In patients with acute otitis media who had failed to improve with ampicillin therapy, 35% of Haemophilus strains isolated from the middle ear were ampicillin-resistant. Twenty-nine children (24 of whom had failed to respond to ampicillin) were treated with 40 mg erythromycin ethylsuccinate per kg per day and 100 to 150 mg sulfisoxazole per kg per day. Middle ear exudate was cultured on chocolate and 5% sheep blood agar. Twenty-three of 29 Haemophilus isolates were nontypable, 10% (3 children) were type b, 2 were Haemophilus parainfluenzae and one was not typed. All strains were resistant to ampicillin by disc susceptibility testing, and 28 of 29 strains produced beta-lactamase. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ampicillin for 15 strains ranged from 3.12 to 100 micrograms/ml (median, 6.25 micrograms/ml). The erythromycin ethylsuccinate and acetyl sulfisoxazole combination was effective in treatment of acute otitis media secondary to ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae. After 10 days of erythromycin ethylsuccinate-sulfisoxazole therapy, 18 patients had normal tympanic membranes. Of 11 with middle ear effusion, 7 cleared, 3 had recurrent otitis media within 1 month and 1 had persistent otitis media with effusion. Our experience suggests the efficacy of this combination in otitis media caused by ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae.


In this paper, we describe the attitude control of a tumbler system (pendulum system) with three joints. This tumbler system has two purposes. One is experimental verification of various control strategies and another is the use as a model of the walking robot. It's advantage as the device for the experimental verification is its ability to treat from the SIMO system to the MIMO system. It's importance as a model of the walking robot exists in the biped locomotion on the unleveled land where one's feet are unstable. As the first step, we consider a pendulum system with fixed knee joints. Then, we design a stabilizing compensator for this pendulum system. The H∞ loop-shaping design procedure is applied in the design of the stabilization compensator. We herein report the experimental results of a control system.


Mental health—specifically, depression—is of growing concern to health professionals and the public. Health messages can be used to increase the number of people receiving treatment for depressive disorders. The effectiveness of these messages may be amplified by including an interpersonal influence component, such as encouraging individuals to intervene if they suspect a friend or family member is suffering from depression. The purposes of this study were to (a) explore college students'; behavioral intentions when presented with an opportunity to intervene on behalf of a depressed friend, (b) examine the potential of the Extended Parallel Process Model to help direct message design using efficacy and threat, and (c) investigate the respective influences of empathy and knowledge on behavioral intentions related to intervening on behalf of a depressed friend. Results indicated that self-efficacy and response efficacy, as well as perceived knowledge, could be used to help determine students'; readiness to talk with a friend who may be suffering from depression. Empathy (specifically empathic concern and perspective-taking) can also play a significant role in health promotion efforts that blend media and interpersonal health messages.


The location of bank branches is an important issue for consumer advocates and other groups that monitor access to financial services for low- and moderate income people. The proximity of banks and their branches to the places where people live and work is one basic element of mainstream financial access. The ability of people to choose from an array of financial products, especially those offered through the banking system, is fundamentally related to the economic well-being of a community.


A procedure for the closure of pharyngeal fistulas utilizing an upper trapezius myocutaneous flap is described. The anatomical basis of the flap is reviewed. The operative technique is described and applied in 2 cases. The excellent vascularity of the flap is stressed.


Melodrama does not only point to a type of aesthetic practice but also to a way of viewing the world. This thesis is inspired by the idea proposed by Christine Gledhill (1988) that at the core of cultural negotiation in melodrama is gender representation which is the cultural product resulting from the linking of textual and social subjects. Central to this negotiation is the figure of the woman which has long functioned as a powerful and ambivalent expression of the male psyche. In the context of Malaysian cinema, film critics and reviewers tend to use the term 'melodrama' in the pejorative sense, usually referring to female-centred films. What is significantly comparable between Western and non-Western perceptions, however, is that melodrama is examined in terms of gender, class, and more recently, race and ethnicity. This thesis examines the construction of female protagonists, within the backdrop of both urban and rural settings, through the use of melodrama as an aesthetic mode in selected Malaysian-Malay films from the early 1990s to 2009. The general approach is the employment of textual analysis based on concepts of film melodrama and informed by contextual information and social history. Thematically, Malaysian-Malay films of the period between the early 1990s and 2009 that focus on female protagonists largely depict the woman in the capacity of independent-minded personas negotiating patriarchal rules in the pursuit of vocational, romantic, and sexual emancipation. This typology of female protagonists comprises the urban, the romantic and the sexual woman. The problematisation of the female protagonist in this manner reveals the dimensions of social change and defines the new role of women in Malaysia's market economy from the 1990s to the new millennium.


A simple and novel method for the deposition of polypyrrole (PPy) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composites on different fiber substrates by reactive ink-jet printing was proposed. PPy/CNCs composites were successfully prepared, and the surface resistance of conductive layer deposited on different fiber substrates is the least when the monomer concentration is 0.6 M. PPy/CNCs were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to form a conductive layer by adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the optimum sintering temperature is 100 °C (monomer/PVA ratio 4.0, conductivity 0.769 S cm−1). The PPy/CNCs conductive layer deposited on the paper has the lowest surface resistance and the best adhesion, and the surface resistance of PPy/CNCs conductive layer decreases first and then increases with the increase of sulfonate concentration. Moreover, the volume of anion in sulfonate will affect the arrangement and aggregation of PPy molecular chain in composite materials. Appropriate sulfonate doping can improve the conductivity and stability of conductive paper, and the maximum conductivity is 0.813 S cm−1. Three devices based on PPy/CNCs conductive paper were proposed and fabricated. Therefore, this ink-jet printing provides a new method for the preparation of conductive materials, sensors, energy storage and electromagnetic shielding, etc.


The knowledge intensive financial, professional and business services (KIBS) are, together, the most important commercial agencies (re)producing and circulating independent expertise in the modern economy. Their activities are tailored to the needs of clients, and the particular geographical settings where such exchange takes place. Their innovativeness is also sensitive to such settings, generally favouring urban agglomeration. Before the financial crisis of 2007-08, KIBS were attracting widespread urban policy attention in the UK because of their growing economic significance for its major cities. The need to promote services was also becoming more prominent in debates on national innovation policy. Unfortunately, no connections seem to be made between these developments, even though national KIBS innovativeness and London's growing economic prominence were inseparably linked. It was becoming clear that, without effective measures to promote competitive KIBS in other cities, national policies towards service innovation would simply reinforce London's dominance. Unfortunately, the KIBS-related policy proposals given priority in most recent Development Programmes for England's 'Core Cities' seem to show limited and patchy understanding of their regional economic role as sources of expertise, especially how, directly or indirectly, they might enhance the status of their cities in international networks of exchange. They also neglect the differences between KIBS, particularly the financial and non-financial services, in their complex relationships with regional demand and the nature of competition from London-based services. The recssion has made such issues even more pressing. National priorities are likely to focus even more on London's international financial position, while the crisis will probably have a greater impact on KIBS in other UK city regions. What, therefore, are the prospects for a KIBS-based urban revival now'


Growth hormone (GH) plays major anabolic and catabolic roles in the body and is important for regulating several aspects of growth. During an inflammatory process, cells may develop a state of GH resistance during which their response to GH stimulation is limited. In this review, we will emphasize specific mechanisms governing the formation of GH resistance in the active phase of inflammatory bowel disease. The specific molecular effects mediated through individual inflammatory mediators and processes will be highlighted to provide an overview of the transcriptional, translational and post-translational inflammation-mediated impacts on the GH receptor (GHR) along with the impacts on GH-induced intracellular signaling. We also will review GH's effects on mucosal healing and immune cells in the context of experimental colitis, human inflammatory bowel disease and in patients with short bowel syndrome.


The effect of two packaging materials, Film 1 (polyvinylchloride film, manually extensible, 12 μm thickness, O2 permeability of 22,000 cm3/m2/24 h/atm) and film 2 (polyethylene film, 13 μm thickness, heat shrinkable, O2 permeability of 8,500 cm3/m2/24 h/atm) on changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene concentrations within film packaging, weight losses, chemical parameters and textural properties of fresh-cut green asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.) were evaluated during three weeks of storage at 2 or 10°C. During the first two days of storage, in-package carbon dioxide and ethylene concentration increased progressively, while oxygen level decreased. An overall decrease in pH, sucrose and fructose content was observed while an increase in titratable acidity was observed in non-packaged asparagus. A significant increase in total phenols and total soluble solids was recorded, while in Film 2 at 10°C significant decreases were detected in total soluble solids. Antioxidant activity did not change in asparagus packaged at 2°C while in unpackaged and in Film 1 and 2 at 10°C there were significant decreases. Ascorbic acid contents declined rapidly after storage in all samples. Weight loss increased markedly in non-packaged asparagus; in asparagus packaged with Film 1 at 10°C significant differences were detected with respect to the other packaged treatments. Both packaging materials preserved rheological properties of spears whereas un-packaged asparagus lost crispness rapidly. The overall results showed that the best storage conditions to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut green asparagus were achieved by combining packaging and storage at 2°C.


The digitalisation of all processes and management in all areas of social and economic life is widespread. Therefore, the emerging new human needs are also forming new modern requirements that are constantly being updated. This will lead to transformation in all areas and open the way to new paradigms. One of the areas of human activity is the field of education, which is constantly undergoing transformations to improve the quality of the educational process. Distance learning is a modern form of education. This is due to the fact that distance education makes it possible to study regardless of the distance at which the student is located. Therefore, increasing the effectiveness of distance education by using new technologies is a continuous process. This paper deals with the system of distance education platform development. It is also planned to consider the modern ways to implement distance education and conduct education in an effective way. This will make it possible to determine the specifics of distance education in the current situation; systematize the accumulated knowledge and form a scientific opinion.


Evidence for individuality of odour profile, coding for individual identity, was sought in scent profiles derived from natural secretions of the preorbital gland of red deer Cervus elaphus (n= 26), sika deer C. nippon (15), fallow deer Dama dama (50), Chinese muntjac Muntiacus reevesi (23) and Chinese water deer Hydropotes inermis (53); from metatarsal secretions from red deer (n= 35), sika (30), fallow (193) and roe deer Capreolus capreolus (26), and from roe deer interdigital glands (n= 48). Volatiles were eluted from sample materials at body temperature, to restrict analysis to those elements that would occur within the natural odour signal; the different volatile elements were then separated by gas chromatography. For each species considered, secretions from at least one scent gland were individually distinct and sufficiently complex to code for identity. Within our samples no two individuals produced identical odour profiles; yet in analysis of metatarsal gland secretions of individual fallow deer sampled in successive years, odour signatures of individuals remained consistent over time. The wider potential for individual coding was assessed through calculation of the number of different possible combinations of all volatiles recovered in any species×gland system. Every secretion considered seems to have the potential to provide individually characteristic signals (with the exception of secretions from the fallow deer preorbital gland, which notably contained no odour information under any analytical system). Complexity of signals differed markedly between species as did the gland-type responsible for production of the most complex or distinctive signal. No simple evolutionary patterns are apparent to account for this variation and we suggest that the form of gland selected for production of a signal carrying information about individual identity is a function of habitat type and sociality.


The denoising problem can be solved by posing it as a constrained minimization problem. The objective function is the TV norm of the denoised image whereas the constraint is the requirement that the denoised image does not deviate too much from the observed image. The Euler-Lagrangian equation corresponding to the minimization problem is a nonlinear equation. The Newton method for such equation is known to have a very small domain of convergence. In this paper, we propose to couple the Newton method with the continuation method. Using the Newton-Kantorovich theorem, we give a bound on the domain of convergence. Numerical results are given to illustrate the convergence.


The aim of this chapter is to provide a critical overview of the issues and research conducted since the most recent state-of-the-art article published in the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics by David Singleton (2001). First, we summarize what research has said about the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) in cognitive science and neurobiology, then we review recent findings of age-related studies since 2000 focusing on what late beginners and adults can achieve, and how early and later beginners compare in bilingual programs. The second part of the presentation explores language policy and classroom implications of the CPH for foreign language teaching. As English has become the lingua franca, early programs have mushroomed all over the world. However, besides overwhelming enthusiasm, more recently critical voices can also be heard. On the one hand, early exposure is often seen as a key to success and a solution to all problems in language education; on the other hand, it may be perceived as a threat to first language development and identity. Finally, we explore areas for further research.


This paper presents novel extensions to our earlier system for streaming perceptually coded audio over error prone channels such as mobile IP. To improve error robustness while maintaining bandwidth efficiency, the new extensions combine the strength of an error resilient coding scheme in the sender, prioritized packet transport scheme in the network and a compressed domain error concealment strategy in the terminal. Different concealment methods are used for each part of the coded audio data according to their perceptual importance and statistical characteristics. In our current implementation, we employed MPEG-2 advanced audio coding (AAC) encoded bitstreams and an RTP/UDP-based test system for performance evaluation. Simulation results have shown that our improved streaming system is more robust against packet losses in comparison with conventional methods.


The $PEQUV-File is based on the Cross-National Equivalent File (CNEF) with extended income information for the SOEP. This file comprises not only the aggregated income figures provided in the CNEF but also further single income components. The CNEF is a joint effort of researchers and staff affiliated with Cornell University, the DIW Berlin, the University of Essex, and Statistics Canada funded by the National Institute on Aging and by the DIW Berlin.


This Comment considers a key question of statutory interpretation concerning EPA's Clean Power Plan: whether section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to establish emission goals based on measures that are implemented "beyond the fenceline" of regulated power plants. The Comment demonstrates that this question is reasonably answered in the affirmative. Of particular relevance, Congress' 1977 endorsement of §111 standards based on fuel pretreatment processes -- "whether they occur at, or are achieved by, the source or by another party" -- indicates that emission goals under this section may reflect the ability of regulated sources to obtain credits for off-site activities that prevent emissions. Further, recent practice in the mobile source context illustrates the reasonableness of crediting low- or zero-emission output that is expected to substitute for high-emission output. The Comment concludes that EPA's 'building block" approach is permissible under section 111(d).


Kinetic aspects of humic substances bleaching during biological mineralization. Assays were carried out to describe the kinetic aspects of biological bleaching of humic substances during its mineralization. Samples of aquatic plant and water (Oxycaryum cubense ) were collected in the Infernao lagoon (21o 35' S and 47o 05' W; Sao Paulo State, Brazil). Experiments were carried out using fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) derived from leachates of O. cubense decay (120 days). FA and HA were added to 450 mL of lagoon water and incubated under high and low dissolved oxygen concentrations and at three temperatures. The optical density was monitored (95 days) and the data were fitted to first-order kinetic model. The processes involved with bleaching were favored with increasing temperature only during HA mineralization at low dissolved oxygen availability, indicating that in the Infernao lagoon, the biological bleaching of HA is more effective between November and April. Overall, FA presented higher bleaching coefficients than HA. Low HA bleaching coefficients are probably due to the complexity of the chemical structures and its transformation in FA.


Biological data are presented for the pygmy ribbontail catshark Eridacnis radcliffei based on specimens collected from the by-catch of the commercial deep-sea shrimp trawl fishery operating in the Arabian Sea off the south-west coast of India. A total of 549 individuals, from 101 to 257 mm total length (L(T)) and 2·2 to 56 g, were collected. The L(T) at first maturity (L(T50)) of females and males was estimated at 183 and 170 mm, respectively, and analysis of stomach contents revealed that E. radcliffei feeds primarily on crustaceans.


The following chapter provides an overview of approaches and tactics commonly used in programs developed to counter radicalization and violent extremism, with a particular emphasis on the role of risk/threat assessments used within existing programs. The purpose of this chapter is to understand to what extent existing radicalization prevention, deradicalization, and disengagement programs are using some form of individual-level risk assessment for terrorism or other forms of violence, or if any psychological assessments or interventions are used. The results indicate that the overwhelming majority of current programs do not explicitly include individual risk assessments. This is a critical oversight, one which hampers the potential efficacy of disengagement efforts.


In 1972 US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm decided to run for president, becoming the first African American woman to do so. Beyond the symbolic significance of her campaign, Shirley Chisholm paved the way for other minority leaders such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton by having the tenacity to challenge societal expectations and persevere in the face of adversity. A liberal and outspoken politician from working class Brooklyn, Chisholm based her presidential campaign on serving the country's marginalized populations. She was popular with college students, women, ethnic minorities, and seemed to be the people's candidate. However, the primaries were an uphill battle for Chisholm; her opponents were significantly more experienced with better resources and influential connections. In addition, due to the grassroots nature of her campaign, Chisholm was plagued with internal issues such as underfunding and understaffing, as well as external issues like racism and misogyny. Thus, she would have to maximize her use of limited resources and devote herself to key primaries, opting to have rallies and an active campaign presence only in certain states. In March of 1972, Chisholm would have to choose between campaigning in two crucial states: Florida and New Hampshire, with hopes of winning enough delegates to secure her party's nomination and become the Democratic Party's candidate.


In this work, we consider fracture propagation in nearly incompressible and (fully) incompressible materials using a phase-field formulation. We use a mixed form of the elasticity equation to overcome volume locking effects and develop a robust, nonlinear and linear solver scheme and preconditioner for the resulting system. The coupled variational inequality system, which is solved monolithically, consists of three unknowns: displacements, pressure, and phase-field. Nonlinearities due to coupling, constitutive laws, and crack irreversibility are solved using a combined Newton algorithm for the nonlinearities in the partial differential equation and employing a primal-dual active set strategy for the crack irreverrsibility constraint. The linear system in each Newton step is solved iteratively with a flexible generalized minimal residual method (GMRES). The key contribution of this work is the development of a problem-specific preconditioner that leverages the saddle-point structure of the displacement and pressure variable. Four numerical examples in pure solids and pressure-driven fractures are conducted on uniformly and locally refined meshes to investigate the robustness of the solver concerning the Poisson ratio as well as the discretization and regularization parameters.


OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in quality of life, arrhythmia symptoms, and hospital resource utilisation following catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter. DESIGN Patient questionnaire to compare the time interval following ablation with a similar time interval before ablation. SETTING Tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS 63 consecutive patients were studied. Four patients subsequently underwent an ablate and pace procedure, two died of co-morbid illnesses, and two were lost to follow up. The remaining 55 patients form the basis of the report. RESULTS Patients were followed for a mean (SD) of 12 (9.5) months. Atrial flutter ablation resulted in an improvement in quality of life (3.8 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.0v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.0 v 3.8, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values. There was a reduction in the number of patients visiting accident and emergency departments (11%v 53%, p < 0.001), requiring cardioversion (7% v 51%, p < 0.001), or being admitted to hospital for a rhythm problem (11%v 56%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed that patients with atrial flutter and concomitant atrial fibrillation before ablation and those with atrial flutter alone both derived significant benefit from atrial flutter ablation. Patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation had an improvement in quality of life (3.5 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.3 v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.2v 3.7, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of atrial flutter is recommended both in patients with atrial flutter alone and in those with concomitant atrial fibrillation.


We aimed to investigate the ameliorating effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the potential hepatocellular damage in experimental obstructive jaundice. Twenty‐four male rabbits in the study were randomly allocated into three groups. In the sham group, the choledochal canal was identified and explored. In the obstructive jaundice and treatment groups, the choledochal canal was ligated. Placebo and DHEA were administered to the obstructive jaundice and treatment groups, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, and both blood samples and liver tissue samples were obtained by re‐laparotomy performed on day 8. Biochemical parameters were measured in blood samples, and liver samples were histopathologically evaluated. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels were lower in the treatment group than in obstructive jaundice. Mononuclear inflammation in the portal region and hepatocyte degeneration were milder in the treatment group compared to obstructive jaundice group. Fibrosis and necrosis were also recovered by the DHEA treatment.


Spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) exhibits a variety of spinal and cerebullar symptoms and progress. The recent advent of molecular genetics has revealed triplet repeat mutation in the gene of SCD patients. Due to the underlying genetic defects, hereditary SCD is referred to as different spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) genotypes. We conducted vestibular functional tests in 33 SCD patients, including 3 with SCA3 and 2 with SCA6. We compared the degree of lower extremity ataxia with the degree of oculomotor disorder by using eye tracking tests (ETT) and optokinetic pattern tests (OKP). Both SCA3 and SCA6 show high ETT score and low mean slowest phase velocity in OKP. This means that SCA3 and SCA6 tend to have oculomotor disorder precedes extremity ataxia. Oculomotor examination should thus prove to be a useful, senstive indicator in screening SCD patients from early disease onset, and in evaluating the disease progression and the effectiveness of treatment.


We evaluated skeletal muscle counterregulation during hypoglycemia in nine subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) (HbA1c 9.4 +/- 0.5%, nl < 6.2%) compared with six normal controls, matched for age (51 +/- 3 and 49 +/- 5 yr, respectively) and body mass index (27.3 +/- 1.2 and 27.0 +/- 2.1 kg/m2). After 60 min of euglycemia (plasma insulin approximately 140 microU/ml), plasma glucose was lowered to 62 +/- 2 mg/dl by 120 min. Hypoglycemia induced a 2.2-fold greater increase in plasma epinephrine in NIDDM (P < 0.001), while the plasma glucagon response was blunted (P < 0.01). Hepatic glucose output ([3H-3]glucose) suppressed similarly during euglycemia, but during hypoglycemia was greater in NIDDM (P < 0.005). Conversely, glucose uptake during euglycemia was 150% greater in controls (P < 0.01) and remained persistently higher than in NIDDM during hypoglycemia. In NIDDM, plasma FFA concentrations were approximately fivefold greater (P < 0.001), and plasma lactate levels were approximately 40% higher than in controls during hypoglycemia (P < 0.01); the rates of glycolysis from plasma glucose were similar in the two groups despite a 49% lower rate of glucose uptake in NIDDM (3.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 6.9 +/- 1.3 mg/kg per minute, P < 0.001). Muscle glycogen synthase activity fell by 42% with hypoglycemia (P < 0.01) in NIDDM but not in controls. In addition, glycogen phosphorylase was activated by 56% during hypoglycemia in NIDDM only (P < 0.01). Muscle glucose-6-phosphate concentrations rose during hypoglycemia by a twofold greater increment in NIDDM (P < 0.01). Thus, skeletal muscle participates in hypoglycemia counterregulation in NIDDM, directly by decreased removal of plasma glucose and, indirectly, by providing lactate for hepatic gluconeogenesis. Consequently, in addition to inherent insulin resistance in NIDDM, the enhanced plasma epinephrine response during hypoglycemia may partially offset impaired glucagon secretion and counteract the effects of hyperinsulinemia on liver, fat, and skeletal muscle.


Abstract The paper analyses consumer behaviour in different social classes in late 19th century Germany. Using a complete new database with 3,994 household budgets, it presents a new quantitative approach to answer the question how social stratification is reflected in different types of consumption. Unlike most previous attempts, the data set was not pre-classified first by some other attributes of social structure (such as occupation of the head of the household, income, etc.). Instead, the entire data set is classified and grouped by a cluster analysis of the households' expenditure structures only. This approach has not been used for such a wide spectrum of society covering households of East-Prussian rural workers as well as the household of a Westphalian Count. Thus, the paper covers several new findings, e. g. a much wider variety of different consumption styles within working class households as traditionally assumed.


The automatic production line of high-frequency induction welding H-beam is preliminarily designed, which is applied to produce the H-beam of the web plate with the height less than 100mm. In the first place, the technological process for the whole production line is framed based on the principle of the HF induction welding. Subsequently, the scheme design is conducted by dividing the production line into pre-welding processing, HF induction welding and post-welding processing. Finally, the software SolidWorks is applied to design the virtual prototype which consists of the feature modeling of the parts and the virtual assembly of the machine, and carry out the motion simulation in order to check the interference and movement coordination of mechanisms. process provides an effective basis and good guidance for the succeeding design of the production line.


Ozone in the gas phase and hydrogen peroxide in the liquid phase were simultaneously formed in hybrid electrical discharge reactors, known as the hybrid-series and hybrid-parallel reactors, which utilize both gas phase nonthermal plasma formed above the water surface and direct liquid phase corona-like discharge in the water. In the series configuration the high voltage needle-point electrode is submerged and the ground electrode is placed in the gas phase above the water surface. The parallel configuration employs a high voltage electrode in the gas phase and a high voltage needle-point electrode in the liquid phase with the ground electrode placed at the gas-liquid interface. In both hybrid reactors the gas phase concentration of ozone reached a power-dependent steady state, whereas the hybrid-parallel reactor produced a substantially larger amount of ozone than the hybrid series. Hydrogen peroxide was produced in both hybrid reactors at a similar rate to that of a single-phase liquid electrical discharge reactor. The resulting concentration of H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ in the hybrid reactors, however, depended on the pH of the solution and the gas phase ozone concentration since H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ was decomposed by dissolved ozone at high pH.


The crystallinity of rigid PVC specimens, stabilized by a tin mercaptide or a lead stabilizer, has been studied. It is found that the crystallinity of rigid PVC is greatly influenced by the type of stabilizer added, and that the response of the PVC toward subsequent UV exposure was also different. The effects of unstable structures and crystallinity, after UV irradiation, on the mechanical properties of rigid PVC have been investigated.


Debt finance relevance or financial leverage debate has continued to gain more strength in every discussion of firm capital structure locally and beyond. To some researchers, the application of debt finance could worsen performance of firms and create difficult economic scenario; to others, debt finance could induced better business performance and profitability. It is on the premise of the foregoing arguments that this study sought to investigate the effect of long and short tenured debt on return on assets (ROA) as well as return on equity (ROE) of corporate manufacturing firms in Nigeria. To achieve this, the study relied on firm level data generated from annual report of the National Salt Corporation of Nigeria (NASCON) Plc for a 12-year period (2007-2018). Data were analyzed using time series analysis while the computer-based multivariate linear regression approach aided by Special Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used in the test of the two stated hypotheses. Consistently, the two null hypotheses were sustained since their significant values (sig-value) were greater than 0.05 and their corresponding t-values positive. The paper thus concludes that although long and short tenured debt finances may not significantly impact positively on ROA and ROE, long tenured debt could slightly enhance corporate performance. Accordingly, the study recommends among others that, financial managers of corporate manufacturing firms should design optimum capital structure for long and short tenured debt finances considering the varied impact of both on corporate performance.


Typical topics for lectures and posters include: biochemical and biophysical characterization of new metal containing proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, factors, and chelators from all forms of life; synthesis, detailed characterization, and reaction chemistry of biomimetic compounds; novel crystal and solution structures of biological molecules and synthetic metal-chelates; discussions of the roles that metals play in medicine, maintenance of the environment, and biogeochemical processes; metal homeostasis; application of theory and computations to the structure and mechanism of metal-containing biological systems; and novel applications of spectroscopy to metals in biological systems.


Acute renal allograft rejection is a serious and treatable complication of renal transplantation. Currently, renal allograft biopsy is required to establish the diagnosis of acute rejection. The purpose of this study was to identify urinary biomarkers of rejection that can accurately establish a diagnosis of acute rejection. We have identified biomarkers that can differentiate the presence or absence of acute renal allograft rejection in a set of patients who received renal allograft biopsy for suspected rejection. Proteins from urine samples collected from 20 patients just prior to biopsy were separated by 2D gel electrophoresis, and gel spot abundance was analyzed to determine differences in patients with rejection, borderline rejection, or no rejection. Artificial neural network analysis correctly identified 5 of 6 patients with rejection (sensitivity: 83%, specificity 86%), 6 of 7 patients with borderline rejection (sensitivity: 86%, specificity 92%), and 6 of 7 patients with no rejection (sensitivity: 86%, specificity 100%). Protein from 16 spots with differential expression between groups was digested and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting. Proteins identified included alpha-1-microglobulin, zinc-alpha-2 glycoprotein 1 (chain D of this protein was identified in a spot separate from the intact protein), and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 precursor. This analysis is able to successfully differentiate between patients with or without rejection and is the first analysis to identify the differentially expressed proteins in these patients.


Background The impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health, and employment following hospitalisation is poorly understood. Methods PHOSP-COVID is a multi-centre, UK, observational study of adults discharged from hospital with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 involving an assessment between two- and seven-months later including detailed symptom, physiological and biochemical testing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for patient-perceived recovery with age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, and severity of acute illness as co-variates. Cluster analysis was performed using outcomes for breathlessness, fatigue, mental health, cognition and physical function. Findings We report findings of 1077 patients discharged in 2020, from the assessment undertaken a median 5 [IQR4 to 6] months later: 36% female, mean age 58 [SD 13] years, 69% white ethnicity, 27% mechanical ventilation, and 50% had at least two co-morbidities. At follow-up only 29% felt fully recovered, 20% had a new disability, and 19% experienced a health-related change in occupation. Factors associated with failure to recover were female, middle-age, white ethnicity, two or more co-morbidities, and more severe acute illness. The magnitude of the persistent health burden was substantial and weakly related to acute severity. Four clusters were identified with different severities of mental and physical health impairment: 1) Very severe (17%), 2) Severe (21%), 3) Moderate with cognitive impairment (17%), 4) Mild (46%), with 3%, 7%, 36% and 43% feeling fully recovered, respectively. Persistent systemic inflammation determined by C-reactive protein was related to cluster severity, but not acute illness severity. Interpretation We identified factors related to recovery from a hospital admission with COVID-19 and four different phenotypes relating to the severity of physical, mental, and cognitive health five months later. The implications for clinical care include the potential to stratify care and the need for a pro-active approach with wide-access to COVID-19 holistic clinical services. Funding: UKRI and NIHR


The United States has experienced increased immigration rates since 1990 and public libraries are faced with providing services to immigrants from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Which immigrants are the most likely to utilize public library services? This study uses data from the U.S. Current Population Survey from 2002 to compare households of immigrants from various world regions on the use of public libraries in the past month and the past year. Immigrant households' rates of library use are also compared to households of native-born U.S. citizens.


In a double-blind investigation of the efficacy on pain following abdominal or orthopaedic surgery, meptazinol 100 mg, a new hexahydroazepine derivative, was found to be equipotent with pentazocine 60 mg and pethidine 100 mg when given i.m. Analgesia was maximal 30-60 min after injection and was still present at the end of 2 h. The duration of action of meptazinol was estimated to be 4 h. Meptazinol produced less sedation and a greater sparing of lung function tests than did pethidine and pentazocine. When meptazinol or morphine was administered for further pain relief in a single-blind manner there was no evidence of patient preference for one drug or the other.


PURPOSE
To investigate the usefulness of metal artifact reduction in CT images of patients with bilateral hip prostheses (BHP) for contouring the prostate and determine if the inclusion of MR images provides additional benefits.

METHODS
Five patients with BHP were CT scanned using our clinical protocol (140kV, 300mAs, 3mm slices, 1.5mm increment, Philips Medical Systems, OH). Images were reconstructed with the orthopaedic metal artifact reduction (O-MAR) algorithm. MRI scanning was then performed (1.5T, GE Healthcare, WI) with a flat table-top (T2 -weighted, inherent body coil, FRFSE, 3mm slices with 0mm gap). All images were transferred to Pinnacle (Version 9.2, Philips Medical Systems). For each patient, two data sets were produced: one containing the O-MAR-corrected CT images and another containing fused MRI and O-MAR-corrected CT images. Four genito-urinary radiation oncologists contoured the prostate of each patient on the O-MAR-corrected CT data. Two weeks later, they contoured the prostate on the fused data set, blinded to all other contours. During each contouring session, the oncologists reported their confidence in the contours (1=very confident, 3=not confident) and the contouring difficulty that they experienced (1=really easy, 4=very challenging). Prostate volumes were computed from the contours and the conformity index was used to evaluate inter-observer variability.

RESULTS
Larger prostate volumes were found on the O-MAR-corrected CT set than on the fused set (p< 0.05, median=36.9cm3 vs. 26.63 cm3 ). No significant differences were noted in the inter-observer variability between the two data sets (p=0.3). Contouring difficulty decreased with the addition of MRI (p<0.05) while the radiation oncologists reported more confidence in their contours when MRI was fused with the O-MAR-corrected CT data (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION
This preliminary work demonstrated that, while O-MAR correction to CT images improves visualization of anatomy, the addition of MRI enhanced the oncologists' confidence in contouring the prostate in patients with BHP.


A shaped, magnetic ceramic was obtained from a metal-containing polymer network, which was synthesized by thermal polymerization of a metal-containing organosilicon monomer. Pyrolysis of a cylinder, shape, or film of the metal-containing polymer precursor produced a low-density magnetic ceramic replica in high yield. The magnetic properties of the shaped ceramic could be tuned between a superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic state by controlling the pyrolysis conditions, with the particular state dependent on the size of iron nanoclusters homogeneously dispersed throughout the carbosilane-graphitic-silicon nitride matrix. These results indicate that cross-linked metal-containing polymers may be useful precursors to ceramic monoliths with tailorable magnetic properties.


Natural rubber products emit malodourous compounds, which can contaminate the air and water of the inhabited surroundings of the production factories. Analytical methods such as SPME coupled with GC-MS and GC-O-FID were used to elucidate the composition and olfactory impact of volatile compounds released from two various grades of natural rubber submitted to different coagulation processes. Forty-three volatile compounds were identified and amongst 16 of them that had never been reported. The volatile compounds belonged to different chemical classes and were the result of enzymatic and microbial action as well as thermal degradation. Among the new compounds identified, a terpene (limonene), benzyl derivatives, or trimethylamine were found in both grades of natural rubber. In contrary phenyl acids, fatty acid esters, or 2,6 dimethoxyphenol were specific to one grade of natural rubber and may result from the coagulation process. The use of GC-O analysis emphasized the contribution of short-chain fatty acids to the malodorous odour generated but also evidenced the participation of trimethylamine and 2,6 dimethoxyphenol. At last, it was demonstrated that the presence of phenyl acids in one natural rubber could partially mask the obnoxious odour. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1863–1872, 2013


The name rubella is derived from a Latin expression signifying "minimal red". Rubella is, for the most part, a benign transferable exanthematous disease. It is caused by rubella virus, which is an affiliate of the Rubivirus class of the family Togaviridae. About half of people contaminated with rubella are asymptomatic. Clinical indications and severity of disease fluctuate with age. For example, contamination in children is portrayed by mild constitutional symptoms, suboccipital adenopathy, and rash; on the other hand, in adolescents and adults, rubella might be complicated by arthritis, thrombocytopenic purpura, and arthralgia. Uncommon cases of rubella encephalitis have likewise been depicted in children. The main complication of rubella is its teratogenic impacts when pregnant ladies get the disease, particularly in the early weeks of pregnancy. The virus could be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta and is equipped for causing genuine congenital defects, stillbirths, and abortions. Fortunately, as a consequence of the successful vaccination program, rubella contamination and congenital rubella syndrome infrequently are seen today. We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 1970, through February 28, 2017. The following search terms were used: rubella, rubella syndrome, congenital, paediatric rubella, vaccination, rubella-containing vaccine, and rubella immunization campaigns.


Background: Despite efforts at making municipal solid waste management (MSWM) effective, one key challenge faced by the state and local environmental protection agencies in Nigeria has been inconsistencies in the pattern of solid waste management by households. Objective: To determine the practice, pattern and challenges of solid waste management in Onitsha Metropolis. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of 425 households in Onitsha Metropolis, selected using multistage sampling technique was done. Quantitative data was collected by interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using computer Graph Pad Prism version 5.3. Tests of statistical significance were carried out using ANalysis Of Variance followed by multiple comparison done using post hoc Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Qualitative data was obtained using key informant interviews. Results: The mean age of the respondents is 36.84±12.21years. Whereas 244 (57.4%) use government facilities / services, 47 (11.1%) dump theirs on streets and drainages. Two hundred and ninety five (60.90%) practice some form of waste segregation. There were statistically significant differences between the areas of residence and household solid waste disposal personnel (p<0.05), patterns of solid waste disposal (p<0.05) and solid waste separation (p<0.05) respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed poor waste management practices as well as some relationship between area of residence and waste disposal personnel, pattern of waste disposal and waste separation respectively. Strategies for improving the MSWM in Onitshaare thus suggested.


Sir, We were most pleased to see the article by Tulppala et al. (April 100,1993), and consider it an interesting contribution to the everexpanding body of knowledge on the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This paper has, however, prompted us to make two comments which are applicable not only to this article but also in the more general context of reproductive endocrinology. Firstly, in the paper by Tulppala et al., and in publications of others reporting observations on the interrelationship between polycystic ovaries and miscarriage (Sagle et al. 1988; Regan et al. 1990), scant attention has been paid to qualitative as well as quantitative measurements of gonadotrophin activity. Research literature (Wilson et al. 1990; Tsatsoulis et al. 1991) has disclosed the significance of the distributional composition of gonadotrophin glycoforms in conjunction with other elements (Adashi et al. 1990) in determining ultimate function at the ovary. In diagnostic and predictive terms, therefore, a single quantitative estimation of gonadotrophin values is of restricted value, since it may bear limited relation to actual hormone efficacy, or, indeed to secretory dynamics. This is of particular relevance in PCOS in which the ratio of LH bioto immuno-reactivity (B:I) may be significantly elevated with respect to that of women with normal ovarian morphology and function (Lobo el al. 1983). In addition, attention has been drawn to the potential pitfalls of reaching conclusions based on endocrine measurements from single blood samples (Veldhuis & Johnson 1990a, b), particularly with respect to the gonadotrophin hormones where pulse frequency and amplitude and glycoform circulatory half-lives are of such importance in signal transduction and perception. Our second comment pertains to the omission in the methodology section of this paper to state exactly how blood samples were collected. One of the problems we are having to surmount at the Robert Barnes Laboratories of St George's Hospital Medical School is the implementation of a policy designed to protect staff against infection from patient blood samples. We refer to the vacutainer method of blood collection. Vacutainers are available exclusively in glass, and this has a prejudicial effect on gonadotrophin studies since LH-a glycopeptide hormone-sticks to glass. Samples collected and rapidly processed (within five to ten minutes) do not appear to suffer any deleterious effect, but samples left longer before processing are affected by a reduction in quantitative LH. To our knowledge, it is presently unknown whether certain glycoforms preferentially react with glass, giving rise to the potential for qualitative misrepresentation, or whether this is a general property of the glycoforms. We particularly wish to draw the attention of obstetricians and gynaecologists to this point, since qualitative and quantitative gonadotrophin levels are of such importance in diagnosis and in terms of evaluating response to patient management.


ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the experiences and perspectives of speech pathologists when delivering cognitive-communication therapy to adults following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used to explore the practices of speech pathologists working in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) settings. The first participant group completed an in-depth online survey, whilst the second group participated in an interview to discuss their processes and recommendations when managing adults following TBI. Results Participants highlighted the need for services to be client-centered and inclusive in their approaches to meet the rehabilitation needs of people following TBI in community-based settings. The key features identified to achieve this included utilizing a flexible service delivery approach, implementation of meaningful therapy, as well as inclusion of significant others. Conclusions These findings provide a snapshot of the current practices employed by a range of speech pathology services across Australia and New Zealand. Health professionals and rehabilitation service providers should consider the key factors highlighted by the participants when designing future CBR models of care for this client group.


Summary The present study reports the dissolution method for a novel fixed dose combination (FDC) containing etodolac (ET) and propranolol hydrochloride (PH) developed utilizing USP Apparatus 1 (basket) at 100 rpm with 1000 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8; 0.05 M) medium at 37°C. An isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) method was also developed for the simultaneous determination of ET and PH on an octadecylsilica column using phosphate buffer (pH 5.5) and acetonitrile (60:40, υ/υ) as the mobile phase with ultraviolet (UV) detection at 292 nm. Validation data were obtained, which demonstrated that the dissolution methodology is accurate, precise, linear, and rugged for the combination tablets.


A static approach is proposed to study secure composition of services. We extend the λ-calculus with primitives for selecting and invoking services that respect given security requirements. Security-critical code is enclosed in policy framings with a possibly nested, local scope. Policy framings enforce safety and liveness properties. The actual run-time behaviour of services is over-approximated by a type and effect system. Types are standard, and effects include the actions with possible security concerns - as well as information about which services may be invoked at run-time. An approximation is model checked to verify policy framings within their scopes. This allows for removing any run-time execution monitor, and for determining the plans driving the selection of those services that match the security requirements on demand.


Based on the available archaeological material, the article covers a number of issues related to the kurgans of nomads from the middle of the 1st millennium BC within the sub-mountain zone of the Bashkir Trans-Urals, embankments of which were built using stone. The author analyses the representativeness of archaeological records, provides typological and chronological attribution of the burial complexes. Previously these materials allowed to identify the "Irendyk-Kryktyn nomadic group" which existed in the considered landscape zone. According to the author, the investigated stone kurgans are divided into two groups. The first one might be dated back to the Saka Age (VII-VI centuries BC), the second one belongs to the Savromatian-Sarmatian period (not earlier that the mid of V-IV centuries BC). Within the existing chronology there is no explanation for the time gap between those periods. Hereby, this fact may indicate the presence of two culturally unrelated nomadic groups. The analysis of the archaeological material allows us to say that the signs of the burial rite, which are typical for the monuments of the foothill strip of the Bashkir Trans-Ural (Irendyk-Kryktyn group), are widespread far beyond this landscape zone, and are common for nomads who left stone kurgans in the steppe part of the region on both sides of the Ural Ridge. Furthermore, the author draws attention to the existing statement about the process of sedentarization of nomads of this region in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. The study of the source base on this issue shows that single finds of ceramic in "settlements" of nomads are their common locations. Settlement monuments in the mountainous Urals and steppe Trans-Urals, where few fragments of Kenotkel and Gafurian tableware were found, demonstrate the lack of dwellings, tools and remnants of handicraft production. This fact testifies to the temporary or episodic nature of the appearance of small groups of population at such monuments, and is not associated with nomads. Moreover, the sedentarization of nomads in the northern marginal zone is not confirmed by either historical or ethnographic sources. The article contains materials to supplement the archaeological records for studying issues related to stone kurgans.


Accurate pose estimation is a fundamental ability that all mobile robots must posses in order to traverse robustly in a given environment. Much like a human, this ability is dependent on the robot's understanding of a given scene. For Autonomous Vehicles (AV's), detailed 3D maps created beforehand are widely used to augment the perceptive abilities and estimate pose based on current sensor measurements. This approach however is less suited for rural communities that are sparsely connected and cover large areas. To deal with the challenge of localizing a vehicle in a rural setting, this paper presents a data-set of rural road scenes, along with an approach for fast segmentation of roads using LIDAR point clouds. The segmented point cloud in concert with road network information from Open Street Maps (OSM) is used for pose estimation. We propose two measurement models which are compared with state of the art methods for localization on OSM for tracking as well as global localization. The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to estimate pose within a 2 sq. km area with mean accuracy of 6.5 meters.


Transportation system of a city affects all aspects of its citizen's economic and personal activities. At a general level, the traffic problem considered as a situation of mismatch between supply (i.e., roads and their capacity) and demands (i.e., travel needs). The city administrators have tried to balance it by creating infrastructures (e.g., new roads, expanding capacity, under pass) or policy changes (e.g., banning heavy traffic movement during peak or day hours). Major problems that motorists are facing on highways intersection are congestion, accidents, and costs. Too many automobiles, trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians are attempting to use the same space to reach their destiny. N-5 (major highway in Pakistan) passes through Taxila where at some intersection extreme traffic congestion sets in. Transportation problems are evident at some locations with complex roadway geometrics. So a traffic study is to be conducted to quantify the extent of transportation problems. This study aims to gain information and understanding about traffic system through the derivation of traffic information from traffic data, and then to apply this information in the assessment of the performance of traffic systems and their interaction with land use activities. This research is an effort to provide suggestion and recommendations to enforce an efficient traffic flow system.


BACKGROUND
Rathke's cleft cyst is a rare benign sellar lesion. The exact preoperative diagnosis of this lesion by clinical and radiological features is difficult. Hence it is often misdiagnosed as craniopharyngioma.

AIM
To identify the radiological pointers for pre operative diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study presents the details of nine patients who were operated in our institution between 1998 and 2008. Radiological and histopathological variations were studied.

RESULTS
The possibility of Rathke's cleft cyst was considered pre operatively in one patient only. On reviewing the images, characteristic imaging findings were observed in a few cases.

CONCLUSION
As minimally invasive trans-sphenoidal approach is sufficient for treating these lesions, pre operative diagnosis is important.


The low frequency limiting permittivity of water-Aerosol OT-isooctane microemulsions containing additives like cholesterol and n-propanol have been measured over a temperature range 15-45°C. The concentration dependent polarizability data were always found to be equal to or higher than those calculated from the Clausius-Mossotti relation. The excess polarizability of the system has been explained in terms of a parameter which has been found to be dependent on the water permeability of the surfactant monolayer of the droplets. It has been concluded that the monolayer permeability allows the droplets to form clusters through a strong interdroplet interaction.


SUMMARY We evaluated laboratory reports as early indicators of West Nile virus (WNV) disease cases in Texas. We compared WNV laboratory results in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Base System (NBS) to WNV disease cases reported to the state health department from 2008 to 2012. We calculated sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of NBS reports, estimated the number of disease cases expected per laboratory report, and determined lead and lag times. The sensitivity and PPV of NBS laboratory reports were 86% and 77%, respectively. For every 10 positive laboratory reports, we expect 9·0 (95% confidence interval 8·9–9·2) reported disease cases. Laboratory reports preceded case reports with a lead time of 7 days. Electronic laboratory reports provided longer lead times than manually entered reports (P < 0·01). NBS laboratory reports are useful estimates of future reported WNV disease cases and may provide timely information for planning public health interventions.


PURPOSE
Nocardia asteroides, a respiratory saprophyte in humans, may cause localized infection of the lungs in debilitated or immunosuppressed individuals. Haematogenous spread to the eye via the choroidal circulation may result in choroidal abscess formation.

METHOD
We report the development of a choroidal abscess in the left eye of a woman treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide for systemic lupus erythematosus. Haematogenous spread of N. asteroides from a localized infection of the lung (empyema) is thought to have been the cause of the choroidal abscess.

RESULTS
Surgical drainage of the empyema combined with intravenously administered antibiotics resulted in resolution of the choroidal abscess and improvement of vision.

CONCLUSIONS
A choroidal abscess, caused by haematogenous spread of N. asteroides, may respond to appropriate systemic antibiotic treatment alone and not require ocular treatment.


The National Lung Matrix Trial (NLMT) is a CR-UK funded national umbrella trial in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exploring the activity of a number of targeted agents in molecularly stratified patients. Currently, biomarker identification is performed on a bespoke 28-gene next-generation sequencing panel (The Stratified Medicine Programme-2) using surplus FFPE diagnostic tissue. The primary aim of the trial is to detect signals of activity, either objective response or durable stabilizations, to thus provide robust stop-go decisions for the further clinical and translational development of promising biomarker:drug combinations, using a Bayesian statistical design. Actionability of genetic aberrations is called using a comprehensive tiering system, and preclinical data inform a number of key molecular exclusion rules for selected biomarkers in order to enrich for patients likely to obtain therapeutic benefit. The requirement for confident wild-type calling of these molecular exclusions results in an attrition of up to 1/3 of patients who harbor suitable molecular biomarkers due to a failure to achieve the required read depth, and the reasons for this and the strategies used to mitigate against this problem will be discussed. The transition rate of patients screened to patients allocated is around 6%, and the causes of this second level of attrition will be reviewed together with the implications this has for running precision medicine trials, particularly in small biomarker-selected cohorts and, moreover, in an era of immunotherapy. The trial and platform is adaptive, allowing the integration of emerging preclinical and clinical data into currently running cohorts and the development of new biomarker:drug cohorts, and several new cohorts will be initiated in the next 65 months. Key translational endpoints include longitudinal ctDNA analysis and the development of PDX models to determine supplemental predictive biomarkers and mechanisms of resistance. The molecular eligibility rate is around 35%, and currently we have allocated 178 patients to one of 20 open cohorts, trailing 7 targeted drugs. Outcome data from several important cohorts will be presented next year. The overlap and complementarity of NLMT with similar programs, notably LUNG-MAP and NCI-MATCH, suggests that global coordination of national precision-medicine programs will significantly accelerate the identification of any remaining oncogene addictions and of molecularly targeted strategies that provide robust deflection of the natural history of selected patients with advanced NSCLC, the selection of the best drug target and drug for each aberration, and the strategies that might be employed to limit the emergence of resistance. (For and on behalf of The Stratified Medicine Programme-2 working party and the NLMT Consortium.) Citation Format: Gary Middleton. The National Lung Matrix Trial (NLMT): Challenges and opportunities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PL03-03.


In recent years, a large number of design support tools (DSTs) have been developed to address the ever increasing complexity and fragmentation of the architectural design process. Despite the omnipresence and the wide variety of DSTs available to architects today, literature reveals that there is still a mismatch between existing tools and design practice. Further examination of this discrepancy might reveal possible strategies for the improvement of tools. Therefore, this study investigates the Flemish architectural practice directly through a large-scale survey including 629 architects (nearly 10% of the population). The survey was based on a practice-oriented conceptual framework, which was developed as a theoretical background for this study. First the nature of the design process was explored through extensive literature review. In addition to this, a study of tools and possible classifications was carried out. Although numerous studies are available that provide a possible classification, most focus on specific design aspects, for instance sustainability or user-centered design. However, there is no general outline of tools available that would be adequate for the purpose of this research. The DSTs included in this study range from sketches and checklists to 3D CAD and simulation software, in other words any instrument intended to support one or more aspects of the design process. The findings from both literature studies were synthesized in the conceptual framework. This framework presents the design process as a linear process, consisting of the conceptual design phase, the preliminary design phase, the building permission phase, and the construction phase. Six categories of tools were defined, according to the roles they play in the design process, namely knowledge-based, presentation, evaluation/analysis, structuring, modeling, and communication. A tool can belong to one or more categories. The mapping of these roles on the design process resulted in the final framework, which was then used as a base for the questionnaire. The survey aimed at gaining insight into the different DSTs and their corresponding roles, as well as the design phases in which they are used or most needed by Flemish architects in architectural practice. In addition to this, the survey contained questions about the influence of tools on design decision-making, and the specific characteristics and qualities the designers prefer for design support tools. A final part of the survey asked about general background information, such as the respondents'Ao age, size of architectural firm and types of projects usually undertaken. The results of the survey reveal that there are distinctly different needs for each of the roles defined, as well as a specific frequency of use within each design phase. Furthermore, the most popular tools often encompass multiple roles. Additionally, clear expectations for future tools are defined. Finally, the data collected show researchers and tool developers what kind of support designers need in the different stages of the design process, and may help them to develop DSTs accordingly, to maximize their usability and eventually contribute to decrease the gap between tools and practice.


The low quality factor (Q-factor) of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a significant barrier for further progress of LSPR-based devices. Therefore, we investigate the effect that materials typically used in the nano-fabrication process have on the LSPR wavelength and Q-factor in order to find avenues of improvement. Specifically we investigate the influence of charge dissipation and adhesion layers upon the LSPR of linearly polarizing nano-antennas and show that a simple quasi-static model can be used to describe such systems.


The performance of pressure sensor‐equipped inverted echo sounders for monitoring nonlinear internal waves is examined. The inverted echo sounder measures the round-trip acoustic travel time from the sea floor to the sea surface andthus acquiresverticallyintegratedinformationon the thermal structure,from which the first baroclinic mode of thermocline motion may be inferred. This application of the technology differs from previous uses in that the wave period (;30 min) is short, requiring a more rapid transmission rate and a different approach to the analysis. Sources of error affecting instrument performance include tidal effects, barotropic adjustment to internal waves, ambient acoustic noise, and sea surface roughness. The latter two effects are explored with a simulation that includes surface wave reconstruction, acoustic scattering based on the Kirchhoff approximation, wind-generated noise, sound propagation, and the instrument's signal processing circuitry. Bias is introduced as a function of wind speed, but the simulation provides a basis for bias correction. The assumption that the waves do not significantly affect the mean stratification allows for a focus on the dynamic response. Model calculations are compared with observations in the South China Sea by using nearby temperature measurements to provide a test of instrument performance. After applying corrections for ambient noise and surface roughness effects, the inverted echo sounder exhibits an RMS variability of approximately 4 m in the estimated depth of the eigenfunction maximum in the wind speed range 0 # U10 # 10 m s 21 . This uncertainty may be compared with isopycnal excursions for nonlinear internal waves of 100 m, showing that the observational approach is effective for measurements of nonlinear internal waves in this environment.


In 1927, the Claflin-Emerson expedition of the Peabody Museum began a rapid and extensive archaeological reconnaissance of eastern Utah. The expedition was funded by William H. Claflin and Raymond Emerson, Bostonian businessmen with a deep devotion to the American Indian and a probing interest in the remote and mysterious regions of the American West.Early expedition surveys and excavations conducted by Noel Morss would lead to a definition of the Fremont culture; later research would augment existing data on the Fremont by adding entirely new traits, disclosing new variations in architecture and basketry, and providing new information on the distribution of previously known traits.In "The Fremont Culture: A Study in Culture Dynamics on the Northern Anasazi Frontier," archaeologist James H. Gunnerson provides the results of his 1950s survey and excavation in the Utah area. He presents a functional synthesis of the Fremont culture and discusses the dynamics of its growth and decline.Gunnerson s report also uses the original field notes, maps, plans, photographs, sketches, and unpublished preliminary reports of the Claflin-Emerson expedition. Together, the reports of Morss and Gunnerson offer the most important and complete overview of the expedition available. They are fitting tributes to the men of that expedition, scientists who recognized the importance of an ancient people who once wrested a meager living from the rugged canyon country of the Green and Colorado Rivers."


The study outlined the supportive values of reflective practice within peer observation of teaching using multiple data sources over a 15-week course-Teaching Practice. Teacher trainees reported that the experience of observing and being observed provided them with better reflections on their teaching and even theories of teaching. Additionally, the experience of observing and being observed enabled teacher trainees to improve and enhance their pedagogical competences and knowledge in continuing development.


The review provides up-to-date information on the etiological factors and pathogenic mechanisms of development, morphological changes, clinical and laboratory manifestations of acute glomerulonephritis, as well as therapeutic possibilities for its treatment. The review provides up-to-date information on the etiological factors and pathogenetic mechanisms of development, morphological changes, clinical and laboratory manifestations of acute glomerulonephritis, as well as therapeutic possibilities for its treatment. The epidemiological issues of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis are presented, indicating the characteristics of the effects of nephritogenic strains of Streptococcal infection. The immunopathological reactions of the body in acute glomerulonephritis to the causative agent of the disease and its antigens with the development of an imbalance of subpopulations of T-lymphocytes, the nephritogenic potential of streptococcal proteins, a marker of active proliferation of mesangiocytes, C3 and C4 fractions of complement, and also the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are shown. The article emphasizes that the informational content of serological tests in acute glomerulonephritis increases while assessing the C3 and C4 fractions of serum complement. The pathological effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone on the renal tissue with the chronization of acute glomerulonephritis, the development of nephrotic proteinuria and a rapid decrease in renal function are presented. The data of a direct correlation between the severity of histological changes and the clinical manifestations of acute glomerulonephritis, possibly the prognosis, are shown. Presented are modern data on the assessment of the main clinical manifestations of acute glomerulonephritis (urinary syndrome, edema syndrome and arterial hypertension). When discussing the treatment of acute glomerulonephritis, the controversial issues of the use of antibiotic therapy, preventive tonsillectomy are noted. The literature data on the treatment options for edematous syndrome and arterial hypertension using thiazide and loop diuretics, calcium antagonists, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers are presented. The issues of immunosuppressive therapy using glucorticoids, as well as prognostic criteria for acute glomerulonephritis are discussed.


Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVL) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease with fewer than 100 cases reported in the literature. It is characterized by pontobulbar palsy and sensorineural hearing loss.1 The age at onset varies from infancy to early adulthood, commonly presenting with cranial nerve VII–XII palsies and deafness. Other findings include gait ataxia, limb weakness, optic atrophy, epilepsy, and respiratory compromise.1 The genetic etiology of BVVL has recently been linked to mutations affecting the riboflavin transporter genes SLC52A2 and SLC52A3, which code for human riboflavin transporters RFVT2 and RFVT3, respectively.2 Consequentially, several studies have reported improved clinical outcomes with riboflavin supplementation in patients confirmed to have mutations in the SLC52A2 and SLC52A3 genes.3–7 In this report, we describe a case of BVVL in a 6-year-old girl with dramatic visual recovery and neurologic improvement after delayed initiation of riboflavin supplementation. Consent was obtained from the child's parents.


Obesity in children is a complex problem. Factors related to obesity are food consumption and food pattern. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between food consumption and food pattern (carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumed by subject) with the prevalence of obesity. Furthermore, this research aimed to compare two measurements, i.e. Z-score of body weight/ body height (BW/BH) and body mass index (BMI), in identifying obesity among 4-6 years old children. There were 71 pupils which consecutively selected from a kindergarten in East Jakarta. Half of the subjects (52.1%) were female; aged between 4-5-year old (52,1%). Most of their parents were well educated; 50.7% of the fathers were private employee, whereas 60.6% of the mothers were unemployed/ housewives. Income percapita of their family mostly were moderately low (66,2%). The mean body height and body weight were 109.6 ± 6.7 cm and 20.9 ± 4.6 kg respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 31% with BMI method, and 21.1% with Z-score BW/BH method. The mean BMI percentiles was 68.0 ± 34.7, and the mean Z-score BW/BH was 0.7 ± 1.4. There were significant correlations between calories, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake, as well as dietary fat pattern with the prevalence of obesity according to BMI and Z-score of BW/BH methods. Both methods showed a k coefficient value of 0.747, which reflected a strong agreement between them. Therefore, BMI and Z-score BW/BH methods can be used to screen the obesity in children. Keywords: food consumption, food pattern, obesity, percentile of Body Mass Index, Z-score of Body Weight/Body Height


This study used meta-analysis to examine cumulatively needle exchange program (NEP) change/comparison data from 47 studies between 1988 and 2001, based on data collected between 1986 and 1997. The research question posed was: Is NEP attendance associated with reductions in risky needle-related behaviors? Results indicated that needle sharing (r = -.189), variations on the outcome measure of needle sharing (r = -.161), and needle lending/borrowing (r = -.194) consistently declined among NEP attenders, suggesting the NEPs are effective in reducing risky needle-related behaviors of IDUs. The meta-analytic results lend support to the harm-reduction philosophy often used as the rationale for the establishment and maintenance of NEPs.


Objectives: Work-family conflict can arise from two opposite directions: the experiences at work interfere with family life and the experiences in the family interfere with work life. This study explored the effects of the presence of two income sources on the association between work-family conflict and job attitude. Methods: Responses to structured survey questionnaires were received from 236 two-income families living in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Results: A differential effect was observed between single-income families and two-income families. Higher job satisfaction was related with lower work interference with family (WIF) among single-income families and with lower family interference with work (FIW) among two-income families. Conclusions: Employee welfare programs need to be expanded to enhance job satisfaction for the increasing number of two-income families.


Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Although dopamine replacement therapy mitigates motor dysfunction in PD patients, there are no therapeutics that are currently available to reverse neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), which is the main region for dopamine loss in PD patients. The protein concentration of the Pilose antler extracts (PAEs) was estimated using the Bradford Protein Assay Kit. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the protective effect of PAEs on 6-OHDA induced cell death in PD model rats. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neuronal cell in SNc. HPLC-MS was used to detect dopamine (DA), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and glutamate (Glu) levels in the striatum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The amino acid level in the striatum and CSF was measured by HPLC-FLD. Protein expression of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NF-H) was measured using western blotting. The components of PAEs through blood vessels were detected by HPLC/MS/MS. In this study, PAEs with proteins ranging from 10 kDa to 250 kDa molecular weight was administered to 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. We found that PAEs inhibited 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death and TH-positive neuronal loss in SNc. PAEs administration also increased the levels of DA, DOPAC, and 5-HT, in addition to DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA indexes in the CSF and Striatum of 6-OHDA induced rats. Conversely, PAEs decreased the levels of Glu and GABA. Treatment with PAEs and Madopar increased GAP-43 and NF-H expression in the SNc and striatum. Proteomic analysis using LC/MS/MS indicated that 11 components of PAEs may have neuropharmacological effects. These results demonstrate that PAEs protects against 6-OHDA induced toxic effects in the PD rat models. Intragastric administration of PAEs may be a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders like PD.


Many important economic variables are subject to revision. This article explains how, when, and why such revisions occur; how revisions to Canadian gross domestic product (GDP) compare with GDP revisions in some other countries; which GDP components are subject to the largest revisions; and how data revisions can affect policy decisions. The author finds that revisions to Canadian GDP tend to be smaller, on average, than those of some other countries, and that among the GDP components, exports and imports are most heavily revised.


A steady longitudinal current in the nearshore can, in some conditions, support oscillations known as vorticity waves or shear waves. In this article, we consider a family of nonlinear evolution equations derived by Shrira and Voronovitch to describe the dynamics of vorticity waves near the coastal line and make the study of the dispersion and smoothing properties of the associated nonlocal free problems. More precisely, after establishing long and short time uniform estimates for a certain class of oscillatory integrals, we derive "L p −L q " and Strichartz-type estimates for the solutions of the linearized equations.


Mental distress like depression and anxiety contribute to the largest proportion of the global burden of diseases. Automated diagnosis system of such disorders, empowered by recent innovations in Artificial Intelligence, can pave the way to reduce the sufferings of the affected individuals. Development of such systems requires information-rich and balanced corpora. In this work, we introduce a novel mental distress analysis audio dataset DEPAC, labelled based on established thresholds on depression and anxiety standard screening tools. This large dataset comprises multiple speech tasks per individual, as well as relevant demographic information. Alongside, we present a feature set consisting of hand-curated acoustic and linguistic features, which were found effective in identifying signs of mental illnesses in human speech. Finally, we justify the quality and effectiveness of our proposed audio corpus and feature set in predicting depression severity by comparing the performance of baseline machine learning models built on this dataset with baseline models trained on other well-known depression corpora.


The aim of this paper is to present a few techniques which may be useful in the analysis of time series when a failure is suspected. We present two categories of tests and investigate their asymptotic properties: one, of nonparametric type, is intended to detect a general failure in spectrum; the other investigates the properties of likelihood ratio tests in parametric models which have a non-standard behaviour in this situation. Finally, we obtain the asymptotic distribution of the likelihood estimators of the change parameters.


Current-mode controlled (CMC) converters, which have a wide band with a sufficient phase margin and an excellent conducted susceptibility, are becoming widely used in power supplies. We propose a novel control circuit model for a CMC forward converter. This control circuit model is derived from the small-signal model, which incorporates a magnetizing current of a transformer and voltage drops of secondary rectifier diodes. By employing this control circuit model, circuit parameters can be easily designed without making trial-and-error experiments. The stability condition of the CMC forward converter is analyzed and the control characteristics, such as voltage-open loop characteristics, are calculated by making use of the proposed control circuit model. The validity of this control circuit model is confirmed by an experimental result.


The second law of thermodynamics uses change in free energy of macroscopic systems to set a bound on performed work. Ergotropy plays a similar role in microscopic scenarios, and is defined as the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from a system by a unitary operation. In this analysis, we quantify how much ergotropy can be induced on a system as a result of system's interaction with a thermal bath, with a perspective of using it as a source of work performed by microscopic machines. We provide the fundamental bound on the amount of ergotropy which can be extracted from environment in this way. The bound is expressed in terms of the non-equilibrium free energy difference and can be saturated in the limit of infinite dimension of the system's Hamiltonian. The ergotropy extraction process leading to this saturation is numerically analyzed for finite dimensional systems. Furthermore, we apply the idea of extraction of ergotropy from environment in a design of a new class of stroke heat engines, which we label open-cycle engines. Efficiency and work production of these machines can be completely optimized for systems of dimensions 2 and 3, and numerical analysis is provided for higher dimensions.


Background: Despite the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-1 infected mothers approximately 5% of new HIV-1 infections still occur in breastfed infants annually which warrant for the development of new additional strategies to completely prevent new HIV-1 infections in infants. Human Milk (HM) exosomes are highly enriched in maternal microRNAs (miRNAs) which after ingestion and absorption play an important role in neonatal immunity. Although, HM exosomes from healthy donors are known to inhibit HIV-1 transmission; the effect of HIV-1 on HM exosomal miRNA signatures remains unknown. In the present study, HM derived exosomal miRNA profiles were investigated in HIV-1 infected lactating women. Methods: First week postpartum HM exosomes were purified from uninfected control and HIV-1 infected mothers (n=36), processed for RNA extraction and subjected to miRNA expression profiling by NanoString technology. The data were analyzed, and targets were predicted. Results: We describe that HIV-1 perturbed the differential expression pattern of 19 miRNAs (13 up and 6 downregulated) in HIV-1 infected women compared to healthy controls. DIANA-miR functional Pathway analyses revealed that multiple biological pathways are involved including Cell cycle, Pathways in Cancer, TGF-β signaling, FoxO signaling, Fatty Acid Biosynthesis, p53 signaling and Apoptosis. Further, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses of two of the identified miRNAs, miR-630 and miR-378g for separating HIV-1 infected women from healthy controls yielded areas under the ROC curves of 0.82 (95% CI= 0.67 to 0.82) and 0.83 (95% CI= 0.67 to 0.83), respectively highlighting their potential to serve as biomarkers of HIV-1 infection in women. Conclusions: Our studies provide new information that HIV-1 perturbs the expression levels of HM derived exosomal miRNAs in lactating women. The stability of HM exosomes at room temperature raises the possibility of their utility in HIV-1 screening prior to HIV-1 specific testing in countries like Nigeria. Further, our data may also contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 in infants.


There were 17 accidents at one of drilling area over the past five years. Purpose of this research is to describe how it happened. This research is a descriptive research that used secondary data.  The collected data included the number of accidents, the workers who had experience for accident and draft accident investigation at that drilling area for the past five years. The population was the entire workers of this company that recorded as the victims in accidents at the drilling area during 2012 – 2016. The result showed that amount of accident in drilling area was 17 cases with 0.8 Incidence Rate in every 100 labor. The most type of accident was mechanical accident. Then the accidents also happen at the end of the morning shift, it was happened between 14.00-17.59 WIB. And for the accident which has small impact is about 82,35% and for the bigger impact is about 17,65%. The most victims were the workers that had high school graduate. They were ≥ 30 years old. They had work experiences ≥ 5 years. The conclusion of this research is, the trend of accidents is decrease from year to year. In other that, there is still happened 8 of 100 accidents Incidence in that place. . Keywords : accidents, distribution, incidence rate, oil and gas drlling area


Water-soluble gold nanoparticles (3.1±0.6 nm) with polymerization ability and affinity to streptavidin are prepared by reducing HAuCl4 in the presence of the capping ligands 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, biotin–cysteamine, and p-aminothiophenol. This colloid, HAuCl4, is used to modify gold electrodes by forming a 3D electropolymerized network of bis-aniline-cross-linked nanoparticles on the metal surface. The modified electrode is used as a scaffold for the assembly of an amperometric immunosensor system to detect human fibrinogen. The immunosensor shows excellent analytical characteristics, with a dynamic range of detection between 0.018 and 2.208 μg mL−1, a detection limit of 4 ng mL−1, and a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 177 ng mL−1. The immunosensor is markedly stable, retaining full analytical capacity after 45 days of storage at 4 °C.


About 100 commercially important timber species are being
extracted from the natural forests in Kerala and stored in depots. The stored timber is often attacked by borers belonging to the insect order Coleoptera. In the present survey, about 53 species of beetles were recorded as pests of one or more of 46 species of stored timber. These belong to the families, Cerambycidae, Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Scolytidae, Curculionidae and Anthribidae.
The major cerambycid borers collected in this study were, Batocera rufomaculata (attacking Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Manoifera indica and Syzygium cumini) ; Olenecamptus bilobus (attacking Artocarpus hirsutus and Lagerstroemia microcarpa) and Xystrocera globosa (attacking
Albizia odoratissima). They generally attack the sapwood as well as heartwood of freshlv felled timber with intact bark...


Virtual viewpoint video needs to be synthesised from adjacent reference viewpoints to provide immersive perceptual 3D viewing experience of a scene. View synthesised techniques suffer poor rendering quality due to holes created by occlusion in the warping process. Currently, spatial and temporal correlation of texture images and depth maps are exploited to improve the quality of the final synthesised view. Due to the low spatial correlation at the edge between foreground and background pixels, spatial correlation e.g. inpainting and inverse mapping (IM) techniques cannot fill holes effectively. Conversely, a temporal correlation among already synthesised frames through learning by Gaussian mixture modelling (GMM) fill missing pixels in occluded areas efficiently. In this process, there are no frames for GMM learning when the user switches view instantly. To address the above issues, in the proposed view synthesis technique, we apply GMM on the adjacent reference viewpoint texture images and depth maps to generate a most common frame in a scene (McFIS). Then, texture McFIS is warped into the target viewpoint by using depth McFIS and both warped McFISes are merged. Then, we utilize the number of GMM models to refine pixel intensities of the synthesised view by using a weighting factor between the pixel intensities of the merged McFIS and the warped images. This technique provides a better pixel correspondence and improves 0.58∼0.70dB PSNR compared to the IM technique.


Bioregulators or modulators are biochemical compounds such as peptides, that occur naturally in organisms. Advances in biotechnology create the potential for the misuse of peptide bioregulators in offensive biological weapons programmes. Bioregulators are a new class of weapons that can damage the nervous system, alter mood, trigger psychological changes and kill. Over the last twenty years, neuroscience has produced an explosion of knowledge about receptor systems in the nerve cells that are of critical importance in receiving chemical transmitter substances released by other nerve cells. Bioregulators are closely related to substances normally found in the body that regulates normal biological processes. The potential military or terrorist use of bioregulators is similar to that of toxins. Together with increased research into toxins, the bioregulators have also been studied and synthesized. This paper presents a review of bioregulators that could be used in terrorist or other hostile activities.


Conductance-frequency measurements down to temperatures of 100 K have been performed on both p-type and n-type <100> silicon oxidized in dry oxygen at 900 degrees C. The metal electrode capacitors used were not given a post-metallization anneal in forming gas. This has allowed measurements of the intrinsic density of states, capture cross section, and surface potential fluctuations to within 0.06 eV of the band edges. Two peaks in the defect density at energies of 0.3 eV and 0.85 eV above the valence band are clearly visible above an asymmetric background, which rises rapidly towards the conduction band edge. The capture cross section is near constant at approximately 1016 cm2 across the gap and independent of temperature. The surface potential fluctuations reveal a peak value of approximately 70 meV centred at 0.4 eV above the valence band superimposed on a constant background of approximately 40 meV. The authors attribute the peaks in the density of states to the amphoteric trivalent silicon Pb centres. The probable causes of the asymmetric background are either the tail of a defect peak centred around the conduction band edge, or states descending from the conduction band induced by stress within the oxide.


Hybrid Electrical Vehicles-HEV!?s are the importnt ways to improve vehicle performance. The transformer isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters are the key components of the traction system in HEV!?s. This paper presents adetail mathematic model of isolated bi-directional DC-DC converter for HEV!?s. Approximate models are important mathematic methods especially for analysis and closed-loop control design converter circuits.  These differential equations, which govern the converter operation, change periodically among a set of linear differential equations because of the switch effect. Basing on the time-scale the state variables was separate as fast-scale and slow-scale variables. The fast changing variable of the leakage inductor was eliminated by substitute the fast-scale variable into slow-scale variable equations, resulting in reduced order differential equations. From this set of  reduced orderdifferential equations the completely averaged model of the isolated DC/DC converter was derived. The simulated results reveal that the circuit and mathematical model are consistent very well. The averaged state variables can be treated as a small component plus a DC component, so the averaged model can be separated a dynamic small signal part and a DC part. This linearized small signal model is suit for control design and analysis at a steady point that is decided by the DC component. As an example a PI controller was design basing on the linear model.