Background Globally drowning is commonly found all over the world, however, this is more prevalent and one of the main causes of injury deaths in South and South East Asian countries. Last few years, drowning among the migrants increased worldwide as a result of using water ways as route and became an increased public health concern globally. Bangladesh is bordering with Myanmar and since 25th of August 2017 over 500,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh by crossing Naf river, which is located in between the border of two countries. Most of the people used a small fishing boat or Bamboo poles and empty jerry cans tied together with rope and covered with plastic sheet. In Bangladesh end, local people rescued Rohingya people without any rescue measures. As the Naf river connected with the Bay of Bengal so stormy weather also affected the fishing boat and caused drowning among the migrants. Methods All published national and international media news during 25th of August and 31 st October 2017 were searched using google search engine extracted for analysis. All duplicated news was removed and the most reliable one was considered for analysis. All media covered drowning news that was happened in Bangladesh part. Results Media covered seven mass drowning incidences that were happened in Naf river Bangladesh part. The number of fatal drowning victims in these incidents was ranging from 4 to 60 people. Altogether 167 fatal drowning cases were found during the massive human flow. Most of the victims were children, women, and old people. Fatal incidences in Myanmar part is still unknown. Conclusion Drowning among the migrants is high while they use water ways as a route of transport. Government as well as humanitarian organizations need to re-think about the preparation of preventing fatal drowning during massive inter-country migration.


'Die grose Schlacht. Der Hass des Satans auf Benedikt XVI. Non praevalebunt' is the headline of an article the Austrian-based and Catholic news portal, kath.net, published in early June 2012. It is about how badly and unfairly the media treat the Catholic Church and its official representatives in the wake of the so-called 'Vatileaks' scandal and it reasons that Satan is behind the attacks of the media, society, popular culture, on saintly figures such as Pope Benedict XVI. 'Gegen die Diktatur des Relativismus' is another article published on the same platform in the context of a conference hosted by the Catholic Heiligenkreuz monastery. On the forum kath.net, powerful language is employed to draw the faithful in, to make them feel themselves to be safe within a community of like-minded people in the midst of turmoil. News portals and message boards such as kath.net create safe spaces within a world whose culture, values, and morals are not only not understood but despised. The analysis is informed by critical discourse analysis and based on Paul Ricœur's understanding of narratives and how narratives create worlds. As a first step, the concept of space and Ricœur's understanding of narrative identity are discussed. After an introduction to the news portal kath.net, a close reading of some articles shows how these safe spaces are created and guarded. To conclude, a reflection on the implications of the self-understanding of kath.net and some of its user base on the understanding of hierarchy and the role of theology in the Church, is provided.


METHOD FOR DERIVING MULT-FACTOR MODELS FOR PREDICTING AIRPORT DELAYS Ning Xu, PhD George Mason University, 2007 Dissertation Co-Director: Dr. Kathryn B. Laskey Dissertation Co-Director: Dr. Lance Sherry Traffic Flow Management (TFM), in coordination with Airline Operation Centers (AOC), manage the arrival and departure flow of aircraft at the nations airports based on the airport Arrival and Departure rates for each 15 minute segment throughout the day. The management of traffic flow has become so efficient in the U.S., that approximately 95% of the delays now occur at the airports (not airborne). Inefficiencies in the traffic flow occur when non-traffic flow delays (e.g. carrier, turn-around, aircraft swapping and non-terminal area weather) are super-imposed on the traffic flow delays. Researchers have correlated these non-traffic flow delays at airports with sets of causal factors and have created models to predict aggregate delays at airports on the time scale of a day. To be consistent with the way traffic flow is managed, a model of causal factors of delays in 15 minute segments would provide the analytical basis for improving the efficiency of TFM. This dissertation describes the development of multi-factor models for predicting airport delays in 15 minute segments at 34 OEP airports. The models are created using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS). The models, generated using historic individual airport data, exhibit an accuracy of 5.3 minutes for generated delay across all the airports, and 2.1 minutes for absorbed delay across all the airports. A summary of the factors that drive the performance of each airport is provided. The sensitivity of each of the factors is also analyzed. Analysis of the models indicates that the factors that determine Airport Delays in 15 minute segments are unique to each airport. The most significant factors that generate delays at most of the nation's airports are Carrier Delay, GDP Delay at the outbound destination, and Departure Demand Ratio. Because of the relationship between these factors, and the propagation of delays throughout the network, the only way to mitigate system-wide delays is via a holistic network approach. The implications of these results are discussed. The potential benefits from this research include providing: (1) researchers and analysts a method to identify systemic causes of delays in the NAS and study the trends of influential factors; and (2) airlines and Air Traffic managers a means to evaluate predicted delays while executing Traffic Flow Management initiatives.


features (e.g. orientation) within a small part of the visual scene. The feature information is further conveyed to surrounding extra-striate areas and from there to the higher level visual areas. In fact, the feedforward projection is dichotomized into two streams. Axons projecting towards areas in the temporal lobe define the ventral pathway (also called as the "what" or "perception" stream) and projections to the parietal areas form the dorsal pathway (also called the "where" or "action" stream). Information flowing to the Visual Cortex – Current Status and Perspectives 390 ventral pathway relates to objects and shapes whereas information conveyed to the dorsal pathway relates to attention and space (see Figure 2). Figure-Ground: Classical psychophysical experiments highlighted that figures emerge from Figure 1. its parts, being perceived as single shapes. Many very well known cases of ambiguity (such as the Rubin vase) exemplify this fact. In these images at any given moment we can perceive as the figure only one of the alternative interpretations, the other becoming the background. The neurophysiological correlates of this phenomenon are discussed here. The neurons in these latter areas have large receptive fields in order to integrate the elementary visual features. A classical receptive field is defined as the region of the visual scene from which a neuronal cell receives direct information by way of feedforward connections. Then, these cells responses to feedforward inputs are more closely related to our daily experience of the external visual world than are the responses in lower order areas since their selectivity is to more elaborated shapes of an object such as a face. That is, what Hubel and Wiesel advanced in 1968 is essentially true: receptive fields of cells at one level of the visual system are formed from inputs by cells at a lower level. In this way, small, simple receptive fields combine to form large, complex receptive fields. Feedforward projections are therefore the anatomical substrate for the initial transient response of a neuron to a stimulus, and determine the size and tuning properties of the stimulus evoked response. For instance, the orientation tuning of V1 neurons is predominantly determined by feedforward inputs (Miller, 2003) and by the biophysical membrane properties of the cells (Cardin et al., 2007). The spatial arrangement of the receptive fields of cells in the primary visual cortex follows a retino-topical organization and provides a topographic map of the visual world. Simple cells have an elongated receptive field structure, with an excitatory central oval and an inhibitory surrounding region (Hubel & Wiesel, 1968). In order to excite these cells stimuli need to have a particular orientation or direction. In the case of V1 complex cells, the receptive fields have no clear separation of excitatory and inhibitory regions. To excite these cells an oriented stimulus may need to move in a particular direction and might also need to be of a particular length. Beside excitatory neurons, inhibitory cells are also tuned to orientation and spatial frequency (Cardin et al., 2007). Thus, V1 cells respond selectively to simple, rather abstract features that make up an object within a small part of the visual scene mainly by reason of their connections with striate projecting neurons. Role of Feedforward and Feedback Projections in Figure-Ground Responses 391 Schematic representation of the main information pathways of the visual system and its Figure 2. anatomical location. Sensory information is conveyed from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1) from where it is distributed across the higher visual areas via the extra-striate areas. The dorsal stream begins with V1, goes through visual area V2, then to the dorsomedial area and visual area MT (also known as V5) and to the posterior parietal cortex. The ventral stream begins with V1, goes through visual area V2, then through visual area V4, and to the inferior temporal cortex. Top-down information from high-level visual areas towards low-level areas is mediated by feedback connections. V1 MT


Background: Recent technological advances and constant digital innovation provided society various electronic media platforms as convenient alternatives to costly printed materials.

Aim and Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the type of media platform influences the cognitive ability of an individual to construct and extract meaning from written texts.

Materials and Methods: Using a randomized completely block design, students were assigned to one of the four media platforms: printed material, desktop computer, tablet, and smartphone in viewing a standardized reading comprehension test. Mean scores were compared using two-way analysis of variance with media platform and sex as factors.

Results: Mean scores in the different media platforms (P = 0.82), effect of sex as a blocking variable (P = 0.35), and the presence of interaction effect between factors (P = 0.33) on the reading comprehension abilities were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Cognitive effects in constructing and extracting meaning from written texts across varying media platforms and sex groups do not significantly differ suggesting that technology can be utilized as an alternative by students and teachers to advance reading outcomes.


We use panoramic optical spectroscopy obtained with the Very Large Telescope/MUSE to investigate the nature of five candidate extremely isolated low-mass star-forming regions (Blue Candidates; hereafter, BCs) toward the Virgo cluster of galaxies. Four of the five (BC1, BC3, BC4, and BC5) are found to host several H ii regions and to have radial velocities fully compatible with being part of the Virgo cluster. All the confirmed candidates have mean metallicity significantly in excess of that expected from their stellar mass, indicating that they originated from gas stripped from larger galaxies. In summary, these four candidates share the properties of the prototype system SECCO 1, suggesting the possible emergence of a new class of stellar systems, intimately linked to the complex duty cycle of gas within clusters of galaxies. A thorough discussion of the nature and evolution of these objects is presented in a companion paper, where the results obtained here from the MUSE data are complemented with Hubble Space Telescope (optical) and Very Large Array (Hi) observations.


The natural coke is a kind of fossil fuel and its reserves are scattered in almost coalfields covering approx. 2600 Km
2. In Indian coalfields, the igneous intrusion varies, causing regional in-situ burning of coal seams. The intrusion process itself is quite complex and does not follow any fixed trend everywhere. The chemical composition of the intrusion also varies from place to place. Petrographic, physical and chemical characterizations of some selected natural coke samples of Damodar Valley coalfields were done. The comprehensive study on above samples helped a lot in differentiation of natural cokes, slightly heat affected coal and normal coals obtained after washability at different specific gravities. The yield of the samples after washability varied from sample to sample. Through petrographic studies by microscopy, an effort has been made to decipher the new classification schemes for microtextures and microstructures of natural coke, which are generated through in-situ carbonisation of coal seams. Isotropic, anisotropic components and mineral matters were differentiated. Some selected natural coke fractions were explored for value addition in different studies. The study was helpful in establishing industrial use of natural coke in Power, Cement and Carbon Artifact industry.


The incorporation of [14C]acetate into the fatty acid moieties of lipid A was measured during amino acid starvation of rel+ and relA strains of Escherichia coli K-12. The synthesis of the beta-hydroxymyristate and other fatty acid moieties was inhibited two- to fourfold in rel+ strains, whereas no inhibition was observed in relA strains. The fatty acid compositions of the phospholipids synthesized after amino acid starvation or rel+ and relA strains were also determined.


Abstract This article discusses clinical applications of three empirical articles published in the present issue of JPA, all focused on adolescent assessment in European countries. Both adolescent and non-American populations receive too little attention in the assessment literature, and these articles aim to address this problem, through research on trait reactance in Portuguese adolescents, reasons for self-harm in Portuguese adolescents, and application of the Roberts-2 with Italian adolescents. How these articles apply to actual clinical practice is discussed.


In this paper, we consider a stochastic recursive optimal control problem under model uncertainty. In this framework, the cost function is described by solutions of a family of backward stochastic differential equations. With the help of the linearization techniques and weak convergence methods, we derive the corresponding stochastic maximum principle. Moreover, a linear quadratic robust control problem is also studied.


Applying machine learning techniques to detect malicious encrypted network traffic has become a challenging research topic. Traditional approaches based on studying network patterns fail to operate on encrypted data, especially without compromising the integrity of encryption. In addition, the requirement of rendering network-wide intelligent protection in a timely manner further exacerbates the problem. In this paper, we propose to leverage x86 multicore platforms provisioned at enterprises' network edge with the software accelerators to design an encrypted traffic analytics (ETA) system with accelerated speed. Specifically, we explore a suite of data features and machine learning models with an open dataset. Then we show that by using Intel DAAL and OpenVINO libraries in model training and inference, we are able to reduce the training and inference time by a maximum order of 31x and 46x respectively while retaining the model accuracy.


Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has become an important quantitative-index for defining the physiologic significance of coronary stenosis. Pressure-wire based FFR is being increasingly applied to guide treatment and medical therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study is to develop a new wire-free approach of quantifying FFR using only 2-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging from coronary angiography. FFR is defined as the ratio of maximum myocardial blood flow in the presence of a stenosis to the theoretical maximum flow assumed if absent stenosis. Under the acquisition of maximum coronary vasodilatation, the proposed fluoroscopic FFR is calculated from a sequence of fluoroscopic images that record the dynamic contrast agent in the coronary vessels. Considering that the inflow rate of contrast agent at the proximal arterial segment reflects the theoretical blood flow, we estimate the fluoroscopic FFR as the ratio of blood flows obtained from the measurements of image ROIs respectively located in the proximal artery and in the dependent myocardium. Measured time-density-curve (TDC) of contrast signals is modeled as a gamma-variate function. A healthy coronary branch is also included in the image measurements as a reference. Since the introduced reference branch has the known FFR of unity, fluoroscopic FFR is finally derived, depending only on the time-to-peak (TTP) parameters of the measured TDCs. Evaluation is implemented to seven swine models with a moderate to severe stenosis either in the left anterior descending (LAD) or left circumflex artery (LCx). Image data were acquired at hyperemic condition, and pressure-wire based FFR was recorded as the gold standard for comparison. The average difference of fluoroscopic FFRs and wire-FFRs is ±0.04, and the two measures correlated well with r = 0.982. In summary, a novel method of quantifying FFR is proposed using coronary angiography alone. It is simple and efficient. Since only TTP parameters are used, we may not be confounded about the linearity of image pixels and the foreshortening commonly associated with 2D imaging.


TV-like constraints/regularizations are useful tools in variational methods for multicomponent image restoration. In this paper, we design more sophisticated non-local TV constraints which are derived from the structure tensor. The proposed approach allows us to measure the non-local variations, jointly for the different components, through various ℓ1,p matrix norms with p ≥ 1. The related convex constrained optimization problems are solved through a novel epigraphical projection method. This formulation can be efficiently implemented thanks to the flexibility offered by recent primal-dual proximal algorithms. Experiments carried out for color images demonstrate the interest of considering a Non-Local Structure Tensor TV and show that the proposed epigraphical projection method leads to significant improvements in terms of convergence speed over existing numerical solutions.


The man who is both colored and poor finds himself left out of the educational reckoning and surely in need of those agencies for college extension and higher education which may be initiated by the resourceful sympathies of his own leaders.--Anna Julia Cooper ("College Extension for Working People" 38) The phrase "in service for the common good" is taken from a brief essay written by Anna Julia Cooper in the foreword section of the Decennial Catalogue of the Frelinghuysen University. For Cooper, adult education for the African American working poor was a necessary "doctor and unfailing remedy" that would not only lift them from illiteracy and poverty but also prepare unlettered and continuing education adults for the "solid foundations of a more satisfactory and serviceable adjustment to the duties and responsibilities of life" (Cooper, "College Extension" 36; Decennial 8). From Cooper's perspective, college extension and adult education were not about providing "charity" to the "unprivileged classes," as she states, but rather these forms of continuing education played a crucial function as community-based uplift vehicles that would serve in the "universal betterment" of humanity and in overall societal transformation ("College Extension" 35). Cooper, who lived to be 105 years old, witnessed several critical periods in U. S. history--from the antebellum era to the civil fights movement of the 1960s. Driven by a deep commitment to helping her race, gender, and the economically marginalized through education, Cooper rose to head one of the most prestigious African American high schools in the nation's capital--the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth (later known as the "M" Street School and later renamed for Paul Laurence Dunbar), by 1902. Decades later, in 1930, Cooper served as second president of Frelinghuysen University, an independent school for working-class African Americans. By the time Cooper was in her mid-sixties, she had earned her Ph.D. from the Sorbonne in 1925, thereby making her the fourth black woman in this nation to receive a Ph.D. at that time. Heralded as an educator, feminist, social critic, and author, Cooper devoted her entire life to the education and empowerment of African American youth and adults through much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Her commitment and passionate belief in education as an instrument to social, economic and political empowerment was a driving force in her life. As a classroom teacher, high school principal, and a college extension president, Cooper implemented pioneering educational reforms that reflected her distinctive approach and philosophy regarding education for African Americans. Cooper's theory and praxis of education contested the prevailing discourse regarding how African Americans should be educated by offering alternative options for educating this disenfranchised group. Although there is burgeoning scholarship that discusses Cooper's social, literary, and feminist views, her adult education work and beliefs about the field have not been thoroughly examined. (1) Still, Cooper and many other African American women educators before and after her have been "the backbone of their community and nowhere have their contributions been more pronounced than in [every facet of] education" (Peterson 5). (2) Adult education has indeed played a key part in ameliorating the lives of African Americans in the U. S., and the activities of African American women adult educators such as Cooper are significant to the story of adult education and the black experience. Historical research reveals that African Americans have been involved in literacy and adult education work commencing with the antebellum era. (3) As adult educational scholars Leo McGee and Harvey Neufeldt explain, "From the time [the enslaved] were forced on the American scene ... their education has been at an absolute premium. When [the enslaved] first entered the new world they had to become educated for sheer survival and to carry out their labor assignments" (ix). …


Causal inference is essential for data-driven decision making across domains such as business engagement, medical treatment and policy making. However, research on causal discovery has evolved separately from inference methods, preventing straight-forward combination of methods from both fields. In this work, we develop Deep End-to-end Causal Inference (DECI), a single flow-based non-linear additive noise model that takes in observational data and can perform both causal discovery and inference, including conditional average treatment effect (CATE) estimation. We provide a theoretical guarantee that DECI can recover the ground truth causal graph under standard causal discovery assumptions. Motivated by application impact, we extend this model to heterogeneous, mixed-type data with missing values, allowing for both continuous and discrete treatment decisions. Our results show the competitive performance of DECI when compared to relevant baselines for both causal discovery and (C)ATE estimation in over a thousand experiments on both synthetic datasets and causal machine learning benchmarks across data-types and levels of missingness.


We describe a spectral approach to the investigation of fluid instability, generalized turbulence, and the interpenetration of fluids across an interface. The technique also applies to a single fluid with large variations in density. Departures of fluctuating velocity components from the local mean are far subsonic, but the mean Mach number can be large. Validity of the description is demonstrated by comparisons with experiments on turbulent mixing due to the late stages of Rayleigh-Taylor instability, when the dynamics become approximately self-similar in response to a constant body force. Generic forms for anisotropic spectral structure are described and used as a basis for deriving spectrally integrated moment equations that can be incorporated into computer codes for scientific and engineering analyses.


The imminent threat of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated that the search for novel antimicrobials be widened to lesser-explored environments. Marine and freshwater sponges have emerged as the most prolific source of such compounds over the last decade, representing the most widely sampled phyla in the hunt for novel biologics over the last 45 years. Most of the work however has focused on sponges from shallow waters, with the deep-sea sponge microbiome highlighted as a major source of untapped antimicrobial potential. Optimisation of bacterial recovery was carried out for two previously unstudied species of deep-sea Hexactinellid sponge species (Pheronema carpenteri and Rhabdodictyum delicatum recovered from the Rockall Trough, North Atlantic), using a variety of culture media, supplementation and environmental conditions. This optimisation was carried out in parallel with 16S rDNA metagenomic sequencing in order to determine community composition for both sponge species (IonTorrent, Life Technologies). All recovered isolates were assayed for antimicrobial activity, forming a panel of 'active' organisms. Two isolates (Ph16-28; A11) were selected for downstream purification and characterisation of the responsible antimicrobial agent via column chromatography. Isolate identities are currently being confirmed via draft whole-genome sequencing (MinION, Oxford Nanopore), and are suspected to be members of the Bacillus and Streptomyces genera. Current data provides a working axiom for the cultivation of deep-sea sponge microbes and suggests the deep-sea sponge microbiome to be a promising source for novel antimicrobials.


The aim of this retrospective study was to elucidate the role and rationale of reoperation for tumour recurrence in 47 consecutive patients operated on for gastric cancer. The overall operative mortality was 26%, morbidity 45%, mean and median survivals 14 +/- 25 and 5 months, respectively postoperative symptom free period 8 +/- 23 months, and cumulative 5-year survival 8 +/- 3%. Bypass procedures and resection carried the lowest mortality, 7% and 20%, respectively whereas the corresponding percentages after colostomy, exploratory laparotomy and jejunostomy were 33%, 40% and 50%. Resection yielded a significantly longer mean (41 +/- 44 mos) and median (82 mos) survival than other procedures. The postoperative symptom free period after resection (34 +/- 42 mos) was significantly longer than after exploratory laparotomy and bypass procedures, whereas the difference between resection and enterostomy was insignificant. After exploratory laparotomy, colo- and jejunostomy the median survivals were under 2 months. We conclude that only resection, when possible, favourably affects survival and emphasize the importance of regular endoscopic follow-up after operation for gastric cancer. Resection and bypass procedures are most suitable for long-lasting palliation at reoperation for gastric malignancy. Unnecessary laparotomies, if the diagnosis can be confirmed by other means, and useless jejunostomies should be avoided in patients with far-advanced metastatic disease and short life expectancy.


Background/Aims Degenerative spine disease, encompassing disc prolapse and stenosis, is a common ailment in old age. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the role of endoscopic spine surgery in elderly patients (above 70 years of age) with clinical and radiological follow-up. Methods In this study, a retrospective analysis was conducted of 53 patients with lumbar disc prolapse or spinal stenosis who were treated with percutaneous endoscopic discectomy or decompression from November 2015 to June 2017. Clinical follow-up was done at 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year, and at yearly intervals thereafter. The outcomes were assessed using the modified Macnab criteria, a visual analogue scale, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Results Of the 53 patients, 21 were men and 32 were women. Their mean age was 76±4 years. The mean follow-up period was 17 months. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy was performed in 24 patients and endoscopic decompression in 24 patients, while 5 patients underwent combined surgery. An excellent outcome in terms of the MacNab criteria was observed in 9 patients (16.98%), a good outcome in 38 patients (71.7%), and a poor outcome in 6 patients (11.3%). Of the 6 patients with a poor outcome, 5 (9.4%, 5 of 53) developed recurrent disc prolapse, and 1 developed hematoma with motor weakness. All 6 of these cases required revision surgery. Conclusion Managing degenerative spine disease in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities is a challenging task. Percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery is pivotal for addressing this concern. The authors have shown that optimal results can be achieved with various types of disc prolapse and stenosis with favorable long-term outcomes.


The paper presents a model of an embedded system to be implemented in FPGAs. Moreover, the architecture features of the FPGA are explored by the realization of a complex system to recognize characters and search words in a database. The mixing of signal processing and scalar processing in the same system require different architecture characteristics. The explored example shows that some minor adaptation on FPGAs could handle these complex system developments. The paper presents the main ideas behind this design approach, and comparison in terms of area and processing speeds of both solutions.


Purpose: To characterize basic performance of plastic scintillator detectors (PSD) array designed for dosimetry of radiation therapy. Methods: An in-house PSD array has been developed by placing single point PSD into customized 2D holder. Each point PSD is a plastic scintillating fiber-based detector designed for highly accurate measurement of small radiotherapy fields used in patient plan verification and machine commissioning and QA procedures. A parallel fiber without PSD is used for Cerenkov separation by subtracting from PSD readings. Cerenkov separation was confirmed by optical spectroscopy. Alternative Cerenkov separation approaches are also investigated. The optical signal was converted to electronic signal with a photodiode and then subsequently amplified. We measured its dosimetry performance, including percentage depth dose and output factor, and compared with reference ion chamber measurements. The PSD array is then placed along the radiation beam for multiple point dose measurement, representing subsets of PDD measurements, or perpendicular to the beam for profile measurements. Results: The dosimetry results of PSD point measurements agree well with reference ion chamber measurements. For percentage depth dose, the maximal differences between PSD and ion chamber results are 3.5% and 2.7% for 6MV and 15MV beams, respectively. For the output factors, PSD measurements are within 3% from ion chamber results. PDD and profile measurement with PSD array are also performed. Conclusions: The current design of multichannel PSD array is feasible for the dosimetry measurement in radiation therapy. Dose distribution along or perpendicular to the beam path could be measured. It might as well be used as range verification in proton therapy.A PS hollow fiber detector will be investigated to eliminate the Cerenkov radiation effect so that all 32 channels can be used.


Introduction: Granulicatella adiacens is a Gram-positive bacteria and a normal component of oral flora. It is also found in dental plaques, endodontic abscesses and can rarely cause more serious infections. Case presentation: We describe a prosthetic hip joint infection in an 81-year-old fit and healthy man due to Granulicatella adiacens who underwent a prolonged dental intervention two days earlier without antibiotic prophylaxis. The infection was successfully treated with surgical intervention and a combination of antibiotics. The patient eventually succumbed to severe community-acquired pneumonia two months later. Conclusion: Current guidelines recommend avoidance of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental treatment in patients who have no co-morbidities and no prior operation on the index prosthetic joint. This case report indicates that infections of prosthetic joints may be associated with dental procedures even in fit and healthy patients without the recognized risk factors.


Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency is one of a group of disorders (collectively called congenital adrenal hyperplasia) that affect the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and produce a variety of hormones that regulate many essential functions in the body. In people with CAH due to 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency, the adrenal glands produce excess androgens, which are male sex hormones.


Two genera of elasmobranchii, Centrophorus and Centroscymnus, include species that represent the highest landings of deep-water sharks caught by fishing fleets operating in the north-east Atlantic. There are morphology-based identification problems among and within genera, and landings of processed shark products further prevent an objective assessment of these species. The present study is the first attempt to test the suitability of using a DNA barcode approach to discriminate accurately among the four most important commercial deep-water shark species: Centrophorus squamosus, Centrophorus granulosus, Centroscymnus coelolepis and, recently discovered in Portuguese ports, Centroscymnus owstoni. Sequence analyses of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed low levels of haplotypic and genetic diversities. Higher levels of inter-specific relative to intra-specific divergences allowed discrimination among species, which form reciprocally monophyletic clades. Inclusion of published COI sequences from other species within the same genera revealed haplotype sharing among species, which calls into question the current taxonomy and accuracy of fisheries data available. Amplification of the COI gene coupled with MboI restriction digests was found to be a fast and inexpensive strategy to resolve within genera identification problems. Molecular barcoding constitutes a critical tool for the assessment and implementation of urgent management policies for this group of species.


Abstract Background. Reflux esophagitis (RE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE) are predisposing factors for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the solid tumor with the fastest rising incidence in the Western world. This RE–BE–EAC cascade involves multiple host factors and consequently multiple genes. Polymorphisms in the 3′ region of myosin IXB (Myo9B) are associated with chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, assuming that variation in Myo9B influences the intestinal permeability. Aim. To determine esophageal expression and the genetic variation of the Myo9B gene in the RE–BE–EAC cascade. Methods. DNA from 886 Caucasian participants (198 non-reflux controls, 305 RE, 254 BE, 129 EAC) was collected for the determination of the Myo9B gene polymorphism (rs2305764). Esophageal Myo9B expression was determined on biopsies from normal, RE, BE and EAC epithelium. Results. Genotype G/G was more common in BE (p = 0.032) and EAC (p = 0.046), but not in RE (p = 0.126) compared with the control group. Cytoplasmic Myo9B expression was determined in RE, BE and EAC, but most prominent in epithelial cells of BE and EAC. Conclusions. Genetic variation of Myo9B may play a role in the etiology of BE and EAC by increasing the permeability of the epithelial barrier.


This article focuses on the history of translations and the reasons for translating the Roman classics into Ukrainian in the late twentieth to early twenty-first centuries, as illustrated by the case of Horace. Translation practices, as well as the socio-cultural status and habitus of the translator-classicist, have been varied but have intersected in many respects throughout the twentieth century. This article highlights the major developments in the approach to translating Horace throughout the twentieth century. It mostly focuses on the attitudes and strategies of Mykola Zerov and Andrii Sodomora, who are among the key figures in the twentieth-century theory and practice of translation in Ukraine. The first major development comprises the critical debate regarding translation in the 1920s initiated by Mykola Khvyl'ovyi, whose position was supported by Zerov. The article discusses both the translation practice of Zerov and his reader-oriented theory of verse translation. The second crucial point consists of the revision by Sodomora, starting from the 1980s, of a paraphrasing strategy worked out by Zerov. In his retranslation strategy, applied to his earlier translations from Horace and substantiated in his literary essays, Sodomora exhibits a positive reconsideration of the role and importance of literalist precision in translating the Roman classics, as exemplified by Horace. Sodomora's evolving approach toward higher precision in translating the classics stems from a close reading of the authentic cultural contexts, structural poetics, philosophical messages, and hidden intertextuality of the source texts. Also, it resonates with Walter Benjamin's model of literalism, which in many respects appears useful when applied to post-Soviet literary conditions in Ukraine.


The authors describe a case of an adult patient having Gaucher's disease, who had hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. The diagnosis was established by the low level of leukocyte beta-glucosidase and by histology of bone marrow, liver and spleen. The patient had no bone pain, but MRI described characteristic lesions of the femur. Serum acid phosphatase was characteristically elevated. The hypersplenism was reduced after splenectomy. The patient has a daughter with central nervous system dysfunction. Her chromosome examination is normal, but she has lower leukocyte beta-glucosidase activity too. She may have a Gaucher's disease of type II, the acute neuropathic form.


In terms of the coherent state evolution in phase space, we present a quantum mechanical version of the classical Liouville theorem. The evolution of the coherent state from |z〉 to |sz − rz*〉 corresponds to the motion from a point z (q,p) to another point sz − rz* with |s|2 − |r|2 = 1. The evolution is governed by the so-called Fresnel operator U(s,r) that was recently proposed in quantum optics theory, which classically corresponds to the matrix optics law and the optical Fresnel transformation, and obeys group product rules. In other words, we can recapitulate the Liouville theorem in the context of quantum mechanics by virtue of coherent state evolution in phase space, which seems to be a combination of quantum statistics and quantum optics.


Narrators like to highlight important events in their stories. In some languages, they may shift to first- or second-person pronouns to refer to third-person referents in order to do so. Such pronoun shifts show functional parallels with tense shifts like the historical present, as both highlight events through shifts in deictic categories. Longacre (1983:138–39) discusses the parallels between person and tense shifts in his account of narrative peak, that is, the formal marking of important narrative events. Labov (1972) analyzes similar strategies as internal evaluations. Person shifts constitute a phenomenon of the discourse-syntax interface and present a clear case of discourse structure influencing grammar. Both person shifts themselves and their motivation in narrative structure have been little investigated. The article reviews person shifts in a number of languages reported in the literature and analyzes in detail the characteristics of this discourse strategy in Saliba-Logea, an Oceanic language of Papua New Guinea. The study contributes to the growing body of research on pronouns and person markers, and on referring expressions more generally, by adding a new angle of investigation. Previous studies have tended to focus on the morphosyntactic choices of referring expressions and their motivations, that is, on the choices between lexical nouns, free vs. bound pronouns, and so forth. The present study focuses on the paradigmatic choices between different person forms within one and the same morphosyntactic expression type. In doing so it offers a new perspective on pronoun choice and the factors influencing it crosslinguistically. While some types of person shift appear to be rare, overall, the strategy of person shift at narrative peak seems to constitute a solid crosslinguistic phenomenon.


Wrought Alloy 600 and weldments of Alloy 182 are being tested for initiation and propagation of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC). Crack initiation is tested on compact tension (CT) specimens with U-notches of various radii under enhanced crevice conditions, in a test loop in a Swedish BWR. After one year exposure there was initiation of IGSCC in a large portion of the Alloy 182 specimens, but nearly no initiation in Alloy 600. Crack propagation was measured in a laboratory loop on CT specimens under constant or cyclic load. Low carbon Alloy 600, or Alloy 182 high in titanium and niobium versus carbon, cracked at lower rates than material with high carbon activity. Materials with low concentrations of phosphorus and sulfur cracked slower than those high in these elements in clean environment, but no such effect was found in environment with sulfate. Alloy 182 weld metal generally cracked at higher rates than Alloy 600.


UNLABELLED
Interpretation of pulmonary function tests basically depends on prediction of normal values derived from equations using non-deformed body height. In many patients body height can not be accurately measured. The arm-span method has been used for estimating body height, but the normal relationship between body height and arm span is not exact and differs in various ethnic groups and even between two genders of the same race. In order to minimise the error of estimation of non-deformed body height, the normal relationship between body height and arm span was determined for 754 Persian males and 708 females aged 7 to 82 years, all having normal body stature. In accordance with earlier reports, two sets of spirometric parameters derived once from height, sex, age; and again from arm-span, sex, age were statistically different, and overestimated when the measured arm-span was used. The body-height/arm-span relationship is described using linear regression equations; in subgroups aging 20 years or less and those older than 20 in different genders. The results indicate significant sex and age differences in the arm-span/height ratio. Two sets of spirometric parameters predicted by real height, sex, age/and predicted height, sex, age were not statistically different for most of the parameters especially vital capacity.

IN CONCLUSION
height estimated from arm span, performs much better than arm span to predict pulmonary function parameters.


Skin temperature measurement is an easy and convenient method of temperature measurement, but there is no consensus about its agreement with core temperature. Objective of this study was to compare the skin temperature measurement with the nasopharyngeal temperature (NP) measurement in critically ill patients. It was a prospective comparative study. A total of 280 (140 skin temperature and 140 NP) temperature measurements were obtained from 35 adult ICU patients. The bias between the skin temperature and the NP was −0.68 C ± 0.38 SD (limits of agreements −0.07 C and −1.43 C). There was no significant relationship between the temperature gradient and different ranges of temperature (r = 0.12, r2 = 0.15, p = 0.08). But for patients, not receiving any vasoactive agents (r = −0.19, r2 = 0.035, p = 0.03), there was a weak negative relationship between the temperature gradient and the temperature of the patient and for patients getting vasoactive agents there was a positive correlation (r = 0.43, r2 = 0.19, p = 0.004). The results reflect that the skin temperature measurement is not an accepted mode due to its large bias and less precision, especially in patients receiving vasoactive drugs.


Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are known to help host plants survive drought stress; however, how DSEs enhance host plant drought resistance under water stress conditions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to inoculate Ormosia hosiei seedlings with a DSE strain (Acrocalymma vagum) to investigate the effects of DSE inoculation on root morphology, ultrastructure, and the endogenous hormone content under drought stress conditions and to elucidate the drought resistance mechanism involved in the DSE–host-plant association. The inoculated seedlings were grown under three different soil water conditions (well watered—75% field water capacity, moderate water—55% field water capacity, or low water—35% field water capacity) for 114 days. Fresh root weight, root volume, root surface area, root fork, and root tip number were significantly higher in inoculated seedlings than in noninoculated seedlings. Furthermore, the root architecture of the inoculated seedlings changed from herringbone branching to dichotomous branching. Mitochondria and other organelles in root cells of inoculated seedlings remained largely undamaged under water stress, whereas organelles in root cells of noninoculated seedlings were severely damaged. The abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and IAA/ABA ratio of inoculated seedlings were significantly higher than those of noninoculated seedlings, whereas the content of gibberellic acid (GA) and the ratios of GA/ABA, zeatin riboside (ZR)/ABA, and ZR/IAA in inoculated seedlings were lower than those of noninoculated seedlings. DSE inoculation could help plants adapt to a drought stress environment by altering root morphology, reducing ultrastructural damage, and influencing the balance of endogenous hormones, which could be of great significance for the cultivation and preservation of the O. hosiei tree.


Building large datasets annotated with semantic information, such as FrameNet, is an expensive process. Consequently, such resources are unavailable for many languages and specific domains. This problem can be alleviated by using unsupervised approaches to induce the frames evoked by a collection of documents. That is the objective of the second task of SemEval 2019, which comprises three subtasks: clustering of verbs that evoke the same frame and clustering of arguments into both frame-specific slots and semantic roles. We approach all the subtasks by applying a graph clustering algorithm on contextualized embedding representations of the verbs and arguments. Using such representations is appropriate in the context of this task, since they provide cues for word-sense disambiguation. Thus, they can be used to identify different frames evoked by the same words. Using this approach we were able to outperform all of the baselines reported for the task on the test set in terms of Purity F1, as well as in terms of BCubed F1 in most cases.


Dimethyldioxirane epoxidizes 4,5-benzoxepin to form the reactive 2,3-epoxyoxepin intermediate followed by very rapid ring-opening to an o-xylylene that immediately isomerizes to the stable product 1H-2-benzopyran-1-carboxaldehyde. The present study demonstrates that separate incubations of 4,5-benzoxepin with three cytochrome P450 isoforms (2E1, 1A2, and 3A4) as well as pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) also produce 1H-2-benzopyran-1-carboxaldehyde as the major product, likely via the 2,3-epoxyoxepin. The reaction of 4,5-benzoxepin with cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) yields a dimeric oxidized molecule that is also a lesser product of the P450 oxidation of 4,5-benzoxepin. The observation that P450 enzymes epoxidize 4,5-benzoxepin suggests that the 2,3-epoxidation of oxepin is a major pathway for the ring-opening metabolism of benzene to muconaldehyde.


A semiconductor laser module consists of a LD (laser diode) chip that generates a laser beam, two cylindrical lenses to collimate the laser beam, a high-reflection mirror to produce a large output by collecting the laser beam, a collimator lens to guide the laser beam to an optical fiber and a protection filter to block reflected laser light that might damage the LD chip. The cylindrical lenses used in a semiconductor laser module are defined as FACs (fast axis collimators) and SACs (slow axis collimators) and are attached to the system module to control the shape of the laser beam. The FAC lens and the SAC lens are made of a glass material to protect the lenses from thermal deformation. In addition, they have aspheric shapes to improve optical performances. This paper presents a mold core grinding process for an asymmetrical aspheric lens and a GMP (glass molding press), what can be used to make aspheric cylindrical lenses for use as FACs or SACs, and a protection filter made by using IAD (ion-beam-assisted deposition). Finally, we developed the aspheric cylindrical lenses and the protection filter for a 10-W semiconductor laser module.


This study examined the influence of adolescent psychiatric disorder on young adult recidivism and compared findings with earlier studies of juvenile recidivism. Logistic regression analysis examined subsequent adulthood recidivism (through age 23 years) by disorder profile, adjusting for prior offense severity and background variables, in 340 Alabama juveniles referred to juvenile justice agencies (probation and detention). y ouths with comorbid internalizing and disruptive behavior disorder had a sixfold increased risk for young adult recidivism compared with nondisordered counterparts. Comorbid internalizing disorder likely is a marker for the severity of a youth's disruptive behavior disorder; similarly, offending that continues into adulthood likely betokens a more serious course of offending behavior. The severity underlying disorder and offending behavior is probably the common link between them. To prevent reoffending into adulthood, the mental health needs of juvenile justice youths' internalizing and externalizing problems should be addressed.


Since the implementation and enforcement of the European Union Physical Agents Directive (Noise) the Acoustics Group has collaborated with the Royal Academy of Music. Over the past eight years more than 2500 students have had their hearing tested and all instrument groups have undergone dosimetry to establish typical sound dose over a working day. The paper will compare sound levels, working hours and audiometry health surveillance results for a selection of the students that demonstrate some unusual results. We know that these highly talented artists must be able to practice, rehearse, and perform safely. Our job as acousticians is to ensure that they are able to.


.-Ecological and phytochemical factors potentially affecting winter dietary discrimination by porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) in the mountain brush zone of Utah were studied. Porcupines utilized gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) as their primary winter food and roosting resource. Bigvtooth maple \Acer grandidentatum) was the most common tree species in the study area but was rarely utilized by porcupines. Conifer species were used as a food and roosting resource significantly less often than they occurred in the study area, despite thermal advantages provided by their rela tively dense canopies. Oak feed trees were successfully separated from conifer feed trees by discriminant analysis 1000/0 of the time. Oak trees were correctly classified as feed and nonfeed trees 71% of the time. Gambel oak contained higher amounts of crude protein, fiber, and tannins, but was lower in ether extract fractions and fatty acid content than conifers. A layer of adipose tissue used as an energy reseIVe by porcupines may have relaxed energy intake demands sufficiently to pennit them to concentrate on a diet of oak tissue, which is high in protein, rather than a high~fat conifer diet. A diet relatively high in protein may have facilitated digestion of food material high in fiber. Temperature did not affect selec tion of tree species used for roosting. Rock and snow caves were utilized infrequently and the study population ranged widely. Three of 15 study animals were eaten by predators.


: Effects of daily within three weeks intrastriatal microinjections (5 mcg) of beta-endorphine and inhibitor of enkephalin-degrading enzymes N-carboxymethyl-Phe-Leu were studied in rats. Inhibition of avoidance conditioning in a shuttle-box was observed in both experimental groups. Influence of enkephalinase inhibitor was the most effective. No changes in motor activity were observed. The findings suggest an involvement of the endorphine neostriatal system in avoidance conditioning and complex behavioural acts.


I was very honoured when asked by EJHP and the editor in chief to 'pioneer' the first themed issue in EJHP focusing on paediatrics, as this is a subject very close to my heart. Please allow me to give you a bit of background as to why and to persuade you to read this edition whether you're a paediatric pharmacist or not.

Monday, 1 September 1986 was the start of a 'new career' and, in a way, a 'new life' for me. That was the day that I took up a post as 'staff pharmacist' at a small Victorian children's hospital in the East Midlands area of England (sadly now demolished). Until that time I had been a 'resident' pharmacist at a busy general hospital, and after 3 years was frankly fed up of being bleeped in the middle of the night and getting out of my bed to supply drugs and sort out problems. My thoughts when I was told that I had been successful in getting the children's hospital job were "great, no more bleeps, no more living in the nurse's home (though that had been fun!) and … I don't really like kids but I'll do this job until something better comes along"!

In 1986 the pharmacy department was in the basement of the hospital; we could just see people's feet walking past the window high above us. It was freezing in winter and hot in summer (so hot one year that we had to hire portable air-conditioning units as I was concerned that the drugs would deteriorate in the heat). We saw the occasional rat, cockroach and a regular visiting tramp outside the back door (and once a rat in the waiting room—yuk!). It was a bit scary on dark winter evenings being down there alone when …

Correspondence to Dr Sharon Conroy, Department of Child Health, University of Nottingham, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; Sharon.Conroy{at}nottingham.ac.uk


This report provides an overview on the present knowledge on intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and their dynamics in the course of interventions with physical activity of variable type and intensity in different population groups, as accessible by examinations using non‐invasive volume‐selective 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). IMCL serve as energy source in skeletal muscle for fat oxidation in the mitochondria and became intensively studied after discovery of their relation with insulin sensitivity. While baseline levels of IMCL concentration have been shown to be mainly dependent on the metabolic status (insulin sensitivity), on the level of training and on fibre composition in the muscles, studies applying different physical activity protocols revealed the dynamic of their depletion and replenishment. From the findings in human studies, it can be concluded that IMCL levels are potentially useful markers for monitoring metabolic adaptation of skeletal muscle to sportive activities and training.


The resistance to traction of the dermo-epidermal junction and of the superficial vascular plexus is altered by oral photochemotherapy. The dermo-epidermal junction is weakened when the resistance of vascular walls increases. These modifications are related to the histological alterations occurring during photosclerosis induced by PUVA.


This paper presents results obtained in an experiment performed at the LULI 2000 laser facility where we measured saturated Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) in a supersonic gas jet of ethylene (C2H4). Our conditions correspond to the following parameters: kEPWλD = [0.2–0.3], Te = [0–1] keV and ne = [1.2–10] % of critical density at 526 nm. The laser was smoothed with a random phase plate and had a maximal average intensity of 1.2x1015 W/cm2 in the focal spot.


Although we may be at the end of Moore's law, lowering chip power consumption is still the primary driving force for the designers. To enable low-power operation, we propose a resonant energy recovery static random access memory (SRAM). We propose the first series resonance scheme to reduce the dynamic power consumption of the SRAM operation. Besides, we identified the requirement of supply boosting of the write buffers for proper resonant operation. We evaluated the resonant 144KB SRAM cache through SPICE and test chip using a commercial 28nm CMOS technology. The experimental results show that the resonant SRAM can save up to 30% dynamic power at 1GHz operating frequency compared to the state-of-the-art design.


Starting from the second equilibrium equation in the BBGKY hierarchy under the Kirkwood superposition closure, we implement a new method for studying the asymptotic decay of correlations in the hard disk fluid in the high density regime. From our analysis and complementary numerical studies, we find that exponentially damped oscillations can occur only up to a packing fraction η(∗)∼0.718, a value that is in substantial agreement with the packing fraction, η∼0.723, believed to characterize the transition from the ordered solid phase to a dense fluid phase, as inferred from Mak's Monte Carlo simulations [Phys. Rev. E 73, 065104 (2006)]. Next, we show that the same method of analysis predicts that the exponential damping of oscillations in the hard sphere fluid becomes impossible when λ=4nπσ(3)[1+H(1)]≥34.81, where H(1) is the contact value of the correlation function, n is the number density, and σ is the sphere diameter in exact agreement with the condition, λ≥34.8, which is first reported in a numerical study of the Kirkwood equation by Kirkwood et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 18, 1040 (1950)]. Finally, we show that our method confirms the absence of any structural transition in hard rods for the entire range of densities below close packing.


This work is based on the identification of the fifteen factors supporting the process of nationalization (pro-nationalization factors), as well as, other eleven factors against the nationalization of suppliers for an automotive assembler. To reach such results this research was conducted in two stages. At the first stage, a survey was performed among ten managers which raised these factors. At a second moment, the roll of factors was introduced to those same managers who were asked for sort them according their importance. Afterwards it was possible to obtain a general classification of the factors. Finally, analysis of correlation among factors was carried out reducing the final numbers of factors.


The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test may be useful for diagnosis of pregnancy in squirrel monkeys between 40 and 60 days in pregnancy. However, single determinations have an inherent 10% risk of false negative responses caused by low chorionic gonadotropin levels; thus, initial negative test responses should be followed within one week by an independent confirmatory test. Preliminary results with this hemagglutination inhibition test compare favorably with bioassay and may be useful, in conjunction with conventional uterine palpation, for diagnosis of pregnancy in squirrel monkeys.


In this paper, a physically interactive control scheme is developed for a manipulator robot arm. The human touches the robot and applies force in order to make it behave as he/she likes. The communication between the robot and the human is maintained by a physical contact with no sensors. The intent of the human is estimated by observing the change in control effort. The robot receives the estimated human intent and updates its position reference accordingly. The developed method uses the principle of conservation of zero momentum for position-controlled systems. A switching scheme is developed that goes between the modes of pure impedance control with a fixed-position reference and interactive control under human intent. The switching mechanism uses neither a physical switch nor a sensor; it observes the human intent and puts the robot into interactive mode, if there is any. When the human intent disappears, the robot goes into the pure-impedance-control mode, thus stabilizing in the left position.


This paper presents the symbol error rate (SER) performance of a capacity-aware adaptive MIMO beamforming scheme, which seeks iteratively, the optimum beamforming weights that enhance the capacity of OFDM-SDMA systems. We derive closed-form expressions for the SER performance of OFDM-SDMA systems, with MIMO-MRC and the proposed capacity-aware MIMO beamforming scheme. It is shown that the capacity-aware MIMO beamforming scheme enhances the SER performance of OFDM-SDMA systems, and outperforms conventional beamforming schemes such as the MIMO-MRC system.


In a study of the aetiopathogenesis of primary hyperlipoproteinaemias, which has not yet been elucidated, we paid attention to the heparin-activated lipolytic enzymes. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and postheparin esterase (PHE) activity was determined in 35 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) type IV (average age 50 years), 28 with type V (average age 48 years) and 2 with type III (57 and 62 years). Since PHE activity is correlated to sex and in women also to age, these factors had to be taken into account. The average activity values for the given enzymes in the patients group did not differ from the results in the control group. From these enzymes activities we tried to analyse the findings in individual cases in which the values were lower or higher than the control group range. The low PHE activity in some patients with type IV and V was evidently secondary and due to hepatobiliary disorder (most frequently liver steatosis). The simultaneous elevation of LPL and PHE activity in type IV and V patients with a high serum lipoprotein concentration shows that the response of patients with extreme HLP to heparin is more pronounced. The low PHE activity in type III (tested in only 2 patients) could possibly indicate the liver disorder on which this metabolic disease may be based.


Falls in the elderly are common and often serious. Older adults often take numerous medications for multiple chronic conditions, so they have an increased risk for drugs that potentially cause falls. We studied the association between psychotropic drugs and falls in residential care people in order to identify medications that may increase the falls risk. A prospective case control study was performed in the nursing home of Local Health Care. We assessed the incidence of patient falls during admission in nursing home in 2007 and 2008. We compared psychotropic medications (antipsychotic drugs N05B, anxiolytics N05B, antidepressants NO6A, anticholinesterases NO6D) taken by all patients who fell (140 cases) with those taken by patients who did not fall (140 controls), paired with an allocation ratio of 1:1 for the same age (quinquennial classes), sex, time of admission to nursing home. The probability of falls increased when the patients used antipsychotic drugs (OR 1.91; 95% CI 0.47, 0.19; p = 0.0114) and when the number of psychotropic drugs is equal to or greater than 2 the risk of falling increases more. (OR 2.3; 95% CI 0.56, 0.18;p = 0.0036). This work reinforces the importance of routine medication reviews, especially in elderly exposed to psychotropic polypharmacy regimens that include antipsychotic drugs.


The 10-hole third-tube plate ("10-Loch-Drittelrohr-platte") is suitable for replacing central and isolated lateral parts of the mandible up to the six-year molar without exarticulation. It is not suitable for posterior defects, since sufficient fixation at the ascending ramus is not possible. The Tübingen resection plate, however, can be used for central parts and isolated as well as total lateral sections without exarticulation. As the holes in the plate correspond to the spherical sliding principle of the AO system, axial pressure screwing in osteoplastic replacement of the mandible is possible.


BACKGROUND
Cystatin C (cysC) is said to be an ideal marker for glomerular filtration rate (GFR), independent of external factors such as age, nutrition and inflammation. The authors compared the accuracy and precision of cysC-based and creatinine (Cr)-based GFR estimates using Cr51-EDTA GFR method as a reference.

METHODS
Serum concentrations of cysC and Cr were measured in adults over 17 yr (n=170) and children below 17 yr (n=79) who had had GFR estimated by Cr51-EDTA method. CysC-based GFR was estimated by the formula of Thierry [CysC-based GFR estimates (mL/min/1.73 m2)=78 x (1/cysC, in mg/L)+4] and Cr-based GFR by the formula of modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD II, Cr-based GFR estimates (mL/min/1.73 m2)=186 x (Scr)(-1.154) x (Age)(-0.203) x 0.742 (for a female patient) x 1.212 (for a black patient).

RESULTS
In comparison with Cr51-EDTA GFR, in children below 17 yr, the bias +/- standard deviation (SD) of cysC-based and Cr-based GFR estimates were 7.5 +/- 6.1 and 106.5 +/- 98.2, respectively, in the range of below 90 of Cr51-EDTA GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2), and 33.7 +/- 33.0 and 174.4 +/- 18.8 in the range of over 90. In adults over 17 yr, the respective figures were 13.1 +/- 11.0 and 17.4 +/- 29.8 in below 90, and 21.2 +/- 20.1 and 83.6 +/- 108.8 in over 90 of Cr51-EDTA GFR.

CONCLUSIONS
CysC-based GFR estimates show acceptable ranges of biases over the whole age and GFR ranges. CysC-based GFR estimates is considered to be the marker for GFR, which could be used without limitation of age and GFR ranges.


The year 1945 brought a radical change in the German history. The total defeat landed the Reich in difficulty. On the territory of the German Reich four entities have been established which could only get in touch with each other if the Allied Powers allowed them. The Allies took over the supreme power after Germany's unconditional surrender. The old-new German political parties had to face the state building under hard circumstances such as the lack of sovereignty. The postwar chaos could be overcome in four years, therefore two new states have been rebuilt on the territory of the 'Third Reich'. This study is restricted to present the birth of West Germany also known as Federal Republic of Germany from 1948 when the Western Powers officially announced the establishment of a federal state in the West German area.


Aiming to identify any errors in the same phase where they were introduced, rigorous verification is needed at the end of every phase of the software development process. Escaped faults involve higher costs, longer delivery time and even poorer public image. Phase Containment Effectiveness (PCE) is a flexible metric providing the ability of improving this essential development process. We here proposed two different applications of PCE in automotive industry: one for development phases and the other for test phases. Wishing to assure a better consistency between PCE for Development and PCE for Testing, the paper proposes a different approach based on the identification and consideration of only the defects discovered by testing which are directly related with at least one of the development phases. The acquired advantages are demonstrated by a detailed example of real application.


In many applications it is important to optimize the power conversion efficiency of semiconductor lasers and laser arrays. A method for calculating this efficiency which takes into account temperature effects is described, and some calculated results are presented and discussed. It is found that under certain conditions, a small increase in the thermal resistance of the device can result in a large reduction of its efficiency. Temperature effects are important in high-power semiconductor lasers, and in particular in laser arrays, where low thermal resistance heat sinking may be crucial to the device operation.


In this paper, I would like to present the scope, short history and the future plans of the SCOAP3 Programme (Sponsoring Consortium for Open Access Publishing in Particle Physics). It has been founded to create a new way for sponsoring the publication of the core journals in the field of High Energy Physics (HEP). The CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) has gathered research insitutions and libraries together to form a consortium for this purpose. These institutions - which today purchase journal subscriptions for these titles – are tending to grant the funds for the publishing. Also the current publishers are involved – according to their calculations, the budget has been estimated, which is sensibly lower than the global costs of subscriptions to HEP journals.


This report describes the clinical application of an ultrasonic aspirator for endoscopic neurosurgery. Eight patients with intraventricular hematoma with complete tamponade of the ventricular system and marked hydrocephalus were treated with the ultrasonic aspirator for endoscopic neurosurgery. Clinical evaluation and neuroimaging studies were obtained for one month. Removal of hematoma was confirmed on follow-up imaging. The ultrasonic aspirator is operated by electrostriction transducer on low generating power (15-30 watts). Its tube has an outer diameter of 1.8 mm. This aspirator is designed to fragment and aspirate the cattle-liver. On observing the adjacent neural and vascular structures with the neuroendoscope, the massive hematoma within the ventricles is removed with the use of this aspirator. Subtotal removal (> 90% of hematoma volume) was achieved in all patients. All patients tolerated the procedure well. However, postoperative re-rupture occurred in two patients prior to aneurysm clipping following an immediate interval. Three patients with hypertension, two patients with head trauma, and one patient after aneurysm clipping were discharged home within one month after treatment. Preliminary experience with this aspirator has demonstrated its feasibility and safety. Clinical application of this technique is expected in other fields of neurosurgery.


The idea of leveraging Software Defined Networking (SDN) in vehicular networks has drawn a lot of attention in the last years. SDN flexibility and programmability brought promising solutions for VANET challenges, namely Quality of Services (QoS) and scalability which are the main characteristics of Internet of Vehicles (IoV). Such networks are characterized by fast topological changes due to their variable dynamicity and density. In fact, SDN decouples control plane and data plane, providing programmability to configure the network. However, based on a single controller, SDN is criticized for not supporting scalability and for decreasing the overall network Quality of service. Using multiple controllers becomes the tendency of recent works to meet the need of large networks. Throughout this paper, we survey the proposed SDN-based architectures for vehicular networks. Considering the control plane impact, centralized or distributed, the QoS improvements brought by theses architectures are studied and criticized in order to derive the suitability of each proposal to resolve the IoV challenges and meet its requirements for the various applications.


This paper proposes a new method to improve the available battery capacity in electric vehicles by connecting lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion battery in parallel to supply power. In addition, this method combines the discharge characteristics of batteries to improve their efficiency and lower their cost for electric vehicles. A lithium-ion battery set is used to connect with N sets of lead-acid batteries in parallel. The lead-acid battery supplies the initial power. When the lead-acid battery is discharged by the load current until its output voltage drops to the cut-off voltage, the power management unit controls the lead-acid battery and changes it to discharge continuously with a small current. This discharge can be achieved by connecting the lead-acid battery to a lithium-ion battery in parallel to supply the load power or to discharge its current to another lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Experimental results demonstrates that the available capacity can be improved by up to 30% of the rated capacity of the lead-acid batteries.


Design criteria for riprap at bridge piers in rivers is based on the specification of a size, gradation, and cover that does not fail under an appropriately chosen flood flow. Experimental tests of riprap performance at bridge piers to date have relied on a configuration for which the ambient bed is not mobilized, that is, clear-water conditions. In the field, however, riprap is, as a rule, subjected to mobile-bed conditions during floods. Recent experiments by three cooperating research groups (University of Auckland, Nanyang University, and St. Anthony Falls Laboratory) indicate a heretofore unrecognized mechanism for riprap failure under mobile-bed conditions. When the flow is in the dune regime, the passage of successive dunes causes riprap that is never directly entrained by the flow to sink and disperse. Pier scour is realized as a consequence of these processes. In some cases, the depth of scour realized is not significantly less than that which would occur without riprap. When the riprap is fully underlain by a geotextile, edge effects can cause local removal of riprap, upturning of the geotextile, and general failure. When the riprap is underlain by a partial geotextile (i.e., one that covers an area less than the riprap), edge scour causes local sinking that anchors the geotextile. The sinking and dispersion of the rest of the riprap are greatly limited, and the riprap fails only when flow velocities are sufficient for direct entrainment. The experiments suggest improved design criteria for the installation of riprap in the field.


Here, we managed to reconstruct a three-dimensional color video of a point-cloud object using a projection-type holographic display with a holographic optical element as an optical screen. The holographic optical element has the function of an off-axis concave mirror and has been created by the wavefront printer digitally. We defined and implemented an algorithm to reconstruct a three-dimensional image at a chosen position considering the specification of the holographic optical element designed digitally. We successfully demonstrated a reconstruction of the color video in question, composed of three-dimensional images through the holographic optical element.


This paper describes the development of a novel thin film deposition technology, which we call biased target ion beam deposition (BTIBD). BTIBD employs a low energy ion source (<30 eV) directed at a negatively biased target. Because typical ion energies are below the sputter threshold of vacuum construction materials, only those ions arriving at the target acquire sufficient energy to cause sputtering. A second low-energy ion source can be directed at the substrate to provide low energy (<15 eV) bombardment of the growing film. BTIBD is well suited to demanding applications requiring atomically engineered thin films and interfaces because it offers a large range of process pressures, control of adatom energies, and excellent uniformity and repeatability. This paper describes a multi-target, prototype (BTIBT) system, the associated ion sources, and process results on thin Cu films and spin valve structures.


Decompression sickness (DCS) is a systemic disorder, assumed due to gas bubbles, but additional factors are likely to play a role. Circulating microparticles (MPs)--vesicular structures with diameters of 0.1-1.0 μm--have been implicated, but data in human divers have been lacking. We hypothesized that the number of blood-borne, Annexin V-positive MPs and neutrophil activation, assessed as surface MPO staining, would differ between self-contained underwater breathing-apparatus divers suffering from DCS vs. asymptomatic divers. Blood was analyzed from 280 divers who had been exposed to maximum depths from 7 to 105 meters; 185 were control/asymptomatic divers, and 90 were diagnosed with DCS. Elevations of MPs and neutrophil activation occurred in all divers but normalized within 24 h in those who were asymptomatic. MPs, bearing the following proteins: CD66b, CD41, CD31, CD142, CD235, and von Willebrand factor, were between 2.4- and 11.7-fold higher in blood from divers with DCS vs. asymptomatic divers, matched for time of sample acquisition, maximum diving depth, and breathing gas. Multiple logistic regression analysis documented significant associations (P < 0.001) between DCS and MPs and for neutrophil MPO staining. Effect estimates were not altered by gender, body mass index, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or emergency oxygen treatment and were modestly influenced by divers' age, choice of breathing gas during diving, maximum diving depth, and whether repetitive diving had been performed. There were no significant associations between DCS and number of MPs without surface proteins listed above. We conclude that MP production and neutrophil activation exhibit strong associations with DCS.


Data show that Central Java ranks 6th for the number of people with disabilities in Indonesia. The Indonesian union for the blind (PERTUNI) community in Semarang reported having 105 people as its members. One of the problems that occur amongst people in PERTUNI is sexual harassment, which results in a negative impact on both their physical and psychological health. This study aimed to identify sexual harassment experiences among visually impaired (blind) adults working as masseurs in the PERTUNI community, Semarang.  This research was a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The participants were six blind people selected using a purposive sampling technique. The results showed six themes, i.e., helplessness, the fulfillment of daily needs, harassment, the potential for abuse, disruption= of psychological health and avoiding immoral acts. This study concluded that most blind people working as masseurs had experienced sexual harassment in various forms. It is recommended that PERTUNI provides sexual health education as a preventive action to sexual harassment.


5483 Resistance to cell death exhibited by growing tumor cells constitutes an important clinical problem. Ongoing work from our laboratory has shown the importance of the death receptor-mediated effector pathway for tumor cytolysis in vivo. Furthermore, we found that a proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (also known as Velcade, PS-341) significantly increased the sensitivity of various mouse tumor cells to death receptor-mediated apoptosis in vitro . Molecular mechanisms of bortezomib sensitization of tumor cells to apoptosis included an increase in the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand death receptor (DR5) and enhanced activation of caspase-8 and 3. A decrease in the cellular Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (cFLIP) and other downstream cellular inhibitors of apoptosis cIAP-1 and XIAP was also observed. No apparent changes were observed in Bcl-2 family proteins following bortezomib sensitization of these mouse tumor cells. In addition, there was no sensitization of tumor cells to apoptosis by the specific inhibitors of NFκB, helenalin and SN-50, implying that bortezomib sensitizes tumor cells to apoptosis in an NFκB-independent manner. In order to determine the therapeutic role of death-receptor mediated death in vivo, we designed a combination therapy regimen of bortezomib and agonist DR5 monoclonal antibody MD5-1 in renal (Renca) and mammary (4T1) carcinomas. Growth of various mouse tumors following multiple cycles of combination therapy of Bortezomib plus MD5.1 was evaluated. Interestingly, the combination therapy regimen significantly decreased the formation of lung metastases of Renca and mammary 4T1.2 carcinomas following intravenous injection and extended the survival of mice. A significant but less remarkable therapeutic effect was also observed following intraperitoneal injection of tumors. The results show a positive anti-tumor therapeutic benefit in vivo on combining bortezomib and DR5 mAb. The implications of utilizing molecular targeting to both destroy tumor cells and potentially promote subsequent anti-tumor immune responses will be discussed. Funded in part by DHHS #NO1-CO-12400


A Sr2Nb3O10 (SNO) nanosheet was deposited on a Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si (Pt–Si) substrate using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. An SNO monolayer was used as the seed layer for the growth of a crystalline 0.97(Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.91Sb0.09)O3–0.03CaZrO3 (NKNS–CZ) thin film at a low temperature of 400 °C. The NKNS–CZ thin film grew along the [001] direction, and it had a dense microstructure with an average grain size of 75 nm. The dielectric constant of the film was 250, with a low dielectric loss of 3.5% at 100 kHz. The leakage current density of the Pt/NKNS–CZ top-electrode interface was approximately 1.3 × 10−6 A/cm2 at 0.05 MV/cm. Additionally, a slightly increased leakage density (8.1 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 0.05 MV/cm) was observed at the NKNS–CZ/SNO/Pt–Si bottom-electrode interface. Hence, the film exhibited relatively good insulating properties. The d33 and d33 × g33 values of the thin film were approximately 270 pm/V and 32.9 pm2/N, respectively. These are the largest d33 and d33 × g33 values reported until now. Therefore, the NKNS–CZ thin film shows excellent piezoelectric properties, and it can be used for fabricating thin-film piezoelectric energy harvesters.


Nowadays the multilevel inverters are widely used in power electronic applications. The multilevel inverters are recommended for medium and high voltage applications. Multilevel inverters have become more popular due to reduced switching losses, low costs, low harmonic distortion and high voltage capability when compared to traditional PWM inverters. This paper deals with hybrid multilevel converter which is synthesize of neutral point clamped and cascaded multilevel inverter. The hybrid multilevel converter is proposed for medium voltage large power ratings. The proposed converter consisting of voltage source inverter connected with half bridge modules at each phase. With the proposed connection large portion of energy can be preceded by the VSI by connecting single multi pulse rectifier. The smaller power shares processed within the half bridge modules. The modulation scheme for hybrid multilevel inverter is naturally achieved by using logic circuit. The modulation scheme for four-level version is analyzed in detail for higher modulation (HM), three level version is analyzed for lower modulation (LM). This modulation scheme allows unidirectional power flow in all DC sources. For unidirectional application, the diode bridges are employed at rectification input side. The modulation schemes of sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM), space vector PWM (SVPWM) are analyzed by using MATLAB/SIMLINK. The comparison of THD's for SPWM and SVPWM modulation techniques done by using MATLAB/SIMLINK. Keywords: Hybrid Converters, Multilevel Converters, PWM Modulation, Three Phase Inverters.


An intra-operative splash is a common occurrence in elective knee and hip replacement surgery and can potentially transmit bloodborne diseases, with devastating consequences. This study aimed to quantify the risk of a splash and to assess its correlation with body mass index, duration of surgery and the volume of lavage fluid used. Between December 2007 and April 2008, 62 consecutive patients (38 women, 24 men) undergoing an elective total knee or total hip replacement (TKR, THR) were recruited into the study (32 TKRs and 30 THRs) after appropriate consent. A splash occurred in all 62 cases. A THR had a slightly higher risk of a splash than a TKR, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). The correlation between body mass index, duration of surgery and the amount of pulse lavage used with a splash was r = 0.013, (non-significant), r = 0.52, (significant) and r = 0.92 (highly significant), respectively. A high number of splashes are generated during a TKR and a THR. The simple visor mask fails to protect the surgeon, the assistant or the patient from the risk of a splash and reverse splash, respectively.


Enhancement of hardness and corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys persist as an important challenge in order to increase the lifetime of industrial parts and accessories. This improvement of surface properties must be accomplished by low cost and minimum environmental impact processes. On these considerations, in the present work DC pulsed plasma nitriding at rough vacuum (1.9 torr) was carried out on 6061 aluminum alloy using different N2/Ar mixtures (100/0, 50/50 and 75/50) to sustain the DC glow discharge. Influence of gas mixture on surface morphology, hardness, phases composition and corrosion performance was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy, Vickers micro indentation, X-ray diffraction and potentiodynamic polarization curves (3.5% NaCl), respectively. For the better evaluated case (50N2/50Ar mixture), results show the increase in surface hardness from 113 to 148 HV0.025, and the decrease in the corrosion current value to an a half respect untreated sample. The increasing in hardness and corrosion performance of evaluated aluminum alloy was attributed to the chemical surface modification by formation of a thin layer constituted by cubic and hexagonal aluminum nitrides. Keywords— Aluminum 6061, corrosion resistance, hardness, plasma nitriding.


Our hydrogeologic model tests the effectiveness of brine reflux as the mechanism for early dolomitization of the Permian San Andres Formation. Brine circulation is constrained by sequence-stratigraphic parameters and a heterogeneous distribution of petrophysical properties based on outcrop data. The model simulates accumulation of the San Andres platform and calculates fluid flow and solute transport in response to relative sea level fluctuations. It tracks porosity loss caused by compaction and the concomitant permeability feedback. The amount of dolomite potentially formed is calculated by means of a magnesium mass balance between brine and rock. Results show that (1) brine reflux is an effective mechanism to deliver magnesium to dolomitize large carbonate successions; (2) relative sea level–controlled transient boundary conditions result in intricate flow and salinity patterns that can generate irregular dolomite bodies with complex spatial distributions; (3) pervasive dolomitization can result from several short-lived reflux events by the amalgamation of brine plumes sourced in different locations and times; and (4) the model successfully recreates the dolostone and limestone patterns observed in San Andres outcrops.


: It was shown that alpha 2-macroglobulin (50 mg/kg, 30 min before revascularization of previously ischemized extremities) significantly inhibits the blood serum proteolytic activity and exerts similarly to contrykal (10,000 U/kg) the correcting effect on the level of arterial blood pressure and parameters of the blood flow in the kidneys, intestine and previously ischemized extremities.


Jack and his older foster siblings Ava and Matt are bound together by their shared orphan status and their unusual intelligence. However, when Ava and Matt begin working for a renowned scientist, Jack is relegated to gofer status. At least he gets to tag along with them to Antarctica, and it is there that Jack's particular skills get a chance to shine, since he's got plenty of his own creativity, cleverness, and smarts. As the first volume in an anticipated series, there's a lot of set up; careful introductions of the three siblings here will hopefully allow future entries to dive in quicker to the action. The story offers a sturdy amount of real danger, as the weather conditions alone can be quickly fatal, but there's never a sense of potentially fatal peril. Bill Nye's name will likely cue readers that there will be a lot of science in this novel, and indeed there is, but it's presented in an accessible, engaging way and it's always carefully woven into the nifty gadgets, zippy action, and well-written story. The scientists are diverse, the educational and entertainment values are high, and there's even good end matter (a fact vs. fiction section on what was real in the novel, cool information about Antarctica, and a science experiment), making this a promising series start. AS


ed from a soil or communicated to it by any given mode of culture. Corn, as is well known, exhausts a soil more than any other species of vegetable ; but this depends not only on the action of the roots of the plant, but because every portion of it is taken away, which, it left to decay on the ground, would have restored to the earth some of the nitrogen extracted during vegetation; besides, corn is not cut until the grain is ripe, and the grain of every species of corn contains a certain proportion of azotised matter. The effects just noticed are not produced by plants, the leaves of which present an extensive surface, absorb all the nitrogen contained in the air, and economise the nutritious elements of the soil. Upon this principle we can explain the excellent results obtained by the extensive cultivation of clover, lucern, &c. Finally, the cultivation of potatoes, which generally precede a corn crop, is attended with many advantages arising from the mode in which the land is worked; while the leaves and useless weeds which remain on the ground are, in practice, considered as equivalent to a quarter part of manure. EFFECT OF TARTAR EMETIC ON THE


A BSTRACT . Temperature is assumed to be the principal regulatory signal that determines the end of dormancy and resumption of growth. Indirect evidence that stem temperature interferes with phenology comes from the common orchard practice of painting stems to protect them from disease. This work studies the effects of application of white paint to the stems of persian walnut ( Juglans regia ) trees on winter stem temperature, carbohydrate content, and spring phenology. Painting bark resulted in the delay of budbreak by several days, higher nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in the bark and wood of painted extension shoots and changes in the spatial gradients of NSC during budbreak. The demands of maintenance respiration exceeded mobilization from local carbon pools during bud development suggesting a potential role of carbohydrate transport during spring budbreak in persian walnut. Painting provides an exciting perspective for mitigating effects of milder winter in orchards. The effect of reducing diurnal and spatial temperature variability limits early budbreak, NSC depletion associated with intense maintenance respiration, freeze–thaw cycles and frost dehardening.


This paper proposes a method in which sensor fusion techniques coupled with image warping algorithms are used to interpret the signals from two infrared (IR) sensors to relate measures of distance and orientation relative to an obstacle. Development of the algorithm involves modelling of the sensor responses using a set of polynomials. The models are used to develop a 'contour' model which yields a closed-form expression for warping of the sensor levels into a distance-angle plane. The bounds of operation of the algorithm are dictated by the accuracy of the modelling process.


Rubus coreanus and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge have been used as a traditional medicine with various pharmacological properties for a long time in Asia. We investigated the proliferative and differentiative effects on osteoblastic cells, MG-63 in various mixture ratios of immature fructus extracts of R. coreanus and root extracts of A. membranaceus. With preliminary in vivo ovariectomized mice, we confirmed the effects of the supplementation of various mixture on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in serum. The ratio of 7:3 is considered as the most effective ratio for the proliferation of osteoblastic cells as they increased by 56.8% similar to estradiol. ALP activity in osteoblast increased by the combination of R. coreanus and A. membranaceus and peaked in the ratio of 72:28 and 68:32 respectively. These results indicate that the optimal combination of R. coreanus and A. membranaceus in 7:3 has the most beneficial effects on the activation of osteoblast cells, and give further possibilities that it can be used clinically in the treatment of osteoporosis.


Intumescent fire coating is widely used in world industry for protecting steel from high temperature. However due to its strength deficiency its performance is poor. Due to that, a study of fibre reinforced intumescent fire coating has been conducted recently. The project purpose of this study is to examine the effects of fiber reinforcement on the intumescent fire retarding coating to explore the mechanical and chemical properties in order to increase the fire performance of the intumescent fire retardant coating. The study will focus on the glasswool and rock wool fibre as fibre reinforced for intumescent fire coating. Previously, various research regarding intumescent fire coating using single fibre to enhance the fire performance. The study will investigate the fire resistance of the coating using hybrid fibre as well as various composition of fibre and fibre length. In this project, a few samples of different formulations were be created and tested. The properties and performance of coatings were based on the char develop by the coatings in the furnace test and Bunsen burner test. The chars' residual weight were analyzed using Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). It was found that intumescent coating with single and short fibre glass wool has the expansion of 3.48 mm, the highest among others in furnace test. Besides that, intumescent coating with single fibre Rockwool recorded the lowest temperature in Bunsen burner test which is 79°C. In Thermo Gravimetric Analysis, intumescent coating with single fibre Rockwool has the highest residual weight at maximum temperature which is 78 weight percent at 790°C. It is found that the fire performance of intumescent fire can be improved with fibre that has high insulation. For intumescent coating with hybrid fibre content, the sample that higher composition of Rockwool has better performance than other samples. Finally, single fibre Rockwool shows a better fire performance than hybrid fibre which consist of glass wool and Rockwool.


PURPOSE
To describe oncology nurses' perceptions of the meaning of their work using particularly relevant anecdotes.

DESIGN
Multi-institutional, descriptive, qualitative.

SETTING
Six sites in different regions of the United States; rural and urban cancer and noncancer centers.

SAMPLE
38 oncology nurses (mean age = 35 years; average time in nursing = 10 years and in oncology = 7 years; 47% bachelor's degrees in nursing, 29% diploma, 13% associate degree in nursing, and 11% master's prepared).

METHODS
Phenomenological; content analysis of interviews.

FINDINGS
Nurses described three roles, each characterized by a set of activities: (a) maintaining the values of the healthcare establishment as characterized by monitoring, acting on patients' behalf, protecting patients, and bringing patients into line, (b) participating in patients' experiences as characterized by "being there" for patients, being with dying patients, and, in a sense, becoming part of patients' families, and (c) reconciling healthcare values and the experiences of patients as characterized by teaching and telling the truth.

CONCLUSIONS
Nurses not only demonstrated self-confidence, courage, emotional strength, and a desire to be empathetic but also displayed an unexamined belief that they understood their patients' experiences, were isolated in their work, and experienced difficulty dealing with suffering.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Future research should establish whether nurses' understanding of their patients' experiences correlates with patients' accounts of those experiences and whether nurses' sense of isolation is indicative of a pattern of inadequate supportive resources.