Substantial increases in raw material and labor costs have provided the impetus for many diverse investigations aimed at reducing the manufacturing costs of aircraft gas turbine hardware. One of the most significant programs conducted at General Electric during the past decade involves application of powder metallurgy (P/M) processing technology to the fabrication of nickel-base superalloy rotating components. The evolution of P/M technology and its application to a high-strength superalloy, Rene 95, in a number of diverse aircraft engine components is described, Initial development concentrated on fabrication of P/M hardware by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) cylindrical powder preforms and forging in a conventional die system to an oversize shape. Subsequent refinement of this HIP plus forge process included HIP for shaped preforms followed by forging in an isothermal die system to a near net shape. Emergence of a second P/M processing technology, designated as-HIP, in which the powder is simply HIP and heat treated, thus eliminating all secondary metalworking operations, is also reviewed. The technical advantages and constraints, along with the projected economic benefits of this new, highly promising P/M process, are analyzed and examples of its application to engine hardware presented. The future of P/M processing in the aircraft engine business, particularly as related to development of advanced superalloy materials, is also discussed.


After a brief review on the incidence rate and classification of arterial hypotonia--the author discusses the treatment of primary (essential) hypotonia. The unpleasant side effects in the treatment with sympathicomimetic remedies (vasopressive amines) are stressed upon as well as the favourable effect of certain hormonal preparations: mineral corticoids, anabolic steroids and Docabolin--the combined preparation from those two groups of remedies. The author reports the results from the treatment of 45 patients with primary hypotonia with that combined preparation. The subjective complaints were very favourably affected as well as the decreased arterial pressure in 42 of them. Side effects during the treatment were not observed with the exception of a slight palpebral edema in one female patient. The author recommends the combined hormonal treatment of primary hypotonia, especially in cases proceeding with asthenia.


We developed a method to construct a global ICIO table from version 8 GTAP database as well as detailed trade data from UN COMTRADE, and two additional IO tables for major emerging economies where processing exports are a large portion of their external trade. We integrate the GTAP database and the additional information with a quadratic mathematical programming model that (a) minimizes the deviation of the resulting new data set from the original GTAP data, (b) ensures that supply and use balance for each sector and every country, and (c) keeps all sectoral bilateral trade flows in the GTAP database constant. Bilateral and aggregate reliability indexes are computed for each GTAP sectors and end use categories which are used to control the relative amount of adjustment for each end-use categories within each original bilateral trade flows from the GTAP database. The new database covers 63 countries/regions and 41 sectors for 2004 and 2007 two years.


In order to develop hygienic standards for information view on a personal computer display, a model (laboratory) experiment on high school students was performed. A wide scope of variants of information display (15 color combinations of alogical tests consisting of 7000 symbols vs. reading from a sheet of paper) was used, and the response of the visual system was studied. The response of the viewers was assessed according to reading speed taking into account the number of mistakes, which made it possible to determine visual task complexity for each variant of the test. The second parameter under study was mistake dynamics, counted according to the number of mistakes per each thousand of symbols read. The data obtained demonstrated that to high school students reading a PC monitor was a significantly more difficult visual task than reading a sheet of paper. The following color combinations on the computer display were most favorable: blue text on a yellow background, yellow text on a blue background, and red text on a green background.


Purpose
This paper aims to locate its appreciation of the life and work of Arie de Geus within the context of developments in approaches to management practice, education and learning since the Second World War. It emphasizes the important influence of top management-led applications of social science (Beckhard) and the impact of crises upon planning and the generation of memories of the future for effective organizational learning. The paper also describes the roles of learning from experience and of reflective practice in shaping de Geus' contribution.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach traces the development of de Geus' career and thinking from Shell cost accountant, to top line manager in three continents, to Head of Shell Group Planning, to prize winning author, to global adviser to the World bank, etc., and as an inspirational speaker as champion of the learning organization.

Findings
The paper acknowledges Arie de Geus as coining the phrase "The Learning Organization" together with his role in the foundation and development of the Society for Organizational Learning (SOL) and as an international champion of young people's learning through the processes of the Finnish Team Academy model.

Social implications
Arie de Geus was an exemplar of reflective practice and applied learning. As such, his contribution might be considered as that of a sage rather than as a guru.

Originality/value
The paper endeavours to emphasize the importance of the role of both the internal and external contexts for effective organizational learning, suggesting that the contribution of Arie de Geus to the field exemplifies this importance.


We propose an architecture for large scale, multi-user, distributed multimedia based on cooperating agents communicating by means of an observable communication channel. In addition to the traditional protocols based on point-to-point communication, coordination and cooperation should be supported via social awareness and overhearing. Overhearing also allows the collection of contextual information without interfering with already deployed systems. Our domain of application is interactive museums, which are typical examples of so-called "active environments" or "ambient intelligence". Purpose of this paper is to present the core concepts, and outline the future lines of research.


Modern production implies qualitatively new strategies of doing business, which bases on the effective use of information technology. The development of qualitatively new business models involves not only the transformation of technological infrastructure, but also the qualitative restructuring of personnel activities. The transition to the new conditions of activity constitutes a rather complex process in its content, which is accompanying by the transformation of the organization's infrastructure, changes the system of production interactions, forms and quality of work. The article reveals the main mechanisms of digital transformation of business, as well as identifies the problems that have arisen in the process of transition to new business conditions.


These days, the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric diseases through brain imaging technology has received more and more attention. The exploration of interactions in brain functional connectivity based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is critical for the study of mental illness. Because attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disease that affects millions of children, it is difficult to diagnose, so there is still much space for improvement in the accuracy of the diagnosis of the disease. In this paper, we consider the dynamics of brain functional connectivity, modeling a functional brain dynamics model from medical imaging, which helps to find differences in brain function interactions between normal control (NC) children and ADHD children. In more detail, our method is used by Bayesian Connectivity Change Point Model for dynamic detection, Local Binary Encoding Method for local feature extraction, and Kernel Hierarchical Extreme Learning Machine implementation classification. To validate our approach, experimental comparisons of fMRI imaging data on 23 ADHD and 45 NC children were performed, and our experimental methods achieved better classification results than existing methods.


The dedication for this volume of the Calyx reads as follows: To Henry Donald Campbell, Ph. D., Sc. D., an inspiring teacher, a generous friend, a progressive educator and a faithful servant of Washington and Lee, this 1918 Calyx is affectionately dedicated.


Securing the Internet of Things, more precisely, the ETSI Machine to Machine (M2M) architecture is a difficult task, since there is a need to secure heterogeneous wireless communications (cellular, wireless, wired), devices (sensor or mobile phone) and applications (programming language, framework, database). In this article, we present the state of the art concerning the security ontologies in various domains (Web, MANET, 2G/GSM, 3G/UMTS, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, Intrusion Detection System). Since, most of the existing security ontologies are not published online or do not follow semantic web best practices, we have designed the STAC (Security Toolbox: Attack & Countermeasure) ontology-based security knowledge respecting the semantic web guidelines. The STAC ontology, dataset and application have been designed to help software developers or designers to choose security mechanisms fitting their needs to secure Internet of Things (IoT) applications. STAC is published online (http://sensormeasurement.appspot.com/?p=stac).


Clinical study was conducted on Significance of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Rabies Disease at Ambo Towna in west Shoa zone, Oromia regional state at the North East part of Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to assess and document traditional medicinal plants used for curing rabies disease and to assess the traditional knowledge of native healer for curing rabies disease. Case Study was conducted by randomly selecting and interviewing by questionnaire with the help of translators and native traditional docter to gather information on the knowledge of medicinal plants used to diagnoses the rabies. 30 people on average were chosen for statistical analysis of which 50% were male and 50% female. Three species of plants were documented and assessed for the present investigations viz, Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod), Croton macrostachyus (Bisana) and Amaranthes spinosus (Dalile). We were able to show the significant values for Traditional Medicine (Plants) when we compared the cure/ treatment with Allopathic Medicine. Statistical analyses (ANOVA) gave a positive value for Traditional Medicine (F=3.0205-Homogeneous) and Allopathic Medicine (F=4.9692 a non Homogeneous) at F-table value at 5% level with (2, 27) degrees of freedom showing that these are potential medicine for curing Rabies. Based on our clinical investigations we recommend Traditional Medicine from Plants which has greater potency to diagnose can be helpful to common/ Natives who cannot afford to go to Allopathic Medicine.


In this study, response of the cofacial bis‐ phthalocyanine film to vapor of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) was investigated. Test gases were vapors of acetone, toluene, ethanol and ammonia. Measurements were carried out between the temperatures of 293 K–423 K. Bis‐phthalocyanine was dissolved in chloroform. Thin film of bis‐phthalocyanine was deposited by spraying method on glass substrate patterned with Interdigital Transducer (IDT). During the measurements 0.5 volts were applied to the IDT. Response characteristics of the film were determined by means of change in dc conductivity as a function of gas concentration and temperature. Gas concentrations were controlled by mass flow controller. Dry nitrogen was used as carrier gas. Vapor pressure of the VOCs was calculated using Antoine equation. Response characteristics of the film were determined in a wide range of gas concentration (0.25%–18%). The film showed good sensitivity to the VOCs vapors in the measurement range. The responses of the film were...


Previous research consistently demonstrates that problem-oriented policing (POP) can address a range of policing issues; hence its continued appeal and relevance to current practice. However, there are well-documented challenges in terms of its implementation and sustenance within police forces. Studies of policing styles have yet to thoroughly assess the long-term commitment to POP within police forces in England and Wales. To this end, we first revisit and revise previous research findings on policing styles. Then, we advance a methodology for retrospectively measuring police force POP commitment using two novel indicators—problem-oriented projects submitted to the Tilley Award and those applied as part of the Crime Reduction Programme. We then rank police forces in terms of POP commitment. The empirical evidence and methodology presented here can be used to further examine contemporary adherence to POP as well as the role of policing styles in long-term crime falls or other policing outcomes in England and Wales.


1. A method of sampling the surface litter of commercial broiler houses for laboratory estimation of numbers of coccidial oocysts is described. 2. The resulting estimates can be regarded as indices of the total number of oocysts present in the house at the time of sampling. 3. Using material from a variety of sources it was shown that reliable estimates for many practical purposes can be achieved with few samples, unless the birds are less than 3 weeks old. 4. Oocyst numbers usually reached a peak 4 to 5 weeks after introduction of the birds and then rapidly declined in the next few weeks.


Background and objective: Learning style is one of the main components of proper educational planning. The concept of lifelong learning is also one of the valuable concepts regarding professional knowledge and skills, especially for healthcare professionals. The current study was aimed at identifying preferred learning styles among students of health faculty of the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (BMSU) and assessing the relationship between learning style and lifelong learning. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 209 students from different health disciplines in the School of Health, BMSU were assessed. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Kolb learning style inventory, and the scale of lifelong learning. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, Pearson correlation and one-way ANOVA were used with the help of SPSS 20 for data analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.69 (SD= 8.38) and the majority of them were male (94%). Distribution of learning styles were: diverger (36%), accommodator (34%), assimilator (21%), and converger (10%). Among demographic and academic related variables only grade point average (GDP) significantly was associated with learning styles (p < 0.05). The mean score of lifelong learning was 45.70 (SD= 5.25). The constructs of lifelong learning had significant relationships with active experiencing and reflective observation modes of learning style. The learning styles of assimilator and diverger obtained higher scores of lifelong learning than others. Conclusion: Regarding divergers and accommodators were more frequent than others, it is suggested that these facts be considered for a better educational planning and matching of proper teaching methods. Further research is needed to recognize the relations of learning styles with lifelong learning. Paper Type: Research Article.


Purpose We used the Short Form (SF)-36® Health Survey scale to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFE) on aging males who received transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P). Methods From April 2010 to December 2010, a total of 66 patients who underwent TUR-P were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into two groups (with 33 patients in each group) – an experimental group who performed postoperative PFE every day and a control group. Data, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry study, and the SF-36 quality of life measure, were collected before the operation, and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. We analyzed the differences between the two groups with respect to their IPSS scores, maximal urinary flow rate, residual urine amount, and life quality. Results A total of 61 patients (experimental group: 32 patients, and control group: 29 patients) completed this study. We found that at 12 weeks postop, patients who performed PFE every day had a better maximal urinary flow rate (16.41 ± 6.20 vs 12.41 ± 7.28 mL/min) (P = 0.026) compared with patients in the control group. The experimental group had a much greater decrease in IPSS score (P < 0.001). As for the SF-36 scale, the experimental group had higher scores than did the control group on both the physiological domain (54.86 vs 49.86) (P = 0.029) and the psychological domain (61.88 vs 52.69) (P = 0.005). However, there were no significant differences with respect to the postvoiding residual urine between the two groups (57.24 ± 52.95 vs 64.68 ± 50.63 mL) (P = 0.618). Conclusion Compared with the control group, patients who performed PFE for 12 weeks after TUR-P showed improvement in their maximal urinary flow rate and lower urinary tract symptoms, and had a better quality of life. The immediate initiation of PFE is suggested for patients who undergo TUR-P.


The ability to direct bimetallic nanoparticles to express desirable surface composition is a crucial step toward effective heterogeneous catalysis, sensing, and bionanotechnology applications. Here we report surface composition tuning of bimetallic Au-Pt electrocatalysts for carbon monoxide and methanol oxidation reactions. We establish a direct correlation between the surface composition of Au-Pt nanoparticles and their catalytic activities. We find that the intrinsic activities of Au-Pt nanoparticles with the same bulk composition of Au0.5Pt0.5 can be enhanced by orders of magnitude by simply controlling the surface composition. We attribute this enhancement to the weakened CO binding on Pt in discrete Pt or Pt-rich clusters surrounded by surface Au atoms. Our finding demonstrates the importance of surface composition control at the nanoscale in harnessing the true electrocatalytic potential of bimetallic nanoparticles and opens up strategies for the development of highly active bimetallic nanoparticles for electrochemical energy conversion.


A distribution state estimator (DSE) based on the weighted-least-square approach and three-phase modeling techniques is presented in this paper. The three-phase model required to formulate the state estimator is developed. Customer load estimates and real-time measurements are modeled as expected values with errors. Particularly, this paper introduces the concept of stochastic results of DSE and has a detailed analysis. Test examples are used for demonstrating the capabilities of a DSE. The influence of the measurement placement and measurement accuracy on the estimated results are discussed. Other system parameters that affect the system state deviations are illustrated. The practice application of a prospective DSE is discussed.


Background Articular involvement is reported to occur in up to 85% of patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) and it may be the only onset feature, although with frequencies and characteristics not still defined Objectives To determine in a large international cohort of anti Jo-1 positive ASSD the prevalence of isolated arthritis at disease onset. To describe the clinical, serological and radiological characteristics and evolution of these patients Methods We included all anti Jo-1 positive patients referring to participating centres and with an isolated arthritis at disease onset. The pattern of articular involvement, radiological and serological characteristics of patients were analysed. IgM-Rheumatoid factor (RF) was assessed by immunonephelometry; anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) by commercial second-generation ELISA kits; anti Jo-1 and anti-Ro positivity by commercially available ELISA kits Results An isolated arthritis was the first manifestation in 54 (41 females, 13 males) out of the 225 patients included (167 females, 58 males), with a prevalence of 24%. Main characteristics of arthritis and overal results has been completely reported in table 1. Conclusions We confirmed that an isolated polyarthritis is the first symptom of anti Jo-1 positive ASSD in up to a quarter of cases. Arthritis is mainly polyarticular and symmetrical, and the positivity for IgM RF or ACPA or both is not a rare finding, as well as the occurrence of marginal X-rays joint erosions. Anti-Ro positivity and RP occurrence may help clinician in the early identification of ASSD, even if the high rate of subsequent appearance of ILD and myositis clearly suggest that the screening for an underlying ASSD should be performed also in patients that may be undoubtedly diagnosed with RA. References Cavagna L, et al. Characterization of anti Jo-1 positive antisynthetase syndrome: results from an international multicentre study. Arthritis Rheum 2014;11:S550. Lefèvre G, et al. Seronegative polyarthritis revealing antisynthetase syndrome: a multicentre study of 40 patients. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 Oct 27. pii:keu404. [Epub ahead of print] Disclosure of Interest None declared


The problem of satisfying constraints imposed on a dynamical system that operates under a load schedule is considered from the perspective of using model predictive control to set free inputs across time. We formulate an approach incorporating information about the schedule and identify conditions for when it is guaranteed to work. The proposed method is motivated and simulated within the context of set-point generation for an automated irrigation channel.


We evaluated the relationship between mesial temporal seizure focus and serum prolactin (PRL) in patients before and after they underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE). These patients had a confirmed unilateral epileptogenic focus in mesial temporal structures, a postictal rise in serum PRL 15 to 20 minutes after onset of complex partial seizures, and were refractory for more than 2 years to antiepileptic drugs. Presurgical interictal serum PRL levels were significantly elevated (16.47 ± 0.85 ng/mL, n = 62) and declined after ATL to normal values (patients, 9.63 ± 0.55 ng/mL, n = 54; normal subjects, 8.99 ± 0.57 ng/mL, n = 52). Serial evaluations indicated that normalization was seen 3 months after surgery (9.42 ± 1.22 ng/mL, n = 9). The postsurgical reduction in serum PRL was similar in men and women, in patients with epileptogenic focus on either side of mesial temporal structures, and was unaffected by antiepileptic medication. We conclude that PRL is elevated following seizures and that a seizure focus in mesial temporal structures may exert a sustained excitatory influence on PRL release in patients with medically intractable TLE.


Silicon nitride thin films were deposited on (100) Si wafers in an ultra-high vacuum system using a Si effusion cell and reactive nitrogen from a radio-frequency plasma source. The films were characterized using infrared transmission spectroscopy, infrared reflectance, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, specular x-ray reflectivity, wet etching in a buffered-oxide etch solution, and the electrical characterization of metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitors. High-quality, stoichiometric silicon nitride films with a refractive index of 2.05 at 632.8 nm are produced when the deposition temperature is 750 °C. Lower deposition temperatures produce nitrogen-rich silicon nitride films with lower refractive index, lower density, greater tendency toward oxidation in ambient air, faster etching in a buffered oxide etch solution, and greater electrical leakage. A deposition model involving thermal evolution of weakly-bonded excess N is proposed to explain our observations.


Objective: The normal diameter of the extrahepatic bile duct (EHD) in children has been poorly studied. Prior studies have enrolled small subject numbers, have studied only specific pediatric age groups, or have potential bias due to loosely defined exclusion criteria. We sought to establish parameters for the normal diameter of the EHD in children from birth to late adolescence, including premature infants. Methods: A 12½-month institutional review board−approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant, retrospective chart review of all transabdominal ultrasounds performed on children (younger than 18 years) was conducted at a single pediatric tertiary referral center. Exclusion criteria included a past medical history of any pancreaticobiliary or hepatology disorder. New abnormal findings related to the liver, biliary system, or pancreas were also excluded. Recorded EHD measurements from review of the radiology reports were compiled. Estimated mean and 95% prediction intervals of EHD were calculated and reported for 6 nonoverlapping pediatric age groups. Results: A total of 1016 ultrasounds on unique patients were included within the study. Estimated mean values and calculated 95% prediction intervals (in parentheses) for the diameter of the EHD were prematurity, 0.7 (0.3–1.7) mm; 0 to 2 months, 1.0 (0.4–2.3) mm; 3 to 11 months, 1.2 (0.5–2.9) mm; 1 to 4 years, 1.4 (0.6–3.3) mm; 5 to 12 years, 1.9 (0.8–4.3) mm; 13 to 17 years, 2.3 (1.0–5.2) mm. Conclusions: Our derived data of normal predicted parameters of the EHD diameter in children of all age groups will help guide clinicians in identifying those patients outside the norm that may benefit from additional testing.


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Invadopodia are ventral membrane protrusions that are formed by invasive cancer cells cultured on physiological substrates. They are actin-based structures and promote the degradation of the extracellular matrix by focally localizing matrix metalloproteinases. Accumulating evidence suggests that invadopodia play an important role in local invasion and distant metastasis of malignant tumors. Actinin is an actin-binding protein that forms dimers and crosslinks actin filaments. There are four isoforms of actinin in mammals and they are divided into the muscle type (actinin-2 and -3) and the non-muscle type (actinin-1 and -4). Actinin-1 is ubiquitously expressed and involved in the formation of focal adhesions, while actinin-4 is strongly expressed at the invading front of advanced cancers and its expression is correlated with poor prognosis. Although actinin-4 is thought to regulate cell motility and invasion, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Moreover, functional differences between the two isoforms have yet to be fully defined. In this study, we studied the roles of and functional differences between actinin-1 and -4 in invadopodia formation to determine the impact of actinin-4 expression on cancer cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that both actinin-1 and -4 clearly localized at invadopodia in RPMI-7951 human melanoma cells and there was no obvious difference in their localization patterns. Likewise, invadopodia formation and degradation of fluorescent gelatin matrix were blocked by siRNA-mediated knockdown of either actinin-1 or -4. In contrast, only actinin-4, but not actinin-1, promoted invadopodia-mediated gelatin degradation activity when overexpressed in RPMI7951 cells. Similar results were obtained when MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and SCC61 human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells were analyzed in the same manner. These results indicate that both actinin-1 and -4 are essential components of invadopodia, but only actinin-4 possesses an ability to promote invadopodia formation. Therefore, further analysis is conducted now to identify the unique functions actinin-4 in invadopodia formation.

Citation Format: Yuumi Ito, Hideki Yamaguchi, Kiyoko Fukami, Kazufumi Honda, Nami Miura, Tesshi Yamada, Ryuichi Sakai. Functional differences of actinin isoforms in the formation of invadopodia by invasive cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4070. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4070


Abstract:Highlighting four themes in travelogues in an influential daily newspaper supplement in the 1920s, this article argues that Chinese travelers to the West and Japan at that time had mixed and conflicting impulses. Their observations of and reflections upon what they saw and experienced helped form and inform Chinese discourses of the time to construct or confirm, or sometimes destabilize, such notions as "the Chinese nation," "national character," "colonized people," "civilization," and "progress." The discourse exhibited a Chinese internalization of the mega-narrative on modernity and Western superiority, even though alternative views were also voiced at times. What these travelogues signified was a Chinese subjectivity deeply conditioned by that historical moment. The said subjectivity cannot be easily categorized as colonial or anti-colonial or post-colonial consciousness, but rather an uneasy and ambiguous mixture of multiple, often conflicting, normative and cognitive subjectivities. The mixture itself reflected the colonial world order of the early twentieth century in which China was situated.


Amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils are present as a major component in senile plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Diffuse plaques (nonfibrous, loosely packed Aβ aggregates) containing amorphous Aβ aggregates are also formed in brain. This work examines the influence of Cu(2+) complexation by Aβ on the aggregation process in the context of charge and structural variations. Changes in the surface charges of Aβ molecules due to Cu(2+) binding, measured with a ζ-potential measurement device, were correlated with the aggregate morphologies examined by atomic force microscopy. As a result of the charge variation, the "colloid-like" stability of the aggregation intermediates, which is essential to the fibrillation process, is affected. Consequently, Cu(2+) enhances the amorphous aggregate formation. By monitoring variations in the secondary structures with circular dichroism spectroscopy, a direct transformation from the unstructured conformation to the β-sheet structure was observed for all types of aggregates observed (oligomers, fibrils, and/or amorphous aggregates). Compared to the Aβ aggregation pathway in the absence of Cu(2+) and taking other factors affecting Aβ aggregation (i.e., pH and temperature) into account, our investigation indicates that formations of amorphous and fibrous aggregates diverge from the same β-sheet-containing partially folded intermediate. This study suggests that the hydrophilic domain of Aβ also plays a role in the Aβ aggregation process. A kinetic model was proposed to account for the effects of the Cu(2+) binding on these two aggregation pathways in terms of charge and structural variations.


A Spanning Balancedn-tree (SBnT) in a Boolean n-cube is a spanning tree in which the root has fanout n, and all the subtrees of the root have $O({{2^n } / n})$ nodes. The number of tree edges in each dimension of the n-cube is of order $O({{2^n } / n})$. The spanning balanced n-tree allows for scheduling disciplines that realize lower bound (within a factor of two) one-to-all personalized communication, all-to-all broadcasting, and all-to-all personalized communication on a Boolean n-cube [C.-T. Ho and S. L. Johnsson, Proc. 1986 International Conference on Parallel Processing, pp. 640–648, IEEE Computer Society, 1986; Tech. Report YALEU/DCS/RR–483, May 1986], [S. L. Johnsson and C.-T. Ho, Tech. Report YALEU/DCS/RR–610, Dept. of Computer Science, Yale Univ., New Haven, CT, November 1987]. The improvement in data transfer time over the familiar binomial tree routing is a factor of ${n / 2}$ for concurrent communication on all ports and one-to-all personalized communication and all-to-all broadcasting. For all-to-all personalized communication on all ports concurrently, the improvement is of order $O(\sqrt n )$. Distributed routing algorithms defining the spanning balanced n-tree are given. The balanced n-tree is not unique, and a few definitions of n-trees that are effectively edge-disjoint are provided. Some implementation issues are also discussed.Binary numbers obtained from each other through rotation form necklaces that are full if the period is equal to the length of the number; otherwise, they are degenerate. As an intermediary result, it is shown that the ratio between the number of degenerate necklaces and the total number of necklaces with l bits equal to one is at most ${4 / {(4 + n)}}$ for $1 \leqq l < n$.


Recombination is an efficient mechanism of HIV-1 to generate genetic variability. Some of the recombinant forms of HIV-1 that have been described are of epidemic importance, and they are referred to as circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). In this study, we characterized four HIV-1 isolates from Cameroon that had previously been classified as subtype J in the protease gene and as subtype A in the env C2-V5 region. Analyses of the nearly complete genomes revealed that two of the samples (95CM-1816 and 96CM-4496) had the same recombinant structure as CRF11-cpx. The two remaining samples (96CM-1849 and 96CM-4164) constituted a new recombinant virus variant with genomic regions identified as subtypes A, G, J, and CRF01-AE. This mosaic virus structure was found in two individuals who had no direct epidemiological relationship, and may thus represent a new CRF. The fragments that were classified as subtype J in the new recombinant form were more related to subtype J regions of the CRF11-cpx sequences than to the reference strains of subtype J. The complex structures of CRF11-cpx and our new recombinant form, which are both the result of at least four recombination events, exemplify the coming difficulties in characterizing the internal relationships and origins of future recombinant HIV-1 strains. The new recombinant structure has been designated CRF13-cpx in the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database.


Year-1 carp were fed ratios containing 100mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of added fumonisin B1 for 42 days. The experimental and control fish were examined clinically during the experiment and at the end all fish were necropsied and histological changes recorded. Blood vessels, liver, exocrine and endocrine pancreas, excretory and haematopoietic kidney, heart and brain were sensitive both to 100 and 10mg/kg of FB1 in the diet and the rodlet cell (RC) frequency was considerably increased in and around damaged tissues. Many damaged blood vessels contained stacks of RCs above the endothelium. Other changes subsequent to fumonisin exposure that have not been previously reported include scattered lesions in the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, and interrenal tissue, probably due to ischemia and/or increased endothelial permeability. Presented findings indicate the need for more intensive studies of fumonisin-induced toxicity in cultured fish.


Abstract. Spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIAscopy) is an imaging technique developed for diagnostics of pigmented skin lesions. By image analysis, the displayed images indicate the potential distribution and position of melanin, blood, and collagen within the lesion. A topographic comparison was performed between SIAscopic findings and histopathology. In total, 60 patients with suspicious pigmented skin lesions were included. The lesions were SIAscopically imaged and documented before excision and histopathological preparation. Topographical comparisons between SIAscopy findings and histopathology were made. A sensitivity and specificity of 24% and 84%, respectively, were obtained for invasive melanomas. The positive and negative predicted values were 58% and 54%, respectively. The features indicating dermal melanin, blood displacement and collagen holes did only show "no" to "slight" agreement with histopathology, i.e., κ≤0.21. It was concluded that (i) SIAscopy-based diagnosis has low diagnostic accuracy for melanoma, (ii) single SIAscopic features do not provide reliable diagnostic information relating to the lesions internal structure on histopathology examination and (iii) SIAscopy cannot be used as a guide for localizing the maximum tumor thickness when performing the histopathological examination. The importance of validating new optical tools for tumor diagnostics with histopathological findings was demonstrated.


In this paper, we propose a novel distributed approach based on fuzzy numbers and weighted average operators to reduce power consumption in wireless sensor networks when we are interested in the estimation of an aggregated value such as maximum or minimum temperature measured in the network. The basic point of our approach is that each node maintains an estimate of the aggregated value. Based on this estimate, the node decides whether a new value measured by the sensor on board the node or received through a message has to be propagated along the network. We present the application of our approach to the monitoring of the maximum temperature in a two-hundred square meters flat and discuss how the lifetime of the network can be determined through the datasheet of the used mote and the number of received and sent messages


The overlap between science and knowledge is a feature of the 21st century. This integration, which crosses the traditional boundaries between academic disciplines, has occurred because of the emergence of new needs and new professions. This overlap has overshadowed the arts in general and design in particular. The Design achievements have not been far away from the attempts of integration of more than one type or design application to produce new outputs unique in its functional and aesthetic character, including the terms of internal graphic design.
The researcher raises the question of the functional dimension of graphic design in the internal space, in order to answer it through the methodological framework, which includes the problem of research, its objectives, its importance and its temporal and spatial limits. The researcher developed a goal summarized by uncovering the functional dimension of graphic design in the interior space. The companies in the United States, which use graphic design as one of the functional embellishments in the interior design, were selected. The researcher also defined the temporal limit to be 2018. The theoretical framework of the research included two sections: graphic design methods and the functionality of the typographic elements, and revealing the function of each one of them in order to show their role within the whole system in the interior space supported by models and analysis.


We consider a stochastic Burgers type equation which incorporates a vector potential. The solution of this equation is not of gradient form and so this equation can be described as a stochastic Burgers equation with vorticity. Building on previous work on the standard stochastic Burgers equation, we discuss the related Hamilton-Jacobi theory in detail and show how to find semiclassical series expansions for our stochastic Burgers equation with vorticity. We examine the behaviour of the solution in the inviscid limit and discuss the geometric structure of the resulting singularities. We illustrate these results with an example of a Burgers type fluid in a rotating bucket under a harmonic oscillator potential. We conclude with a discussion of the relationship between the correspondence limit of Nelson's stochastic mechanics and stationary state solutions for Burgers equations and illustrate an example of the equations studied in this paper arising from considerations of the Coulomb potential.


We present measurements of transverse and longitudinal beam phase space evolution during the first two hundred turns of the FNAL Booster cycle. We discuss the experimental technique, which allowed us to obtain turn-by-turn measurements of the beam profile. The experimental results are compared with the prediction of the Synergia 3D space charge simulation code.


Global competition characterized by changing customer and technological re-quirement. To cope with this instability conditions, companies need to focus on cost and qual-ity advantage. They are undergoing business efficiency and effectiveness through reassessing internal business operation such as purchasing, warehousing, material management and dis-tribution. Speed, quality, and flexibility are being emphasized as a competitive excellence of responding to the customer's need. To become more responsive to the needs of customer and market require more than speed, it also requires a high-level maneuverability that has come to be the term agility. Agility in supply chain is one of the solutions to achieve competitive advan-tage as it provides many opportunities for reducing operating cost and improving customer service and satisfaction. In other words, the agility of a supply chain shown how well the rela-tionships involved in the processes mentioned enhance the objectives of agile manufacturing. These objectives are customer enrichment ahead of competitors, achieving mass customization at the cost of mass production, mastering change and uncertainty through routinely adaptable structures, and leveraging the impact of people across enterprises through information tech-nology. Keywords: leanness, agility, agile supply chain, competitive excellence


BACKGROUND
CIN is the most frequent neoplasm in pregnancy. At present, in Italy, Pap test and colposcopy are not included in routine examinations in prenatal visits.

METHODS
In this study, we submitted 560 pregnant women to Pap test during prenatal visits. In case of abnormal or doubtful smears a colposcopy and target biopsy were performed.

RESULTS
Of the 560 women studied, 124 had genital bleeding and the other 436 were asymptomatic. Six cases of CIN symptomatic women and 5 cases in the asymptomatic ones. In no cases we thought necessary a therapeutic operation. We limited the therapy to a follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, it is necessary to treat CIN during pregnancy.


The reaction of a 1:2 mixture of bismuth(III) salicylate with titanium(IV) isopropoxide in refluxing toluene has been investigated and found to proceed with ligand exchange to produce the new heterobimetallic complexes BiTi(4)(sal)(6)(mu-O(i)Pr)(3)(O(i)Pr)(4) (1), Bi(4)Ti(4)(sal)(10)(mu-O(i)Pr)(4)(O(i)Pr)(4) (2), and Bi(8)Ti(8)(sal)(20)(mu-O(i)Pr)(8)(O(i)Pr)(8) (3). Complex 1 is the major product, while 2 and 3 were identified as minor products from the reaction. Compound 1 is produced pure and in high yield by employing stoichiometric amounts of reagents; its crystal structure consists of a [Ti(4)(sal)(6)(O(i)Pr)(7)](3)(-) ion capped by a Bi(3+) ion. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit cyclic ring structures of bismuth and titanium atoms showing crystallographically imposed inversion symmetry. Both structures occlude large quantities of lattice solvent. The compositional and structural parameters from the single crystal studies indicate that complexes 2 and 3 may represent sequential steps in a ligand exchange process between the two metal species, while the reactivity patterns that were observed provide clues about the solution state structure of bismuth(III) salicylate itself. The 2D COSY (1)H NMR spectrum of 1 indicates retention of the asymmetric structure in solution as evidenced by the presence of 14 diastereotopic isopropoxide methyl resonances.


This article provides an overview of the history of qualitative research, from its origins in colonial ethnographies to the development of formalized methods, and the pluralism and interpretive approaches of the blurred genres period. The article also discusses the challenges and controversies faced by qualitative research in the present and future, leading to the rise of new approaches such as mixed-method research and critical conversations about diversity, moral discourse, and global society. The article also describes the three perspectives used to classify research: application, objective, and mode of inquiry. Qualitative research is a method of scientific inquiry that uses data collection and analysis, primarily focused on understanding an issue or solving a problem. The article explores the eight moments of qualitative research development as identified in 'The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research', from the traditional phase to the fractured future. Each moment is characterized by a different paradigm, ontology, and methodology, and has been influenced by key contributors such as Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead.
Finally, the article highlights the growing importance of qualitative research in the field of social science research, which is now considered equal to quantitative research. The mixed method approach, which links both quantitative and qualitative research, has also gained popularity. The article concludes by emphasizing the value of scientific inquiry and the importance of understanding the world around us in all its complexity and diversity.


The mass of the strange quark is determined from SU(3)-breaking effects in the τ hadronic width. Compared to previous analyses, the contributions from scalar and pseudoscalar spectral functions, which suffer from large perturbative corrections, are replaced by phenomenological parametrisations. This leads to a sizeable reduction of the uncertainties in the strange mass from τ decays. Nevertheless, the resulting ms value is still rather sensitive to the moment of the invariant mass distribution which is used for the determination, as well as the size of the quark-mixing matrix element |Vus|. Imposing the unitarity fit for the CKM matrix, we obtain ms(2GeV) = 117 ± 17MeV, whereas for the present Particle Data Group average for |Vus|, we find ms(2GeV) = 103 ± 17MeV. On the other hand, using an average of ms from other sources as an input, we are able to calculate the quark-mixing matrix element |Vus|, and we demonstrate that if the present measurement of the hadronic decay of the τ into strange particles is improved by a factor of two, the determination of |Vus| is more precise than the current world average.


It is clear from the nursing literature that there are a number of factors which can impede or facilitate the use of research in practice. It is important that these are identified and addressed, both at local and national levels, if evidence-based practice is to become a reality. This study surveyed nurses' perceptions of barriers to, and facilitators of, research utilization. The Barriers Scale was administered to a convenience sample of 2600 nurses in 23 hospitals in Northern Ireland. The number of completed questionnaires was 1368 (52.6%). The results show that the top barrier was 'The nurse does not feel she/he has enough authority to change patient procedures' followed by 'statistical analyses are not understandable'. Seven out of the top 10 barriers were related to 'setting'. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.


for collective defense against the armed attack even of the Emperor, though it took all of Chancellor Brack's diplomatic skill to gain Luther's imprimatur for this provision. Brack's role is given due attention for the first time in this volume. This edition is based upon an even more extensive exploration of the sources than the first and includes a mass of authentic detail characterized by Barbara Tuchman as "history by the ounce." The author does not pretend to be presenting the full and exhaustive history of the League or even of its beginnings. There are weaknesses in personality delineations; purely religious motivations, as in the case of Philip of Hessia, slip through the type of documentary filter used. But the legal and juridicial specifics are handled with care and precision. One comical note is the author's indulging in a vae victis against the venerable Giinther Franz who some years ago ventured the opinion that nothing very worthwhile would come of a series begun by such a young and lowly assistant.


The stability behaviour of unsaturated soil slopes under rainfall conditions is investigated via a parametric finite element analysis, which is a fully coupled flow and deformation approach linked to a dynamic programming technique for determining the minimum factor of safety as well as its corresponding critical slip surface based on the stress fields from the numerical computation. The effects of rainfall features, soil strength parameters and permeability properties on slope stability are studied. The analyses revealed that the soil matric suction decreased during rainfall, especially in slopes with high permeability and/or with high suction angles of unsaturated soils. The influence of rainfall conditions on such slopes is quite obvious, and soil suction drops rapidly, which leads to a consequent quick reduction in the factor of safety.


This paper proposes a nonlinear controller that allows the unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to follow a predefined path. The controller only needs the information of the inertial speed of the UAV and the distance between the vehicle and the desired path. In order to improve the performance of the controller, a parameter of the controller is adjusted by a fuzzy logic rule. Lyapunov stability arguments are used to demonstrate that the path following error will be regulated to zero, even in the presence of wind disturbances. Simulation results in Matlab are given to show the effectiveness of the controller.


Fossil remains of brown bear from Kaninskaya cave in the northern Ural are described. They were accumulated during the Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, and Late Iron Age as a result of human activity. We analyze the composition of skeletal elements and the nature of their fragmentation. Sex and age of individuals whose bones were apparently used in rituals are assessed, and the seasonality of these ceremonies is evaluated. The main object of ceremonial actions during all chronological periods was the head. Crania and mandibles were cracked into several parts according to one and the same fashion. Other skeletal parts were used much less often. Most postcranial bones were likewise broken into several pieces. Such practices differ from modern Ob Ugrian bear rituals. In the Bronze Age, heads of adult male and female bears were used, and the ceremonies were performed mainly in winter, less often in summer and autumn, and very rarely in spring. In the Iron Age, too, heads of adult animals, mostly males, were used, and ceremonies were held throughout the year but more often in summer and in winter. Seasonal bear rites were not practiced. Certain elements of rites, differing from those of modern Ob Ugrians, are reconstructed. Modern Ob Ugrian bear rituals were formed in the Late Iron Age.


This paper examines the process of institutional change through the lenses of transformation in the 'information regime' in India by tracing the evolution of the Right to Information Act (RTIA) 2005. The case of the RTIA. What explains this move towards institutional change? Why did the state decide to turn the page and initiate an institutional change in the existing legal regime? The paper unravels this puzzle and captures the why and how of institutional change. It contributes conceptually to the emerging literature on institutional change and presents a nuanced perspective on the dominant narrative of the RTIA evolution


An enzymatic-gravimetric method was employed to determine the content of insoluble dietary fiber and lignin in 4 cereals, 5 pulses, 4 starchy roots, and 3 tubers along with some of their varieties. The cultivars were identified at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council and noted as their high yielding varieties released within last decade for cultivation in Bangladesh. Insoluble dietary fiber content, equivalent to alpha-amylase treated neutral detergent fiber (termed as E-NDF), was in a range from 0.97 g to 10.45 g for cereals, 8.18 g to 25.66 g for pulses, 2.62 g to 6.88 g for roots, and 2.26 g to 8.11 g for tubers per 100 g raw sample. Cell wall polysaccharides and Lignin were estimated from the E-NDF fraction sequentially using the methods of Van Soest and co-workers. Hemicellulose was found dominant among cell-wall polysaccharides in all the studied materials (up to 24.85% in pulses). Cell wall polysaccharide and lignin were not detected in some of the studied samples. Highest amount of cellulose was found in 'Gourab' variety of wheat (3.48%) while highest amount of lignin was estimated in sweet potato (2.87%). The results will, thus, provide a source data for dietary calculations.


This project investigated the occurrence of compartmentalization by claystone interbeds and its impact on connectivity in the fluvial units of the Triassic Argilo-Gréseux Supérieur (TAGS) formation in the Toual field, Algeria. The TAGS is located in a N-S oriented anticline, with faults part of a flower structure acting as hydrocarbon migration paths, and consists of two distinct formations based on facies. The fluvial TAGS Sandy, which consists of 4 different units, has compartmentalization in especially the meander deposited Sandy 2 and Sandy 4 units whilst Sandy 1 and 3, deposited coastal sabkha and by a braided river system respectively, show excellent connectivity. The coastal sabkha Upper TAGS, consisting of 7 units, shows excellent connectivity for Upper 1, 3, 5 and 7 in its sheet sands except for the deltaic deposited Upper 2 which is highly compartmentalized. The Upper 4 and 6 claystones might act as additional hydrocarbon seals to the overlying Liassic evaporites. A conceptual static reservoir model was created in Petrel to learn more about the size, shape and spatial distribution of the compartments. This was done by creating correlation panels parallel and perpendicular to the SW-NE orientation of the TAGS channel belt. Stratigraphic interpretation based on gamma ray, density and sonic logs as well as core photographs was used to divide the TAGS formation into separate units which were linked by reoccurring claystone intervals. This provided an insight into local fluvial channel belt shifts, mean sea level change and humidity levels. A 3D model was created of these units which was consequently used to estimate the Gas Initially In Place (GIIP) volume.


Background: Identification of biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer (LC) may lead to more effective treatment and reduction of mortality. Methods: Serological proteome analysis (SERPA) was used to identify proteins around 34 kDa, which had been previously recognized by autoantibody in sera from LC patients. We have validated autoantibody response in sera from 90 LC patients, 89 normal controls by using immunoassay. Another independent cohort of 25 LC patients with 219 serial serum samples and 56 matched normal controls were examined to evaluate whether the autoantibody can be detected in the preclinical stage. Results: The proteins with molecular weight of 34 kDa were identified as ECH1, GAPDH and HNRNPA2B1. In the validation study, autoantibody to ECH1 achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.799 with sensitivity of 62.2% and specificity of 95.5% in discriminating LC from normal individuals, and showed negative correlation with tumor size (r s =0.-256, p=0.023). Autoantibody to HNRNPA2B1 performed an AUC of 0.874 with sensitivity of 72.2% and specificity of 95.5%, and showed negative correlation with lymph node metastasis (r s =0.-279, P=0.012). By using longitudinal preclinical samples, autoantibody to ECH1 showed an AUC of 0.763 with sensitivity of 60.0% and specificity of 89.3% in distinguishing LC with matched normal controls, and elevated autoantibody levels could be detected greater than two years prior to LC diagnosis. Conclusions: ECH1 and HNRNPA2B1 are autoantigens that elicit autoimmune responses in LC and can be used as potential biomarkers for the early detection of LC. Funding support: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81672917, 81372371) and the National Institutes of Health (SC1CA166016 and U01CA086137). Citation Format: Liping Dai, Jitian Li, Jun-Chieh J. Tsay, Xiao Wang, John S. Munger, Harvey Pass, William N. Rom, Eng M. Tan, Jian-Ying Zhang. Identification of autoantibody to ECH1 & HNRNPA2B1 as potential biomarkers in the early detection of lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 710. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-710


The taxonomic status of Holostemma R.Br (Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae), Asclepiadoideae) has recently (2014) been revised, allowing for biotechnology on this genus to assume a new and focused direction. This mini-review aims to cover what is known thus far about the tissue culture of Holostemma species, which includes medicinal species with ornamental potential. A post-publication peer review of the literature is provided, a critical assessment is made of the faults and weaknesses of the literature, and advice is offered as to how better to improve the research objectives to benefit researchers of Holostemma species.


Abstract : The overall effectiveness of an emergency response to a large scale disaster is a difficult entity to measure. Every disaster is different and every response is different. In fact, similar events leave totally different results in their aftermath. For example a category two hurricane might inflict much more damage than a category four, depending on the location of impact. Additionally, the emergency response to a flood in rural Mississippi will be totally different than the emergency response to a flood in New Orleans, LA. To effectively measure the overall response to any of these events, proper metrics must be used and interpreted appropriately. This paper will focus primarily on a macro-scale evaluation of the initial assessment and assistance given directly following a natural or manmade disaster. The long term effects and rebuilding of an affected area will not be considered. Furthermore this paper will be constrained to looking at a high level view of assessment rather than at specific methods used to achieve selected goals.


Presently, there is armed conflict in Darfur, Sudan. Armed conflict has adversely affected the social, economic and educational development of Darfur, Sudan. Purpose of this study is to know the impact of armed conflict on managerial behavior of the principals of secondary schools in Darfur, Sudan. In this study, the impact of armed conflict on performance of the secondary school principals was analyzed in perspective of their managerial behavior. Based on the findings of the study significant impact of armed conflict was found on the managerial behavior of the principals. It was found that principals coordinated with the staff in activities of the school but were frightened and unable to perform their administrative and managerial duties freely and independently. There was communication gap between the principals, teachers and parents. The principals did not possess the skills to maintain school budget & finance properly. It was concluded that the principals need administrative and managerial training. Government of Sudan may establish academies of Educational Administration & Management to impart training to the principals of secondary schools and to take steps to control the existing armed conflict.


Abstract A new method of moist convective adjustment is presented. A large-scale state of the atmosphere is assumed to be in a thermodynamically critical condition when a hypothetical cloud element can develop. As a result of the convective adjustment, the atmosphere is altered to a new state that is marginal or unfavorable to the occurrence of a free moist convection. The numerical scheme of the adjustment is described in detail.


In this work we introduce a new approach to co-classification, i.e. the task of jointly classifying multiple, otherwise independent, data samples. The method we present, named CoConut, is based on the idea of adding a regularizer in the label space to encode certain priors on the resulting labelings. A regularizer that encourages labelings that are smooth across the test set, for instance, can be seen as a test-time variant of the cluster assumption, which has been proven useful at training time in semi-supervised learning. A regularizer that introduces a preference for certain class proportions can be regarded as a prior distribution on the class labels. CoConut can build on existing classifiers without making any assumptions on how they were obtained and without the need to re-train them. The use of a regularizer adds a new level of flexibility. It allows the integration of potentially new information at test time, even in other modalities than what the classifiers were trained on. We evaluate our framework on six datasets, reporting a clear performance gain in classification accuracy compared to the standard classification setup that predicts labels for each test sample separately.


The proliferation of knowledge-sharing communities and the advances in information extraction have enabled the construction of large knowledge bases using the RDF data model to represent entities and relationships. However, as the Web and its latently embedded facts evolve, a knowledge base can never be complete and up-to-date. On the other hand, a rapidly increasing suite of Web services provide access to timely and high-quality information, but this is encapsulated by the service interface. We propose to leverage the information that could be dynamically obtained from Web services in order to enrich RDF knowledge bases on the fly whenever the knowledge base does not suffice to answer a user query. To this end, we develop a sound framework for appropriately generating queries to encapsulated Web services and efficient algorithms for query execution and result integration. The query generator composes sequences of function calls based on the available service interfaces. As Web service calls are expensive, our method aims to reduce the number of calls in order to retrieve results with sufficient recall. Our approach is fully implemented in a complete prototype system named ANGIE1. The user can query and browse the RDF knowledge base as if it already contained all the facts from the Web services. This data, however, is gathered and integrated on the fly, transparently to the user. We demonstrate the viability and efficiency of our approach in experiments based on real-life data provided by popular Web services.


Treaty-making involves the constitutional struggle for policy control. Both Congress and the presdient are defined as official actors in the making of international commitments, and both closely guard their constitutionally defined roles. Yet extant scholarship generally concludes Congress rarely matters in establishing U.S. formal commitments abroad. Indeed, it is frequently pointed out that only 21 treaties have been voted down by the U.S. Senate in its 230 year existence. While true, such a figure presents an incomplete picture of congressional influence. Presidents may covet greater institutional capacity to direct unilaterally U.S. foreign policy, but opposition in both the House and Senate frequently reins in an uncompromising White House. In this paper we compare the international commitments made by Presidents George W. Bush (2001-2004) and Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909). We find the Senate's role in influencing and/or altering treaties has been under-estimated in most analyses. While the Senate rarely rejects a treaty negotiated by the president with a recorded floor vote, the Senate can and does attach amendments and reservations to treaties that affect U.S. obligations and responsibilities. More importantly, though, and even less recognized are treaties killed by the Senate through inaction. At least 21 treaties during Roosevelt's administration were rejected by the Senate, none of them by a formal floor vote. By ignoring Senate influence before an official floor vote risks under-estimating the influence the Senate has on U.S. commitments abroad. This paper also explores the domestic political authority under which presidents negotiate international agreements. Most scholars conclude that international agreements signal unilateral presidential power. Yet, many are negotiated pursuant to congressional statutes or previously ratified treaties. In both cases, Congress maintains influence over the process.


Tobacco use creates a tremendous burden on the health care system and is the largest non-communicable source of disease globally. Olfactory bulb was the structure in the ventral surface of the brain which receives olfactory input data and also known to involve in the regulation of basic behaviors. This study was carried on 75 domestic rabbits with a mean weight of 1500-2000gm from January 2011- August 2011 in Ain Shams university. These rabbits were divided into three groups as follow: Group I: Included 25 rabbits that received fresh food and water. Group II: Included 25 rabbits were injected subcutaneously with 1mg/kg body weight of nicotine in a single daily dose. Group III: Included 25 rabbits that were exposed to two cigarettes smoke three times per day in a closed chamber. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups as regards the mean longitudinal and transverse diameter of the mitral cells. Treated group III showed lowest mean of longitudinal and transverse diameter of mitral cell. Microscopical examinations showed that there are disruption in the mitral layer and degeneration and disappear of mitral cells in some areas and vacuolated cells in the others, particularly in group III. It was concluded that nicotine exposure and passive cigarette smoking caused reductions in the longitudinal and transverse diameter of mitral cells of the rabbits as well as several histopathological changes, which lead to loss of smell sensation and change in the behavior.


Abstrack: Factor - The Influence Of Factors, Incidence Of PEB. ICU is and intensive room used to take care patients that need nursing and special treatment, on the critical condition and having a chance to be saved. The writer got the data from ICU RSUD Dr. Moewardi Hospital of Surakarta that there is an increastment of PEB victims from year 2010 to 2011 where the number of PEB victims on 2010 were 9 patients and on 2011 were were 79 patients. This study aims to clarify between the two dependent variables and independent through hypothesis testing at the time was past, so this type of research is to design Eksplantory Reserver retrospectively. The research was conducted by Chi Square test. There are not relation between factors that influence incident of PEB to patient in treatment in ICU room of RSUD Dr. Moewardi Surakarta. There was no effect of the relationship between the incidence of PEB by a factor of gravida, distension of the uterus, a history of comorbid disease, maternal age and parity in patients hospitalized in the ICU Hospital Dr. Moewardi Surakarta.


The article presents the sociological interpretation and substantiation of the standards of Higher Technical education in the Republic Kazakhstan. We consider new achievements of the sociology of education, the strategy of industrial innovative development of the country and the requirement of globalization.


How might an African based knowledge critically cast doubt upon globally hegemonic notions and traditions in understanding and theorizing men and masculinities? This essay examines this question through a critical reading of what it may mean to be 'an emerging adult man'. The essay privileged a critical understanding of how poverty, poor crop yields, and climate volatility shape constructions of 'emergent adulthood'. Drawing on interviews with men from northwestern Ghana, findings suggest that emerging adult men are committed to their cultural obligations as heteronormative breadwinners, yet 'emergent adulthood' is complicated by status insecurity, vulnerabilities, and powerlessness. To negotiate emergent adulthood, informants combine migrating to Techiman and joining 'boys boys' to achieve social respect and recognition. To understand the meanings of emergent adulthood, I argue for analytical sophistication on multiple issues and daily struggles that encapsulate rural life.


The half-duplex (HD) multi-hop relay channel consists of a source, multiple HD relays connected in series, and a destination where links are present only between adjacent nodes. In this paper, we focus on decode-and-forward relays and assume that the links are impaired by block fading and additive white Gaussian noise. We design a new protocol which, unlike the conventional protocols for the multi-hop relay channel, does not adhere to a fixed and predefined pattern of using the transmit, receive, and silent states of the nodes. In particular, the proposed protocol selects the optimal states of the nodes and the corresponding optimal transmission rates based on the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) of the involved links in each fading block such that the achievable average rate from source to destination is maximized. To enable adaptive scheduling of the states of the nodes, the relay nodes have to be equipped with buffers for temporary storage of the information received from the preceding node. Additionally, we discuss and address two practical challenges arising in the implementation of the optimal protocol, namely the unconstrained end-to-end delay due to data buffering at the relays and the required CSI overhead. Numerical results confirm the superiority of the proposed buffer-aided protocols compared to existing multi-hop relaying protocols.


OBJECTIVES
To identify the major psychosocial determinants of the intention of nurses and dietitians to recommend breastfeeding to new mothers for six months as well as the salient beliefs underlying this intention.

METHOD
Following an open-ended questionnaire that sought to elicit their most significant beliefs, a standardized questionnaire based on a modified model of Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour, was sent to New Brunswick nurses and dietitians who graduated between January 1992 and December 1996. Multiple regression analysis determined which variables contributed the most to the prediction of intention.

RESULTS
The main determinants of intention were perceived behavioural control and perceived professional norm. They explained 69% of the variance in intention. All salient beliefs underlying the perceived behavioural control were significantly associated with intention.

CONCLUSION
To help nurses and dietitians to support and promote breastfeeding more effectively, programs should focus on changing perceived and true barriers to recommending breastfeeding, as well as the related perceived professional norm.


This study was designed to determine the quantity of functional renal tissue needed to maintain homeostasis of red blood cell production by evaluating the erythropoietin (EPO) production response to phlebotomic stimulation in the 1/2- and 1/4-kidney dogs surgically prepared. The results showed that the reduction in functional renal tissue caused a decrease in EPO production, which led to the delay in recovery from anemia. In the anemic progress stage, the plasma EPO level showed a transition proportional to the quantity of functional renal tissue immediately after the operation for tissue reduction. The 1/2-kidney dog group still kept such proportional relation even in the recovery stage. Thus, the half of the normal renal tissue was considered sufficiently contributory to EPO production needed to maintain homeostasis of red blood cell production. However, the 1/4-kidney dog group precipitously decreased in plasma EPO level in the recovery stage and fell into an extremely unfavorable anemia. This indicated that homeostatic maintenance in erythropoiesis would be impossible more below a quarter of normal renal tissue. These findings disclosed that reduction in functional renal tissue quantity would sensitively influence homeostatic maintenance of red blood cell production through the decrease in EPO production, even if it does not affect renal function concerned with urine production.


Beneficial properties of resveratrol and pterostilbene, a dimethyl ether analog of resveratrol, have attracted increasing interest in recent years. Resveratrol and pterostilbene exhibit many pharmacological similarities and both of them are generally considered to be safe for human consumption. Beyond the structural and general bioactivity similarities between them, large amounts of data are now available to reveal the metabolic fate and pharmacological differences between them. Pterostilbene was found to be more metabolically stable and usually exhibited stronger pharmacological activities than that of resveratrol. As a contribution to clarify and compare aspects like metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol and pterostilbene, as well as explain the pharmacological similarities and differences between them, this review presents and compares recent data on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol and pterostilbene. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(1):16–25, 2018


Eighty-one patients were treated for crotalid envenomation over the past 12 years at the Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston. Bites were inflicted by copperheads (56%), water moccasins (15%), and rattlesnakes (12%). In 17% of patients the species of snake was not identified. Using a grading scale of one to four from minimal to severe envenomation, 54% were grade I, 29% grade II, 7% grade III, 6% grade IV, and 4% were not graded because the patients were seen more than 12 hours after envenomation and not evaluated by other physicians. Five patients received one dose (10 cc) of crotalid antivenin each before transfer to our Emergency Center. All patients were treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, immobilization of the injured part, and elevation of the extremity to the level of the heart. No patients received antivenin or excisional therapy at this institution and one minor digital fasciotomy was performed. There were no deaths or amputations in this series. Eight patients developed superficial necrosis of the skin but only one required a skin graft. Three patients developed hematologic abnormalities and were treated with either platelet transfusions or fresh-frozen plasma. One patient required dopamine for hypotension refractory to fluid resuscitation. This experience supports a conservative approach to venomous snakebites and raises the question about the need to utilize traditional therapy for snakebites caused by species seen in our locality.


Determining the phase of a wave from intensity measurements has many applications in fields such as electron microscopy, visible light optics, and medical imaging. Propagation based phase retrieval, where the phase is obtained from defocused images, has shown significant promise. There are, however, limitations in the accuracy of the retrieved phase arising from such methods. Sources of error include shot noise, image misalignment, and diffraction artifacts. We explore the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to improve the accuracy of propagation based phase retrieval algorithms. We employ a phase retrieval algorithm based on the transport-of-intensity equation to obtain the phase from simulated micrographs of procedurally generated specimens. We then train an ANN with pairs of retrieved and exact phases, and use the trained ANN to process a test set of retrieved maps. The total error in the phase is significantly reduced using this method. We also discuss a variety of potential extensions to this work.


Co-Cr alloy/Ni-Zn ferrite double-layered films for perpendicular magnetic recording tape are proposed to improve high frequency characteristics, and their preparation is described. The films were deposited by the "Ferrite Plating" method which enables to synthesize the soft magnetic spinel ferrite layers at low temperatures below 100/spl deg/C and by the facing targets sputtering (FTS) for the Co-Cr layers. It was found that the Co-Cr layers need to compensate the tensile internal stress of 1.0-1.5/spl times/10/sup 9/ dyn/cm/sup 2/ in the ferrite plated backlayers to avoid curling of the tape and to improve adhesion of the backlayers to substrates, and Ar pressure of 0.2-0.3 mTorr in the FTS was proper for depositing the Co-Cr layers with the optimum compressive stress and the excellent crystallinity.


Effect of juvenility on cutting propagation of red pitaya. Abstract -- Introduction. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is an exotic fruit species little known in Brazil and which needs basic studies about plant nutrition, propagation and physiology. Emphasizing the co-existence of juvenile and adult stages in the pitaya canopy, the plant is gene- rally propagated by cuttings. Materials and methods. A completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications was adopted. Each treatment was represented by the part of the canopy from which the cutting was taken (upper, middle and lower cutting and cuttings from young plants). The following variables were registered: % cuttings with roots, % of live cuttings, root density, root diameter, root area, root length and root dry mass. Results were sub- mitted to variance analyses, Tukey's test at 0.01 probability error and simple correlation analysis. Results and discussion. The results indicated that the position from which the cutting is taken had a quantitative effect on rooting formation of pitaya cuttings. Juvenile cuttings presented 35% more cuttings with roots than adult cuttings. Root density, root area, root length and root dry mass depended on juvenility, the highest results being registered for juvenile cuttings, inde- pendently of the variable. Conclusion. Juvenile and adult stages co-exist in the pitaya canopy. Juvenility is an important rooting factor for red pitaya cuttings. Brazil / Hylocereus undatus / vegetative propagation / propagation by cuttings / plant developmental stages / juvenility of plants / rooting


STEVEN W. ENCK: Latent Class Linear Mixed Models A General Approach Implemented via SAS R © Macro with a Tutorial for Clinical Researchers (Under the direction of Paul Stewart) Linear mixed models provide a flexible, intuitive method for analyzing repeated-measures data when the population being studied can be thought of as either a single population or as a set of known subpopulations. However, in many cases, the underlying subpopulations are not known. Furthermore, the factors that determine the subpopulations can be extremely complex or unmeasurable. In such cases, a different approach is required in order to more accurately analyze the data. The Latent Class Linear Mixed Model (LCLMM) combines the features of the linear mixed model (LMM) with an additional component, which partitions the population into subpopulations or latent classes. This model has usually been specified with relatively simple, restrictive assumptions. In this dissertation, the methods related to the LCLMM are extended to provide a more general model specification. Fixed-effects may be specified as a combination of class-specific effects and acrossclass effects. Variances may be specified as being class-specific or equal across classes, a general correlation structure for the random effects is permitted, and multiple residual error variances may be fit. The bound proposed by Hathaway [1985] on the variances to ensure consistency is examined in the context of mixtures of linear mixed models. Class membership probabilities may be specified in one of two ways via a logistic regression model or using our proposed method in which class membership is estimated based on the relative fit of the underlying linear mixed models. These methods are implemented in a new SAS R © macro which offers several options for estimation. In addition to an EM algorithm, gradient-based methods, including quasi-Newton, as well as Hessian-based methods, such as Newton-Raphson, are available to the user. Parameter standard errors are estimated, and predictions of the random effects are derived and calculated. Practical issues, including choosing the number of latent classes and estimation method, are discussed and guidelines are provided based on simulation studies. The stability and advantage of the proposed methods are also examined via simulation study. Finally, our methods are applied to several simple simulated datasets as well as to three real-world


New approaches to the treatment of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are badly needed. Not only is the success rate of current treatment regimens suboptimal but existing regimens require multiple drugs and lengthy courses and may lead to significant toxicities. The treatment landscape is beginning to shift, however, with the recent approvals of the new TB drugs bedaquiline and delamanid. Delamanid, a dihydro-imidazooxazole, has been shown to have excellent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both in vitro and in murine TB models. It has also recently been reported to improve rates of sputum culture conversion in patients with multidrug-resistant TB when added to an optimized background regimen. Although generally well tolerated, delamanid has been associated with QT prolongation, which may be of particular clinical concern when paired with other TB drugs that may also have this effect, most notably the fluoroquinolones. Ongoing studies will help to clarify delamanid's role in the treatment of drug-resistant TB.


Michael Edwards was born on 2 November 1930, near Epping Forest, on the eastern outskirts of London and he died on 13 March 2010, in Falmouth, Cornwall. Between those dates and places there stretched a long and active life encompassing a distinguished career as Art Therapist and Jungian Analyst.


Several esophageal cytologic tecniques (sponge biopsy, sponge smear, and espohageal washings) were assessed and compared with endoscopy and biopsy of esophageal tumors. Esophageal cytology rendered better results than esophagoscopy or biopsy, with a 97% positivity in cases of esophageal carcinoma, when using sponge biopsy and sponge smear techniques, and of 91.4% for esophageal and gastric carcinoma of the fundus invading gastroesophageal junction, when considered together. The combination of sponge techniques was better for diagnosisng esophageal carcinoma than the application of esophageal washings, a more difficult, time consuming, and sometimes unfeasible method. However, the utilization of three mehtods enhanced the overall diagnostic possibilities in all cases of esophageal tumors when considered together.


This study aims to determine the relationship between online learning and student learning outcomes in class V Theme 8 at SDIT EL HAQ Buduran. The research method used is non-experimental quantitative. The population used was all fifth grade students of Al Hazen SDIT EL HAQ and the sample in this study was 28 students. Data collection techniques used in the form of a questionnaire (questionnaire) and student learning outcomes tests. Data collection techniques through Microsoft Forms. The instrument used in the questionnaire (questionnaire) using a Likert scale, as well as learning outcomes tests in the form of multiple choice tests. The results of the study were then analyzed using the data normality test, linearity test and product moment correlation. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between online learning and the learning outcomes of class V Theme 8 students at SDIT EL HAQ Buduran. From the results of this study, it is in the category of having a fairly strong relationship.


The article contains elaborate algorithms and techniques of the design process sheet, flat-and-edge rolling and drawing of long semi-finished products for the production of jewelry made of precious metals and their alloys. This paper describes the developed software, which allows one to calculate deformation modes and energy-power parameters of the designed processes with the visualization of the data in tabular and graphical form.It also describes the process of adaptation of the developed CAD systems for production conditions jewelry chains of gold 585 at JSC "The Gulidov Krasnoyarsk Non-Ferrous Metals Plant".


Abstract Standing Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees attacked by the spruce bark beetle are often logged to reduce the risk of future bark beetle attacks. This study focuses on the potential ecological value of such trees. The study was conducted in six reserves in Sweden that were hit by a storm in 1995 and suffered from tree mortality caused by the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.) (Col.; Curculionidae). The volumes of storm-felled trees and of standing trees killed by the spruce bark beetle were recorded during 5 years after the storm. In the present study five of the six reserves were revisited in 2006. Of the dead standing wood, 81% was created by the spruce bark beetle, while 19% constituted of stumps from trees broken by the storm. Thirty-seven per cent of the beetle-killed trees remained standing in 2006, 8–9 years after tree death. A significantly higher frequency of fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola on broken snags compared with on intact snags indicates that the rot caused by this fungus contributed to tree fall. Almost 30% of the bark remained on both intact and fallen snags. The ecological value of snags created by the spruce bark beetle is discussed.


OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and genitourinary malformations in children presenting with acute epididymitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Twenty-five children between 2 months and 14 years of age presenting with acute epididymitis underwent urine culture, abdominal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography and, in selected cases, intravenous pyelography. Eleven patients were infants and 14 were older than 1 year. UTIs and genitourinary malformations were recorded. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the incidence in two age groups. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS
Seven UTIs and eight genitourinary malformations were diagnosed in infants, while in older children three UTIs and three malformations were discovered. Infants had a higher rate of associated UTI (p 0.049) and genitourinary malformations (p 0.017) than did older children.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data show a close relationship between acute epididymitis in infants for both UTIs and genitourinary malformations. Every infant presenting with epididymitis would undergo a complete evaluation including abdominal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrography. In older children the need for imaging should be dictated by clinical history and physical findings.


Identification of the embryologic origin of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) could determine the most suitable approach for minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the reliability of a new, combined protocol for the preoperative localization and determination of the embryologic origin of parathyroid adenomas. Methods: Anterior dual-isotope (123I/99mTc-sestamibi) static planar imaging followed by tomoscintigraphy (SPECT acquisition) centered over the 140-keV photopeak (combined protocol) was performed on 35 consecutive patients with sporadic PHPT. On the basis of anatomic considerations, adenomas were classified as superior (P4 derived) if they were located above the isthmus or posterior to the thyroid on SPECT images, despite their apparently middle to inferior position, and as inferior (P3 derived) if the foci were located in inferior and anterior positions or along the thyrothymic tract. Parathyroid ultrasonography was performed on all patients. Results: A total of 36 adenomas were removed: 34 solitary adenomas and 1 double adenoma (for totals of 19 P3-derived and 17 P4-derived adenomas). Pinhole subtraction imaging, SPECT, and ultrasonography sensitivities for detecting adenomas were 86%, 78%, and 77%, respectively. False-positive contralateral images were observed only with ultrasonography (3 cases). Positive SPECT results were associated with higher gland weights. Thirteen glands were identified by SPECT as posterior glands, despite their apparently inferior position, and were removed through an appropriate lateral endoscopic approach. Eleven (85%) of these glands had a P4 origin. Only 2 corresponded to large P3-derived adenomas (>2 g). Conclusion: By reclassifying apparently inferior adenomas as P4-derived adenomas prolapsed behind the thyroid gland, SPECT provides information about the most suitable surgical approach for avoiding recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Additional pinhole images should increase the detection of small adenomas. The combined protocol offers both advantages.


This paper assesses two instruments of power: the miranda and credenda of power. These instruments can be found in different power systems and regimes: in ancient Greece, Islamic medieval states or even in Modern Middle Easter states. The first approach is historical, which helps to understand the origin of the miranda and credenda of power. The second approach is theoretical, which helps to show both the miranda and credenda of power that are used to assess the claims to the justification of power. As a critique, this paper shows that semi-democracies, fascist states, theocracies, and communist regimes use these instruments excessively to justify their power. Abuse of such instrument is only possible by generating "negative political consciousness" of which aim is to make folks to become rightless and powerless. Such trend is a threat to a healthy democracy. The aim of this paper attempts to show the important role of miranda and credenda of power in justification of power.


The reactions CF3+I2→CF3I+I (2) CF3+HI→ CF3H+I (3) have been studied by competitive methods. Use of our previous Arrhenius parameters for reaction (2) leads to, k3= 5.4 × 1011 exp –500/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1. Arrhenius parameters are summarized for the reactions CF3+X2→CF3X+X and CF3+HX→CF3H+X, where X = Cl, Br or I and also for CF3+H2→CF3H+H and CF3+H2S→CF3H+SH. These Arrhenius parameters are combined with thermodynamic data to give Cl+CF3Cl→Cl2+CF3, k= 1.9 × 1014 exp –31,300/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1. Br+CF3Br→Br2+CF3, k= 6.5 × 1013 exp –24,300/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1. I+CF3I→I2+CF3, k= 7.4 × 1013 exp –17,800/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1. H+CF3H→H2+CF3, k= 3.2 × 1012 exp –11,200/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1. SH+CF3H→H2S+CF3, k= 1.1 × 1012 exp –19,100/RT, cm3 mole–1 sec–1.


The purpose of the present study was to identify what recruitment practices have been used by post-secondary trades training providers in British Columbia to assist in their process of hiring trades instructors and what challenges have they faced in ensuring that an adequate pool of trades instructors submit applications for job postings. It was hypothesized that the results of the study would indicate that the training providers were not using a detailed or strategic approach in their recruitment processes and that there would be a heavy reliance on the connections between existing faculty members and their respective trade industries to recruit applicants. It was also hypothesized that there would be significant economic challenges identified in recruiting trades instructors and that the training institutes would not feel that their recruitment processes were effective. In 2018, 11 Deans of post-secondary Trades Faculties in British Columbia participated in the study. The data collected revealed that training providers were using an array of recruitment practices, but not necessarily as part of an overarching recruitment plan. Professional relationships between Faculty members and their respective industry leaders was the most common theme of recruitment practices identified. Further, economic challenges were shown to impact the overall effectiveness of recruiting trades instructors at most of the training providers. RECRUITMENT OF TRADES INSTRUCTORS ii


Thank you very much for downloading control of poultry mites dermanyssus. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have search hundreds times for their favorite novels like this control of poultry mites dermanyssus, but end up in infectious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some malicious bugs inside their laptop. control of poultry mites dermanyssus is available in our book collection an online access to it is set as public so you can get it instantly. Our digital library hosts in multiple locations, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Kindly say, the control of poultry mites dermanyssus is universally compatible with any devices to read.


The varicella zoster virus as an aetiological agent for endodontic disease is not a well-recognised entity despite several published case reports. While advances in DNA molecular analysis techniques (PCR) have contributed to the current understanding of the potential role of the varicella zoster virus in the initiation and progression of endodontic disease, a review indicates a need for ongoing research. Case reports are presented of two female patients with a history of herpes zoster who developed pulp necrosis, with one patient progressing to apical periodontitis. Both patients received non-surgical endodontic therapy, followed by intra-coronal bleaching in one of the patients due to tooth discolouration which developed during the prodromal and acute phases of the herpes zoster infection. Clinical and radiographic examinations at 23 and 22 years, respectively, showed the affected teeth to be retained in an asymptomatic and aesthetically satisfactory state with no radiographic evidence of apical pathosis.


Reliability is an important concern of any computer system. No matter how carefully designed and constructed, computer systems fail. The rapid and systematic restoration of service after an error or malfunction is always a major design and operational goal. In order to overcome the effects of a failure, recovery must be performed to go from the failed sate to an operational state. This thesis describes a recovery method which guarantees that a computer system, its associated data bases and communication transactions will be restored to an operational and consistent state within a given time and cost bound after the occurrence of a system failure. This thesis considers the optimization of a specific software strategy - the rollback and recovery strategy, within the framework of a graph model of program flow which encompasses communication interfaces and data base transactions. Algorithms are developed which optimize the placement of dynamic recovery checkpoints. Presented is a method for statically pre-computing a set of optimal decision parameters for the associated program model, and run-time technique for dynamically determining the optimal placement of program recovery checkpoints.


BACKGROUND
A prophylactic vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) requires generation of strong humoral as well as CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses.

METHODS
The immunomodulatory effects of the combination of 2 adjuvants, synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing immunostimulatory cytosine-guanine dinucleotide motifs emulsified with Montanide ISA720 (M-ISA720/CpG), were investigated using the murine model.

RESULTS
Administration of recombinant HCV (rHCV) nonstructural (NS) 3 and NS5B proteins plus M-ISA720/CpG (hereafter, "M-ISA720/CpG/rHCV protein") induced high anti-NS3 and anti-NS5B immunoglobulin (Ig) G titers, with the IgG2a isotype being predominant. NS3- and NS5B-specific interferon (IFN)- gamma - and interleukin-2-producing CD4(+) T cell responses, as assessed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay, were significantly more vigorous in mice immunized with M-ISA720/CpG/rHCV protein than in control mice immunized without adjuvant. NS3- and NS5B-specific IFN- gamma -producing CD8(+) T cell percentages, as measured by direct ex vivo intracellular cytokine staining assay, were, respectively, a mean+/-SD of 0.14% +/- 0.04% and 0.15% +/- 0.05% in mice immunized with M-ISA720/CpG/rHCV protein. Furthermore, boosting with recombinant NS3 expression plasmid DNA after priming with M-ISA720/CpG-adjuvanted rNS3 strikingly enhanced both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses.

CONCLUSION
Immunization with M-ISA720/CpG/rHCV protein is capable of inducing potent humoral as well as HCV-specific T helper type 1-biased CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses. A DNA boost after a protein prime--a reversal of the conventional approach--may provide an alternative path to the development of an effective HCV vaccine.


There is an increasing focus on the subject of corruption around the world. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of accounting reform on Kurdistan region with respect to corruption. The methodology used in this study is the qualitative interpretive method and the main tool for collecting data was the semi-structured interviews, through a case study on the Kurdistan region (Iraq). According to the literature and findings of this research, there is a relationship between the accounting system and corruption. Further, an efficient accounting system is regarded as one of the effective anti-corruption strategies. The Kurdistan region can increase the level of accountability and transparency in the public sector by reforming its current accounting processes, which will thus lead to the reduction in cases of corruption. Some essential changes have been suggested by the respondents to increase government accountability and transparency such as shifting from cash-basis to accrual-basis accounting, adopting international accounting standards, changing budget system from input-line to performance programme budget system, strengthening audit especially external auditors, updating the accounting curriculum and computerising the accounting system. These will improve the accounting system and thus aid in fighting corruption.