Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction or 'HFpEF' is now the most common type of heart failure worldwide, with considerable morbidity and mortality, and with no effective pharmacotherapies. For the first time, we show that the human and murine HFpEF heart have impaired uptake of ketone bodies, and reveal an intrinsic capacity of human and murine hearts to generate their own ketones via the canonical rate-limiting ketogenic enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2). We demonstrate that protein levels of HMGCS2 are dramatically elevated in HFpEF myocardium that does not overcome reduced specific activity of this enzyme. This appeared to be due to hyperacetylation caused by depletion of the de-acetylating enzyme sirtuin 3 and decreased oxidized/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) ratio, upon which the deacetylation activity of sirtuins is dependent. Also for the first time, we show that the canonical stimuli that serve to turn on ketogenesis in the liver are present locally in the HFpEF heart, augmented by a profound energy deficiency as determined by depleted phosphocreatine/ adenosine triphosphate (PCr/ATP) ratio. Thus, metabolically inflexible HFpEF hearts try to auto-regulate their energy supply by upregulating ketogenesis as an apparent "rescue strategy". These results serve to reframe our understanding of cardiac ketone metabolism and open opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies for HFpEF, urgently needed.


By performing a series of rabbit bone-marrow tissue culture, the author compared with various plasmas, the fixed position of thin rectangular coverglass which was introduced into the test tube, and various salt solutions; and obtained the following results. 1. When rabbit plasma is used as the plasma clot for this method of tissue culture, the tissue growth rate is greater than that in the case of chicken plasma, but it is apt to cause liquefaction and fusion of the plasma clot and also makes it difficult to observe the cell structure. In contrast to this, with the use of chicken plasma, although the tissue growth rate is lower than in the case of the former, the regressive degeneration of cells is less than the former and the cell structure is maintained distinctly. Therefore, the latter plasma is more suitable for such a tissue culture. 2. As for the position of fixing the thin rectangular coverglass, it is best to fix it in such a way so that the explant placed on the coverglass is at the maximum distance from the inner wall of the testtube, when it is fixed at the minimum distance from the inner wall of the testtube, it gives the worst results; while when the coverglass is not fixed, it gives intermediate results. 3. As for the solutions to be used in the medium, Gey's solution is excellent from the standpoints of the rate of tissue growth, the wandering velocity of pseudoeosinophils and the rate of appearance of regressively degenerated granules for the effectiveness in tissue culture, followed by Hanks's solution, Tyrode's solution, Ringer's solution and physiological saline solution, in the order mentioned. However, no marked differences can be observed among the first three solution.


This is an investigation into the effects of laser surface melting (LSM) on martensitic stainless steel, commonly used for steam turbine blades. The principal result is that the magnitude of overlap between neighbouring melted tracks determines whether or not the surface residual stress is tensile.


The early 4 French (Fr), pre-formed, Judkins coronary catheters had unsatisfactory maneuverability due to reduced torque stability. Technical innovations have led to improved 4 Fr catheters. This prospective study evaluates the safety and feasibility of the 4 Fr Quick Care Infinity catheter (Cordis, Miami, Florida). Within a series of 2,366 patients investigated for suspected coronary artery disease, 302 were selected for outpatient treatment according to the guidelines for outpatient catheterization. Fluoroscopy time was 2.8 +/- 2.5 minutes. It was not necessary to change to larger catheters in any patient. After sheath removal, hemostasis was achieved within 14 +/- 8 minutes. Strict bed rest lasted 181 +/- 65 minutes; patients were discharged 303 +/- 76 minutes after arterial puncture. Sixteen of the 302 patients (5.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-7.9%) changed to inpatient treatment for reasons unrelated to the arterial access. Eight patients (2.6%; CI: 1.1-5.1%) required one night of hospitalization for control of hematoma. The following morning, vessel murmur, pain, and large hematoma (more than 10 cm diameter) occurred in 1 (0.3%), 6 (2.0%), and 6 (2.0%) patients, respectively. This necessitated hospital admission in 2 patients (0.7%; CI: 0.0-2.3%) for up to 2 days. Major entry site complications requiring blood transfusion or surgery did not occur (CI: 0.0-0.3%). It was concluded that outpatient catheterization for coronary artery disease using the new 4 French catheters is feasible and can be rapidly and safely performed in a selected patient population.


Manufacturing processes consist of activities affected by a large number of variables. The aim of this study is to show that improvements can be made by using artificial neural network methods at stages of manufacturing such as planning of processes, forecasting of the future situation, monitoring and control. In the study, a manufacturing process with 15 input variables was modeled using artificial neural networks, network training was provided, and a trained network was used to obtain the best output performance in the current situation. Artificial neural networks are useful tools in finding out the consequences of any change that may occur in variables and in improving the processes with this way. The results show that artificial neural network models can be well adapted to manufacturing processes.


For original paper by Gordon see IEEE Trans. Signal Processing, vol.46, p.1238-44 (1998 May). With a variational method, Gordon defined the quadratures and carrier frequency different from the analytic signal (AS). This approach ignores, however, that quadratures must be bandlimited. Restriction of bandlimiting results in another solution and leads to the AS model. Gordon replies to this comment.


Abstract This article examines political regionalism in presidential elections from 1892 to 2000 by analyzing the percentage of the popular vote received by Democratic candidates for president using statistical methods and spatial analysis. The results indicate three long-term and stable political regions in presidential elections and a history of spatially dependent voting. The article then proposes four fluid political regions based on social diversity and recent political behavior and integrates the role of the Electoral College. This provides a framework in which political geography can integrate political regionalism, racial and social diversity, and the electoral vote in studying presidential elections.


Objective : To analyze the trends of Tuberculosis in Kosovo during the first decade of the post war period, (2001-2010). Methods : The TB National Reports of the years 2001-2010 has been used and different TB indicators has been analyzed and measured. Results : Number of TB cases for the period 2001-2010 decreased from 1674 (Year 2001) to 920 (Year 2010). TB Notification Rate/100 000 decreased from 78.2 in year 2001 to 43.7 in year 2010, which presents median annual decrease of 3.45%. Number of new sputum smear positive cases during the period 2001-2010 decreased from 461 in year 2001 to 287 in year 2010. Notification rate/100 000 for New sputum smear positive cases in year 2001 was 21.5 and decreased to 13.6 in year 2010. Bacteriological confirmation (only smear) of TB diagnosis within the pulmonary cases has increased from 41.8% to 50 %,(2001-2010). Extra pulmonary TB has increased from 19% (year 2001) to 33% (year 2010). Proportion of relapses (SS+) among all TB cases decreased from 6.3% (2001) to 3.2% (2010). Proportion of children under 15 years old among all TB cases decreased from 6.5% to 3.2 %. The pick of TB cases notified by age-groups was in the age groups 15-34 that is expected due to the very young population of Kosovo, (more than 50 % of Kosovo population is under 20 years. The specific incidence by age groups shows that the highest number of TB cases is in the age group > 65 years. M/F proportion for all TB cases in all age groups is 1,0. M/F proportion for New smear positive cases is 1.27. Conclusion : The trends of tuberculosis in Kosovo during the post war period (2001-2010), give the good perspective of TB situation in the country.


Received: 2022-01-21 Revised: 2022-03-31 Accepted: 2022-04-27 Globalization that occurs in the economic field certainly affects the trade between several countries that are free. This is due to the fact that the use of technology has encouraged rapid business growth, because various information can be presented through long distance relationships and those who wish to conduct transactions do not have to meet face to face, but simply through computer and telecommunications equipment. Utilization of ITE Technology is carried out based on the principles of legal certainty, benefits, prudence, good faith, and freedom to choose technology or technology neutrality. This study aims to determine the development and concept of people's prosperity in economic globalization in Indonesia, with the presence of the ITE Law in creating a just economy. This research uses normative legal research which is descriptive analytical with a qualitative approach to primary data, secondary data and tertiary data which includes the content and structure of positive law. used as a reference in reviewing legal issues that are the object of study. The results of the study indicate that the existence of the ITE Law in creating a just economy at this time has major implications for the development of social life . Economic justice must be understood as a condition where the people control the course of economic activity, through the use of information and technology which is carried out based on the principles of legal certainty, benefits, prudence, good faith, and freedom to choose technology or technology neutrality. This is in line with the goals of the state as stated in the fourth paragraph of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution.


How do the current technological changes and socio-political developments impact on the relationship between European journalists and their audiences? This article draws on selected findings from a larger research project conducted in eleven European countries. Focusing on European journalists' understanding of their audiences, the paper suggests that in many European countries digital technologies and increased competition play a significant role in the changing relationship between journalists and their audiences. The literature reviews undertaken in the eleven European countries indicate that the relationship between journalists/media professionals and their audiences has undergone significant changes. While the interviewed journalists are alert to a shift towards journalistic practices and formats which permit certain forms of audience participation, many of them sense an increasing disconnection from the public and severe mistrust by citizens; which crucially impacts on their relationship with audiences.


In this paper, a solution to the Fokker–Planck equation is presented, which is extended to the field particles' high-energy-tail non-Maxwellian velocity distribution function in transport theory. Based on the correct physical concept of collision intensity, introduced by CHANG and LI, the electrical conductivities for like-particles collisions are obtained in different conditions. The modified Fokker–Planck coefficients for non-Maxwellian scattering are applied in the study. It is found that the parallel part of the collision operator plays an important role. The non-Maxwellian scattering will stimulate the transport processes in various degrees with mutative deviation parameters.


Excessive attrition among organ procurement coordinators has been a suspected problem for many years. In 1994 the United Network for Organ Sharing undertook a procurement coordinator attrition study. Initially, focus groups were conducted in conjunction with the 1994 North American Transplant Coordinators Organization's annual meeting. In 1996, 69 executive directors from organ procurement organizations were surveyed on the subject of procurement coordinator attrition. Thirty-five executive directors responded, resulting in a 51% response rate. The UNOS procurement coordinator attrition study explored actual attrition rates, relationships of certain demographic factors to attrition rates, economic impact of attrition on the organizations, and various job tenure issues. The period under study was January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1993. Results did not demonstrate an industry-wide attrition problem. Additionally, the study revealed no enduring attrition problem in any single organization, and some organizations were found to have no attrition during the entire study period.


Protein ubiquitylation has emerged as a key regulatory mechanism of innate and adaptive immune systems. In particular, Cbl-b (Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene b), a RING finger E3-ubiquitin ligase primarily expressed in immune cells, acts as an intracellular checkpoint and a master negative regulator of both CTLs and NK cells. As such, Cbl-b is a novel target for developing small molecule cancer immunotherapy agents. Nedd4-family E3 ligases including Itch are known to negatively regulate inflammatory immune responses by suppressing both TH2 and TH17 differentiation and cytokine production. Modulators of Itch are expected to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, deubiquitylases such as USP7 and USP4 are implicated in modulating immune responses. Thus, several ubiquitin pathway enzymes have emerged as therapeutic targets for a variety of immune disorders. Therapeutic modulation of these ubiquitin pathway enzymes is expected to alter the ubiquitylation of their substrate proteins and documentation of such changes is critical to establish mechanism of action in the cell and develop physiological screens for target validation and drug discovery. Current methods to study polyubiquitin on substrates are cumbersome, inefficient, and low throughput. Here we describe a powerful technology that allows selective and quantitative analysis of polyubiquitylated proteins in high throughput format in the cell. Validation is provided using small molecule modulators of E3 ligase and deubiquitylase enzymes. This technology allows detection of changes in highly dynamic poly-ubiquitylated substrates, thus elucidating the role of these enzymes in the cell and the mechanism of action of drug molecules.


Acute extracorporeal dialysis is a short treatment, performed by a central venous catheter of large size, ensuring high flow. These devices have limitations: high caliber, excessive length, impossibility of tunneling and exit-site location in the supraclavicular region, with a subsequent high risk of dislocation and contamination. The authors report a new approach to dialytic central venous catheters selection in children.

 From January 2013 to December 2017, 16 children weighing less than 15 kg needed acute extracorporeal dialysis. Patients received an ultrasound guided percutaneous implantation of a two-way PICC power injectable catheter, in the right internal jugular vein or in the anonymous right vein. The device size always respected the ratio of 1/3; the catheters were cut to be adapted to child height, and subclavear tunnelizations and stabilizations were ensured. The hemodialysis was performed with the Prismaflex Gambro system. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by recirculation test and by measuring the KT/Vat the third hour, expressing the dialysis adequacy.

 Two-way power injectable central venous catheter,sized from 5 to 7 Fr and long from 8 to 15 cm were used. The recorded blood flow ranged from 4.7ml/min/kg to 7ml/min/kg; a KT/V variable from 0.5 to 1 was detected; the recycling rate was between 32% and 40%. No catheter related complications were observed.

 In children weighing less than 15 kg, PICC power injectable have lower blood flow and higher recirculation rate compared to traditional dialysis catheters. However, the dialytic adequacy was suitable for an acute hemodialysis treatment. In addition, these catheters are available in a wide range of calibers and result more adaptable to the venous system of younger children.


The development of the interactions of an infant primate with its mother and the other members of its social group plays a special role in the ethology and demography of the species, with consequences for their survive and their conservation. The objective of the present study is to investigate the development of an infant of Alouatta guariba (Humboldt, 1812) in the wild, its behavior and interactions during its first seven months of age, in a remnant of Araucaria Pine Forest in Paraná State, Brazil. Using the method of instantaneous scanning with 5 min intervals, a total of 46 hours and 15 minutes of direct observation (555 individual records) showed that the infant behavioral patterns during its first four months were characterized by high dependency, which decreased progressively until the appearance of typically juvenile behaviors during the remaining 3 months. The first records of feeding on solid food, tail functionality and allomaternal care were also recorded and discussed. This work contributes to an understanding of the ontogenetic development of a poorly known aspect of this species, and thus for a more understanding of the genus Alouatta Lacépède, 1799.


Recent observations suggest that the cosmological equation-of-state parameter w is close to -1. To say this is to imply that w could be slightly less than -1, which leads to R. Caldwell's ``Phantom cosmologies''. These often have the property that they end in a ``Big Smash'', a final singularity in which the Universe is destroyed in a finite proper time by excessive expansion. We show that, classically, this fate is not inevitable: there exist Smash-free Phantom cosmologies, obtained by a suitable perturbation of the de Sitter equation of state, in which the spacetime is in fact asymptotically de Sitter. [ Contrary to popular belief, such cosmologies, which violate the Dominant Energy Condition, do not necessarily violate causality.] We also argue, however, that the physical interpretation of these classically acceptable spacetimes is radically altered by ``holography'', as manifested in the dS/CFT correspondence. It is shown that, if the boundary CFTs have conventional properties, then recent ideas on ``time as an inverse renormalization group flow'' can be used to rule out these cosmologies. Very recently, however, it has been argued that the CFTs in dS/CFT are of a radically unconventional form, and this opens up the possibility that Smash-free Phantom spacetimes offer a simple model of a ``bouncing'' cosmology in which the quantum-mechanical entanglement of the field theories in the infinite past and future plays an essential role.


We consider the clustering problem of attributed graphs. Our challenge is how we can design an effective and efficient clustering method that precisely captures the hidden relationship between the topology and the attributes in real-world graphs. We propose Non-linear Attributed Graph Clustering by Symmetric Non-negative Matrix Factorization with Positive Unlabeled Learning. The features of our method are three holds. 1) it learns a non-linear projection function between the different cluster assignments of the topology and the attributes of graphs so as to capture the complicated relationship between the topology and the attributes in real-world graphs, 2) it leverages the positive unlabeled learning to take the effect of partially observed positive edges into the cluster assignment, and 3) it achieves efficient computational complexity, $O((n^2+mn)kt)$, where $n$ is the vertex size, $m$ is the attribute size, $k$ is the number of clusters, and $t$ is the number of iterations for learning the cluster assignment. We conducted experiments extensively for various clustering methods with various real datasets to validate that our method outperforms the former clustering methods regarding the clustering quality.


One Streptomyces rimosus ribosomal RNA gene set (rrnF) was cloned into pBR322 as 8.8 kilobase-pairs BamHI fragment and sequence of the 3' end of the operon with 5S rRNA gene was determined. 5S rRNA gene is 120 bp long and highly homologous with two other known 5S rRNA from Streptomyces. Remarkable sequence homology with S. ambofaciens rrnD operon exists in the 3' noncoding regions, including first transcription termination signal. S. rimosus rrnF operon contains second putative terminator which is absent in S. ambofaciens rrnD operon. tRNA genes were not found at the 3' end of rrnF operon. The number of rRNA operons in S. rimosus was defined by Southern hybridization analysis. S. rimosus possess six rRNA operons and all rRNA operons contain identical PstI fragment of 4.5 kb. rRNA genes in operons are separated by short intergenic regions and organized in the order 16S-23S-5S. Efforts to connect tRNA genes with S. rimosus rRNA operons were unsuccessful.


Treatment of rat parotid slices with carbachol (CCh) resulted in the stable inhibition of isoproterenol-induced activation of adenylate cyclase (AC); the inhibition of the enzyme was persistently observed in washed membrane prepared from parotid slices pretreated with CCh. Methoxamine, but not clonidine, also caused stable inhibition. Activation of AC by 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) and by NaF was also attenuated by treatment with either CCh or methoxamine, indicating reduction of the Gs protein function. Pertussis toxin treatment prevented CCh-induced inhibition of the enzyme. However, MnCl2-stimulated and forskolin-stimulated activity, and the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated activity by GppNHp were not altered by CCh treatment. It appears, therefore, that the stable muscarinic inhibition of AC involves the Gi protein, but it does not result from the inhibitory regulation of AC activity by the interaction between the Gi protein and the catalytic unit of AC. Furthermore, the inhibition of GppNHp-stimulated AC activity by CCh was effectively reversed by the pretreatment of slices with neomycin. This suggests that the stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis elicited by CCh possibly participates in stable muscarinic inhibition of AC presumably by reducing the function of the Gs protein. Thus, in the rat parotid gland, CCh appears to cause a stable inhibition of AC through two different mechanisms; one is associated with the Gi protein and the other is associated with the stimulation of phosphoinositide metabolism.


Four Fe(III) spin-crossover (SCO) compounds, [Fe(HL1)2](HCl4TPA) (1-Cl), [Fe(HL1)2](HBr4TPA) (1-Br), [Fe(HL2)2](HCl4TPA) (2-Cl), and [Fe(HL2)2](HBr4TPA) (2-Br) (HL1 = 4-chloro-2-nitro-6-(1-(2-(pyridine-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenolate; HL2 = 4-bromo-2-nitro-6-(1-(2-(pyridine-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenolate; HCl4TPA = 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-carboxybenzoate; and HBr4TPA = 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-4-carboxybenzoate), were synthesized to investigate the halogen substituent change effect in salicylaldehyde 2-pyridyl hydrazone-type ligands and dicarboxylic acids in SCO complexes to the spin-transition temperature. Crystal structure analyses showed that these compounds were isostructural. In addition, a one-dimensional hydrogen–bonded column was formed by the dicarboxylic acid anion and weak hydrogen bonds between the Fe(III) complexes. From Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetic property measurements, these compounds were confirmed to exhibit gradual SCO. The spin-transition temperature can be shifted by changing the halogen substituent in the salicylaldehyde 2-pyridyl hydrazone-type ligands and dicarboxylic acids without changing the molecular arrangement in the crystal packing.


Data on the energy losses for particles incident on various target materials are needed in medical applications and other areas. The existing studies on the energy losses of positrons with low energy are very limited. In this paper, the stopping power calculations are presented for positrons in the energy range of 10 eV–10 keV. Target materials considered in this study are water, brain, and lung. Parameterizations of the energy dependencies of the stopping powers of positrons in water and hydrogen up to 100 eV and from 100 eV to 1 keV are obtained. Also, the maximum stopping powers versus the atomic numbers of various elements in water, brain, and lung are examined. The results are compared with other studies.


At non-relativistic velocities at a proton LINAC, the electromagnetic field generated by the beam has a significant longitudinal component, and thus the time evolution of the signal coupled to the BPM electrodes depends on bunch length and beam velocity. Extensive simulations with the electromagnetic simulation tool CST Studio® were executed to investigate the dependence of the induced BPM signal on different bunch lengths and velocities. Related to the application, the simulations are executed for the button BPM arrangement as foreseen for the FAIR Proton LINAC. These investigations provide the required inputs for the BPM system and its related technical layout such as analogue bandwidth and signal processing electronics. For the BPM electronics, it is important to estimate the contribution of the harmonic used for the data processing. Additionally, the analogue bandwidth of the BPM system is determined from studying the output signal of the button BPM as a function of bunch length at different beam velocities. This contribution presents the results of the simulations and comments on general findings relevant for a BPM layout and the operation of a hadron LINAC.


The transport of LDL-derived cholesterol from lysosomes to peroxisomes is facilitated by membrane contacts formed between the lysosomal protein synaptotagmin VII and the peroxisomal lipid phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Here, we used RNA interference to search for regulators of PI(4,5)P2 and to study the effects of altered PI(4,5)P2 homeostasis on cholesterol transport. We found that knockdown of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type-2 α (PIP4K2A) reduced peroxisomal PI(4,5)P2 levels, decreased lysosome-peroxisome membrane contacts, and increased accumulation of lysosomal cholesterol in human SV-589 fibroblasts. Forced expression of peroxisome-localized, kinase-active PIP4K2A in the knockdown cells reduced cholesterol accumulation, and in vitro addition of recombinant PIP4K2A restored membrane contacts. These results suggest that PIP4K2A plays a critical role in intracellular cholesterol transport by upregulating PI(4,5)P2 levels in the peroxisomal membrane. Further research into PIP4K2A activity may inform future therapeutic interventions for managing lysosomal storage disorders.


We proposed a method of implementing the Boltzmann machine neural network on electronic circuits by making use of the single-electron tunnelling phenomenon. The single-electron circuit shows stochastic behaviour in its operation because of the probabilistic nature of the electron tunnelling phenomenon. It can therefore be successfully used for implementing the stochastic neuron operation of the Boltzmann machine. The authors developed a single-electron neuron circuit that can produce the function required for the Boltzmann machine neuron. A method for constructing Boltzmann machine networks by combining the neuron circuits was also developed. The simulated-annealing operation can be performed easily by regulating an external control voltage for the network circuits. A sample network was designed that solves an instance of a combinatorial optimization problem. Computer simulation demonstrated that, through the simulated-annealing process, the sample network can converge to the global minimum energy state that represents the correct solution to the problem.


The article is devoted to finding the optimal network resources distribution in the network represented by an undirected complete connected planar uplifted graph. It is assumed that the weight of the edge of the graph is determined by the minimum bandwidth(traffic) of the router at its nodes. The functional is the sum of the bandwidth (maximal flow) of the routers on all nodes under the restrictions on their total cost.The complexity of the problem lies in the fact that there are two types of uncertainty in it: the first - the type of router in each network node is not initially determined, the second - the path between the nodes on which the maximum traffic is realized is not defined. The first uncertainty is solved by using the Genetic Algorithm and the second uncertainty is solved by using the Ford Fulkerson algorithm. An example of calculation for a fragment of a network of a real Internet Service Provider (ISP) is presented in this article..


Mouse hybridomas generated by fusion between a lactate dehydrogenase‐B (LDH‐B)‐specific B10.A(2R) T suppressor (Ts) cell line and the BW5147 thymoma secrete two suppressor factors, TsF‐A and TsF‐E. The factors carry the same antigen‐binding chains but different major histocompatibility complex (MHC) chains (Aβ‐like and Eβ‐like, respectively). The TsF‐A suppresses the proliferation of A‐restricted, LDH‐B‐specific T helper (Th) cells. In this report we demonstrate that the addition of the TsF‐E (isolated on immunosorbent columns with Ek‐ or Jk‐specific antibodies) to the culture of LDH‐B‐primed B10.A(2R) lymph node cells turns the nonrespnder (suppressed) cultures into proliferating ones, and that this change is antigen specific. This enhancing effect occurs in the early phase of the cell culture; the factor has no effect when added 2 days after the initiation of the culture. Because pretreatment of the Ly‐2+ but not of the Ly‐1+2− cells with TsF‐E induces responsiveness, it is very likely that the targets of the factor are the Ts cells or their precursors that belong to the Ly‐2+ subset. An incubation period of about 4 h is necessary for the TsF‐E to expert its action. The enhancing effect of the TsF‐E is abrogated by monoclonal antibodies specific for Ek and Jk antigenic determinants. However, only some of the antibodies that retain the TsF‐E on the immunosorbent column neutralize the factor in a functional test. Antibody blocking studies also indicate that the MHC determinants involved in the interaction between the antigen‐presenting and the Ts cell during Ts cell activaton, and in the TsF‐E Ts cell interaction are either very similar or identical. We interpret the data as indicating that the Ts cells or their precursors recognize the TsF‐E with the same receptors as they use for the recognition of LDH‐B together with the Ek on the antigen‐presentign cells. The recognition of the TsF‐E inactivates the Ts cell so that proliferation of Th cells then occurs unhindered. Thus, the production of the TsF‐E may provide a feedback mechanism that regulates the activation of the Ts cells and, consequently, the degree of suppression in the response to LDH‐B.


Abstract This paper presents a study carried out to develop empirical models and process optimization for prediction of nutritional parameters of stored cowpea variety (IT96D-610K). Twelve small scale prototype silos made of two different materials (wooden and galvanised mild steel) were constructed and used in the storage of the cowpea for a 4-month period. Seven kilograms of cowpea at 9.88% moisture content admixed with DE having two different particle sizes (7.5 × 10−5 m and 9 × 10−5 m) and three different concentrations (0.0001 kg, 0.00005 kg and 0 kg) in varying combinations were loaded into each prototype silo structure. The control (zero/no concentration) was set without the use of DE in each of the wooden and galvanised mild steel structures, respectively. Temperature, relative humidity and moisture content within the storage structures were monitored. Nutritional parameters such as ash, crude protein, fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate content were also measured alongside moisture. Significant differences (P <0.05) were observed between the control sample and treated samples. Six model equations using Essential Regression Software package were further generated to determine the relationship between input and output parameters, and were checked for adequacy and validity. The model equations developed were used to get the optimum values of output parameters which are: minimum moisture content (8.87%), minimum ash content (4.07%), maximum crude protein (22.86%), maximum fat (2.04%), maximum crude fibre (2.26%) and maximum carbohydrate (60.31%) of the stored cowpea at various conditions. Study results show that all the storage conditions had significant effects at P <0.05.


The aim of this paper is to present an algorithm that automatically segment a text in prosodic chunks for dictation by conforming to the rules and procedures used in real settings to dictate a text to primary school children. A better understanding and modeling of these rules and procedures is crucial to develop robust automatic tools that could be used in autonomy by children to improve their spelling skills through dictation with the use of speech synthesis. The different steps used to derive the prosodic chunks from a given text will be explained through concrete examples. The proposal made here relies on the analysis of a corpus of 10 dictations given to children in French and French Canadian elementary schools. The phrasing observed in the data is described. It is thus simplified in order to develop an algorithm that automatically generates prosodic chunks from texts.


Invasive plant control is a significant challenge for natural resources management. Rosa persica (Michx ex. Juss.) is one of the invasive species in Iran. It has been rapidly expanded to the areas where it has introduced. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of five treatments: 1) control, 2) fire, 3) cutting, 3) tilling, 4) chemical techniques (glyphsate application) in controlling the expansion of Rosa persica in a degraded rangeland plant community ( Rosa persica dominant type) in Markazi province. An experiment was arranged in split plots based on a completely randomized block design with four replications for three consecutive years. We found that the combined methods have played a more effective roles in controlling the Rosa persica and among these methods; fire combined with chemical techniques appeared to be a better option for reducing the abundance of Rosa persica . Also, fire combined with the mechanical removal of the above-ground and fire combined with the mechanical removal of the root reduced population size of Rosa persica , as comapred with the control, however, no significant difference (P<0.05) was found between the two methods. Thus, because of the disturbance in the soil, as a result of the mechanical removal of root, we recommend the use of fire combined with cutting instead of tilling to reduced Rosa persica .


Testing normality against discrete normal mixtures is complex because some parameters turn increasingly underidentified along alternative ways of approaching the null, others are inequality constrained, and several higher-order derivatives become identically 0. These problems make the maximum of the alternative model log-likelihood function numerically unreliable. We propose score-type tests asymptotically equivalent to the likelihood ratio as the largest of two simple intuitive statistics that only require estimation under the null. One novelty of our approach is that we treat symmetrically both ways of writing the null hypothesis without excluding any region of the parameter space. We derive the asymptotic distribution of our tests under the null and sequences of local alternatives. We also show that their asymptotic distribution is the same whether applied to observations or standardized residuals from heteroskedastic regression models. Finally, we study their power in simulations and apply them to the residuals of Mincer earnings functions.


Background: Bariatric patients are being seen more frequently in health care. Transferring these patients is a challenging and risky task. Objectives: To analyze safety and reduce risks for the musculoskeletal system of bariatric patients and health care workers during transfers from bed to wheelchair and back. Methods: Clinical intervention study of patient transfers using portable and ceiling lifts. The study was conducted in the largest freestanding rehabilitation center in North America. Forty transfers from bed to wheelchair and back involving eight bariatric patients (age: 46-62y, BMI: 42-48kg/m 2 ) were observed systematically, and four were video-recorded to il- lustrate the analysis. Two proactive risk assessments were performed and compared using a scoring system to evaluate the risks during the processes of transfers using portable and ceiling lifts. Results: The bariatric patient transfer system using portable lifts was replaced by installing and using ceiling lifts. The safety of the processes involving the two systems was compared in relation to risk of injuries to staff and patients. Using of ceiling lifts as opposed to portable lifts resulted in 28% reduction of low detectability incidents, 26% reduction of mod- erate effect incidents, and decreased both high and moderate probability incidents (22% and 30% reduction, respectively). Finally, it resulted in approximately 25% reduction on the sum of risk scores for the failure modes and causes requiring action. Conclusions: The results suggest that using ceiling lifts is safer than using portable lifts for bariatric patient transfers. The remaining risks were alleviated by training the staff and elaborating standardized procedures to perform these transfers.


This paper proposes a new method for the teleoperation of humanoid robots which integrates human operator's intention with robot's autonomy. Getting hints from human conscious and subconscious motion generations, we propose a method which generates whole body motions of a humanoid robot satisfying operator's desired movement of specific points on which the operator focuses as well as the robot's balance. The proposed method is based on a whole body momentum control. We also introduce a function of automatic adjustments of the position of the center of mass and torso orientation in order to expand the reachable area of a humanoid robot. The effectiveness of the method is confirmed by using humanoid robot simulator OpenHRP with physical parameters of real humanoid robot HRP-1S.


Genetically tailored pigs to eliminate human immune rejection of xenografts is one promising solution to the global donor organ shortage. The development of xenograft transplantation has however been hampered by incomplete understanding of its immune rejection and the inability to test this in a human transplantation setting. Here we use an ex vivo organ perfusion system with human whole blood to assess the initial immune activation within the xenograft endothelium at single cell transcriptome level. Renal injury, complement deposition, coagulation and lymphocyte influx are all strongly reduced in genetically modified pig kidneys with porcine MHC class I and three xenoantigens (GGTA1, CMAH, B4GALNT2) eliminated (4KO) compared to wildtype (WT) pig kidneys after 6-hours human blood perfusion. Single cell RNA sequencing of endothelial cells (EC) from 4KO and WT pig kidneys respectively reveal that there is a compartment (cortex, glomeruli and medulla) specific endothelial activation, with cortical and glomeruli endothelial cells being more affected. Differential gene expression analysis shows a downregulation of endothelial transcriptome activation response to human blood perfusion in the 4KO ECs. Pathway enrichment analysis further identify the NF-kB pathway as strongly activated in human blood perfused WT ECs but diminished in the 4KO. In conclusion, the 4KO pig model has strongly reduced endothelial immune activation response when perfused with human whole blood, that goes beyond prevention of humoral rejection. Our data support further development of the 4KO for use in clinical transplantation.


A unique set of results on the acoustics of motorcycle helmets has been gathered during road tests on a rider wearing a representative modern helmet. The data were collected during a study of the noise which can cause hearing damage and, possibly, distraction in riders. They consisted of simultaneous measurements of noise at the rider's ear and unsteady pressure on the helmet surface, combined with GPS measurements of rider position and speed. These signals have been analyzed to reduce the coherent structures in the turbulent flow responsible for noise generation. The identified structures appear to be produced by a vortex street shed by the motorcycle windscreen. The internal and external pressures proved to be poorly correlated over most of the frequency range, which has been identified as a result of the insertion loss of the helmet. The implications of these findings are that the majority of the variation in helmet noise is a function of such extrinsic factors as motorcycle configuration and rider build and posture. Efforts to reduce the harmful effects of noise in motorcycling should, then, move to studying the whole system of rider, helmet, motorcycle, and external environment.


A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 226-240 (E9 peptide) of human tau, which contains an Lys-Ser-Pro motif, was used to raise a polyclonal antibody. The antibody, E9, was 10-fold less reactive with phospho-E9 peptide than with native E9 peptide. E9 antibody was used to study the extent of phosphorylation in a modified form of tau (PHF-tau) that is found in Alzheimer's disease brain and is incorporated into paired helical filaments (PHFs). E9 immunolabeled Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary tangles and abnormal neurites in brain sections intensely, with increased immunoreactivity detected after pretreatment of sections with phosphatase. On immunoblots and ELISA, E9 reacted with PHF-tau and recombinant human tau but not with the high and middle molecular weight neurofilament proteins. Phosphatase treatment of PHF-tau improved the E9 immunoreactivity by 30-50%. Dephosphorylated high but not middle molecular weight neurofilament protein became reactive with E9. These results indicate that < 50% of the PHF-tau is phosphorylated in the subregion corresponding to residues 226-240 of tau and suggest that the phosphorylation of this region may not be essential for PHF formation.


Solar energy can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaic cell technology. It is considered as the technology of the future because it uses the Sun, a clean and inexhaustible source. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the economic viability in energy generation of a photovoltaic system in a rural community in the district of Rio do Salto. The rural community is in the municipality of Cascavel, western region of the state of Paraná, geographical coordinates latitude 25°8'31"S, longitude 53°19'40"W and altitude 781 m. Rio do Salto has regulations of 19 blocks with 241 properties. The evaluated properties belonged to block 11. The project was feasible when the payback period of the investment occurred within the expected photovoltaic system life cycle and if the internal rate of return (IRR) was higher than the minimum attractiveness expected for the project. To ensure the viability of this power generation system, the average consumption over the 12-month period should be higher than the rate of availability of the concessionaire that the owner should pay. This value varied according to the connection type (single-phase: 30 kWh, two-phase: 50 kWh and three-phase: 100 kWh). Property 9 was the only one that did not show conditions for photovoltaic system for not reaching the minimum connection tariff of the concessionaire.


for viola and pianoThis piece is one of the finest compositions for viola by one of the instrument's greatest players. It is luxuriant in melodic inventions and startlingly beautiful in its instrumental colours. The piano is a full partner to the viola, contributing an equal share of melodic interest and colouristic effects.


Methyl aluminum(III) complexes {ONOSiR3}AlMe (SiR3 = SiPh3 (2a), SiMe2tBu (2b)) were synthesized by reaction of AlMe3 with pyridine–bis(naphthol) proligands {ONOSiR3}H2 (1a,b) having bulky o-SiR3 substituents on the naphthol groups. Complexes 2a,b were converted into the Al isopropoxide, O-lactate, and β-alkoxybutyrate complexes {ONOSiR3}AlOR′ (R′ = iPr (3a), (S)-CH(Me)CO2iPr (4a,b), (R)-CH(Me)CH2CO2Me (5a), rac-CH(CF3)CH2CO2Et (6a)) by reaction with the corresponding alcohol and α- and β-hydroxy esters R′OH. C–H···π close contacts between the SiPh3 phenyl groups and hydrogens of the methine, methylene, and alkyl ester groups were evidenced by X-ray diffraction studies (for 2a and 4a–6a) and by solution NMR. In contrast to the case for (S)-4b, (S)-4a interacts reversibly with racemic lactide (rac-LA) in toluene-d8 at 20 °C, discriminating the l and d monomers, yet without forming isolable six-coordinated adducts. NMR monitoring of the reaction of (S)-4a with l-LA in CD2Cl2 at room temperature allowed identifying the propagation product 7a, as a result of propagation being faster than insertion. The same propagating species formed upon reaction of (S)-4a with l-LA in toluene-d8 at 80 °C. Conversely, the reaction of (R)-5a and l-LA in CD2Cl2 eventually allowed catching the very first insertion product 8a. These observations imply that insertion of LA proceeds more easily into a six-membered Al β-alkoxybutyrate species than into a five-membered Al O-lactate species.


Previous studies on the intensive propagation, have been conducted for macroscopic behaviors of rain and link availability together with diversity effects are evaluated for relatively long distance radio links such as terrestrial and satellite communications, where relatively weak rain events are the main interest. In this paper, evaluation of behavior of rain and its effect on link attenuation in Tokyo Tech millimeter-wave model mesh network are presented. The unique effects due to highly localized behaviors of the strong rain have become clear and are characterized in terms of variogram instead of correlation coefficients. Spatial separation even in the small network consisting of the links less than 1 km provides effective diversity branches for better availability performance.


StackOverflow.com (SO) is a Question and Answer service oriented to support collaboration among developers in order to help them solving their issues related to software development. In SO, developers post questions related to a programming topic and other members of the site can provide answers to help them. The information available on this type of service is also known as "crowd knowledge" and currently is one important trend in supporting activities related to software development and maintenance.
 We present an approach that makes use of "crowd knowledge" available in SO to recommend information that can assist developers in their activities. This strategy recommends a ranked list of pairs of questions/answers from SO based on a query (list of terms). The ranking criteria is based on two main aspects: the textual similarity of the pairs with respect to the query (the developer's problem) and the quality of the pairs. Moreover, we developed a classifier to consider only "how-to" posts. We conducted an experiment considering programming problems on three different topics (Swing, Boost and LINQ) widely used by the software development community to evaluate the proposed recommendation strategy. The results have shown that for 77.14% of the assessed activities, at least one recommended pair proved to be useful concerning the target programming problem. Moreover, for all activities, at least one recommended pair had a source code snippet considered reproducible or almost reproducible.


Are there universal principles, categories, or forms of reasoning that apply to all aspects of human experience—irrespective of culture and epoch? Numerous scholars have explored this very question from Africana perspectives: Kwasi Wiredu (1996) explored the philosophical issue of whether there are culturally defined values and concepts; Hallen and Sodipo (1986) examined the question of whether there are unique African indigenous systems of knowledge; Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (1994) evaluated the role of colonialism in the language of African literature; Oyerò nkẹ ́ ́ Oyěwumi (1997) argued that "gender" is a Western cultural invention that is foreign to Yorùbá systems of sociation; and Helen Veran (2001) argued that even though science, mathematics, and logic are not culturally relative, "certainty" is nonetheless derived from cultural practices and associations. Building on these and other works, this essay argues that: (i) incommensurability of "worldviews," "perspectives," "paradigms," or "conceptual schemes" springs from deeper, more fundamental cognitive categories of logic that are coded into natural languages; and that (ii) consequently, as long as African reflective reasoning is expressed solely (or predominantly) in European languages, the authenticity of the "African" in African philosophy is questionable.


SARS-COV-2 identified as COVID-19, has become the world's most contagious and dangerous pandemic disease today. It was firstly reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, then due to its strong infectious nature, it had spread to almost 214 countries. Precautionary steps remain the only mandatory technique before a successful form of treatment or vaccine is created to avoid person-to-person transmissions. In the absence of any unique or therapeutic vaccine against this virus, current attempts are being made to find a cure for this pandemic. Using derivatives from previously known antiviral drugs are a beneficial strategy until a specific treatment methodology for COVID-19 is available. Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been used as natural remedies for treating different infectious diseases. A good way to treat COVID-19 will be to look for new compounds from natural sources known for their high safety and applicability since the development of innovative drugs takes a long time and cost. Molecular docking analysis is routinely used in modern drug research to understand and predict the interaction between the molecule of the drug and the microbe's target protein. Drugs designed in this way can prevent access of pathogens into host cells and replication. The present study gives an insight about some plant phytoderivatives that were examined via in silico  studies to have the potentiality in treating coronavirus disease through various potential mechanisms such as hindering genome replication, inhibition of spike proteins or preventing inflammatory storm that causes lung injury.


Easy reading novels for young people have increased rapidly during the last years. Authors, publishers, librarians and teachers regard the novels a tool for teaching, and the books are advocated to offer children and teenagers that are considered demotivated and poor readers suitable texts. The democratic argument is vital for the text type is, i.e. that everyone has the right to have access to literary texts. From a critical literacy perspective, the aim of this article is to highlight and discuss aspects of democracy in Swedish classrooms. The empirical material consists of 18 interviews with authors and publishers and text analysis of 17 novels with material for students and teachers. The article shows that authors and publishers use the democratic argument heavily when advocating for the text type. The novels show a gender stereotype pattern and the instructions encourage an efferent reading. The article argues that it is important to have a critical perspective if using the easy readers in the classroom.


Physicists at the Universities of Bonn and Cambridge have succeeded in linking two completely different quantum systems to one another. In doing so, they have taken an important step forward on the way to a quantum computer. To accomplish their feat the researchers used a method that seems to function as well in the quantum world as it does for us people: teamwork. The results have now been published in the "Physical Review Letters". [7] While physicists are continually looking for ways to unify the theory of relativity, which describes large-scale phenomena, with quantum theory, which describes small-scale phenomena, computer scientists are searching for technologies to build the quantum computer. The accelerating electrons explain not only the Maxwell Equations and the Special Relativity, but the Heisenberg Uncertainty Relation, the Wave-Particle Duality and the electron's spin also, building the Bridge between the Classical and Quantum Theories. The Planck Distribution Law of the electromagnetic oscillators explains the electron/proton mass rate and the Weak and Strong Interactions by the diffraction patterns. The Weak Interaction changes the diffraction patterns by moving the electric charge from one side to the other side of the diffraction pattern, which violates the CP and Time reversal symmetry. The diffraction patterns and the locality of the self-maintaining electromagnetic potential explains also the Quantum Entanglement, giving it as a natural part of the Relativistic Quantum Theory and making possible to build the Quantum Computer.


Background Improving early child development is a public health priority. In England just over 50% of children reach a 'good level of development' by the age of 5 years and child development is worse in more disadvantaged areas. Research shows the importance of responsive, sensitive and reflective caregiving in improving a child's development and the need to support parents with this. As a result, the UK government provides parents with support via services including Health Visitors and children's centres. However it is not clear how parents perceive the value of local parental support services and the barriers they face. Aim To understand how caregivers of children from 0–2 years of age in a North West urban setting know and learn to be responsive, sensitive and reflective to their babies, where they go to for support and what services they value. Methods We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews as well as 1 focus group discussion [FGD] with English speaking caregivers of children aged less than 2 years old recruited through Health Visitors, children's centres or in the community. All interviews and FGD were transcribed and analysed using a thematic content approach. Results 27 parents were interviewed, 21 mothers and 1 father. Parents spoke of requiring additional support with their responsive, sensitive and reflective care when their child was ill, with sleep routines, overcoming isolation and as single parents. Parents utilised a range of professional services and resources for support, as well as people within their family and community. It emerged that the three themes of 'Relationships', 'Professionalism' and 'Experience' were crucial factors in why parents used certain support networks and valued the support they received. Conclusions In order to provide support for parents enabling them to be responsive, sensitive and reflective to their babies, services need to be driven much more on the relationships that experienced professionals make with parents. This includes providing more opportunities for continuity of care with one to one support which is responsive and there when needed. Children's centres were a positive example of this, providing an accessible place where parents can access both professional and peer support.


The recent discovery of topological insulators—that act as insulators in their bulks yet possess quantized conducting edge or surface states—has triggered extremely active multidisciplinary research activities for the exploration of new fundamental science and exotic materials. One of the most interesting phenomena in this realm is the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE). So far, the QAHE has been observed only in Cr-doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3 yet at extremely low temperature. Therefore, it is important to search for new topological insulators with large topological band gap and high thermal stability for the realization of the QAHE. Here, we found a new class of topological insulator phase—Chern half metal which manifests the QAHE in the minority spin channel while is metallic in the majority spin channel—in Co or Rh deposited graphene, based on first-principles and tight-binding model calculations. Meanwhile, these systems have large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energies of 5.3 and 11.5 meV, necessary for the observation of the QAHE and reasonably high temperature.


Exposure to cleaning products, in particular in spray form, has been evoked in recent studies to explain part of the increase in asthma prevalence, but most studies concerned occupational exposure. We aimed to assess the role of household exposure to cleaning products in current asthma in elderly women. A nested case-control survey on respiratory health was undertaken in 2009 among a random sample (n=800) of women from the French E3N study, conducted mostly in teachers. Data were available for 570 women (235 with current asthma and 335 without asthma history, 68 years old on average). Two self-reported domestic exposure estimates were defined: weekly home cleaning and weekly spray use (0,1,>2 sprays/week). Associations between domestic exposures and asthma were assessed by logistic regression, adjusted for age, diploma, body mass index and smoking status. A positive borderline significant association was observed between weekly use of >1 spray (binary variable) and current asthma (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval]: 1.45 [0.94-2.24], p=0.09), with a significant association (1.86 [1.04-3.33]) in the 325 women without cleaning help. A significant positive trend was evidenced in women without cleaning help (p for trend=0.04; OR for weekly use of >2 sprays: 2.63 [1.03-6.67]). A strong association was observed in women with current asthma and without dispensed inhaled corticosteroids (2.06 [1.22-3.46] for weekly use of >1 spray). No association was observed between weekly home cleaning and current asthma. A deleterious role of household use of cleaning sprays was observed for current asthma, especially in women without cleaning help.


There has been enormous progress in psychotherapy research. This has culminated in recognition of several treatments that have strong evidence in their behalf. Even so, after decades of psychotherapy research, we cannot provide an evidence-based explanation for how or why even our most well studied interventions produce change, that is, the mechanism(s) through which treatments operate. This chapter presents central requirements for demonstrating mediators and mechanisms of change and reviews current data-analytic and designs approaches and why they fall short of meeting these requirements. The role of the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy and cognitive changes in cognitive therapy for depression are highlighted to illustrate key issues. Promising lines of work to identify mediators and mechanisms, ways of bringing to bear multiple types of evidence, recommendations to make progress in understanding how therapy works, and conceptual and research challenges in evaluating mediators and mechanisms are also presented.


*These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: This study evaluated a novel approach for diagnosis and classification of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Smart System (OSASS), using residual networks and single-channel nasal pressure airflow signals. Methods: Data were collected from the sleep center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, and the Integrative Department of Guangdong Province Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital. We developed a new model called the multi-resolution residual network (Mr-ResNet) based on a residual network to detect nasal pressure airflow signals recorded by polysomnography (PSG) automatically. The performance of the model was assessed by its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1-score. We built OSASS based on MrResNet to estimate the apnea‒hypopnea index (AHI) and to classify the severity of OSA, and compared the agreement between OSASS output and the registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) score, assessed by two technologists. Results: In the primary test set, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1-score of MrResNet were 90.8%, 90.5%, 91.2%, and 90.5%, respectively. In the independent test set, the Spearman correlation for AHI between OSASS and the RPSGT score determined by two technologists was 0.94 (p < 0.001) and 0.96 (p < 0.001), respectively. Cohen's Kappa scores for classification between OSASS and the two technologists' scores were 0.81 and 0.84, respectively. Conclusion: Our results indicated that OSASS can automatically diagnose and classify OSA using signals from a single-channel nasal pressure airflow, which is consistent with polysomnographic technologists' findings. Thus, OSASS holds promise for clinical application.


The study aimed to identify the degree of the administrative creativity of the public principals' practice in Tafila Directorate of Education. The sample consisted of 402 teachers (male and female) chosen randomly . The instrument of this study included 36 items. Means, standard deviations, and 3 – way ANOVA were used for statistical purposes. The results indicated that there are statistically significant dif ferences for the interaction of gender with experience, the interaction of experience with scientific qualification and the interaction of gender , experience and qualification. According to the results it is recommended that the Directorate of Education in Taf la Province should hold training courses to develop the principals' competence in administrative creativity skills, motivating the teachers who hold bachelor degrees or less to join high programs in education (General diploma, master) to develop their academic and educational knowledge. © Kamla-Raj 2011 Int J Edu Sci, 3(1): 1-7 (2011)


This paper presents an algorithm for use in designing a racetrack microresonator on silicon substrate, whose structure is illustrated. The accurate numerical FDTD has been used to calculate the characteristics of the device in the range of optical communication wavelengths. The optimum size of the guide, as well as the curvature of the curved guide, is considered from the results. From the optimum size of the device, the spectral response is consequently calculated, which leads to two important relationships between half-power bandwidth, HPBW, against the coupling efficiency, K, and free spatial range, FSR, against the racetrack round trip, X/sub rt/. Having used these parameters of L and R, in conjunction with the optimum size of the guide, in FDTD simulation, the transfer characteristics can be obtained as following: X/sub rt/ = 17.94 /spl mu/m, K = 0.223, FSR = 29.45 nm, HPBW= 4.45 nm, Q = 346.07 and finesse of 6.62, which are close to the design values. Therefore, our design procedure could be used in design of the dimensions of racetrack microresonators on silicon substrates in the communication wavelengths.


The bubble nucleation efficiency of low-energy nuclear recoils in superheated liquids plays a crucial role in interpreting results from direct searches for weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter. The PICO Collaboration presents the results of the efficiencies for bubble nucleation from carbon and fluorine recoils in superheated C$_3$F$_8$ from calibration data taken with 5 distinct neutron spectra at various thermodynamic thresholds ranging from 2.1 keV to 3.9 keV. Instead of assuming any particular functional forms for the nuclear recoil efficiency, a generalized piecewise linear model is proposed with systematic errors included as nuisance parameters to minimize model-introduced uncertainties. A Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) routine is applied to sample the nuclear recoil efficiency for fluorine and carbon at 2.45 keV and 3.29 keV thermodynamic thresholds simultaneously. The nucleation efficiency for fluorine was found to be $\geq 50\, \%$ for nuclear recoils of 3.3 keV (3.7 keV) at a thermodynamic Seitz threshold of 2.45 keV (3.29 keV), and for carbon the efficiency was found to be $\geq 50\, \%$ for recoils of 10.6 keV (11.1 keV) at a threshold of 2.45 keV (3.29 keV). Simulated data sets are used to calculate a p-value for the fit, confirming that the model used is compatible with the data. The fit paradigm is also assessed for potential systematic biases, which although small, are corrected for. Additional steps are performed to calculate the expected interaction rates of WIMPs in the PICO-60 detector, a requirement for calculating WIMP exclusion limits.


ABSTRACT Most major enterprises have invested in social networking to provide services, promote products, or communicate with customers. However, to date, no clear understanding on the effects of social networks on business performance has emerged. This study examines the relationship between the capability of the enterprise to manage social networks and the resultant benefits of their investing in the social network. A fan page on Facebook is the selected target of study. By analyzing the effort required to manage a fan page, we measured the fan-page managing capability by its number of fans. Then, we proposed six hypotheses for empirical examination of the causal relationship between enterprises' social network managing capability and business benefits. The study applied two-stage data collection and testing. The first stage is to build a general understanding of the relationship between the number of fans and business revenue. Based on findings of the first stage, the study tested the hypotheses on selected global firms and sought patterns of benefits generated from the fan page. This study builds deep understanding from various aspects about fan-page effects on enterprises, and proposes that firms that provide products and services with characteristics of low-product price, short-product durability, and low-customer involvement are empirically influenced by the management of their fan pages.


Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent cardiovascular complications threaten the population's health worldwide. The polymorphism of miR-146a rs2910164 was significantly associated with the risk of vulnerable plaques. However, it remains unclear whether the circulating miR-146a is differentially expressed in stable and vulnerable plaques and thus, serves as a potential biomarker.This study aims to analyze the differential expression of circulating miR-146a between patients with stable and vulnerable plaques to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.Public databases were searched from their inception up to November 2022. A study reporting the specific circulating miR-146a levels between patients with stable and vulnerable plaques was included. The study quality was assessed using the modified genetic 8-stars Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The differential expression levels of miR-146a were evaluated using the standardized mean difference (SMD).Eight studies with 978 patients were included and analyzed. The results showed that miR-146a expression levels were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque population than in the stable plaque population (SMD: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.35, 2.47; P < 0.01). A similar statistical significance was found in subgroup analyses regarding sample source, disease type, and vulnerable plaque characteristics. Sensitivity analysis suggested the robustness of the results. Analysis of downstream genes suggested that miR-146a-targeted regulation of ACTN4, SARM1, and ULK2 may affect intraplaque hemorrhage.Patients with vulnerable plaque have higher circulating miR-146a levels than those with stable plaque. However, based on the limitations of this study, high-quality studies are still needed to confirm the results.


Functional broadside tests were defined as broadside tests where the scan-in state is a reachable state. This ensures that during the functional capture cycles of the test, the circuit visits states that it can also visit during functional operation. As a result, it avoids overtesting that may occur with unreachable states. However, the scan-out operation at the end of a functional broadside test allows the observation of any fault effects that reached the state variables at the end of the second capture cycle. As a result, a functional broadside test may detect faults that cannot affect functional operation (redundant faults). Addressing this issue completely requires full sequential test generation. We discuss an alternate solution that fits naturally with an existing process for generating functional broadside tests.


While employers recognize that downsizings are not cyclical but rather strategic business decisions, there is not sufficient recognition of the importance of these human resources in the profitability and service quality in their organizations. The author highlights the challenge to the social work profession to sensitize management to the needs of their employees, both the released workers and the survivors. The author recommends strategies to sensitize employers to implement processes to humanize the consolidations occurring increasingly in the workforce. An emphasis is placed on the challenges to the social work profession in providing programs and services to America's businesses and employees.


Poultry products can be important modes of transmission of Salmonella spp. to humans and, among several parameters used to determine food quality, microbiological characteristics play an essential role. The aim of this study was to determine and quantify Salmonella spp. at broiler slaughtering facilities. This was done by conventional microbiology and by the miniaturized most probable number (mMPN) methods. Three federally-inspected slaughterhouses were visited, where samples were collected in triplicate from six sites: reception of live birds (cloacal swabs and sponge samples from transport cages before and after sanitation) and carcass processing (after pre-chiller, after dripping, and before primary packaging and refrigeration at -12oC for 24h), totaling 108 samples. Three of the six surveyed sites and two of the three slaughterhouses were contaminated with Salmonella spp., showing an infection rate of 5.5% independently of the method used, and revealing that transport cages were contaminated after sanitation. No correlation could be established between the results of conventional microbiology and mMPN methods, and contamination along the slaughtering line could not quantified. This indicates the importance of combining qualitative and quantitative methods for the enumeration of Salmonella when detection rates are lower than the proposed mMPN limit (0.13 MPN/mL). Typhimurium, Panama, Lexington and Rissen, which are paratyphoid organisms and are potentially infectious to humans, were identified. However, these serovars were isolated at the reception of live birds (from cloacal swabs and from transport cages) rather than from the end products. Given that Salmonella spp. was detected in transport cages after sanitation, it is paramount that automated washing procedures currently used in slaughterhouses be reassessed and adjusted.


When grown on permeable supports, the T84 human colonic epithelial cell line forms polarized monolayer cultures with high-resistance tight junctions between adjacent cells. Addition of either insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I or II to the basolateral but not the apical membrane side of established monolayers caused a dose-dependent decrease in transepithelial resistance over a 4-day period. IGF-I was more potent than IGF-II, with half-maximally effective concentrations of 0.7 and 2.2 nM, respectively. Both IGF-I and -II caused a parallel increase in the transepithelial flux rates for Na+ and the extracellular space marker, mannitol, demonstrating that the decrease in electrical resistance was due to increased permeability through the tight junction-regulated paracellular pathway. Simultaneous addition of cycloheximide prevented the decline in electrical resistance, implying that protein synthesis is necessary for the effect of IGF on paracellular permeability. Treatment of monolayers with IGF produced a subtle condensation of the perijunctional actin ring as visualized using rhodamine-labeled phalloidin. These results demonstrate that IGF-I and -II regulate the paracellular permeability of T84 cell monolayers through a receptor-mediated process that probably involves changes in protein synthesis and cytoskeletal structure.


Objective: Present study was undertaken to investigate the nephroprotective activity of whole plant ethanol extract of Biophytum sensitivum Linn. DC ( B. sensitivum ; EEBS) on gentamicin induced-nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Animals were divided into five groups, containing six animals in each. Gentamicin (GM) 100 mg/kg/d; i. p., was given to all groups except normal control to induce nephrotoxicity for a period of 8 d in rats. Animals in Group I served as control and Group II as GM-treated or nephrotoxic control. Group III received standard quercetin (50 mg/kg; p. o. ); group IV received EEBS (250 mg/kg; p. o. ) and group V received EEBS (500 mg/kg; p. o. ), for 8 d. Several renal functional tests and injury markers such as a change in body weight, water intake, urine volume and pH, urinary levels of total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were measured. Different hematological parameters including, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), white blood corpuscles (WBC), lymphocyte, monocyte, polymorphs and eosinophil were also analyzed. Results: The results revealed that co-administration of EEBS at 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the urinary excretion of total protein (4.05±0.04, 3.53±0.05 g/dl), albumin (0.81±0.08, 0.71±0.00 g/dl), calcium (8.05±0.05, 7.81±0.06 mg/dl) and magnesium (0.79±0.05, 0.77±0.06 mg/dl) respectively. EEBS treatment in group IV and V animals produced a significant increase in body weight (2.58±0.17, 2.52±0.22 g), water intake (17.35±0.82, 17.87±0.86 ml/24 h) urine output (7.24±0.15, 7.88±0.08 ml/24 h), compared to animals in group II. Co-therapy with both doses of extracts also showed significant increase in RBC (6.85±0.31, 7.10±0.43 million/mm 3 ) Hb (13.96±0.21, 13.83±0.31 g/dl), MCH (20.45±0.49, 20.67±0.51 pg) and PCV (38.29±0.42, 38.53±0.20%) levels, whereas WBC (8.24±0.21, 8.15±0.10 1X10 3 /mm 3 ) and polymorphs (14.19±0.20, 14.05±0.11%) levels were found to be significantly reduced respectively in animals than those in toxic control group. Conclusion: This study substantiated and confirmed the ethnomedical usefulness of B. sensitivum as a nephroprotective and antioxidant agent.


Among all racial groups in the U.S., African Americans (AA) have the highest incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). Although socioeconomic factors, as the major contributors to racial disparity of CRC, have been widely investigated, there is a dearth of information germane to understanding its biological basis. To better elucidate the clinicopathologic features we extracted demographic, clinical, pathologic and molecular features of 500 consecutive cases of CRC diagnosed at our institution which has an AA-predominant patient population (75% of all patients). We compared data from our AA patients with those of white patients both from our institution and from SEER and the published literature for meaningful comparison. AA patients were more likely to be at an advanced disease stage (25.9% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.041), have low grade tumors (89.2% vs. 77.5%, p<0.001) in cecum (18.7% vs. 16.2%, p<0.001) and <60-years-old than white patients (31.8% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.015). The frequency of KRAS mutation was higher in AA patients than in white patients (56.8% vs. 20.7%, p<0.001). Amongst subtypes of KRAS tested in CRC, codon 12 mutation is more common in AA than white patients (85.2% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.020). Compared with other racial groups, we found AA patients to have worse disease-free survival (HR = 3.682, p = 0.035). Also, AA patients with CRC in distal (sigmoid and rectum) or proximal (cecum) colon have worse overall survival than those with CRC in middle colon (HR = 2.926, p = 0.014), a finding not observed in white patients. In both racial groups, advanced stage, perforation, and hypertension were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (p<0.05). Similarly, low body-mass index at presentation, mucinous adenocarcinoma, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and KRAS mutations were independent factors significantly associated with poor disease-free survival. Collectively, our data provide new insights into the roles of clinicopathologic features, especially anatomic distribution, in predicting outcomes of CRC in AA population.


The aim of the presented study was to analyze the care expenditure for outpatients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) done in accordance with the national, European guidelines and the German Social Law. We performed an analysis of the National and European survivorship care guidelines and in parallel recorded the time expenditure and staff costs separated according to different occupational groups involved in outpatient care at two German transplantation centers [University Hospital Regensburg (UKR) and University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)]. In addition, we performed a comparison of real costs vs. reimbursed costs according to the standard rating benchmark catalog (EBM), which was supplemented by a survey of German transplantation centers. The results showed that the staff costs are only covered by the EBM for patients without complications during long-term follow-up care—notably, this accounts for 15% of alloHSCT patients. Staff costs for patients requiring treatment of graft-vs.-host disease or relapse of the malignant underlying malignancy exceed to the factor 6.5 (UKR) to 12 (UKE) of the EBM revenue, caused both by the increased duration and frequency of the outpatient visits. As a result of the survey at German transplant centers, 15 out of 18 responding centers reported a lack of cost coverage for follow-up care. Two/15 centers reported that survivorship care is limited to a restricted time, independent of patient's needs, due to a lack of cost reimbursement. The results show that alloHSCT survivorship care of patients requires significant staff resources, which are not covered by the current version of the German EBM catalog. New approaches to finance labor intensive after care of transplant patients are required.


This article elucidates current strategies of active immunotherapy for colorectal cancer patients with a focus on T-cell mediated immunotherapy. Poor prognosis of especially stage III and IV colorectal cancer patients emphasizes the need for advanced therapeutic intervention. Here, we refer to clinical trials using either tumor cell-derived vaccines or tumor antigen vaccines with a special interest on safety, induced immune responses, clinical benefit and efforts to improve the clinical impact of these vaccines in the context of colorectal cancer treatment.


Abstract Impedance reach of numerical distance relay is severely affected by Fault Resistance (RF), Fault Inception Angle (FIA), Fault Type (FT), Fault Location (FL), Power Flow Angle (PFA) and series compensation in transmission line. This paper presents a novel standalone adaptive distance protection algorithm for detection, classification and location of fault in presence of variable fault resistance. It is based on adaptive slope tracking method to detect and classify the fault in combination with modified Fourier filter algorithm for locating the fault. To realize the effectiveness of the proposed technique, simulations are performed in PSCAD using multiple run facility & validation is carried out in MATLAB® considering wide variation in power system disturbances. Due to adaptive setting of quadrilateral characteristics in accordance with variation in fault impedance, the proposed technique is 100 % accurate for detection & classification of faults with error in fault location estimation to be within 1 %. Moreover, the proposed technique provides significant improvement in response time and estimation of fault location as compared to existing distance relaying algorithms, which are the key attributes of multi-functional numerical relay


Background: Once daily (QD) dosing facilitates regimen simplification and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Emtricitabine (FTC) QD is a newly approved nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor compared in this study to twice daily lamivudine (3TC BID). Methods: Controlled, open label equivalence trial of 440 HIV-1-infected patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA stably suppressed on a regimen of 3TC 150 mg BID, stavudine or zidovudine, and a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Patients were randomized to continue their current regimen or replace 3TC with FTC 200 mg QD. If HIV-1 RNA levels were ⩽ £ 400 copies/ml at 48 weeks in Protocol 303, patients could continue on FTC in Protocol 350. The primary analysis was based on virologic failure and response defined by plasma HIV-1 RNA suppression below 400 copies/ml. Results: At baseline, the mean CD4 cell count was 525 (FTC) and 533 × 106 cells/l (3TC). At week 48 in Protocol 303, the probability of virologic failure was low, 7% (FTC) and 8% (3TC), and the probability of sustained viral suppression at week 48 was equivalent between treatment arms at both the 50 and 400 copies/ml thresholds. The mean increase in CD4+ T-cell percentage was 2.5% (FTC) and 1.7% (3TC). In Protocol 350, the probability of virologic failure was 11% after 4 years on FTC-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Conclusion: In stably suppressed patients, 200 mg emtricitabine QD was equivalent to 150 mg lamivudine BID. Emtricitabine-containing HAART was associated with a high rate of sustained virologic suppression during 4 years of follow-up.


A study has been made of the interaction of sliding metals when the normal load between them is very small. A new apparatus is described which enables friction to be measured, under controlled conditions of sliding, down to loads of a few milligrams. The deformation of the sliding surfaces has been studied by light and electron microscopy. These techniques have been used to investigate the validity of Amontons's law (proportionality of frictional force to load) over a very wide range of loads, from a few milligrams to several kilograms. Experimental results on electrolytically polished copper reveal a departure from Amontons's law when the normal load is less than a few grams. A corresponding change is observed in the deformation within the track of sliding. At light loads the friction is low and the dam age is slight. This is attributed to the effect of the thin film of oxide formed by contact with the atmosphere. A thicker film of oxide, formed by heating in air, reduces the friction at heavy loads. Results of observations on copper surfaces prepared in various ways show that the influence of surface roughness upon friction is not great. The results of further experiments show that the friction of silver on silver and of aluminium on aluminium is constant and Amontons's law holds over the whole range of loads. It appears that the thin film of oxide on aluminium is penetrated, even at the lightest loads. The results are discussed in relation to those for copper, and the difference in behaviour of the various metals is attributed to the contrasting properties of their oxides. Isolated experiments on sapphire and diamond show that the coefficient of friction is low and constant for these non-metals, and a few experiments made on boundary lubricated metals are recorded. In spite of the deviations from Amontons's law on some metals, the results of all the experiments on dry sliding emphasize the essential similarity of the frictional process and of the basic mechanism over an enormous range of loads.


Transfer learning is a machine learning paradigm where the knowledge from one task is utilized to resolve the problem in a related task. On the one hand, it is conceivable that knowledge from one task could be useful for solving a related problem. On the other hand, it is also recognized that if not executed properly, transfer learning algorithms could in fact impair the learning performance instead of improving it - commonly known as negative transfer. In this paper, we study the online transfer learning problems where the source samples are given in an off-line way while the target samples arrive sequentially. We define the expected regret of the online transfer learning problem, and provide upper bounds on the regret using information-theoretic quantities. We also obtain exact expressions for the bounds when the sample size becomes large. Examples show that the derived bounds are accurate even for small sample sizes. Furthermore, the obtained bounds give valuable insight on the effect of prior knowledge for transfer learning in our formulation. In particular, we formally characterize the conditions under which negative transfer occurs.


Background: Diabetes patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and either nil per os, on enteral feedings, or on total parenteral nutrition are often treated with sliding-scale insulin (despite lack of evidence showing benefit) or intravenous insulin (IVI) infusion, a nursing intensive procedure requiring hourly glucose measurements, and insulin rate adjustments. We introduced a subcutaneous insulin algorithm (SQIA) that would equal the glucose goals for IVI but have the simplicity of q4 hour adjustable sliding-scale insulin. Methods: As part of a quality improvement project, we developed a simple SQIA that titrates insulin to the requirements of the individual patient. Glucoses were monitored q4 h and SQ rapid-acting insulin administered based on both the previous insulin dose and current glucose level. Fourteen consecutive hyperglycemic patients admitted to ICU-A were placed on the SQIA. Glucose and insulin data were also obtained on 18 patients in an identical ICU-B who were treated with the usual IVI protocol, which is q1-2 h. Results: Duration on the SQIA was 4.5 ± 0.6 days (range 0.8–7) and on IVI 1.9 ± 0.6 days (range 0.25–9). Due to difference in length on protocols, only data for the first 3 days could be statistically compared. During this time, the mean ± standard error of glucoses for the SQ and IV groups were 157.3 ± 3.8 and 157.0 ± 2.2 (not significant). No differences were seen in hypoglycemia rates. Conclusions: A simple SQIA allows insulin doses to be adjusted to the individual patient's needs and meet current ICU goals for glycemic control. Its adoption may reduce the workload of nurses.


A model for binary panel data is introduced which allows for state dependence and unobserved heterogeneity beyond the effect of available covariates. The model is of quadratic exponential type and its structure closely resembles that of the dynamic logit model. However, it has the advantage of being easily estimable via conditional likelihood with at least two observations (further to an initial observation) and even in the presence of time dummies among the regressors. Copyright 2010 The Econometric Society.


A 56-year-old man presented with right coronary arterial spasm accompanied by ST segment elevation in the inferior leads. A reperfusion arrhythmia, accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR), developed 1 hour after a nitro-glycerin infusion. The AIVR was sustained for 5 days without hemodynamic instability, and resolved spontaneously during hemodynamic monitoring in the coronary intensive care unit.


Over the past decades, public sector performance has been at the forefront of the public management debate. Along with the advent of economic and budgetary crises, and new performance management reforms, the public sector has been under constant pressure around the world to deliver good governance and restore voters' faith in government institutions through the lenses of the value for money audit 6Es (Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Environment, Equity and Ethics). It is against this backdrop, this study primarily assessed stakeholders' perceptions of the impact of value for money audits on good public governance in Nigeria. Different stakeholders who benefit from government actions in Nigeria make up the study's population while purposive sampling was used to choose 150 respondents and for analysis, the study employed ordinal logistic regression. The findings demonstrated a positive association between good governance and independent variables (economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity and ethics audit), with marginal impact coefficients of .606, .059, 1.048, 0.30 and .053, and p-values of .000, .045, 0.21, .001 and 0.033 respectively. It is concluded that routine value for money audit is found to strengthen good governance in the Nigeria public sector. The study recommended that the government should continue to reduce costs through periodic economic audits and efficient audit, as this will improve the quality of governance in the public sector. More so environment, equity and ethics should be giving emphases.


Body fat mass (FM) adds to the variance in resting energy expenditure (REE). However, the nature and extent of this relationship remains unclear. Using a database of 1306 women and a linear regression model, we systematically analysed the contribution of FM to the total variance in REE at different grades of adiposity (ranges of body %FM). After adjusting for age, the relative contribution of FM on REE variance increased from low ( ≤ 10 %FM) to normal (>10– ≤ 30 %FM) and moderately elevated (>30– ≤ 40 %FM) grades of adiposity but decreased sharply at high (>40– ≤ 50 %FM) and very high (>50 %FM) grades of adiposity according to the ratio between regression coefficients. These data suggest that the specific metabolic rate of fat tissue is reduced at high adiposity. This should be considered when REE is normalized for FM in obesity.


Both (1a) and (1b) involve two NPs, Tom and the dog, but the difference between them lies in the positions where these NPs appear. That is, Tom in (1a) is the subject while Tom in (1b) is the object of the sentence, whereas the dog is the object in (1a) but the subject in (1b). In this paper, we refer to psych verbs as in (1a) as "Experiencer Subject (ES)" type and those as in (1b) "Experiencer Object (EO)" type, following Pesetsky (1995) and White et al. (1998). As these examples indicate, the mapping of arguments of psych verbs onto syntactic positions appears to be arbitrary, and the distinction is expected to pose a difficulty for learners. However, previous studies have shown that L2 learners have more problems with EO psych verbs, which has in fact been taken as evidence that the mapping of arguments to grammatical positions in L2 learners' grammars is not arbitrary but rather observes universal principles such as the Uniformity of Theta Assignment Hypotheses (UTAH, Baker, 1988) and the Thematic Hierarchy (e.g., Grimshaw, 1990). That is, according to the UTAH, L2 learners project the argument that is higher in the thematic hierarchy, i.e., Experiencer, onto the higher position in syntax, and the argument that is lower in the hierarchy, i.e., Theme, onto the lower position. Thus, it is the EO type rather than the ES type that would be problematic if psych verbs were to cause any problems. Expanding on the previous studies of psych verbs in L2 acquisition, we investigate the acquisition of English psych adjectives, such as disappointed and disappointing, in the present study. There are two types of psych adjectives corresponding to the two types of psych verbs; namely, ES and EO types. There has been little research on the L2 acquisition of psych adjectives, as far as we are aware. Chen (1996) and Sato (2003) report that EO type psych adjectives (2b) cause more difficulty for L2 learners of English than ES type psych adjectives (2a).


Quantitatively correcting the unconfined compressive strength for sample disturbance is an important research project in the practice of ocean engineering and geotechnical engineering. In this study, the specimens of undisturbed natural marine clay obtained from the same depth at the same site were deliberately disturbed to different levels. Then, the specimens with different extents of sample disturbance were trimmed for both oedometer tests and unconfined compression tests. The degree of sample disturbance SD is obtained from the oedometer test data. The relationship between the unconfined compressive strength qu and SD is studied for investigating the effect of sample disturbance on qu. It is found that the value of qu decreases linearly with the increase in SD. Then, a simple method of correcting qu for sample disturbance is proposed. Its validity is also verified through analysis of the existing published data.


: Gesture interpretation can be seen as a way for computers to begin to understand human body language, thus building a richer bridge between machines and humans than primitive text user interfaces or even GUIs, which still limit the majority of input to keyboard and mouse. It has also become increasingly evident that the difficulties encountered in the analysis and interpretation of individual sensing modalities may be overcome by integrating them into a multimodal human–computer interface. The different computational approaches that may be applied at the different levels of modality integration. Thus this system is needed for interpreting and fusing multiple sensing modalities in the context of human computer interface. This research can benefit from many disparate fields of study that increase our understanding of the different human communication modalities and their potential role in Human Computer Interface which can be used for handicapped persons to control their wheel-chair, expert to have computer assisted surger y, mining etc


Air cavity and air chamber concepts have been proven to be an efficient way for drag reduction in low-speed ships. Series of experiments were conducted in the SSPA cavitation tunnel to simulate the working conditions of an air filled cavity under the hull of a ship. In this paper, study is extended with a numerical validation using a CFD Open Source solver, OpenFOAM (OF). Volume of fluid (VOF) approach, which uses phase volume fraction (alpha) is used to compute the incompressible two-phase viscous flow. The influence of different numerical methodologies on the advection of "alpha" is studied. Different schemes from diffusive first-order to higher order TVD (Total Variation Dimensioning) schemes like SUPERBEE are tested. Results are also drawn from counter-gradient convective flux implementation in OF VOF approach. Conclusions are drawn from the wave profile, wave sloshing pressure force and viscous force. It was observed that, as more compressive interface capturing methods were used, the aft force was better predicted but distorts the wave profile and under predicts the beach plate force.


We investigated the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in radiotherapy resistance of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanism. A549 cells were transfected with anti-miR-21 or the negative control oligonucleotides and real-time PCR was applied to detect miR-21 expression level. After ionizing radiation (IR), the survival fractions, proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of phosphorylated-Akt of A549 cells were determined by clonogenic survival analysis, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Downregulation of miR-21 in radioresistant NSCLC A549 cells inhibited the colony-forming ability and proliferation of A549 cells after IR. Moreover, silencing miR-21 enhanced apoptosis of A549 cells induced by IR accompanied by decreased phosphorylated-Akt protein level. However, PI3K activator IGF-1 reversed suppression of phosphorylated-Akt protein level and promotion of apoptosis of A549 cells after IR caused by miR-21 knockdown. Silencing miR-21 in radioresistant NSCLC A549 cells sensitized them to IR by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This might help in sensitization of NSCLC to radiotherapy.


An understanding of the responses of declining bird species to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation is essential for their conservation. However, species' relationships with particular threatening processes may vary in different systems, and long-term variability in bird communities and differences in sampling protocols may cause different real or apparent habitat relationships to be detected in the same system at different times. We investigated temporal variation in detection of relationships between habitat remnant size, isolation and degradation and the presence of several bird species that are known to be declining in southern Australia. Habitat relationships detected for these species were compared with a) those detected for the same species in the same remnants in surveys undertaken seven years previously, and b) those reported from other fragmented, southern Australian systems. Most of the relationships displayed by the study species in other landscapes were not apparent in this system, and there were temporal differences in the detected landscape and habitat relationships of several species. These findings indicate that the effects of habitat fragmentation can appear to vary in their impact on a species among landscapes, as well as through time, which complicates considerably the task of conservation managers. Correlative relationships between species' presence and habitat characteristics can be misleading if the mechanisms through which the habitat factors influence species are not understood.