This study was carried out to examine the relationship between various characteristics of Korean traditional dishes such as preference, function, occurrence and preparation, with children and adolescents' characteristics such as general characteristics and health status and health attitudes. Elementary school students had desirable health attitudes as measured using the subjectively perceived level of health status and purpose of meals. There were significant relationships between some characteristics and health concerned behaviors, which included the extent of eating healthy diets, the intake of nutritional supplements and the application of nutritional knowledge. We found out that there were significant positive correlations among four characteristics of traditional dishes and the preference for those dishes was more positively correlated with occurrence and preparation than with function. The effects of the subjects' characteristics on preference for traditional dishes differed in various ways.


Abstract: Macrophages are present throughout the adrenal cortex, particularly in the deeper layers. They locate next to parenchyma cells, which secrete glucocorticoids under the regulation of the pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Blockade of ACTH secretion is followed by adrenocortical cell atrophy and apoptosis, an effect likely to cause an increase in local macrophage number and phagocytic activity. The purpose of the current study was to verify this effect and ascertain its age‐related variation after ACTH blockade. Male rats at five different ages ranging from 2 to 24 months were divided into two groups, which were injected with dexamethasone phosphate or saline for 3 days. The adrenals were processed for morphological and morphometric study. The age‐related increase in macrophage number seen in a survey of the sections was confirmed in the quantitative study: a significant increase in volume density (Vv), numerical density (Nv), and cell volume was found in both groups; Vv and Nv were higher in treated rats. These findings in the deeper layers of the cortex suggest a continuous process of phagocytosis, likely of parenchyma dead cells or their debris, which increases further after ACTH blockade. An additional modulatory effect of macrophages also may occur because of their secretory role.


Predictive factors (PF) are variables that give information about survival, treatment response or toxicity and future complications on cancer patients. The foremost utility of PF takes root in the possibility to furnish an individualized treatment schedule with higher succeeding options. They include clinical characteristics of the patient, tumour features, treatment administrated, classical pathological and new molecular data obtained from patients clinical samples. Clinical parameters comprise age, sex, underlying diseases and performance status among others, and in concurrence with tumour pathology and clinical stage (TNM) usually define the best treatment options. Also, chemotherapy response can modify natural history of several tumours, and thus is a PF. Modifications in evolving PF typically induce a variation in patient outcome. Hence, surgical tumour size reduction or neoadjuvant down-staging improve survival in several cancers. In the other side, treatment adjustment to steady PF should offers better outcome than "standard therapies". Recent advances on cancer research have generated a great deal of biological data that help us to search new treatment and diagnostic modalities. Biotechnology offers a great amount of possibilities in the next future and probably a true individualized therapy. Conversely, there are a small amount of molecular evidences that imply a creal variation in current clinical practice. Hence, more scientific and financial efforts are necessary to exploit to the full knowledge spurting up from basic science. In summary, the prediction in oncology is a hard task derived from clinical observation, tumour behaviour, treatment schedules and biological evidences that must offer realistic predictions on a concrete cancer patient. Oncologists have a duty to know all these variables to accomplish this thorny assignment. This review will focus on classical and recent biological PF in cancer.


Map Projection Transitions is a very successful web application about map projections. The web page ( http://www.jasondavies.com/maps/transition ) presents a world map with graticule and country borders in the oblique Aitoff projection, with the South Pole. The map is not static, but animated. The South Pole moves toward the bottom and Earth rotates around its poles. The animation lasts five seconds, after which the projection changes and movement continues for five seconds, after which the projection changes again. Names of projections appear in a separate window. There are a total of 56 projections. The South Pole eventually becomes invisible and the North Pole appears at the top. Various parts of Earth appear in the center of the map by rotating around the poles.


OBJECTIVE: To study the presentation of smoking in motion pictures. DESIGN: This study examined tobacco use in a random sample of five of the top 20 grossing films each year from 1990-1996 and combined these data with our earlier study of tobacco use in films that covered 1960-1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of tobacco use per minute of film, characters who are smoking, motivation to smoke. RESULTS: The overall rate of tobacco use appears to have "bottomed out" in the 1980s and is now increasing back to levels observed in the 1960s. The presentation of tobacco use in films is increasingly discordant with reality, because tobacco use in the population continues to drop. Films continue to portray smokers as successful white males, although portrayal of smoking among women is increasing. CONCLUSIONS: The gap between the representation of tobacco use in films and the reality of tobacco continues to widen, with the prevalence of smoking among lead characters four times the smoking prevalence among comparable individuals in society at large.


OBJECTIVE
Both stent grafts (SG) and drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown to be effective treatments for long and complex femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. However, there has not been a clinical trial comparing the 2 treatments directly. This study aims to compare the primary patency (PP) and clinical outcomes of SG and DCB for endovascular treatment of complex FP Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D lesions in patients.

METHODS
From July 2013 to May 2019, a retrospective study was conducted at 2 medical centers to compare the clinical outcomes of Viabahn SG and DCB angioplasty in patients with TASC C/D FP lesions. The study used overlap weighting to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to reduce the impact of confounding factors and selection bias between the 2 groups. The primary endpoint was PP through 24 months, and the secondary endpoints included freedom from clinical-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), all-cause of death rate, and major amputation rate.

RESULTS
A total of 161 limbs in 150 patients with TASC C/D FP lesions were treated either with Viabahn SGs (67 limbs, 65 patients) or DCBs (94 limbs, 85 patients). In the DCB group, 22 target vessels (23.4%) underwent directional atherectomy before DCB angioplasty and 37 target vessels (39.4%) underwent bail-out bare-metal stent implantation for early recoil or severe dissection. The SG group had significantly higher PP rates at both the 12 and 24 months than in the DCB group (75.8% vs 39.2%, p=0.02; 64.1% vs 31.9%, p=0.02), respectively. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of CD-TLR, death rate, and major amputation rate. According to the results of multivariate analysis, DCB angioplasty was the only independent predictor associated with restenosis (hazard ratio [HR]=0.264, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.100-0.696, p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that SG was associated with a significantly higher PP rate in complex long FP lesions compared with DCB angioplasty. However, there was no significant difference in the freedom from CD-TLR and major amputation rate. It is important to follow the criteria for using SG strictly to avoid early restenosis, which can lead to acute thrombosis and severe limb ischemia. Closer monitoring is recommended for patients who undergo SG implantation.

CLINICAL IMPACT
There has no head-to-head clinical trial that compares DCB and SG in complex long FP lesions. This study showed that SG following the criteria was associated with a significantly higher PP rate compared with DCB angioplasty. Closer monitoring is recommended for patients with SG to avoid acute thrombosis. Randomized controlled trials comparing SG and DCB are necessary.


Background and aims: Hydatidosis is considered as one of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases, which has a worldwide distribution with endemic regions in many countries including Iran. The disease has public health and economic importance and its effective control requires sufficient information on the patterns of disease transmission. This study aimed to assess the current role of the cattle as the intermediate host in transmission of the disease and maintain the evolution of hydatidosis. Methods: The study was conducted at Isfahan Fasaran abattoir. From among 129 cattle infected with hydatid cyst, 134 liver and lung cysts were transferred to parasitology laboratory. Data including age, sex, the infected organ, the type of cyst (e.g., fertile, sterile, and calcified), and the severity of infection were evaluated for each of the cattle. Results: Based on the data, 99 (76.7%) of the cases were females and the remaining 30 (23.3%) cases were males, who were in the age range of 5-10 and 2-5 years, respectively. In addition, 385 cysts were found out of the total 134 examined infected livers and lungs and the number of the cysts in infected organs varied between 1 and 14. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P<0.05) compared to the younger and female ones. Finally, out of the total of 385 collected cysts, 1%, 59.8%, and 39.2% were fertile, sterile, and calcified cysts, respectively. Conclusion: In general, the total rate of cyst fertility was estimated at 1% and it seems that the role of cattle led to a reduction in the transmission of the disease. However, due to the species differences in various areas and the better adaptation of the parasite to some intermediate hosts, further studies including more samples are necessary in different regions.


The SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein (nsp) nsp10–nsp16 complex is essential for the 2′-O-methylation of viral mRNA, a crucial step for evading the innate immune system, and it is an essential process in SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Therefore, detecting molecules that can disrupt the nsp10–nsp16 interaction are prospective antiviral drugs. In this study, we screened the North African Natural Products database (NANPDB) for molecules that can interact with the nsp10 interface and disturb the nsp10–nsp16 complex formation. Following rigorous screening and validation steps, in addition to toxic side effects, drug interactions and a risk /benefit assessment, we identified four compounds (genkwanin-6-C-beta-glucopyranoside, paraliane diterpene, 4,5-di-p-trans-coumaroylquinic acid and citrinamide A) that showed the best binding affinity and most favourable interaction with nsp10 interface residues. To understand the conformational stability and dynamic features of nsp10 bound to the four selected compounds, we subjected each complex to 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations. We then calculated the free binding energies of compounds interacting with nsp10 structure using the molecular mechanics-generalised Born surface area (MMGBSA). Of the four compounds, genkwanin-6-C-beta-glucopyranoside demonstrated the most stable complex with nsp10, in addition to a tighter binding affinity of −37.4 ± 1.3 Kcal/mol. This potential to disrupt the nsp10–nsp16 interface interaction and inhibit it now sets the path for functional studies.


Background and Aims: The contribution of anthocyanins or tannin–anthocyanin reaction products to the mouthfeel properties of wines prepared from both red and white fruit with and without pomace contact and anthocyanin addition was investigated. Methods and Results: A trained sensory panel rated mouthfeel and taste attributes in wines after 6 months of bottle storage and phenolic measures were obtained. A white wine made in the same manner to how a red wine is made did not exhibit the same mouthfeel sensory attributes of a red wine: it was lower in viscosity, less particulate in nature and lower in intensity for the astringency descriptors fine emery, dry and grippy. Conclusions: It was found that differences in ratings of mouthfeel attributes could not be related closely to phenolic composition or structure. This study has shown that the presence of anthocyanins during fermentation increases the intensity of astringency attributes. Significance of the Study: Using the mouthfeel wheel, the differences between a white wine made like a red wine and a red wine could be quantified. It was also shown that the presence of anthocyanins in red wine can explain the differences perceived between the mouthfeel properties of a white and a red wine.


perspectives of the whole. The monumental works of DeTocqueville and Bryce are not alone in this respect. Harold Laski and others have also made significant contributions. It is always good to have Professor Brogan's analyses. He is professor of political science at the University of Cambridge; moreover, he is no casual observer of American politics. He comes here often and gets about extensively. There is a standing joke around Cambridge that he should apply for a Fulbright assignment and spend a year at Cambridge. From previous publications in newspapers and periodicals, it is apparent that Brogan knows every nook and cranny of


Curcumin diglutaric acid-loaded polyethylene glycol-chitosan oligosaccharide-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs) were fabricated by co-precipitation and optimized using a Box–Behnken statistical design in order to achieve the minimum size, optimal zeta potential (≥ ±20 mV), and maximum loading efficiency and capacity. The results demonstrated that CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs prepared under the optimal condition were almost spherical in shape with a smooth surface, a diameter of 130 nm, zeta potential of 30.6 mV, loading efficiency of 83.3%, and loading capacity of 8.3%. The vibrating sample magnetometer results of the optimized CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs showed a superparamagnetic behavior. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the CG physically interacted with PEG-CSO-SPIONs. In addition, the CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs could be stored dry for up to 12 weeks or in aqueous solution for up to 4 days at either 4 °C or 25 °C with no loss of stability. The CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs exhibited a sustained release profile up to 72 h under simulated physiological (pH 7.4) and tumor extracellular (pH 5.5) environments. Furthermore, the CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs showed little non-specific protein binding in the simulated physiological environment. The CG-PEG-CSO-SPIONs enhanced the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of CG against human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells compared to free CG, and more CG was delivered to the cells after applying an external magnetic field. The overall results suggest that PEG-CSO-SPIONs have potential to be used as a novel drug delivery system for CG.


Clinical growth is an essential component of nursing education, although challenging to evaluate. Considering the paradigm shift toward constructivism and student-centered learning, clinical growth requires an examination within contemporary practices. A concept analysis of clinical growth in nursing education produced defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Attributes included higher-level thinking, socialization, skill development, self-reflection, self-investment, interpersonal communication, and linking theory to practice. Identification of critical attributes allows educators to adapt to student-centered learning in the clinical environment. These findings allow educators to determine significant research questions, develop situation-specific theories, and identify strategies to enhance student learning in the clinical environment.


We describe the case of a 9-yr-old child with undiagnosed long QT syndrome who experienced an intraoperative cardiac arrest after accidental intravascular injection of bupivacaine with epinephrine via a misplaced epidural catheter.


the kinetics and dynamics of photocatalyzed dissociation of ethanol on tio2(110) surface have been studied using the time-dependent and time-resolved femtosecond two-photon photoemission spectroscopy respectively, in order to unravel the photochemical properties of ethanol on this prototypical metal oxide surface. by monitoring the time evolution of the photoinduced excited state which is associated with the photocatalyzed dissociation of ethanol on ti-5c sites of tio2(110), the fractal-like kinetics of this surface photocatalytic reaction has been obtained. the measured photocatalytic dissociation rate on reduced tio2(110) is faster than that on the oxidized surface. this is attributed to the larger defect density on the reduced surface which lowers the reaction barrier of the photocatalytic reaction at least methodologically. possible reasons associated with the defect electrons for the acceleration have been discussed. by performing the interferometric two-pulse correlation on ethanol/tio2(110) interface, the ultrafast electron dynamics of the excited state has been measured. the analyzed lifetime (24 fs) of the excited state is similar to that on methanol/tio2(110). the appearance of the excited state provides a channel to mediate the electron transfer between the tio2 substrate and its environment. therefore studying its ultrafast electron dynamics may lead to the understanding of the microscopic mechanism of photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical energy conversion on tio2.


The use of sweat pores in fingerprint recognition is becoming increasingly popular, mostly because of the wide availability of pores, which provides complementary information for matching distorted or incomplete images. In this work we present a fully automatic pore-based fingerprint recognition framework that combines both pores and ridges to measure the similarity of two images. To obtain the ridge structure, we propose a novel pore-based ridge reconstruction approach by considering a connect-the-dots strategy. To this end, Kruskal's minimum spanning tree algorithm is employed to connect consecutive pores and form a graph representing the ridge skeleton. We evaluate our framework on the PolyU HRF database, and the obtained results are favorably compared to previous results in the literature.


At present, the task-oriented client-centered training has emerged as an alternative rehabilitation approach for persons with spinal cord injury. No research about this training approach, however, has been reported in Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week task-oriented client-centered training on physical function and self-esteem of 12 persons with spinal cord injury (1 woman and 11 men, mean age ± SD 39.0±13.0 years, mean length of time since injury ± SD 10.7±11.5 years) who were living in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province. Outcome measures consisted of physical function and self-esteem which were assessed at pre- and post-training periods by using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale-Thai version, respectively. Data were analyzed by using paired t-tests. The results showed that the 8-week task-oriented client-centered training significantly improved physical function of the participants (P = 0.001, 95% CI 3.22 to 7.12), especially in the areas of respiration and sphincter management (P = 0.008, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.94) and mobility indoors and outdoors (P = 0.003, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.10). The other positive effect of the training was also found in the self-esteem of the participants (P = 0.043, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.78). In conclusion, an 8-week task-oriented client-centered training program could significantly improve physical function and self-esteem of persons with spinal cord injury in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, compared with the pre-training period. Future studies with a randomized controlled trial and longitudinal design are suggested to reveal further benefits of the task-oriented client-centered training on persons with spinal cord injury in the community.


By the beginning of 21st century, developing smart and energy efficient environments has gained pace, leading to new ideas like smart grids. Having smart Homes and residential areas is the first step of this evolution. In this paper we provide some design considerations of smart and green homes, mainly focusing on energy management and efficiency solutions. We also mentioned the drawbacks in developing such technologies in Iran and provide suggestions to accelerate this evolution.


In this study the synthesis of novel 4-aminoquinoline 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing benzothiazole (4a-4j and 5a-5j) done by three major steps and characterization of synthesized derivatives assigned by Infra-Red (IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), Mass Spectra (MS), Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR). The biological evaluation for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity was performed for primed derivatives, among the tested compounds 5a, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5h, 5i showed more potent anti-inflammatory and 4i, 5a, 5b, 5f, 5g, 5h showed analgesic activity compared standard drug meloxicam and diclofenac sodium.


BACKGROUND : Dengue is a viral infection with potential fatal complications. It is considered as one of the worlds major emerging tropical diseases. More than 2.5 billion people are at risk of infection and more than 100 countries have endemic transmission. The emergence and reemergence of dengue is attributed to demographic and societal changes with increased movement of people from endemic areas and inadequate mosquito control measures. It is an emerging disease in Tamilnadu. Dengue virus is an enveloped ssRNA virus of 45-50 nm belonging to Genus flavivirus and Family flaviviridae. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It causes wide spectrum of illness ranging from undifferentiated illness to Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. Specific IgM and IgG detection has been the mainstay of diagnosis for a long time. Dengue specific antigen is found to be highly specific and reliable marker from the first day of diagnosis. AIM AND OBJECTIVES : To study the multivariate analysis of Dengue with serological differentiation of primary (PD) and secondary dengue (SD), comparative evaluation of Immunochromatography (ICT) with Immunocapture Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and special emphasis on Nonstructural protein( NS1) antigen as an early diagnostic marker . To correlate Dengue clinically with haematological and biochemical profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS : After taking informed consent, blood was drawn from three hundred and fifty suspected cases and were subjected to both ICT and ELISA.ELISA positive cases were analysed further. Accuracy indices of ICT were calculated using ELISA as reference assay. RESULTS : Out of 350 samples tested ,107 were positive by ELISA (30.5%) for one or more serological markers. The common age group affected were 0-10 years in both sexes with male : female ratio of 1.6:1.Incidence was high during November to December 2011& January , May, june & July 2012. Clinically seropositives were classified as Dengue fever, Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. There was significant association of thrombocytopenia, HCT and WBC count with Dengue fever, DHF and DSS. The107 seropositives by ELISA were categorized as primary and secondary dengue based on duration of fever and serological markers. Out of 107, 27 were positive for NS1only, 9 were positive for IgM alone, only 6 showed IgG alone. More than one marker was detected in the remaining 65 samples. In 48 primary dengue cases NS1 had higher positivity and in secondary dengue IgM&IgG ratio >1 had higher positivity. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the ICT were calculated using ELISA as reference for individual markers which showed moderate performance. Haematological and biochemical profile also showed statistical significance in association with Dengue fever, DHF and DSS. CONCLUSION : Inclusion of NSI in the routine diagnosis of dengue increases the detection rate of cases significantly in the early period. Irrespective of fever duration, all the three ELISA must be done to rule out Dengue infection like NS1, IgM, and IgG. Immunocapture ELISA is reliable and sensitive than ICT even though it is highly specific. Haematological and biochemical tests should also be given importance along
with serological markers for dengue diagnosis and management.


Objectives To assess social stigmatisation related to atypical appearance of the body, including, but not limited to the external genitalia, among Indonesian patients with a disorder of sex development (DSD). Until recently, diagnostic evaluation, information about the underlying causes of DSD and treatment options were sparsely available for these patients. Methods Eighty-one parents of children and adolescents with DSD (aged 6–17 years) and 34 adult patients with DSD (aged 18–41 years) completed the Social Stigmatisation Scale towards DSD, an instrument developed to assesses the frequency of stigmatisation and the level of stress associated with these experiences. Open-ended questions investigated detailed information on stigmatisation as well as parents' and patients' emotional and behavioural reactions to these experiences. Differences in stigmatisation were explored across sex of rearing, gender change history, treatment status and DSD characteristics that could be easily identified by others (e.g., masculinisation of the body in women). Results Social stigmatisation was reported by patients with atypical appearance of their genitalia, atypical appearance of their body aside from their genitals, among those who displayed cross-gender behaviour and those who changed gender. Among participants reared as women and among children and adolescents who changed gender, social stigmatisation was associated with ostracism, depressive symptoms and social isolation. Conclusions Patients unable to conceal their condition (those with visible physical atypicality and those who changed gender) experienced social stigmatisation. Stigmatisation was stressful and related to isolation and withdrawal from social interaction. Education about DSD, self-empowerment and medical interventions to prevent atypical physical development may remove barriers to acceptance by others for affected individuals.


In the current scenario, called the information age, the value of companies lies in knowledge and innovation added by employees in the production of goods and services. This value consists of attributes that enhance intellectual capital in organizations, a tool that has become crucial to a competitive market position. Accounting has emphasized in his later statements the importance of the inclusion of intangible assets to arrive at the actual cash value of companies. The objective of this study is to identify the use of intellectual capital indicators in the firm Atacadao Distribuicao, Comercio e Servicos Ltda. This research is grounded in a case study, where one can observe that the firm needs to place greater emphasis on human capital, because the actions taken are not hitting a good number of employees. The capitals structural and relational that also incorporate the intellectual capital, as perceived by employees, are being developed in the organization.


Currently in the United States, there exists a patchwork of state-level laws and regulations surrounding cannabis use. Although cannabis (excluding hemp under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334) is illegal at the federal level and is not FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved for any indication, many states allow patients with qualifying conditions to register for their medical cannabis program (MCP). To better understand the quality of cannabis found in these programs, we collected laws, regulations, and guidance documents available on public state-run websites and compared them with current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) applicable to finished drug products. CGMPs for human drugs contain minimum requirements for the methods, facilities, and controls used in manufacturing, processing, and packaging of a drug product to assure it is safe for use. Such a comparison will aid the development of consistent quality standards that could, in turn, improve the quality of a wide range of cannabis medical products in development that may be sold in the United States. States may likewise choose to have the cannabis and cannabis-derived products that fall within their MCP to follow quality-focused guidelines, such as those listed in CGMPs, to ensure the quality of these products and promote public health. This study further solidifies the need for standardized testing protocols and methodologies to keep consumers safe.


Arch and conical roof trusses are employed when dealing with large span roof trusses. But a combination of the two geometrical shapes may lead to a better economical sections and a means of dealing with larger spans of roof truss that are not suitable for an arch or conical roof truss. Consequently, this paper examines the structural and economic viability of arched conical roof truss system based on 2D/3D finite element method analysis. Analysis of the results showed that truss members were subjected to higher axial forces in 2D analysis than 3D analysis, which will result to overdesign of the structural members and the attendant high construction cost. There are some variations observed in the axial forces for trusses located at edges of polygon when compared with the trusses located mid-point between two polygonal edges. This observation is quite significant in the sizes of the steel section properties of the members as well as in the fabrication and installation cost.


The purpose of the study was to find out the contribution of SACCO services' terms on members' economic development using ZIGAMA as a case study. The study was based on three specific objectives, that is, to examine the nature of services' terms at ZIGAMA, to assess the effect of savings services' terms on members' economic development at ZIGAMA and to analyze the effect of credit services' terms on members' economic development at ZIGAMA. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a cross sectional, correlational and survey research designs. Data were collected through questionnaires, face to face interviews and observation methods. Data were analyzed by use of statistical methods, (descriptive statistics, Correlations and regressions analyses). The findings revealed that ZIGAMA attaches terms on its services which are annually reviewed by its board members. The services' terms however are not properly communicated to members. Further, results indicated that savings services' terms were moderately favorable to members and there was a strong positive and significant relationship between savings services' terms and members' economic development and also a significant influence of saving services terms on members' economic development. Results also indicated that credit services terms were also moderately favorable to members and there was a strong positive and significant relationship between credit service terms and members' economic development and also a significant influence of credit service terms on members' economic development. It was concluded that ZIGAMA had services terms in place but were not being communicated properly to members and their review was not involving all stakeholders. It was further concluded that SACCO's services terms significantly predict variations in members' economic development. Recommendations were that ZIGAMA should involve all stakeholders in the review of the service terms and the same terms should be properly communicated to all those concerned and should allow its members to withdraw their savings as needed and the minimum balancee should be friendly to the members.


A 69-year-old man, who underwent total thymectomy 5 years previously, was referred to our division because the chest radiograph revealed abnormal shadows in both the lungs. The chest radiograph and CT scan showed pleural thickening in both apexes and tree-in-bud signs in both the lower lobes, which suggested bronchiolitis. We had retrospectively confirmed similar centrilobular small nodules and tree-in-bud signs on the chest CT scan when the thymoma was diagnosed. Mycobacterium intracellulare was detected in the sputum by acid-fast staining and polymerase chain reaction. The coincidence of thymoma and Mycobacterium intracellulare infection appeared to be incidental. Thus, in patients with thymoma, clinicians should carefully evaluate the lung parenchyma as well as the mediastinum on the chest radiograph to identify occult diseases, including Mycobacterium intracellulare infections.


Sustained release cephalexin (S-6436) was studied in 23 outpatients (20 males, 3 females) who visited surgery of our hospital. The summary of the study is as follows: 1) The drug was administered for 2 approximately 8 days and the average was 3.5 days. Clinical effectiveness was 87.0% with the following breakdown: excellent 4, good 16, and poor 3. 2) Causative organisms isolated from the patients showing excellent effectiveness were all staphylococci. 3) No side effects were observed in any patients receiving the drug. From the above results, it is expected that S-6436 has good effectiveness and can be used as a first choice drug to outpatients with mild infections such as superficial infections who want to go to the office or school over their receiving the treatment.


Lithium is a medication with a variety of medical usage for various diseases including bipolar mood disorder. As the therapeutic window of lithium is narrow, its usage is commonly associated with toxicity. Lithium toxicity affects multiple systems especially the central nervous system, leading to neuropsychiatric complications. Haemodialysis is an effective method for lithium removal especially in severe lithium toxicity such as neurotoxicity with electroencephalogram changes. We describe a case of lithium neurotoxicity with electroencephalographic abnormalities which was reversed following haemodialysis.


City models are needed in many areas of human activities including urban planning, virtual reality, and architecture preservation. Aerial, ground level, and omnidirectional city modeling techniques are compared and their main advantages and disadvantages are presented. We also show several city modeling systems and address their novelties as well as their limitations. Next, we present our previous work dealing with a step towards a 3D reconstruction system for city modeling from omnidirectional video sequences using structure from motion together with stereo constraints. We concentrate on two issues. First, we show how the tracking and reconstruction paradigm were adapted to use omnidirectional images taken by lenses with 180 degrees field of view. Secondly, we compare the results of the reconstruction using additional stereo constraints to the results when these constraints are not used. Performance of the system is demonstrated on a sequence of 870 images acquired while driving in a city. Finally, scalability and other open problems of city modeling from image sequences are presented together with problems which have been solved already. The main goal of the thesis is to design a scalable modeling and localization system consisting of two mutually interacting modules: a structure from motion (SfM) module and a near identical image detection (NIID) module.


In this study, mechanical properties tests were performed on 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt% calcium sulfate whisker (CSW) filled on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) (blended by single screw extruder) to identify the effect of CSW weight fraction on the mechanical properties of PVC. The introduction of calcium sulfate whisker in PVC not only reduced the cost of PVC composites, but also improved the overall performance of PVC. The binary blends were first characterized in terms of mechanical properties. The properties of subsequent CSW/PVC blends were investigated through SEM. Results show that the introduction of CSW has improved the impact strength, tensile modulus and tensile strength of the CSW/PVC composites to some extent.


While the federal government and the nation's school systems have made strides toward improving mathematics education, the knowledge base supporting these efforts has been weak. In response, the RAND Mathematics Study Panel has proposed an R&D program supporting the improvement of mathematics proficiency among U.S. school students. The panel identified three areas for focused R&D-development of teachers' mathematical knowledge, teaching and learning of skills for mathematical thinking and problem-solving, and teaching and learning of algebra from kindergarten through grade 12.


Indium nitride (InN) is a low-band-gap semiconductor with unusually high electron mobility, making it suitable for IR-range optoelectronics and high-frequency transistors. However, the development of InN-based electronics is hampered by the metastable nature of InN. The decomposition temperature of InN is lower than the required growth temperature for most crystal growth techniques. Here, we discuss growth of InN films and epitaxial layers by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a growth technique based on self-limiting surface chemical reactions and, thus, inherently a low-temperature technique. We describe the current state of the art in ALD of InN and InN-based ternary alloys with GaN and AlN, and we contrast this to other growth technologies for these materials. We believe that ALD will be the enabling technology for realizing the promise of InN-based electronics.


Background Triclosan is a synthetic chemical with broad antimicrobial activity that has been used extensively in consumer products, including personal care products, textiles, and plastic kitchenware. Objectives This study was designed to assess exposure to triclosan in a representative sample ≥ 6 years of age of the U.S. general population from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We analyzed 2,517 urine samples using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution–high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results We detected concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) triclosan in 74.6% of samples at concentrations of 2.4–3,790 μg/L. The geometric mean and 95th percentile concentrations were 13.0 μg/L (12.7 μg/g creatinine) and 459.0 μg/L (363.8 μg/g creatinine), respectively. We observed a curvilinear relation between age and adjusted least square geometric mean (LSGM) concentrations of triclosan. LSGM concentrations of triclosan were higher in people in the high household income than in people in low (p < 0.01) and medium (p = 0.04) income categories. Conclusions In about three-quarters of urine samples analyzed as part of NHANES 2003–2004, we detected concentrations of triclosan. Concentrations differed by age and socioeconomic status but not by race/ethnicity and sex. Specifically, the concentrations of triclosan appeared to be highest during the third decade of life and among people with the highest household incomes.


'Indispensability' is the central concept underpinning the treatment of refusal to deal claims under Article 102 TFEU. Since its adoption in Magill and Bronner, however, the conventional wisdom that instances of refusal to deal constitute an abuse only in the presence of indispensability has been challenged from multiple directions. This article surveys the departures from the orthodoxy that can be found in the jurisprudence. In doing so, it measures the purported explanations for such derogations against the justifications for restraint encapsulated in the indispensability concept. Finally, it asks whether the weight of exceptions may reach the point of overwhelming, or 'dispensing with,' the original rule.


Surface
temperature and vegetation are the major land cover changes that significantly
affect on the thermal environment. In the present study, remote sensing
techniques were applied to identify the relationship between anthropogenic
activities and the thermal environment in the North Gulf of Suez area. Results
have indicated that the urbanization and agricultural expansion have been
increased during the last 25 years. Although urban areas increased from 49 km2 in 1987 to 57 km2 in 2012, the urban heat island-range declined from
very high and high, to moderate and low. An expansion in cultivated areas from
3 km2 in 1987 to 26 km2 in 2012 was responsible for the
decline. The results of this study provided valuable information for
understanding the local thermal changes that associate rapid urbanization and
expansion of cultivated areas. Consequently, this work recommends that proper
planning and management regimes for land use and cover changes associated with
rapid urbanization will result in positive impacts on the local climate and
environment.


Shape grammars come in a variety of forms. Algebras of shapes have been defined for spatial elements of different kinds, as well as for shapes augmented with varying attributes, allowing for grammar forms to be expressed in terms of a direct product of basic algebras. This algebraic approach is extended here to the algebraic derivation of combinations of basic shape algebras with attribute algebras. This algebraic abstraction at the same time serves as a procedural abstraction, giving insights into the modular implementation of a general shape grammar interpreter for different grammar forms.


Objective: the aim of this study was to analyze trends in research activity in the Undergraduate and Graduate Health Programs at Universidad Mariana from Pasto, Narino, Colombia. Methodology: the research was taken from the "Elizabeth Guerrero" library from 2004 to 2007. Through content analysis, data was collected for each investigation taking into account the following variables: Identification of the project, the research problem statement, theories and theoretical models, methodology and innovation. Results: 39.4% of the projects are focused on the sub-line healthy lifestyle. The paradigms most frequently used in the graduate programs in the health and nursing programs were quantitative research in 76 (69.7%) research works. It is important to note that 14 reports (12.8%) included both paradigms simultaneously. Only 32.1% out of the total investigation works uses the consent form, and there was no Ethics Committee approval. The projects have no impact because there are no publications available or any defined actions from actions projects. According to the research problem statement it was presented one type that leads to applied research. Conclusion: A major balance between the theoretical research in relation to the practical ones is required. Theoretical referents based on models and theories were not included.


Adolescence is a transitional period between children and adults, where there is rapid growth, secondary sex characteristics arise, fertilization is achieved and psychological and cognitive changes occur. However, the level of adolescent knowledge about reproductive health is still low. As a result of the lack of knowledge of adolescents about reproductive health, among others, the increase in the number of unwanted pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancy in adolescents also occurs in one area in Yogyakarta city, so that community-based preventive interventions are needed. The intervention provided was in the form of psychoeducational activities for adolescents and parents. Parents are given intervention because they have a role in preventing unwanted pregnancies in adolescents, for example by maintaining effective communication with adolescents and getting used to being open mind. The results of this activity have proven to be effective because they can increase knowledge significantly.


The authors describe a study to plan and implement an information system for nurses. The objectives were to (1) determine the clinical information needs of nurses; (2) adapt an existing clinical information system (CLINT) to address their expressed needs; and (3) evaluate nurses' use of and satisfaction with the enhanced system. Thirty-nine nurses on a medical teaching unit in a tertiary hospital in Canada participated in the project. A needs assessment influenced the design of the nursing interface to CLINT and the development of educational and participatory strategies to promote its use. Data were collected before, after, and throughout the implementation period. Qualitative and quantitative methods, including focus groups, online questionnaires, and automated usage data collection, were used to describe nurses' use of and satisfaction with the system. The results suggested that peer mentorship, organizational support, and collaboration were the most effective strategies for promoting system use. The hospital information system (IHIS), Netscape, drug information and basic texts were the most frequently used databases. Nurses were satisfied with the system and reported progress in changing clinical practice. CLINT helped them to keep up with educational and professional development. In conclusions, nurses are willing to use information systems that are relevant to their needs and user friendly. There is, however, a paucity of resources available for evidence-based clinical decision making.


In this thesis, I build on research linking extraction, property and racialised subjectivities [Bhandar, Mbembe, Yusoff], contributing an analysis of how, in Lusaka, architecture and procurement are used to facilitate exclusions and access to minerals elsewhere. I question how unearthing weird and tender practices developed in the bygone Zambian Space Program, can inform an architectural practice that disrupts these extractive, exclusionary dynamics. I explore how an output of this practice – a Weird-Tender – developed with the Lusaka City Council and the Chunga Waste Recyclers Association, can intervene in the privatisation of the Chunga Landfill, offering an alternative to exclusionary, extractive modes of tendering in the city. This work involves archival research, interviews, site visits, fiction and creative writing, design, drawing and participatory performance. Through scenes revealing and excavating a spaceship in a fictional city called Mailo, I build on research into designing, performing, and writing through fictional worlds [Hartman, Boal, Nkoloso, Rendell] towards an innovative and inclusive mode of public procurement in Lusaka. Mailo acts as an architectural interpretation of the 'weird' [Fisher, Mieville] - a rendering of Lusaka, past, parallel and possible - made 'tender', through care afforded to its deployment, and through performance. The Weird-Tender is centrally positioned within the thesis and designed to be extracted from the document in London for submission to the Council in Lusaka, materially reversing a historical trend of South to North flows of knowledge and resources. Preceding the Weird-Tender are essays which investigate the city as a site facilitating exclusions and extraction, and studying the practices established historically to contest this through the Zambian Space Program. Following the Weird-Tender is an analysis of the methods developed through the thesis – a weird and tender architectural practice – culminating in a 'Call for Expressions of Interest' to develop this practice further.


Aims This project aimed to evaluate the awareness of several UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing amongst paediatricians. The importance of early detection of HIV infection is to prevent the presentation of infants and children with advanced HIV disease. It is recommend that clinicians have a high index of suspicion for children who could be identified as being at risk thus the awareness of current related guidelines was assessed. Methods A questionnaire was sent to 205 clinicians working within general or specialist paediatrics. Questions included an analysis of clinician demographics and their awareness of current guidelines associated with HIV testing of children. Results Figure 1 – Respondents were mostly female (60%) and were at consultant level (63%). The majority of respondents worked within general paediatrics (66%). Abstract G397(P) Figure 1 We evaluated the awareness of relevant guidelines amongst clinicians as shown in Figure 2. Of the 60 respondents who answered this question 33.3% were not aware of any of the documents, yet 60% were aware of the UK National guidelines. Abstract G397(P) Figure 2 Figure 2 – The proportion of clinicians who were aware of the publication of guidelines related to HIV testing in children. Conclusion The results overall were disappointing. As many as 33% of paediatricians (63% of them consultants), who participated in this project were unaware of any of the three key guidelines for HIV testing of children and only 60% were aware of the UK National Guideline for HIV Testing 2008. In order for guidelines to be integrated into clinical practice, clinicians must be willing to keep up to date evidence-based recommendations of such guidelines and be willing to adapt their clinical practice accordingly. This could be addressed through a number of techniques including schemes such as: A journal club equivalent for introducing new guidelines to the clinical team. Revalidation penalties or financial incentives based on adherence to current guidelines. Those who participated were provided with links to the relevant guidelines and thus it may be inferred that the distribution of this questionnaire has contributed to increased awareness.


Abstract Objective To compare the nutritional quality of New Zealand breakfast cereals in 2013 and 2017. Design Nutrition Information Panel data were collected from all cereals available from two large supermarket chains in 2017 and compared with earlier published data collected in 2013. Setting Urban New Zealand supermarkets. Subjects The nutritional content of breakfast cereals ('biscuits and bites', 'brans', 'bubbles, flakes and puffs', 'children's cereals', 'muesli' and 'oats') was analysed for total energy, protein, fat (total and saturated), carbohydrate, sugar, fibre and Na. The Nutrient Profile Scoring Criterion (NPSC) for each cereal was calculated to determine the proportion of 'less healthy' cereals (NPSC≥4) in each product category. Results The energy and fat content of bubbles, flakes and puffs, muesli and oats were significantly higher in 2017 compared with 2013 (all P≤0·01). However, there was a small reduction in Na overall in 2017 (P<0·05). There was no change between 2013 and 2017 in the proportion of 'healthy' or 'less healthy' breakfast cereals available. Conclusions The nutrient profile of breakfast cereals has not improved since 2013, suggesting that industry self-regulation of the nutritional composition of cereals in New Zealand is not working and needs urgent reconsideration.


This study assesses the extent at which cash holding affects financial performance of quoted insurance firms in Nigeria.  Three hypotheses were formulated in line with objective of the study; Ex-post facto research design and time-series data were adopted and the data for the study were obtained from fact books, annual reports and account of the quoted insurance companies under study. Pearson coefficient of correlation and multiple regression were applied for the test of the three hypothesis formulated with aid of STATA 13 statistical software. Findings showed that cash holding (proxy by cash to total book value of assets and cash) has a positive and statistical significant effect on financial performance (proxy by Return on Asset, Return on Equity and Tobin's Q) at 5% significant level. Based on these findings, the study recommends among others that insurance companies should adequately mange how they re-invest their resource so as to prevent any form of mismanagement of resource that can guarantee their existence in business.


This work presents the results obtained during the first stage of the investigations carried out in the Mar Chiquita lake (Cordoba Province, Argentine Republic) within the framework of the Coordinated Research Programme (CRP) on "Isotope Techniques in Lake Dynamics Investigations" of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The main objectives are to contribute to the study of this huge water body that in the past two decades increased its size almost three folds, to establish its water balance and to asses the influence of the climatic changes on the water budget. This water body is the final receptacle of a large closed basin formed mainly by the rivers Dulce, Suquia and Xanaes. During 1890-1973 it occupied 1800 to 2000 km with a salinity of 310-250 g/L. At present, it has around 5000 km, a maximum depth of 10-12 m and a salinity rounding 42 g/L. The changes in salinity and size are related to an increase in precipitation which, at the same time, depends on different palaeoclimatic conditions. From a scientific point of view it is also important to study the lake hydrological balance, its groundwater input and output as well as the evaporation rate and the mean residence time. These latter considerations are the object of the present isotopic research. Future studies will consider a paleoclimatic approach.


Medical negligence experts have joined the debate on prescribing oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to prevent flu in elderly people in nursing homes, advising doctors that they can depart from guidelines when it is in their patients' best interests to do so.

Caroline Fryar, head of advisory services at the Medical Defence Union, said that guidelines informed clinical practice but did not dictate it. She said, "Doctors are expected to be familiar with any nationally recognised guidelines that are relevant to their specialty, as well as any local guidelines. This does not mean they cannot depart from guidance in specific situations when they consider it to be in the patient's interests to do so."

Fryar was responding on thebmj.com to an article by Margaret McCartney, a Glasgow GP who had …


This study
aims to enhance the accuracy of the commercial Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
developed using the advanced
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) by using the epoch analysis technique. The
epoch analysis approach has been established
to quantify the observation data from static measurement stations. A
statistical approach is used to: 1) eliminate
gross errors; 2) determine the appropriate data (filter); 3) estimate future values; and 4) for data evaluation. The main attribute of epoch analysis is its
treatment of redundancy in
the observed data by taking into account the frequencies that are found within it. In a dynamic application,
epoch analysis is used by examining the instantaneous position. In this paper, the competency of epoch analysis in
reducing the commercial IMU data for geometrical image correction is presented.


Long-wavelength infrared interminiband quantum cascade lasers operating at are reported. The structures consist of twenty-five superlattice active regions alternated with electron injectors, all implemented with AlInGas/GaInAs grown lattice matched to InP by molecular beam epitaxy. Pulsed operation in Fabry-Pérot devices has been achieved up to 135 K with 50 mW peak power at 90 K. Single-mode emission has been obtained with distributed feedback lasers based on loss gratings. These devices operated with a 30 dB side-mode suppression ratio and 50 mW peak power at liquid-nitrogen temperature. Temperature-tuning with a wavelength shift of at cryogenic temperatures was demonstrated.


In 2016, the government of Morocco adopted a parametric reform intended to deal with the critical financial situation of the CMR civilian pension regime. We examine the robustness of this reform using the Cohort-Component population projection model to the fund's population during the period 2014-2064. Then we lead a projection of the scheme financial situation. Moreover, we project the status quo situation and an alternative scenario where we propose to increase the retirement age solely, and then compare the results with those of the 2016 parametric reform. Findings/Originality : For the three scenarios, a parametric reform will have a limited effect on the financial situation, in both the long and the short-term. In long run, it is not sufficient to solve the problem of massive increase of pension scheme deficits while in short run it is not sufficient to eliminate the existing structural problems neither to avoid the future financial deficit. Furthermore, our alternative scenario seems to have some more advantages, comparing with the other scenarios.


SUMMARY Currently popular techniques such as experimental spectroscopy and computer-aided molecular modelling lead to data having very many variables observed on each of relatively few individuals. A common objective is discrimination between two or more groups, but the direct application of standard discriminant methodology fails because of singularity of covariance matrices. The problem has been circumvented in the past by prior selection of a few transformed variables, using either principal component analysis or partial least squares. Although such selection ensures nonsingularity of matrices, the decision process is arbitrary and valuable information on group structure may be lost. We therefore consider some ways of estimating linear discriminant functions without such prior selection. Several spectroscopic data sets are analysed with each method, and questions of bias of assessment procedures are investigated. All proposed methods seem worthy of consideration in practice.


Are higher-level cognitive processes the only way that purposefulness can be introduced into the human interaction? In this paper, we provide a microanalysis of early mother-child interactions and argue that the beginnings of joint intentionality can be traced to the practice of embedding the child's actions into culturally shaped episodes. As action becomes coaction, an infant's perception becomes tuned to interaction affordances.


We study the centered and decentered nucleation of black holes in the core collapse of massive stars in binaries. By Bekenstein's gravitational radiation recoil mechanism, a newly nucleated black hole typically leaves the central core prematurely. With low probability, the black hole remains centered and matures into a high-mass black hole that spins rapidly if the binary is compact. GRB 030329/SN 2003dh demonstrates that Type Ib/c supernovae are the parent population of long gamma-ray bursts, whose branching ratio is ℛ = (2-4) × 10-3. We identify ℛ with the low probability of centered nucleation in compact binaries. Decentered events are predicted to produce a single short burst in gravitational radiation. Centered events are predicted to produce a second, long burst in gravitational radiation powered by a luminous black hole. These signatures are of interest to the gravitational wave experiments LIGO, VIRGO, and TAMA.


Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease with a prevalence rate of 1–3% in Western countries. In addition to limited physical function, rheumatoid arthritis patients also suffer from psychologic comorbidities. Depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients has been linked to disease outcomes such as increased healthcare service utilization and poor adherence to medication. This review focuses on the impact of depression on rheumatoid arthritis patient's quality of life and how quality of life can be improved through the management of depression. Both generic and disease-specific instruments have been used to assess health-related quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis research. Commonly used instruments include the generic Short Form-36, the Nottingham Health Profile, the disease-specific Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life. Studies have shown that depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients may exert an important impact on multiple domains of health-related quality of life. Currently, depression in rheumatoid arthritis has been managed by both psychoeducation and antidepressant treatment. They are generally effective in improving clinical outcomes. However, future studies are needed to clarify whether they can improve patient reported quality of life. As depression is a prevalent comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis, clinicians should pay more attention to the rheumatoid arthritis patient's psychologic wellbeing. Screening for depression and other psychologic distress should be recognized as an important process in the routine clinical care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


To improve enterprise manufacturing execution efficiency, the paper brings forward machine tools life-cycle management problem, and then discusses machine tools modeling technology. In order to integrate heterogeneous data of machine tools, the paper introduces machine tools resource information integration platform based on XML technology. Further more, the paper lastly analysis and designs machine tools life-cycle management system through IDEF methodology and then gives the key page of MLMS according to J2EE mode.


This study aimed at analyzing how mobile assisted language learning (MALL) may be used to aid second/foreign language (L2) learning. So as to reach this goal, the Duolingo platform, one of the most popular apps among L2 learners, was analyzed in terms of its possibilities and limitations for L2 learning as perceived by its users. With that aim, a study was carried out with 80 participants, 45 of whom were L2 learners who answered an online survey about their preferences for L2 learning, 25 MALL users and 10 L2 teachers who were interviewed. Data analysis used a mixed methods design with predominantly qualitative data. Results of the study showed that participants recognize the relevance of MALL for L2 learning and think that the Duolingo may aid L2 learning to a certain extent, but agree that a teacher is necessary to foster interaction and the development of production skills in L2. Based on these results the study concluded that L2 teachers should consider using blended approaches combining MALL in traditional classes.


Soil Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) offer the possibility of extracting electric current from a wide range of organic wastes and renewable biomass but existing methods can require expensive electrochemical equipment and specialized reactors. In the present research a simple system for conducting high throughput bio electrochemical research was developed using multiple inexpensive microbial fuel cells built with commercially available materials and operated in room temperature without using agar salt bridge and proton exchange membrane. In our present investigation, two different types of soil samples were collected: Brinjal cultivated soil (S1) and Sugarcane cultivated soil (S2). The production of electricity was measured by using power measurement for these two cultivated soil sample. The maximum generated open circuit voltage, power density and current density achieved in Brinjal cultivated soil (S1) were found to be 543 mV, 12.8 mW/m and 23.6 mA/m respectively. The constructed SMFC provide enough voltage (2.3 V continuously for about 456 hours) to power the LED bulbs successfully for about 456 hours continuously in Brinjal cultivated soil (S1). No electricity was produced in Sugarcane cultivated soil (S2), it mainly confirms the role of EC for electricity production in the soil.


Accurate species identification is a crucial step in forensic entomology, as the insect collected on a corpse can provide useful information for estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). However, morphological distinction may on occasion be impossible to the adult flies and nymphs of the same genus. DNA-based method can be used as a supplemental means of morphological method. In this study, 31 forensically important Muscidae flies were collected from 15 locations in 11 provinces of China, and a 272 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was sequenced. The monophyletic branches of the phylogenetic tree revealed that this marker is suitable for discrimination between these five species of four genera of Muscidae. The genetic variations found on COI can be applied not only to identify the forensically important species, but also to understand the taxonomic positions of the sarcophagine species. In addition, this research will be instrumental for implementation of the Chinese Muscidae database. Keywords: Forensic science, forensic entomology, Muscidae, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), species identification


Abstract The design problems of reservoirs for collection, safekeeping and utilization of aggressive sewage and liquid manure in agricultural production have been discussed. As economic construction of reservoirs are reinforced concrete cylindrical containers. The stress analysis and optimum design of the wall of open monolithic reservoir has been performed. The optimum parameters of reservoir wall are fixed taking into account strength and serviceability limit state requirements. Based on the results obtained, it is determined that economical solutions can be reached by using combinations of concrete and steel with high strength classes.


The need for better methods of cooling gas turbine
combustors and a review of current cooling techniques have been presented. Three cooling methods are investigated: (a) Full Coverage Discrete Hole Film Cooling (Effusion), (b) Impingement/Effusion Hybrid Cooling Systems, and (c) Transpiration Cooling.

The aim of these cooling techniques is to effectively and efficiently cool gas turbine combustors with a significant reduction in current cooling air requirements. The range of test conditions were coolant temperature, Tc, of 289 < Tc 710 K and combustion gases temperature, Tg, of 500 ^ Tg N< 1900 K. The discharge coefficients of the effusion and the impingement/effusion systemshave also been studied.

A detailed analysis has been made of the heat transfer of the cooling systems, jet penetration into the cross-stream, prediction of the cooling jet temperatures at various stages in the cooling process and the cooling film heat transfer coefficient.

The results of the discharge coefficient (Cd) indicate a decreasing C^ with increasing wall thickness to diameter ratio, t/D, and a weak effect of cross-stream flow. The results of both the effusion and the impingement/effusion hybrid systems indicate a high cooling performance of similar magnitude to that of the transpiration system. Graphical design correlations for the cooling wall have been made. The optimum hole geometries for both cooling configurations have been developed. The influence of the coolant to hot gas density ratio has been studied over the range 1.4-3.4.

In the design of effusion and impingement/effusion cooling systems, wall thickness, hole density, hole diameter and wall design pressure loss are significant parameters for cooling performance maximisation.


An expression is obtained for the coherence length at a large wave mismatch and a criterion is found for the applicability of the concept of 'generalised mismatch' for SHG in periodically poled nonlinear crystals.


Dimensions of spaces of multivariate splines remain unknown in general. A computational method to obtain explicit formulas for the dimension of spline spaces on simplicial partitions is described. The method is based on Hilbert series and Hilbert polynomials. It is applied to conjecture the dimension formulas for splines on the Alfeld split of a simplex and on several other partitions. AMS classification: Primary 41A15, Secondary 14Q99


Deep-submicrometer large-angle-tilt implanted drain (LATID) technology is described. It is found by Monte Carlo process simulation and SIMS measurements that a sufficiently long n/sup -/ region can be formed under the gate by taking advantage of large-angle-tilt implant and successfully without ion channeling by taking care of the implant direction. A design that offsets the n/sup +/ implant by sidewall spacers to suppress the n/sup +/-gate overlap to zero while keeping the n/sup -/ region fully overlapped with the gate is found to be crucial for improved performance and reliability. The device performance, such as current drivability and short-channel effects, is described, and the circuit speed is investigated. Hot-carrier effects such as lateral electric field and device lifetime over a wide range of drain structures are also investigated. The tradeoff between device performance and hot-carrier reliability in deep-submicrometer LATID FETs is discussed. >


Ammonia (NH3) is critical to the nitrogen cycle and PM2.5 formation, yet a great deal of uncertainty exists in its urban emission quantifications. Model-underestimated NH3 concentrations have been reported for cities, yet few studies have provided an explanation. Here, we explore reasons for severe WRF-Chem model underestimations of NH3 concentrations in Beijing in August 2018, including simulated gas-particle partitioning, meteorology, regional transport, and emissions, using spatially refined (3 km resolution) NH3 emission estimates in the agricultural sector for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and in the traffic sector for Beijing. We find that simulated NH3 concentrations are significantly lower than ground-based and satellite observations during August in Beijing, while wintertime underestimations are much more moderate. Further analyses and sensitivity experiments show that such discrepancies cannot be attributed to factors other than biases in NH3 emissions. Using site measurements as constraints, we estimate that both agricultural and non-agricultural NH3 emission totals in Beijing shall increase by ∼5 times to match the observations. Future research should be performed to allocate underestimations to urban fertilizer, power, traffic, or residential sources. Dense and regular urban NH3 observations are necessary to constrain and validate bottom-up inventories and NHx simulation.


Objectives The objectives of this study included utilising a large database from a diagnostic laboratory to identify any breed, sex or age predilections for cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), and the most common anatomical locations. The second aim was to obtain clinical outcomes and to assess histological features of those tumours to identify any potentially useful prognostic indicators and propose a grading system. Methods Records from the laboratory were searched for feline submissions received from January 2012 to December 2013 diagnosed with STSs; the breed, age, sex and neuter status of the cat and anatomical location of the tumour were recorded. Clinical outcomes were acquired using a questionnaire to submitting practices, and histological features of tumours from patients with known outcomes were assessed. Results No sex, neuter status or breed predispositions were found. Most STSs arise in middle-aged and older cats, and the most common anatomical location was the trunk. Forty-seven cases had a known clinical outcome and archived tissues allowing for histological assessment of the tumour. Significant differences in median survival time (MST), mitotic index and histological score were detected between those cats that died of tumour-related disease and those that did not. A novel grading system applied to these tumours produced significant differences in MST between cats with low (MST = 900.5 days), intermediate (MST = 514 days) and high grade tumours (MST = 283 days). Conclusions and relevance This is the first study applying a histological grading system to these common tumours. Local recurrence is often the cause of a poor outcome, with metastatic disease apparently rare. The proposed grading system incorporates features that can be assessed on routine haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections; in this small study, the histological grade of the tumour appears to be associated with survival time.


How do migrants enact their mobilities in contexts where formalized labor migration is minimal, and where the European fight against irregular African migration is restricting the possibilities for informal border crossings? And which roles do cultural norms, social institutions, and individual agency play in facilitating migration? To answer these questions, this article offers a comparative reflection on the growing interest in the mediation of migration that emphasizes the actors and structures that shape and facilitate a migrant trajectory. Drawing on our own research in various West African contexts, and on a broader reading of research evoking the mediation of mobility, we engage primarily with the emerging scholarship on migration infrastructures. As a contribution to the study of how mobility is mediated by actors and structures external to the migrant, we suggest that it is important to move beyond the tendency to restrict analysis in a migrant-/institution-centric trade-off in which emphasis is either placed on migrant aspirations and capabilities or the institutionalized mediation of migration. We further propose to analytically distinguish between the mediation of migration—denoting the processes of facilitation and restriction of mobility through institutions, external interventions, and socio-cultural practices—and the modular components of connection and organization through which actual migration occurs. To accentuate the shifting and volatile configuration of these elements, we suggest a concept of migration infrastructural assemblages. We thereby emphasize the benefits of incorporating improvisation, culture, and volatility in our understanding of the meditation of migration in West Africa and beyond.


The existence of the nervous form of Chagas disease is a matter of discussion since Carlos Chagas described neurological disorders, learning and behavioural alterations in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals. In most patients, the clinical manifestations of the acute phase, including neurological abnormalities, resolve spontaneously without apparent consequence in the chronic phase of infection. However, chronic Chagas disease patients have behavioural changes such as psychomotor alterations, attention and memory deficits, and depression. In the present study, we tested whether or not behavioural alterations are reproducible in experimental models. We show that C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with the Colombian strain of T. cruzi (150 days post-infection) exhibit behavioural changes as (i) depression in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, (ii) anxiety analysed by elevated plus maze and open field test sand and (iii) motor coordination in the rotarod test. These alterations are neither associated with neuromuscular disorders assessed by the grip strength test nor with sickness behaviour analysed by temperature variation sand weight loss. Therefore, chronically T. cruzi-infected mice replicate behavioural alterations (depression and anxiety) detected in Chagas disease patients opening an opportunity to study the interconnection and the physiopathology of these two biological processes in an infectious scenario.


This paper provides images and a description of an unusual manifestation of relapsing polychondritis presenting initially with isolated ocular signs, mimicking infective keratitis. We present an interventional case report of a 75-year-old man who presented with marked left ocular irritation and photophobia. Ophthalmological examination disclosed corneal intrastromal infiltrate and hypopyon which failed to respond to intensive antimicrobial drops. He later went on to develop bilateral auricular chondritis. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed. Treatment with topical and oral corticosteroids resulted in marked improvement of the corneal infiltrate and resolution of the auricular inflammation. The paper highlights the importance of considering connective tissue inflammatory conditions in any stromal keratitis unresponsive to antimicrobial treatment.


We studied associations of genes of adrenoreceptor types 1, 2 and 3 (ADRB1, ADRB2, ADRB3), connexin (CX40) and voltage gated potassium channel type 2 (KCNH2) with development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertensive disease. We examined 102 patients with hypertensive disease which in 51 was complicated with AF. The groups were comparable by sex, age, Ketle index, presence of concomitant diseases. We determined alleles and genotypes of polymorphic markers G(-44)A and A71G of CX40 gene, Lys897Thr of KCNH2 gene, Ser49Gly of ADRB1 gene, Trp64Arg of ADRB3 gene with the help of PCR. Left atrial volume turned out to be significantly higher in patients with AF (88.7 +/- 4.13 ml and 65.4 +/- 3.96 ml, respectively, p = 0.001). No associations of genotypes of polymorphic markers Ser49Glu of ADRB1 gene, G(-44)A and A 71G of CX40 gene, Lys897Thr of KCNH2 gene, with emergence of AF in patients with arterial hypertension were revealed. For polymorphic marker Trp64Arg of ADRB3 gene frequency of Trp allele turned out to be significantly higher (OR 2.20, p = 0.0176), while frequency of Arg allele significantly lower (OR 0.43, p = 0.0176) in the group of patients with AF. In patients with AF frequency of Arg/ Arg genotype turned out to be significantly lower (OR 0.24, p = 0.0257).


A quantum theory of the coupling of excited molecules to the surface plasmon modes of a metal is described. For radiative decay, formulas are given for the separate decay into s photon, p photon and surface plasmon channels valid for all molecule−metal separations. Calculations of the quantum yield of fluorescence are described. The total decay rate is shown to equal that given by classical theory. Other processes considered briefly are the Raman effect and resonance energy transfer between identical molecules.


The design of computer networks for group communication includes setting network objectives, designing and specifying new group communication processes, including people's roles and responsibilities, and providing computer services to support these processes. This paper introduces the concept of a workflow communication node for specifying group communication processes in distributed systems. The paper then describes ways of implementing workflow communication node specifications by networking technologies and using the implementation to compose specific group communication processes.


The univentricular heart includes a spectrum of complex cardiac defects that are managed by staged palliative surgical procedures, ultimately resulting in a Fontan procedure. Since 1971, when it was first developed, the procedure has undergone several variations. These patients require lifelong management, including a thorough knowledge of their anatomic substrate, hemodynamic status, management of rhythm and ventricular function, together with multi-organ evaluation. As these patients enter middle age, there is increasing awareness of long-term complications and mortality. This review highlights the concept behind the staged surgical palliations, the unique single ventricle physiology and the long-term complications in this complex cohort of patients.


A novel nitroheterocyclic bis(haloethyl)phosphoramidate prodrug linked through lysine to a pteroic acid has been prepared and evaluated as a potential alkylating agent to target tumor cells that overexpress the folate receptor. The prodrug exhibited IC(50) values in the micromolar range and was 10-400-fold less cytotoxic in vitro than the phosphoramidate that lacks the lysine-pteroyl moiety. The data does not support a contribution of the folate receptor to cytotoxicity. In an attempt to determine the basis for the decreased cytotoxicity in the pteroyl-lysyl analogue, compounds were prepared in which the lysine-pteroyl moiety was replaced with lysine alone or with an n-propyl group. The n-propyl and the lysyl analogues were on average 3.8- and 21-fold less potent than the unsubstituted bis(haloethyl)phosphoramidate, respectively. Chemical reduction of the prodrugs followed by (31)P NMR kinetics demonstrated that all of the phosphoramidate anions cyclized to the aziridinium ion at similar rates and gave comparable product distributions, suggesting that changes in chemical activation did not account for the differences in cytotoxicity. It is likely that folate receptor-mediated transport is not sufficient to deliver adequate intracellular concentrations of the cytotoxic phosphoramide mustard.


Background and objective: For a successful application of agrivoltaic (AV) system, decrease in crop productivity must be minimized while achieving power generation. In this study, changes in microenvironments, crop growth and quality under the AV panels were investigated for kimchi cabbage.Methods: On September 1, 2021, kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) 'Bulam No. 3' was planted in the soil under the AV panels and in an open field for the control, and grown using a conventional method. Growth characteristics and internal components after 16 weeks were analyzed.Results: There was no difference in air temperature and relative humidity, however daily light integral (DLI) and soil temperature under the AV panels were lower than the control. Under the AV panels, plant width was lesser and plant height and head height were greater than the control. Head shape index and leaf number of the AV panel plot were greater than in the control. Trimming loss rate was lower but chlorophyll content was higher in the AV panel plot. Head hardness was lower in the AV panel plot, while head fresh weight was greater but head dry weight was smaller in the AV panel plot: therefore, moisture content was greater than the control. Marketable crop yield and heading rate was higher in the AV panel plot.Conclusion: The environmental changes caused by AV panels including the DLI and soil temperature induced a larger fresh weight, higher heading and trimming loss rates because a relatively good environment was created in the early crop stage which was the period of high temperature and DLI. However, the lower DLI of the latter period had a rather negative effect, resulting in an elongated shape, smaller dry weight, and shorter shelf life.


Abstract Feature selection and multiple classifier fusion (MCF) are effective approaches to improve land cover classification accuracy. In this study, we combined phenological metrics and the MCF method to map land cover types in Jiangsu province of China during the second crop growing season using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer time-series data. Eight phenological metrics were developed and calculated, and a MCF scheme was proposed by combining a simple majority vote and the measurement of posterior probabilities. The four base classifiers (i.e., the maximum likelihood classifier, the Mahalanobis distance classifier, the support vector machine classifier, and the neural networks classifier) and the MCF method were used in classifications using two spectral indices from the original satellite data (direct classification) and the computed metric data (metrics-based classification). Accuracy assessments indicated that the overall accuracies and kappa coefficients of the metrics-based classifications were all higher than those of direct classifications. The average overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of metrics-based classifications were 8.36% and 0.1 higher than that of direct classifications, respectively. Similarly, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of MCF generally were close to or exceeded the highest accuracy among all the base classifiers. The highest overall accuracy and kappa coefficient was achieved by classification with the MCF method based on phenological metrics (m-MCF), which were 88% and 0.85, respectively. Our results suggested that combining phenological metrics and MCF in classification is a promising method for land cover mapping in regions where strong phenological signals can be detected.


The study intended to examine the supporting factors on lecturer performance in private higher education. An investigation done by directly and indirectly relationship when the motivation as mediating. Using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) statistics method to analyze, the sample of study with purposive judgement sampling obtained 232 lecturers in private higher education.  The results findings reveal that there is a meaningful relationship between self-efficacy, transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and motivation on lecturer performance in private higher education. The supporting factors significantly positive effect on lecturer performance. Meanwhile, organizational commitment factor is contrary to the expectation, the result showed that no significant effect on lecturer performance. An argumentation of findings due to majority of the lecturers in private higher education has a low level of commitment organizational in performing their duties and functions in accordance with the Tri Darma in Higher Education. This finding has a critical implication to the management of private higher education within enhancing academic performance as well as improving lecturer performance as important aspects.


Daytime radiative cooling (DRC) materials offer a sustainable approach to thermal management by exploiting net positive heat transfer to deep space. While such materials typically have a white or mirror‐like appearance to maximize solar reflection, extending the palette of available colors is required to promote their real‐world utilization. However, the incorporation of conventional absorption‐based colorants inevitably leads to solar heating, which counteracts any radiative cooling effect. In this work, efficient sub‐ambient DRC (Day: −4 °C, Night: −11 °C) from a vibrant, structurally colored film prepared from naturally derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), is instead demonstrated. Arising from the underlying photonic nanostructure, the film selectively reflects visible light resulting in intense, fade‐resistant coloration, while maintaining a low solar absorption (≈3%). Additionally, a high emission within the mid‐infrared atmospheric window (>90%) allows for significant radiative heat loss. By coating such CNC films onto a highly scattering, porous ethylcellulose (EC) base layer, any sunlight that penetrates the CNC layer is backscattered by the EC layer below, achieving broadband solar reflection and vibrant structural color simultaneously. Finally, scalable manufacturing using a commercially relevant roll‐to‐roll process validates the potential to produce such colored radiative cooling materials at a large scale from a low‐cost and sustainable feedstock.


Implantable defibrillators either monitor heart rate or use a probability density function to detect ventricularfibrillation/tachycardia. As a result, they are unable to discriminate sinus tachycardia and atrial arrhythmias from malignant ventricular rhythms. We have assessed high fidelity fiber‐optic pressure recordings in the right atrium during cardiac arrhythmias in 23 patients (mean age 44 years, 11 females) undergoing electrophysiological study. The unfiltered pressure signal was amplified and recorded on paper. During sinus rhythm, a constant amplitude deflection occurred during atrial systole (a wave), A characteristic waveform pattern was observed during each of the studied tachyarrhythmias. which included atrial flutter and fibrillation, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atriovenrricular reentrant tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia with and without ventriculoatrial conduction. The waveform pattern allowed clear visual discrimination of the underlying arrhythmia. Mean atrial pressure was increased during all arrhythmias and did not allow discrimination of the nature of the tachycardia. High fidelity pressure recordings produced characteristic appearances for pattern recognition of each arrhythmia studied. They allowed determination of the temporal relation between electrical and mechanical cardiac events and may have potential in the detection and recognition of cardiac arrhythmias.


The central neuronal systems associated with cardiovascular regulation in haemorrhagic shock can be functionally divided into two groups. The first one includes opioid peptides, which inhibit the activity of cardiovascular centre neurones and initiate the sympathoinhibitory phase of regulation in hypovolaemia. The second group consists of non-opioid systems demonstrating anti-shock properties, such as the melanocortinergic. cholecystokininergic, thyreoliberinergic, cholinergic and histaminergic systems. In the present paper, we review recent data concerning the role of the melanocortins in cardiovascular regulation in haemorrhagic shock. Melanocortin peptides, proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides which have His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence, are secreted in large amounts in the sympathoinhibitory phase of cardiovascular regulation in shock. Exogenous melanocortins. such as melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs). adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and many ACTH fragments induce a long-lasting pressor effect with an increase in the survival rate in haemorrhage-shocked rats. The mechanisms of their action include centrally mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway". which leads to an increase in the peripheral resistance and suppression of the transcription nuclear factor appaB-dependent systemic inflammatory response. respectively. Moreover, acting peripherally, the melanocortins stimulate secretion of glucocorticoids, normalise the blood levels of nitric oxide and inhibit free radical generation in haemorrhagic shock. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the melanocortins in the treatment of haemorrhagic shock in humans.


I am grateful for the attention my article has been given, although I am not altogether sure how to interpret it. That is not a matter modesty but of cultural sociology. I sent the article to one of Poland's most distinguished historians of social thought-a former Party member and influential member of the democratic left. It prompted him to reflect that before long Marxism might come to be known and taken seriously only in those countries which in practice have had nothing to do with it. Graiyna Sk{pska's reflections give some inkling of why he might have said that. And yet judging from some of the replies, the same might be said for liberal conceptions of the rule of law. These seem to be valued in direct proportion to one's distance, or the distance of one's concerns, from the West (Coast). I do not think that is merely a matter of personal accident, and I will say something about cultural differences shortly. The commentators raise many matters, and time and space are exceedingly short. To avoid fragmentation and repetition, I will attempt to group and deal together with some of the important issues that have been raised, rather than review each comment seriatim. I will address four themes which recur in several of the replies. These are the nature and significance of the question I raised, the answer I gave to it, the political commitments which the argument has been thought to presuppose, and the comparisons I make between the role of law under communism and in "normal" societies. I conclude with a reflection on narcissism. First the question. It was apparent to all the commentators that I found much that was objectionable in the practice of communists in


This nonfictional case of inventory fraud in a university setting exposes students to fraud detection and investigation. These skills are becoming increasingly important for auditors, as evidenced by the alarming rate of fraud. The accounting profession has acknowledged the seriousness of this issue with the issuance of SAS No. 82, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, developed in part to improve detection of frauds by auditors. The case raises many of the fraud‐related issues faced by accountants: recognizing red flags indicative of fraud; the importance of a good system of internal controls; the profile of the typical fraud perpetrator; the fine line auditors walk when investigating a fraud; the need to develop an audit team with the appropriate level of expertise which may require members from a variety of disciplines (e.g., investigative, legal and forensic areas); and the difficulty of obtaining sufficient evidence to prosecute and convict perpetrators.


We follow the premise that most intermediate luminosity optical transients (ILOTs) are powered by rapid mass accretion onto a main sequence star, and study the effects of jets launched by an accretion disk. The disk is formed due to large specific angular momentum of the accreted mass. The two opposite jets might expel some of the mass from the reservoir of gas that feeds the disk, and therefore reduce and shorten the mass accretion process. We argue that by this process ILOTs limit their luminosity and might even shut themselves off in this negative jet feedback mechanism (JFM). The group of ILOTs is a new member of a large family of astrophysical objects whose activity is regulated by the operation of the JFM.


Straightforward high-precision results for the problem of resonance state decay within the well known Laplace method are obtained. Deviation of the resonance decay law from the conventional exponential time dependence, determined by the pole contributions, is accurately studied for a model system. The asymptote of the background contribution which dominates the decay pattern for large t is shown to be directly related to the threshold behaviour of the discrete state - continuum matrix element. A new scheme for continuum discretization with different sets of the resonance pseudostates is applied and its high accuracy in describing the system evolution over very large time intervals is demonstrated. It is shown that both of the approaches considered do not imply any analytical form for the discrete state - continuum matrix element . A scheme is developed which allows the application of these approaches for arbitrary including the cases when this quantity is obtained within ab initio calculations.


The asymptotic behaviour of the cumulative mean of a reward process Zp, where the reward function p belongs to a rather large class of functions, is obtained. It is proved that EZp(t) = CO + C1t + o(1), t ---- oo, where CO and C1 are fully specified. A section is devoted to the dual process of a semi-Markov process, and a formula is given for the mean of the first passage time from a state i to a state j of the dual process, in terms of the means of passage times of the original process.


The inherent slow imaging speed of Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) has spurred the development of various acceleration methods, typically through heuristically undersampling the MRI measurement domain known as k-space. Recently, deep neural networks have been applied to reconstruct undersampled k-space data and have shown improved reconstruction performance. While most of these methods focus on designing novel reconstruction networks or new training strategies for a given undersampling pattern, e.g., Cartesian undersampling or Non-Cartesian sampling, to date, there is limited research aiming to learn and optimize k-space sampling strategies using deep neural networks. This work proposes a novel optimization framework to learn k-space sampling trajectories by considering it as an Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) problem that can be solved using neural ODE. In particular, the sampling of k-space data is framed as a dynamic system, in which neural ODE is formulated to approximate the system with additional constraints on MRI physics. In addition, we have also demonstrated that trajectory optimization and image reconstruction can be learned collaboratively for improved imaging efficiency and reconstruction performance. Experiments were conducted on different in-vivo datasets (e.g., brain and knee images) acquired with different sequences. Initial results have shown that our proposed method can generate better image quality in accelerated MRI than conventional undersampling schemes in Cartesian and Non-Cartesian acquisitions.


A temperature-sensitive DNA replication mutant of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 has been isolated and characterized. After transfer to the non-permissive-temperature (42 degrees C), DNA synthesis continued for 30 min and the mean DNA content increased by 56%. The amount of residual DNA synthesis was not reduced when the non-permissive temperature was raised, nor when chloramphenicol was added at the time of the temperature shift. During incubation at 42 degrees C, mutant bacteria accumulated the capacity to synthesize DNA after return to the permissive temperature (30 degrees C) in the presence of chloramphenicol. This capacity was lost when chloramphenicol was present at 42 degrees C. The properties of the mutant are consistent with a defect in the initiation of DNA replication at 42 degrees C.


In this study, composite asymmetric membranes containing antimony (Sb) nanobelts are prepared via a straightforward phase inversion method in combination with post-pyrolysis treatment. Sb nanobelt asymmetric membranes demonstrate improved cyclability and specific capacity as the alloy anode of sodium ion battery compared to Sb nanobelt thin films without asymmetric porous structure. The unique structure can effectively accommodate the large volume expansion of Sb-based alloy anodes, prohibit the loss of fractured active materials, and aid in the formation of stable artificial solid electrolyte interphases as evidenced by an outstanding capacity retention of ∼98% in 130 cycles at 60 mA g−1. A specific capacity of ∼600 mAh g−1 is obtained at 15 mA g−1 (1/40C). When the current density is increased to 240 mA g−1, ∼80% capacity can be maintained (∼480 mAh g−1). The relations among phase inversion conditions, structures, compositions, and resultant electrochemical properties are revealed through comprehensive characterization.