from the CO2 emissions, produced during the cement manufacturing process. The main goal of this research project is to evaluate the efficiency of limestone powder as a partial cement replacement, in order to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This study utilizes limestone powders, with different particle sizes, to replace a portion of Portland cement using various ratios. Due to the dilution effect when partially replacing cement, there is a reduction in the concrete's physical properties. To assess the dilution effect, a modification to Feret's equation is used to calculate an efficiency factor for the limestone powder when compared to cement. To measure the environmental impact, a life cycle assessment is conducted on concrete made with limestone powder combined with cement. This allows for an evaluation of the various cement/limestone powder ratios that will maximize the environmental benefit, with minimal reduction in concrete strength. Additional microstructural analysis using petrographic examination was completed to provide a visual understanding of the distribution of the limestone particles within the cement paste. The results indicate that the efficiency of limestone powder in partially replacing cement can be achieved by particle packing and particle distribution in the concrete and the benefits of emission reductions exceed the loss in compressive strength when higher levels of limestone powder is used to replace cement.


A 70 year old man with hypertension underwent echocardiography for an asymptomatic murmur and was found to have aortic valve sclerosis. Over the next eight years, annual echocardiography showed progressive valve calcification with an increase in transaortic velocity and pressure gradient and a decrease in valve area. He eventually developed decreased exercise tolerance and was referred for aortic valve replacement. The purpose of this interactive case presentation is to illustrate the diagnosis and clinical implications of aortic valve sclerosis and the progression of sclerosis to significant stenosis, and its appropriate diagnosis and management.


Longitudinal magnetoresistance has been measured for various sizes of pure bismuth single crystals in magnetic fields up to 5 T at a temperature of 4.2K in order to investigate the sample size dependence of the longitudinal Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillation. The samples used were sticks with regular square cross section elongate along the bisectrix axis of bismuth. Dimensions of the samples were in the range of 0.80 - 3.8 mm thick and about 20 mm long. When the sample thickness d ≤ 2.5 mm, the amplitude of the longitudinal SdH oscillation reduces rapidly, while d ≥ 2.5 mm it tends to saturate. This can be qualitatively explained by assuming that the gradient of carrier concentrations, even in the case of longitudinal magnetoresistance, is established near at surface by a balance of the Lorentz force, the counter diffusion force and the generation and recombination of carriers. The surface recombination time obtained from our data was found to be 2.6 x 10-7 sec. The fact that the non-oscillatory part of magnetoresistance became gradually less in magnitude with decreasing in sample size was also found.


The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of non-invasive prenatal genetic diagnosis of β-thalassemia with small fragments of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in peripheral blood of pregnant women. It was an observational study carried out at Department of Obstetrics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China, from January 2016 to March 2018. A total of 40 pregnant women, who were likely to give birth to babies with severe β-thalassemia, were selected, and β-globin genotype of the fetus was non-invasively detected by cffDNA in peripheral blood of their mothers. Small fragments of cffDNA from all specimens were successfully amplified. Compared with the results of traumatic prenatal diagnosis, 37 cases (92.50%) were diagnosed and 3 cases (7.50%) were misdiagnosed. The cffDNA in maternal plasma can be used for non-invasive prenatal genetic diagnosis of β-thalassemia, and is worthy of promotion.


Nighttime images of a scene from a surveillance camera have lower contrast and higher noise than their corresponding daytime images of the same scene due to low illumination. Denighting is an image enhancement method for improving nighttime images, so that they are closer to those that would have been taken during daytime. The method exploits the fact that background images of the same scene have been captured all day long with a much higher quality. We present several results of the enhancement of low quality nighttime images using denighting.


The concept of Quality Layers (QL) has been adopted in the SVC standard in order to ensure optimal rate adaptation of pre-coded video in the rate-distortion sense [1]. We have previously extended QL to multiview scalable video for efficient transport of 3DTV over the Internet [2]. However, it is not possible to use the QL method in applications that require real-time encoding since priority determination process assumes the availability of the whole stereo video sequence. In this work, a Viterbi-like on-line, joint optimization of right and left view rate-adaptation is proposed for real-time scalable stereo video coding (with one GoP delay). We assume that the encoder/extractor is aware of the available dynamic network bandwidth in order to perform rate-distortion optimized MGS layer selection for each GoP. Experimental results show that the performance of proposed on-line method is comparable to that of QL that would require the whole stereo sequence.


The authors describe the case of mesiodens in two non-identical twins and in their grandfather. They recall that, although no investigation confirmed the hereditary nature of the mesiodens, it is quite undeniable in view of the frequency of familial cases. They think there is a recessive gene on an autosome and a gene on the inhibiting chromosome X. They discount the theory of mutation.


This thesis investigates the application of crime linkage to sexual assaults with an adult sample where the offender is a stranger to the victim. Chapter 1 gives an overview of crime linkage and sexual offending. Additionally, it examines the theories that crime linkage is based on, with focus on situations that may impact on the effectiveness and usefulness of crime linkage. Chapter 2 compares serial and one-off sexual offenders; finding that there is almost little difference between the behaviours during an offence. Chapter 3 tests the two basic assumptions of crime linkage; behavioural consistency and distinctiveness. Using a larger sample than most current research, and then extending the dataset to include one-off offenders, excellent levels of predictive accuracy were achieved, thus providing support for the assumptions underpinning crime linkage. Chapter 4 test if the stage during the sexual offences has an impact on the predictive accuracy of the behaviours. However, the complete sample of behaviours still performed best. Chapter 5 investigates the performance of five different similarity coefficients with crime linkage analysis. None of the coefficients significantly outperformed the current one. Chapter 6 concludes the thesis, summarises the findings, and discusses the implications on both academic and practical applications of crime linkage.


The use of high plasma density and low gas density, a recent trend in plasma-assisted materials processing, requires a particle simulation method for plasmas and gas flows. The kinetic theory basis of the particle simulation method is first described. Based on this theoretical viewpoint, state-of-the-art probabilistic treatments of collisions are described for electron-molecule, ion-molecule, molecule-molecule, and Coulomb collisions.


Naturally split DnaE intein from Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) has robust protein trans-splicing activity and high tolerance of sequence variations at the splicing junctions. We determined the solution structure of a single chain variant of NpuDnaE intein by NMR spectroscopy. Based on the NMR structure and the backbone dynamics of the single chain NpuDnaE intein, we designed a functional split variant of the NpuDnaE intein having a short C-terminal half (C-intein) composed of six residues. In vivo and in vitro protein ligation of model proteins by the newly designed split intein were demonstrated.


Abstract Establishing and managing trees under urban conditions provide a lesson in opposing needs within limited spaces. In the same soil volume, there are competing requirements for pavement support versus biological carrying capacity. Media to support both pavements and tree growth have been used for decades. However, with several media designs being advanced and discussed, there is limited research testing to inform mix design when new component sources are considered, or when comparing different components and mixtures. Designed media need to perform an engineering function immediately, but trees require time for growth to reach the designed service size. Therefore, there is a need to understand fundamental trends prior to waiting decades for tree performance evaluation. A common evaluation rubric needs to be developed in order to compare successful and unsuccessful systems and to better target mix designs of locally available materials. The media discussed in this article is a group that establishes an aggregate skeletal matrix for load bearing with an added horticultural component for tree root growth within the matrix. To understand both matrix development for load bearing and the critical soil component for tree biotic capacity, one convenient media evaluation method would be a voids analysis based on a four-component system of air, water, soil, and aggregate. A further adaptation from a similar method to define the critical amount of bitumen in asphalt concrete design seems contextually appropriate. This approach would use a voids analysis on a four-component system, akin to historic Marshall Testing Protocols. The term "percentage of apparent voids filled" is used as one component in a voids analysis approach. An initial voids analysis output series is suggested using peak compacted density, California bearing ratio, hydraulic conductivity, plant-available moisture/percent air voids at field capacity, percent voids in compacted mineral matrix, and percentage of apparent voids filled as measured across increasing soil-stone ratios within defined aggregate and soil pairings. Using archived data from a series of past experiments, a voids analysis example is used to illustrate a common format to reconcile the varied soil design systems into a common matrix for better comparison, understanding, and refinement.


Technological advancements in Photovoltaic (PV) technology has made possible for the PV cell implementation in variety of consumer products. The design of PV powered consumer electronic products is still immature due to low understanding about the technology, especially in low irradiance indoor environment where consumer products are often used. The faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, TU Delft is investing in research which can aid in designing consumer products incorporating PV technology. Current on-going research at the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering is about "Design Guideline for PV powered Consumer Products for Indoor Use". Under this particular research a set of design guidelines are being developed which will aid designers in developing PV powered consumer products for use in the indoor environment. The following graduation project will serve a chance to the researchers to validate their guidelines by observing the design process. The graduation project is a design assignment commissioned by the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at the Technical University of Delft, Netherlands. The project first explored the opportunity to have a photovoltaic powered lighting product, which failed to match the project requirements. A reformulation of the project finally resulted an innovative product concept called 'Displo' which provides the user with a simple and easy way to bridge the gap between their digital and analogue life. Displo is a product which lets you present your digital content like pictures or notes in a physical form akin to print-outs or Post-Its. To do so Displo use Electrophoretic Ink display technology. Displo is powered using Photovoltaic (solar) technology. You do not need to replace the battery or fetch the charger every time the battery is low. Just place the Displo dock in a well-lit area - preferably near the window - and it will be ready to use when you want it.


The cell voltage imbalance of series-connected energy storage cells, such as supercapacitors (SCs) and lithium-ion cells, causes premature deterioration and a decrease in the available energies of the cells. Various equalization techniques have been developed for diminishing such imbalances. However, since the number of switches, sensors, and/or multiwinding transformers present in conventional equalizers is directly proportional to the number of series connections of the cells, the circuit complexity and cost of the equalizers are prone to increase with the number of series connections. In this paper, single-switch cell voltage equalizers using multistacked buck-boost converters, such as the single-ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC), Zeta, and Ćuk converters, are proposed. These equalizers consist of passive components and a single switch, significantly reducing the complexity of the circuit when compared with that of conventional equalizers. In addition, when the proposed equalizers operate in discontinuous conduction mode, feedback control is not required to limit currents flowing through cells and circuit components. The proposed equalizers are compared with conventional topologies in terms of the number of active and passive components required. Operating analyses were conducted under both cell-voltage-balanced and -imbalanced conditions. Experimental equalization tests were performed for four series-connected SCs using the SEPIC-based single-switch equalizer. The energies of the series-connected SCs were preferentially redistributed by the equalizer to the cell(s) having the lowest voltage, resulting in the elimination of the cell voltage imbalance and subsequent uniformity of the cell voltages.


This research aimed to explore the relationship between employees' perceptions of organizational politics (POPS) and their predisposition to involve in knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors at individuals and workgroups level in the Brazilian automotive Modular Consortium. The sample included 144 shop floor employees of Modular Consortium (six connected companies in assembly lines). The POPS-KS relationship was analyzed using different referents, seeking to understand how individuals and groups respond to the presence of organizational politics, and POPS and KS were tested in a Brazilian context, shedding new light on potential cultural influences impacting this relationship. The results evidenced that positive interpersonal communication can contribute to KS, and in turn, KS can counteract the negative impacts of POPS. There was a positive relationship between POPS-KS, indicating that POPS may have functional effects in facilitating KS of individuals and workgroups. Key findings and implications for future research were discussed.


Authors state that one of main tasks for increase in expertise of the staff is reasonable distribution of one's powers and resources that is the binding condition for provision of the company's competitiveness. However, in fact the situation may arise when the manager has no one to transfer his/her rights: due to lack of trust to his/her subordinates, lack of necessary knowledge and skills, lack of experience at an employee etc. The manager is often sure that he/she will do everything better on his/her own. However, theory and practice show that the single person cannot implement all tasks in the effective and rational manner. But the lack of employees' knowledge of the managerial structure has a quite strong effect on effectiveness of performance of authorities delegated to them. Another one issue is related to the fact that many employees don't know the Labour Code. Thus, the employee must know not only his/her rights but also his/her duties for successful implementation of his/her activity. It leads to the fact that most of employees pose the infinite number of requirements to the employer as they don't know the full range of their duties. Moreover, the quite significant component for the employee's expertise is implementation of the professional development in such type of events as obtaining of the additional education, attending advanced training courses etc. Thus, authors have drawn up the conclusion that if employees are bound up in the company and perform authorities delegated by the manager they will not only grow as professionals but know that they actively participate in creation of the added value, i.e. the company's effective activity.


This review article is concerned with the interrelation between the phenomena of superconductivity and antiferromagnetic order in high-Tc superconductors. Magnetometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, have been utilized to study the R2CuO4, RBa2Cu3O7, RBa2Cu4O8, Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 and La2(Ca,Sr)Cu2O8 systems in their pure form as well as in a wide variety of substituted systems. For each compound, Tc was determined by magnetometry and Tn of the Cu sublattice by Mossbauer spectroscopy of a dilute 57Fe probe. Full superconductivity-antiferromagnetism phase diagrams were established. All high-Tc superconductor compounds have a layered structure with CuO2 planes which are responsible for superconductivity. It is shown here that in all systems studied, whenever substitution of cations is made outside these CuO2 planes in an amount sufficient to make superconductivity disappear, static long-range antiferromagnetism is induced in these planes. On the other hand substitution of Cu in the sites responsible for superconductivity even by non-magnetic ions, suppresses both superconductivity and magnetic order. It is thus concluded that in the investigated high-Tc systems, superconductivity and antiferromagnetism are closely related, they compete with each other and rarely coexist. Moreover, in all cases Tn obtained in the antiferromagnetic branch is directly proportional to Tc observed in the superconducting branch of the phase diagram. The close relationship between the two physical phenomena suggest a new guideline in searching for new high-Tc superconductor materials.


This report shows that animal glue from porcine skins can be used to make thin films with reproducible properties. It shows that the tensile strength of the film relates linearly to the bloom strength, while the stiffness remains constant for temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature. The report continues to show how Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) can be used to predict the strength of an animal glue film. The test results show that XRD is the easiest method to obtain a reasonable prediction of the mechanical properties. Meanwhile, DSC holds additional information on the internal stress state of the sample, which may promise better predictions of the mechanical properties once the analysis has been optimized.


Broody turkey hens were treated by giving them clomiphene-citrate (6 mg/kg body weight), an antiestrogen compound, orally for 5 consecutive days in conjunction with the standard practice of moving them into a different pen and exposing them to continuous high intensity light (greater than 215 lx). This treatment did not reduce broody behavior or have any beneficial effect on egg production.


In the multiethnic polity of Ethiopia, the practical realization of federalism in Ethiopia has been characterized by ethnic conflicts, manufacturing of difference and the abandoning of the grand narrative of Ethiopian unity. In this paper, using the notion of a public sphere as a space for public discourse and rationality from critical theory, I argue that the federal experiment in Ethiopia could only grow in the background of a public sphere that sustains a critical societal practice. Ethiopians could only engage in a common quest for societal progress and refinement, when they have a free and autonomous public sphere. This space serves as a platform for reflecting on the contradictions in Ethiopian modernity and also existential problems in the country. Such an effort to evolve a public sphere as a foundation for democracy could have foundations in the different precursors of Ethiopian modernity like Dekike Estifanos, hatata of Zera Yacob and writings of Negadras Gebrehiwot and Hiruy Woldeselassie. It could also be situated on new forms of public sphere like social media and their role in fostering democracy in Ethiopia.


The article describes modern types and risks of vandalism in cities environment. Vandal activity in cities is steadily increasing (Mursalieva, 2017). New types of vandalism appear in streets of megalopolises, where involvement in crime communications tends to 70%. Surveyed townspeople often do not see anything reprehensible in perfect vandalism, like graffiti and product logos, to use municipal and private property for their messages. Graffiti on a municipal building, trampled lawns, broken garbage bin on the street is not considered something unusual, it's public goods and it seems to be a draw. Perception of spoiling becomes a habitual norm. However, the alternative consequences for the citizens-spectators and the actors themselvesconstitute serious risks for socialization, mental and physical health, a sense of well-being. Vandalism is also active as a marketing communication, in which ads are placed in the city's space without the consent of the owner of the building, which causes anxiety of the owner and users of the premises and the territory as a whole. We analysed more than 3 thousand objects damaged by vandals in the megacity of Yekaterinburg, which is located in the center of Russia and includes 7 districts. 1.5 million residents live in elite housing and old low-budget homes. Even well-protected residential complexes have graffiti. However, in low-density areas there is more graffiti as a criminal communication.
Keywords: vandalism, destruction of the social situation, territory, economic of vandalism, economic behavior.


Specimens of Nimonic PE-16, a γ'-hardened austenitic alloy, were irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) in order to determine the effect of neutron irradiation on the microstructure and mechanical properties. Specimens with two different aging treatments were irradiated at temperatures ranging from 650 to 823 K and fluences ranging from 1.2 × 10 2 6 neutrons (n)/m 2 to 4.0 × 10 2 6 n/m 2 . The aging treatments were: (A) 2h at 1313 K + 2 h at 1073 K + 16 h at 973 K; and (B) 4 h at 1313 K + 1 h at 1173 K + 8 h at 1023 K. Postirradiation transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of voids in all irradiated specimens. No difference in the fluence dependence of swelling at an irradiation temperature of 773 K was observed between the specimens with Preirradiation Treatment A and the specimens with Preirradiation Treatment B. In contrast, the temperature dependence of swelling appears to be sensitive to the particular preirradiation aging treatment used. TEM also shows that existing precipitates coarsen slightly during irradiation and that precipitation of γ'-precipitates occurs on irradiation-produced dislocation loops and voids. Specimens irradiated at 773 K were tensile tested at 683, 773, 873, and 973 K. There is no significant difference in postirradiation mechanical properties between the two preirradition heat treatments. There is a large increase in yield strength after irradiation, which is consistent with the observed changes in microstructure. The ductility decreases as the test temperature increases. The low ductilities observed at the higher test temperatures are associated with a tendency for intergranular fracture. Auger spectroscopy of fracture surfaces on a specimen fractured at 823 to 873 K in the Auger chamber indicates that the concentrations of phosphorus and sulfur are a factor of two or three higher, and that the concentrations of iron and chromium are a factor of two lower, on surfaces of grain boundary fracture than on surfaces resulting from ductile fracture within the same specimen. There is also an enrichment of nickel at grain boundaries. In addition, helium release was observed at the time of fracture.


Most age-related neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by accumulation of aberrant protein aggregates in affected brain regions. In many cases, these proteinaceous deposits are composed of ubiquitin conjugates, suggesting a failure in the clearance of proteins targeted for degradation. The 2 principal routes of intracellular protein catabolism are the ubiquitin proteasome system and the autophagy-lysosome system (autophagy). Both of these degradation pathways have been implicated as playing important roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Here we describe autophagy and review the evidence suggesting that impairment of autophagy contributes to the initiation or progression of age-related neurodegeneration. We also review recent evidence indicating that autophagy may be exploited to remove toxic protein species, suggesting novel strategies for therapeutic intervention for a class of diseases for which no effective treatments presently exist.


The article, dedicated to the Fundamental Library of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan activities, considers main directions of its work in the XXI cent., defines its role in scienti fic and technical development.


In the historical review and empirical delineation of the classification of anxiety and hysterical states (Part I), it was concluded that the existing classifications are unsatisfactory and require some re-conceptualization if they are to be useful clinically and empirically. In keeping with more recent developments in the genetic, behavioral, pharmacological, biochemical, and psychophysiological investigation of these disorders, a new classification is proposed. The two major categories of anxiety and hysterical disorders have a different clinical presentation and course, a different mean age of onset, distribution of age of onset, sex distribution, response to treatment modalities, and habituation response on galvanic skin response. Empirical evidence supporting this proposal is cited. This classification has heuristic merit in guiding research efforts and discussions and in directing clinicians to a simple and practical solution to their patients' anxiety disorders.


Heavy rainfall induces many disasters including slope failure and infrastructure collapse. In this point of view, rainfall-simulated centrifugal model test can be a reasonable tool to evaluate the stability of geotechnical structure. In order to obtain the displacements of a model in centrifugal model test, in general, LVDT and laser displacement sensor are used. However, when the rainfall is simulated, the LVDT has the problem of excessive infiltration into the model ground, and the laser displacement sensor provides the measuring result with inaccuracy due to the dispersion of the laser radiation. Hence, in this study, horizontal displacement sensor for rainfall-simulated centrifugal model test was developed. This sensor produced with a thin elastic steel plate and gave the accurate relationship between the displacement and the strain.


Background. COPD is a leader among the present problems in Pulmonology. Epidemiological data indicate a greater prevalence of this nosology among men. Prevalence of COPD in the world among men is 9.3%, and among women - 7.3%. Given that COPD - a disease mainly of the second half of life, it should be noted that at this period women are characterized by a extinguishing of steroidogenesis function. This factor may be one of those that aggravating the course COPD in women. Aim: To study the severity of breathlessness on a MMRC scale in women and men with newly diagnosed 2nd stage of COPD. Materials and methods: The main inclusion criteria were: 1) age of patients ≥ 40 years; 2) Experience smoking ≥ 10 pack / years 3) FEV1 after salbutamol 50% ≤ FEV1 ≤ 70%, FEV1/FVC ≤ 0,7; 4) No other clinically significant disease. There were surveyed 57 patients (including 22 women and 35 men) with newly diagnosed 2nd stage of COPD who were treated at pulmonology department of Ivano-Frankivsk regional center of phthisiology and pulmonology. The average age of women was (58,5 ± 2,8 years) and men - (54,7 ± 3,1 years). Results. The level of FEV1 on average was 61,2 ± 4,2% in women, and - 58,4 ± 3,9% (p> 0.05) in men. Index of breathlessness on a MMRC scale in women was 3,6 ± 0,4, and 2,9 ± 0,4 - in men. Thus, exploring the clinical course of 2nd stage of COPD among women and men aged 50 to 60 years, we can say that, despite the almost identical clinical manifestations of disease, there is a greater severity of breathlessness on a MMRC scale in women as in men. Conclusion: The clinical course of COPD in women compared with men characterized with more severe shortness of breath on a MMRC scale with less ventilation violations, according to spirometry.


Efficiently harvesting light and transporting charges are the main challenges for solar water oxidation by Ta3N5 photoanodes. Herein, we discovered a facile KI molten salt route to fabricate highly oriented Ta3N5 nanorod arrays along the [100] crystallographic direction. The size of the nanorods can be finely tuned by controlling the amount of KI flux due to their bottom-up growth mechanism. The array structure enhances the light scattering, which is beneficial for harvesting more light to make up for the light absorption anisotropy of Ta3N5. The preferred [100] growth orientation guarantees electron migration to the substrate, and the enlarged space charge layer facilitates hole migration to the semiconductor–liquid interface. As a result, under AM 1.5 irradiation, the onset potential of the Ta3N5 nanorod array photoanode reaches 0.65 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, and the current density reaches 4.65 mA cm−2. The design concept that rationally combines the advantages of charge transport and light utilization may offer a new strategy for efficient solar energy conversion.


Can we calculate how many reindeeer the pastures allow for? Three methods have been used to keep the reindeer population in accordance with the pasture resources. The carrying capacity is found by: 1) looking at the growth and well being of the animal (That is the "good old" way) 2) comparing unknown reindeer areas with well pracatised areas (Reindeer pasture convention of 1965) 3) estimating the yearly growth of lichens that can be grazed (Wild Reindeer Management after 1965) An economical carrying capacity has to be found by systematical asessment of the condition of the animals and the herd's production and at the same time value til condition of the pastures.


Compactness of the d-bar Neumann operator is studied for weakly pseudoconvex bounded Hartogs domains in two dimensions. A nonsmooth example is constructed in which condition (P) fails to hold, yet the Neumann operator is compact. The main result, in contrast, is that for smoothly bounded Hartogs domains, condition (P) of Catlin and Sibony is equivalent to compactness.
The analyses of both compactness and condition (P) boil down to properties of the lowest eigenvalues of certain sequences of Schrodinger operators, with and without magnetic fields, parametrized by a Fourier variable resulting from the Hartogs symmetry. The nonsmooth counterexample is based on the Aharonov-Bohm phenomenon of quantum mechanics. For smooth domains, we prove that there always exists an exceptional sequence of Fourier variables for which the Aharonov-Bohm effect is quite weak. This sequence can be quite sparse, so that the failure of compactness is due to a rather subtle effect.


Introduction: The diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions is variable and often limited. Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) has been reported to help localize a bronchoscopic occult pulmonary lesion and thereby improve the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB). Methods: We evaluated the yield of EBUS-guided TBB in 50 consecutive patients with a bronchoscopic occult pulmonary lesion. Results: The mean diameter of the lesions was 36.6 mm (SD = 19.7 mm). We could visualize 74% of the bronchoscopic occult lesions with EBUS, and in these patients, a histologic diagnosis on TBB was obtained in 84%. However, the diagnostic yield was very poor for lesions <20 mm. Conclusion: EBUS-guided TBB is effective for localizing and diagnosing bronchoscopic occult pulmonary masses ≥20 mm, but its yield remains unsatisfactory for lesions <20 mm.


A coupled-fed shorted monopole with its feed structure as an effective radiator for 8-band LTE/WWAN operation in the laptop computer is presented. The radiating feed structure capacitively excites the shorted monopole. The feed structure mainly comprises a long feeding strip and a loop feed therein. The loop feed is formed at the front section of the feeding strip and connected to a 50-Ω mini-cable to feed the antenna. Both the feeding strip and loop feed contribute wideband resonant modes to combine with those generated by the shorted monopole for the desired 8-band operation. The antenna size above the top shielding metal wall of the laptop display is 4 × 10 × 80 mm3 and is suitable to be embedded inside the casing of the laptop computer. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested, and good radiation performances of the fabricated antenna are obtained. Details of the proposed antenna are presented and discussed.


The roles and needs for the greentourism facilities require the associated functions and systems which can be determined from considering the existing successful facilities. Some of successful examples for the greentourism facilities in Japan have been investigated, and their functions and systems carefully examined. This paper is intended to provide a meaningful step for introducing and applying the functions and systems for the greentourism facilities in Japan to Korea. The facilities should support the greentourism that leads to the active cultural exchange between urban and rural areas. The required specific facilities are discussed in this paper. For newly developed facilities, restaurants, specialty stores, and hotels may be effective facilities for the greentourism. The design for the entire greentourism facilities should consider, for the development of the area, the several kinds of required functions of the greentourism, such as the travel guide center, the marketing center, the information center, the business center, the human resources center, and the environment conservation center.


Besides the noradrenergic sympathetic system originating from the superior cervical ganglion, a cholinergic innervation of the mammalian pineal gland has been studied over the past three decades. In 1961, it was shown that lesion of the parasympathetic greater superficial petrosal nerve of the monkey resulted in degeneration of nerve fibers in the pineal gland. This was supported by ultrastructural studies of nerve terminals within the pineal gland, demonstrating the presence of cholinergic terminals containing small clear transmitter vesicles. Biochemical studies further showed the presence of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in several mammalian species. During the last decade, several advanced and more elaborate technologies have been developed, allowing pinealogists to establish the presence of cholinergic fibers and their receptors. Thus, choline acetyltransferase was shown in bovine pineal by immunohistochemistry. Muscarinic and nicotinic receptors were identified, characterized, and localized. Gene expression of receptors was visualized, and the receptor‐mediated effector systems and functions were elucidated. Taken together, the present data suggest the presence of a cholinergic innervation of the mammalian pineal gland originating in peripheral parasympathetic ganglia. However, some of the neuronal projections to the pineal gland with origin in the brain (the central innervation) might also be cholinergic. The cholinergic nerve fibers enter the gland, where they are located both in the perivascular spaces and between the pinealocytes. Some of the terminals make synapses on pinealocytes or intrapineal neurons. The released acetylcholine from the terminals interacts with the receptors, then alters the cascade of receptor‐mediated events, which results in decreased N‐acetyltransferase enzyme activity, thus leading to decreased melatonin synthesis. This counterbalance mechanism between the sympathetic noradrenergic and the cholinergic systems maintains the homeostasis of pineal functions. Microsc. Res. Tech. 46:281–295, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This paper highlights the principle of non-maleficence from sections of the Hippocratic oath and those entailed in various declarations of medical ethics and conduct. The moral dilemmas associated with adherence or efforts at adherence to the principle were indicated with the use of prepared cases. The centrality of the paper is the moral conflict encountered by physicians in their efforts at maintaining the fiduciary relationship that they have with patients. The concepts of dignity, identity, harm and the definitions of brain death as different from biological death, ordinary and extraordinary health care and the principle of double effect were analysed in an attempt to resolve the moral conflict in physician-patient relationship. Cost-benefit analysis, detriment-benefit assessment and the notion of justice were also brought to bear in the effort to resolve the moral dilemma in physician-patient relationship as it borders on the obligation of non-maleficence.


Probiotics, live cells having various health-promoting effects and benefits to the host, have been, and still are, under extensive investigations. These "friendly microorganisms" are usually isolated from the human intestine and traditionally-fermented foods of plant and animal origin. They are recognized for their positive effects on the intestinal flora among many other direct and indirect benefits eliciting better human body functioning. Studies are being conducted in the last decade o substantiate the real role played by these exotic microorganisms and to ascertain the safety of its use being of probiotic potential.
The concept of disease prevention, rather than treatment, is most appealing to health providers and clinical settings world-wide. Dentistry is not an exception; preventive oral medicine is a significant pillar in modern dental practices. In fact, a large proportion of every day dental care, in addition to clinical treatments, aims at preventing oral diseases, including caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and halitosis. Based on varying results of so many clinical trials using different types and formulas of experimental oral probiotics and to shed some light on the questionable role and effectiveness of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, this mini review is presented. We believe that exploring the possible mechanisms of action of probiotic bacteria in the oral cavity and identifying specific potential uses of probiotics in preventive dentistry and stomatology is eminent and needs further investigations pertaining to developing a safe, efficient and reliable general and perhaps designer oral probiotics..


The Ras family of small GTPases is comprised of three isoforms, HRAS, NRAS and KRAS, which are mutated in up to a third of all human cancers to promote tumorigenesis. Despite nearly identical amino acid sequence, we discovered divergent codon usage between isoform mRNA sequences. Specifically, KRAS is enriched in underrepresented (rare) codons relative to mammalian transcripts, whereas HRAS is characterized by common codons and NRAS is composed of an intermediate codon mixture. Rare codons can limit protein expression, and we tested and found that successively changing rare to common codons increased KRAS protein expression. To determine the impact of rare codon bias on KRAS-driven carcinogenesis, we converted rare to common codons in exon 3 of the endogenous Kras gene, then treated heterozygous Kras ex3op/wt mice with the carcinogen urethane to induce Kras mutation-positive lung tumors. We now report that the multiplicity of tumors in these Kras ex3op/wt mice was significantly reduced, and only weaker oncogenic mutations were detected in the Kras ex3op allele compared to the Kras wt allele. Since high oncogenic RAS expression can induce a senescent growth arrest instead of transformation to a tumorigenic state, we hypothesized that converting rare to common codons in Kras to increase protein expression may augment senescence in response to activating mutations. Indeed, ectopic expression of oncogenic Kras ex3op induced a stronger growth arrest in cultured cells than the oncogenic version of the native Kras . In summary, we have identified a novel regulatory mechanism hard-wired into the RAS genes that has a direct impact on tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Nicole L. Pershing, Benjamin Lampson, Christopher Counter. KRAS: The Rarefied Ras Oncogene. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A52. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-A52


In this paper we shall consider a class of singularly perturbed problems described by the ordinary difierential equation of second order with small parameter multiplying the highest derivative and the appropriate boundary conditions, which describes certain ∞ow problems in ∞uid mechanics. The solution of such problems displays boundary layers where the solution changes its values very rapidly. The domain decomposition will be performed determining layer subintervals which are adapted to the possibility of spectral approximation. The division point for the boundary layer is determined using appropriate resemblance function, so that the length of the layer subinterval varies with the degree of the truncated orthogonal series. The solution out of boundary layer is aproximated by the solution of the reduced problem, and the layer solutions is aproximated by truncated orthogonal series giving a smooth approximate solution upon the entire interval. The coe‐cients of the truncated series are evaluated using collocation technique. The order-of-magnitude of the error is estimated using the principle of inverse monotonicity and the rate of convergence for spectral approximations.


*1 ��������� � *2 ����� � Hiroyuki ONUMA (Mem.), Toru MASUZAWA (Mem.) Magnetic levitation technology, which can support an impeller without contact, is applied for durability and lifetime enhancement of an artificial heart. We have developed an artificial heart using a radial type self-bearing motor. The plus minus two-pole algorithm is adopted to levitate and rotate the rotor. Radial position of the rotor is controlled actively, and axial position of it is passively stable within the thin rotor structure. In this paper, new estimating equations of magnetic suspension characteristics were proposed in order to reduce the designing time and improve the calculation accuracy. Estimating equation of the magnetic suspension force which added the circumferential component of electromagnetic force and introduced square wave flux density distribution was developed. The estimating equation of the negative spring force was also developed. Calculation accuracy of the magnetic suspension force was improved by using the estimating equation of that. The estimating equations


This review article presents the current views on genotyping during administration of clopidogrel — an antiplatelet drug from the class of thienopyridines, for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Highlighted were the data on genetic disorders affecting the absorption and metabolism of clopidogrel. The gene ABCB1 (MDR1) encodes the intestinal transporter P-glycoprotein. The variability of this gene may affect the bioavailability of clopidogrel. However, data on the relationship between C3435T polymorphism of ABCB1 gene and the expression of P-glycoprotein still remain controversial. Differences in the effects of C3435T may reflect the differences in the frequency of ABCB1 polymorphism among ethnic groups and the complex of effects of different polymorphisms in the same gene within a haplotype, or confounding factors of the environment. The most important role in the metabolism of clopidogrel is played by cytochrome P-450 (iso-enzyme CYP2C19). Several large studies have confirmed the prognostic significance of CYP2C19 polymorphism in patients receiving clopidogrel. In a recent meta-analysis of nine pharmacogenetic studies of clopidogrel, which included 9685 patients with acute coronary syndrome, revealed was a significant association between the homozygous and heterozygous alleles with reduced CYP2C19 function and an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction or stroke. Two large randomized studies of CYP2C19 genotyping did not reveal any relationship between its variants and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome or atrial fibrillation. Thus, in genetic studies of the antiplatelet effectiveness of clopidogrel, there are many uncertainties; domestic data on this subject is extremely scarce


Dendritic cells (DCs) of the cDC2 lineage are necessary for the initiation of the allergic immune response and in the dermis are marked by their expression of CD301b. CD301b+ dermal DCs respond to allergens encountered in vivo, but not in vitro. This suggests that another cell in the dermis may sense allergens and relay that information to activate and induce the migration of CD301b+ DCs to the draining lymph node. Using a model of cutaneous allergen exposure, we show that allergens directly activate TRPV1+ sensory neurons leading to itch and pain behaviors. Allergen-activated sensory neurons release the neuropeptide Substance P, which stimulates proximally located CD301b+ DCs through MRGPRA1. Substance P induces CD301b+ DC migration to the draining lymph node where they initiate Th2 differentiation. Thus, sensory neurons act as primary sensors of allergens, linking exposure to activation of allergic-skewing DCs and the initiation of the allergic immune response.


Recent event-related brain potential studies revealed the selective processing of emotional and threatening pictures. Integrating the picture viewing and threat-of-shock paradigm, the present study examined the processing of emotional pictures while they were explicitly instructed to cue threat of real world danger (i.e. electric shocks). Toward this end, 60 pleasant, neutral and unpleasant IAPS-pictures were presented (1 s) as a continuous random stream while high-density EEG and self-reported threat were assessed. In three experimental runs, each picture category was used once as a threat-cue, whereas in the other conditions the same category served as safety-cue. An additional passive viewing run served as a no-threat condition, thus, establishing a threat-safety continuum (threat-cue-safety-cue-no-threat) for each picture category. Threat-of-shock modulated P1, P2 and parieto-occipital LPP amplitudes. While the P1 component differentiated among threat- and no-threat conditions, the P2 and LPP effects were specific to pictures signaling threat-of-shock. Thus, stimulus processing progressively gained more accurate information about environmental threat conditions. Interestingly, the finding of increased EPN and centro-parietal LPP amplitudes to emotional pictures was independent from threat-of-shock manipulation. Accordingly, the results indicate distinct effects associated with the intrinsic significance of emotional pictures and explicitly instructed threat contingencies.


There is an ongoing debate over the role that equity markets play in determining and influencing international equity flows. The first chapter of this dissertation describes the large portfolio equity flows into China and India, in order to understand the buying behavior of US investors. The rapid growth of the Chinese and Indian economies, coupled with the recent development and liberalization of their financial markets has attracted significant portfolio investment from U.S. investors. It is commonly assumed that domestic investors have an informational advantage over foreign investors; however, some recent empirical literature has questioned this assumption. Essay one dissects the nature of the relationship between foreign equity flows, equity returns, and related variables. The results of my empirical investigation provides evidence that U.S. institutional investors are making investment decisions based on long-run determinants of value rather than responding to price signals or 'chasing returns'. I anticipate that the strong relationship between equity flows and fundamentals will strengthen as information asymmetries decline and US investors continue to develop more sophisticated methods of assessing underlying value in China and India. The second essay of this dissertation explores a new panel data set based on US gross crossborder equity flows to 20 industrialized nations combined with measures of market valuation for the period of 1977-2005. Empirical evidence of imperfect integration across world equity markets indicates that valuation matters. Consistent with relative value trading as a determinant of equity flow patterns, I find that equity flows decrease sharply with hostcountry market valuations—in particular the component of valuation that is forecasted to revert the following year. I also find that equity flows increase sharply with US equity market valuations. These results suggest the existence of a valuation channel for cross-border equity flows. The findings of this chapter show that US investors are informed about both domestic markets and foreign markets. Peripheral findings of this essay confirm the findings of other researches, but with a longer sample period. Consistent with existing literature, I find a negative influence of interest rates spreads, and information asymmetries on crossborder trade in equities.


����� ��� ❦ In 1897, at the age of seventeen, Oswald Spengler wrote his first work of literature, a verse drama of ca. 120 pages titled Montezuma. Ein Trauerspiel. His uncle did not like it, and so Spengler left it unpublished, becoming famous twenty years later with his work Der Untergang des Abendlandes (The Decline of the West) (1918–23), translated immediately into several languages. Montezuma was not mentioned, and Mexico, even though named as one of the eight higher world cultures by Spengler in his book, was discussed only on a few pages in the second volume. The existence of this early, now published manuscript, as well as of numerous later drafts expanding on it, raises several questions that I would like to discuss here. What relevance does Spengler's early interest in the conquest of Mexico have for his work, The Decline of the West, and in particular its ideas on colonialism and culture? What does this interest say about the place of Latin America in Spengler's cultural philosophy? And how did Latin American readers respond to Spengler's philosophy and the place it gave to Latin America? Spengler was known to be an enemy of the Weimar republic, and a noted figure of what later came to be known as the "conservative revolution." 1 Spengler's views, as expressed in The Decline of the West and in Man and Technology, his most translated works, welcomed the end of Western civilization as inevitable, with the hope that a new


This paper deals with a result concerning the algebraic dual of the linear mapping defined by the multiplication of polynomial vectors by a given polynomial matrix over a commutative field.


In order to determine the exon-intron structure and the nucleic acid sequences of the equine genomic cytochrome P450 steroid 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase gene (CYP17), inter-exonal PCR amplifications were performed with equine genomic DNA as a template. The amino acid coding region of the equine CYP17 gene was consisted of 8 exons and 7 introns, and the total 6217 base pairs of nucleotide sequence was determined. The numbers of exons and introns were identical to the human CYP17. It was suggested that the equine CYP17 gene exists as a single locus gene in a genome alike in case of humans, by accordance of the overlapping part of PCR clones include one or more introns. In the intron C of the equine CYP17 gene, two nucleotide sequences of 72 base-pairs homologous to 70 base-pairs core motif of the mammalian-wide interspersed repeats (MIRs) were tandemly repeated with Hind III restriction site between them.


Aim . To determine the most and least comfortable zones of the Krasnodar Territory by month. Material and Methods . The bioclimatic indices studied take into account the combined influences of temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and solar radiation in various combinations. A geoinformation analysis of the following bioclimatic indices was carried out: effective temperature, equivalent-effective temperature, bioclimatically active temperature, radiation equivalent-effective temperature, and a complex indicator of the level of pathogenic effects of weather in the Krasnodar Territory. The weather pathogenicity index is the only index in the article that takes into account atmospheric pressure. The study also added an assessment of the severity of winter. The following indices of "cold stress" were calculated and mapped: integrated cooling index (frostbite), Bodman climate severity index, Siple-Passel cooling index and wind-cold index. Results . The Krasnodar Territory was divided into 4 comfort zones: Azov-Black Sea, Black Sea, South-Eastern Foothills and Continental. Conclusions . Comfortable months have been established for living in the Krasnodar Territory as a whole, and areas of the Krasnodar Territory favourable for life at any time of the year. The severity of winter in the Krasnodar Territory as shown by the analysis is closely correlated with wind strength.


The structural and dynamics properties of melts are directly related to their solidification processes, and consequently to the properties of as-cast solid alloys. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) is a powerful tool that can study both of these factors. However, the main disadvantage of this method is its low performance which is critical for simulation of the multicomponent liquids. At the same time the atomistic simulation of multicomponent liquids has found its application for prediction of the formation of high-entropy alloys—a novel class of materials with enhanced mechanical properties. An effective method to solve the problem of AIMD low performance may be the design of pair or many-body potentials for classical molecular dynamics. One of the promising approaches is high-dimensional neural networks—the method of constructing many-body potentials for classical molecular dynamics from ab initio data. Thus, in this work, the high-dimensional neural network potential for multicomponent liquid VZrNbHfTa melt was constructed. The structure of this melt obtained by AIMD and high-dimensional neural network potential was compared by analyzing partial radial distribution functions. Dynamics of the melt obtained by both methods was also compared analyzing velocity autocorrelation functions and mean-square displacement for each type of atom in multicomponent VZrNbHfTa melt. It was shown that structure and dynamics are reproduced well by high-dimensional neural network potential (HDNNP). Some differences between HDNNP- and AIMD-obtained structure and dynamics are explained by finite-size effect and lack of statistics in AIMD simulation along with inherent errors in energy and force estimations made by high-dimensional neural network potentials. Analysis of melt structure via partial radial distribution functions and chemical short range order parameters led to the conclusion that vanadium atoms are repulsed from all the atoms of another type in liquid VZrNbHfTa system, which lowers the probability of single phase disordered solid solution formation. Diffusivity in multicomponent melt was found to decrease with increasing mass and size of an atom.


There are so many studies that use the Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) method as a solution in Decision Support Systems. In addition, there are also many studies that use additional fuzzy which is implemented in the MADM method which is commonly referred to as Fuzzy MADM. For example, using Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), which one is closer to the best solution, whether to use MADM SAW or FMADM SAW, which one is better to use.
Based on these problems, in this study analysis will be carried out regarding which method is closer to the best solution to be implemented in the case of Decision Support System between MADM and FMADM, in this case using the case of selecting the best graduates in the study program and the SAW method.
Based on the results of the discussion in this study, it can be concluded that the implementation of MADM uses SAW, with 2 approaches, namely: Likert and fuzzy scales. The results obtained from the comparison of assessment ranges using the Likert and fuzzy scales obtained suitability of 100%. While the results of testing using RSD on Likert and fuzzy scales obtained the same results, namely 12.24%. The use of a Likert scale or fuzzy numbers has no effect, what affects the results is the range of the rating scale.


Protocorporatist West European countries in which economic interests were collectively organized adopted PR in the first quarter of the twentieth century, whereas liberal countries in which economic interests were not collectively organized did not. Political parties, as Marcus Kreuzer points out, choose electoral systems. So how do economic interests translate into party political incentives to adopt electoral reform? We argue that parties in protocorporatist countries were "representative" of and closely linked to economic interests. As electoral competition in single member districts increased sharply up to World War I, great difficulties resulted for the representative parties whose leaders were seen as interest committed. They could not credibly compete for votes outside their interest without leadership changes or reductions in interest influence. Proportional representation offered an obvious solution, allowing parties to target their own voters and their organized interest to continue effective influence in the legislature. In each respect, the opposite was true of liberal countries. Data on party preferences strongly confirm this model. (Kreuzer's historical criticisms are largely incorrect, as shown in detail in the online supplementary Appendix.)


Purpose: To describe the clinical features and to discuss the results of strabismus surgery or the natural course of ocular deviations in a group of patients with neurological problems.
Material and Methods: The medical records of patients with manifest ocular deviations and neurological
disorders were reviewed. The main outcome measures were the possible etiology of neurological impairment,
clinical features and the results of strabismus surgery.
Results: A total of 117 (60 males, 57 females) patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was
5.6 ± 4.4 years. 58 patients (49.6%) were lost from follow-up. The most common type of strabismus was esotropia
(56.4%). 36 patients (30.8%) underwent operations for strabismus. 13 patients (11.1%) had consecutive deviations
during follow-up period.
Conclusions: Ocular deviations may be associated with neurological impairment. Strabismus surgery may
provide good cosmesis in this group of patients. However, spontaneous and postoperative consecutive deviations
should be kept in mind.


Motivation. The Randiü index is one of the most successful molecular descriptors in structure–property and structure–activity relationships studies. In spite of some attempts to interpret the physical meaning of this index it is still not clear what exactly this index measures in a molecular structure. The finding of the structural interpretation of this topological index will open the doors to novel applications as well as to a better understanding of the models developed with its use. Results. The inverse squared–root of the vertex degree is identified here as a measure of the relative accessible perimeter of an atom from the outside. These perimeters, which have length units, are proposed to be measured in a new unit called the Randiü (R). One Randiü correspond to the perimeter of a carbon atom with degree one. On this basis, the bond contributions to the Randiü index are relative areas of bond accessibility from the environment. Consequently, the Randiü index is interpreted as the relative molecular area of external accessibility, that is the sum of relative accessibility bond areas in a molecule. Conclusions. The results obtained here provide the Randiü index with a clear structural interpretation, which is very close to the physical thinking commonly used in chemistry.


The declining in-house R&D productivity has compelled the biopharmaceutical firms to supplement their innovation pipelines with well-managed licensing or acquisition deals. The reliance on licensed products and acquired technologies continues to increase across the industry to support pipeline expansion and technological diversification. In this article, Licensing and M&A trends across the biopharmaceutical industry are explored by examining the partnering activities of major biopharmaceutical companies and analyzing the trends in the business development transactions of the biotechnology companies worldwide. The information has been extracted from public and proprietary sources such as company annual reports, Industry reports and press releases from biopharmaceutical companies. The transactions data and partnership information has been analyzed over a contiguous twenty-year time period of 2000–2020 to understand the change in strategic focus in dealmaking and trends over the past two decades.


Selective NMR experiments provide rapid access to important structural information, and are essential to tackle the analysis of large molecules and complex mixtures. Single-scan ultraselective experiments are particularly useful, as they can rapidly select signals that overlap with other signals. Here, we describe a novel type of single-scan ultraselective NMR experiments that is robust against the effects of translational molecular diffusion, and thus make it possible to improve significantly the sensitivity of the experiment. This will largely broaden the applicability of this powerful class of experiments.


This paper attempts to approach an accurate report of prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zambia by bringing together several reports. A review of some early prevalence studies in Zambia shows the prevalence of S. hematobium infection to be (14-40%) and that for S. mansoni to range from (0-7%) in the Northern and Luapula Provinces. The areas around Lakes Kariba in the south and Bangweulu in the north had prevalence rates of (3-35%) for S. hematobium and (2-6%) for S. mansoni. A nationwide survey found the overall prevalence of S. hematobium to be about 16%. The Gwembe Valley in the South had the highest prevalence of 57.9% for S. hematobium; S. mansoni with a prevalence of (45-77%) in the Northern Province from more recent studies is not very widespread. A comprehensive study performed between 1969-73 covered almost the entire rural population and found an overall prevalence of 16.8% varying greatly between ecozones. The 5-14 year age group showed the highest prevalence. A 1976-82 study of rural primary school children in several provinces found high prevalence rates. Specimen gathering and analysis is described for most studies analyzed revealing some inconsistencies threatening the reliability of data. Available data do show the spotty and local nature of the prevalence rates between areas. There have not been many studies of S. mansoni prevalence possibly due to the difficulties involved with the collection of stool specimens but prevalence (especially seasonal) has been shown to be high in certain areas (although low generally). The areas around the 2 major lakes show considerable prevalence of both parasites and further study is needed on the health impact of man-made lakes in Zambia and elsewhere.


Only a small percentage of pre-service teachers are exposed to meaningful, comprehensive curricula that enhance global competence (Lucas & Villegas, 2002; Tucker, 1982; Wells, 2008). In response to pre-service teachers' limited exposure to diverse curricula, many universities offer international study abroad programs that provide students with experiences designed to increase multicultural and global awareness that they may not receive in their regular coursework. This paper shares how a Study Abroad Program to Reggio Emilia, Italy transformed pre-service teachers' learning experiences. Conclusions, discussions, and recommendations for future research are also included.


A novel automatic tuning method for RC filters is proposed for CMOS low-IF transceivers. The method is based on a digital-DLL-like technique and tunes the time constant of filters automatically. The tuning range and the tuning accuracy are analyzed theoretically. To verify the method, a sixth-order 2-MHz IF filter for Bluetooth and a tuning circuit were fabricated in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS. The tuning circuit occupying 0.066 mm/sup 2/ includes only a reference first-order filter, a comparator, and a simple digital circuit. The measurement result of the filter and the tuning circuit shows that the maximum /spl plusmn/28% time-constant variation can be tuned within /spl plusmn/5% accuracy, which is consistent with theoretical results.


The mammalian visual system is one of the most well‐studied brain systems. Visual information from the retina is relayed to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (LGd). The LGd then projects topographically to primary visual cortex (VISp) to mediate visual perception. In this view, the VISp is a critical network hub where visual information must traverse LGd–VISp circuits to reach higher order "extrastriate" visual cortices, which surround the VISp on its medial and lateral borders. However, decades of conflicting reports in a variety of mammals support or refute the existence of extrastriate LGd connections that can bypass the VISp. Here, we provide evidence of bidirectional extrastriate connectivity with the mouse LGd. Using small, discrete coinjections of anterograde and retrograde tracers within the thalamus and cortex, our cross‐validated approach identified bidirectional connectivity between LGd and extrastriate visual cortices. We find robust reciprocal connectivity of the medial extrastriate regions with LGd neurons distributed along the "ventral strip" border with the intergeniculate leaflet. In contrast, LGd input to lateral extrastriate regions is sparse, but lateral extrastriate regions return stronger descending projections to localized LGd areas. We show further evidence that axons from lateral extrastriate regions can overlap onto medial extrastriate‐projecting LGd neurons in the ventral strip, providing a putative subcortical LGd pathway for communication between medial and lateral extrastriate regions. Overall, our findings support the existence of extrastriate LGd circuits and provide novel understanding of LGd organization in rodent visual system.


This paper features an application of Diebold and Yilmaz's (2009) spillover index model to assess the impact of the global financial crisis on spillovers between the bank sectors in terms of both returns and volatility time series. The spillover investigation is performed on daily return data for Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the period 2005-2015. We use a dynamic conditional multivariate GARCH to directly model the time varying spillover effects among the studied time series. This study finds a strong bidirectional returns spillover between conventional banks and a very weak spillover from Islamic banks to conventional banks, so the transmission of shocks from Islamic banks to conventional banks is reduced. It also finds that the dependence between stock returns in an Islamic bank market structure is more strongly affected by the financial crisis than in a conventional bank market. Moreover, the volatility linkage is highly affected by the crisis in an Islamic context than that in a conventional bank system. Finally, using the DCC-GARCH model this study shows a high persistence in the time series of correlation among all GCC countries, except Bahrain, indicating that a long-run average of the correlation can be pushed away by shocks for a very long period. The empirical results are expected to have potentially important implications for improving the process of selection and allocation for domestic and international portfolios.


Limb preservation surgery compares favorably with amputation in oncologic and functional outcomes. However, an increased incidence of complications and reoperations is associated with limb preservation. This study compared the outcome of a group of young patients who required at least one reoperation after limb preservation surgery because of a complication or need for prosthetic lengthening with the outcome of a similar group who did not require additional surgery. The functional scores before and after reoperation are compared to determine the impact on reported function and patient satisfaction. Forty-four consecutive patients younger than 19 years were treated for a malignancy of the distal femur or proximal tibia. Six of these patients required an amputation because of extensive disease or inadequate response to chemotherapy. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional evaluation scores of 26 patients who required at least one reoperation (Group A) were compared with the scores of 10 patients who have not required additional surgery (Group B). Average before and after reoperation functional scores were compared to discern a decline in function with time. The minimum followup was 2 years. Patients in Group A required 54 reoperations. No difference in mean functional scores between Group A and Group B was detected. Likewise, after isolating Group A scores, no significant difference was detected between the average functional scores before (67%) and after (68%) reoperation or lengthening. Despite relatively small numbers, the current study suggests that adequate function is maintained despite reoperation or revision in young patients with malignancies of the knee who have limb preservation surgery.


Background: The incidence of cholecystectomy is increasing as the result of the aging worldwide. Our aim was to determine the influence of heart failure on in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing cholecystectomy in the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. Patients older than 17 years undergoing cholecystectomy in the period 2007–2015 were included. Demographic and administrative variables related to patients' diseases as well as procedures were collected. Results: 478,111 episodes of cholecystectomy were identified according to the data from SNHS hospitals in the period evaluated. From all the episodes, 3357 (0.7%) were excluded, as the result the sample was represented by 474,754 episodes. Mean age was 58.3 (+16.5) years, and 287,734 (60.5%) were women (p < 0.001). A primary or secondary diagnosis of HF was identified in 4244 (0.89%) (p < 0.001) and mean age was 76.5 (+9.6) years. A higher incidence of all main complications studied was observed in the HF group (p < 0.001), except stroke (p = 0.753). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was 1.1%, 12.9% in the group with HF versus 1% in the non HF group (p < 0.001). Average length of hospital stay was 5.4 (+8.9) days, and was higher in patients with HF (16.2 + 17.7 vs. 5.3 + 8.8; p < 0.001). Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality models' discrimination was high in both cases, with AUROC values = 0.963 (0.960–0.965) in the APRG-DRG model and AUROC = 0.965 (0.962–0.968) in the CMS adapted model. Median odds ratio (MOR) was high (1.538 and 1.533, respectively), stating an important variability of risk-adjusted outcomes among hospitals. Conclusions: The presence of HF during admission increases in hospital mortality and lengthens the hospital stay in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. However, mortality and hospital stay have significantly decreased during the study period in both groups (HF and non HF patients).


Background: Adolescents' quality of life is reported to be significantly associated with physical and social wellbeing. Although adolescents are 30% of the Southern African population, no previous studies have focused on this group in relation to oral health and quality of life. Methods: A 40-item survey and clinical oral examinations were conducted in public schools in Maseru from 10 to 25 August 2016. Simple, bivariate, and multivariate regressions were used to evaluate the associations of oral health and psychosocial factors with self-reported general health status and quality of life. Results: A total of 526 participants, aged 12–19 years old, responded to the survey and participated in the clinical examinations. The majority reported a good (good/very good/excellent) quality of life (84%) and general health (81%). Bivariate results showed that self-reported general health in this population was significantly influenced by age. The presence of toothache and sensitivity in the adolescents were significantly associated with poor (fair/poor) self-reported general health and were found to be the best predictors for self-general health and quality of life. Conclusions: The absence of dental conditions such as toothache and tooth sensitivity can lead to a better perception of general health and Quality of Life in adolescents.


We address the problem of visual-based navigation of a mobile robot along corridors in indoor environments. The corridor lines are detected, and their vanishing point is calculated. Its deviation from the central column of the image, the corridor line slopes and the standard deviation of the vanishing point are used to control the angular velocity in order to keep the robot in the middle of the corridor. Such strategy exploits the structure of the environment to solve a specific navigation problem in a very robust manner.


ABSTRACT: The great difficulty for family farmers who produce food organically is the control of weeds without using chemical products. One possibility for the management is the use of heat in the sense of coagulating the protoplasm in leaves and stem cells. The present research aimed toconceptual design a mechanized system for weeds control through the use of heat focusing on familiar farmers who produce food organically. In this study, we used a product development methodology which can be divided into different stages that are composed of several tasks. As a result of the use of such methodology, six concepts of heat transfer machines were developed. After the application of selection tools, two concepts were chosen for the optimization process, and then the one considered ideal to meet the needs of farmers was selected.


Purpose
Protective ileostomy and colostomy are performed in patients undergoing low anterior resection with a high leakage risk. We aimed to compare surgical, medical, and daily care complications between these 2 ostomies in order to make individual choice.

Methods
Patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal tumors with protective stomas between January 2011 and September 2018 were enrolled. Stoma-related complications were prospectively recorded by wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. The cancer stage and treatment data were obtained from the Taiwan Cancer Database of our Big Data Center. Other demographic data were collected retrospectively from medical notes. The complications after stoma creation and after the stoma reversal were compared.

Results
There were 176 patients with protective colostomy and 234 with protective ileostomy. Protective ileostomy had higher proportions of high output from the stoma for 2 consecutive days than protective colostomy (11.1% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Protective colostomy resulted in more stoma retraction than protective ileostomy (21.6% vs. 9.4%, P=0.001). Female sex, open operation, ileostomy, and carrying stoma more than 4 months were also significantly associated with a higher risk of stoma-related complications during diversion. The incidence of complication after stoma reversal did not differ between colostomy group and ileostomy group (24.3% vs. 20.9%, P=0.542).

Conclusion
We suggest avoiding colostomy in patients who are female and potential prolong diversion when stoma retraction is a concern. Otherwise, ileostomy should be avoided for patients with impaired renal function. Wise selection and flexibility are more important than using one type of stoma routinely.


The interaction of proflavine hemisulfate with the sodium salt of poly(rC-rA) in solution (unbuffered) yields an inverted (mirror-like) circular dichroism (CD) spectrum to that of the free poly(rC-rA). Simultaneously, an induced negative Cotton effect appears in the proflavine band region with a maximum at 467 nm and a slight shoulder at 420 nm. This observation may be explained as resulting from the formation of a poly(rC-rA).proflavine complex with the polynucleotide existing as a right-handed parallel chain duplex with the proflavine intercalated between the CpA sequence and not the ApC sequence. The intercalation geometry here is expected to be analogous to that found in the crystal structure of the dinucleotide CpA.proflavine complex (Westhof et al. J. Mol. Biol., 1981) which forms a miniature right-handed helix. Although normally an inverted spectra could be attributed to a reversal in the helix handedness, the similarity in the 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra between the free and proflavine bound poly(rC-rA) indicates that their handedness is the same. The inverted CD spectrum may be a result of the different stacking orientation between the intercalated proflavine and the A-A base-pair on one hand and the triply hydrogen bonded protonated C-C base-pair on the other.