A hypothesis was proposed based on cellulase synergism and multiple variable statistics that the experimental value of N strains out of total fusants from the same cell fusion pool, Aspergillus niger x Trichoderma reesei, could be a sample for the definite fusion cross due to the independence and random of DNA recombination. It could be reduced if fusion recombination happened by analyzing the sample with the provided computer program selected 40 strains of about 2000 fusants of A. niger x T. reesei were analyzed under this procedure as an example and was showed that was effective method on guiding cellulase breeding.


Subsurface-derived secondary oomoldic porosity is an important factor in reservoir development in the south Texas Smackover Formation. Much of the section penetrated is impermeable; however, reservoirs as thick as 33 ft (10 m), with porosity ranging from 4 to 26% and permeabilities ranging from 0.1 to 6.5 md, have been cored at depths below 18,000 ft (9,486 m). In the grainstone facies, four general stages of diagenesis affected porosity: Stage 1 (marine-phreatic environment), precipitation of an isopachous carbonate cement and extensive grain micritization; Stage 2 (shallow-meteoric environment), precipitation of very coarse-crystalline syntaxial calcite and fine-crystalline equant calcite, dissolution of aragonitic skeletal grains, and incipient solution-compaction; Stage 3 (regional fluid-mixing environment), intrapore precipitation of and grain/matrix replacement by fine to medium-crystalline rhombic dolomite; and Stage 4 (subsurface environment associated with basinal fluid expulsion), dissolution of ooids and dolomite resulting from decarboxylation of kerogen, microstylolitization by solution compaction, and precipitation of coarse-cry talline calcite and baroque dolomite. The magnitude of each general diagenetic stage varies regionally. Oomoldic porosity is present only in the updip, highly dolomitized grainstone facies. The dolomite formed a chemically rigid matrix that allowed the calcite ooids to be dissolved without solution compaction between grains. In the downdip, poorly dolomitized facies there was no chemically rigid framework, and dissolution proceeded by solution compaction resulting in loss of End_Page 596------------------------------ porosity. Exploration in the deep south Texas Smackover Formation cannot depend upon finding reservoirs consisting of preserved, early types of porosity, but must depend upon defining areas where late subsurface-derived oomoldic porosity formed reservoirs. End_of_Article - Last_Page 597------------


The aim of this paper is to contribute to the determination of the potentialities of dielectric dome antennas for shaped beam applications at millimetre waves. To this end, the shapes of the dielectric interfaces of the dome are optimized so that its far-field radiation patterns comply with desired specifications. Our synthesis methodology combines a binary Genetic Algorithm (GA) and an asymptotic method of analysis based on the Geometrical Optics / Physical Optics (GO/PO) technique. This CAD tools allows modelling multi-shell / multi-material dielectric dome antennas of arbitrary shapes. Its main capabilities are firstly described (flow chart, representation of the dielectric interfaces, binary differential coding, convergence of the algorithm, etc.). Then two dome antennas are designed at 60 GHz. Both of them are made of a low-k material (namely Rexolite, ɛr=2.53). The first antenna prototype radiates an axis-symmetric secant-squared beam for high speed indoor communication systems in V-band. The second dome antenna radiates a circularly-symmetric Gaussian-like beam. In contrast to the first prototype, the dome shape and the feed dimensions have been optimised simultaneously. This design strategy enables one to improve significantly the radiation performance of the dome. Experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical results. The impact of the multiple internal reflections is also highlighted. (5 pages)


It's the year 2020, and every space and place on- and off-line has been augmented with digital things that observe, record, transmit, and compute, for the purposes of recording endless data traces of what is happening in the world. Individually, these things (and the invisible services the power them) have reached considerable sophistication in their ability to analyse and dissect such observations, turning streams of audio and video into informative data fragments. Yet somehow, individuals as end-users of platforms and services have not seen the full potential of such data. In this speculative paper, we propose two hypothetical mini scenarios different from our current digital world. In the former, instead of hoarding it, data controllers turn captured data over to those who need it as quickly as possible, working together to combine, validate, and refine it for maximum usefulness. This simultaneously addresses the data fragmentation and privacy problem, by handing over long-term data governance to those that value it the most In the latter, we discuss ethical dilemmas using the long-term use of such rich data and its tendency to cause people to relentlessly optimise.


The relationship between tissue reactions to a subcutaneously implanted glucose sensor and the function of the sensor was evaluated over a period of 4-weeks using tubular, porous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges implanted subcutaneously in rats. The PVA sponges were used as scaffolds in which the foreign body response could develop. Coil-type glucose sensors were then placed in the center of the PVA sponges and tested on day 3, and weekly thereafter. In the first approach, the sensors were placed in the sponges still implanted in the rats and tested. In vivo glucose sensor sensitivity peaked at day 7 and steadily decreased until day 35. In the second approach, the sensors were placed in the explanted sponges and then tested. This test showed no sensor function after day 7, indicating that functional blood vessels are critical in maintaining any function whatsoever. In both cases the sensors themselves were never implanted to eliminate any potential in vivo degradation of the sensors that could have affected the outcome of this study. Sensors were then tested in absence of sponges and found to be working properly with no change from preimplantation sensitivity. Once sensor testing was concluded, the PVA sponge/tissue samples were prepared for quantitative histological analysis. It was determined that the increase in collagen deposition within the sponge correlated with the decrease in sensor sensitivity. It was also observed that natural angiogenesis (peak at day 14) did not overcome the barrier to glucose diffusion created by the fibrous capsule.


The aluminizing treatment on the surface of commercial pure copper with addition of rare earth compound CeCl3 was carried out. The followed internal oxidation of the aluminized copper was also carried out in the industrial nitrogen gas flow. The influences of the aluminizing and internal oxidization processing time on the thickness, hardness profile and microstructure were investigated. Results show that the addition of rare earth oxide CeCl3 has great accelerating effect on the aluminizing and internal oxidation processing. The hardness of the surface Al2O3 dispersion hardened copper composite layer by means of internal oxidation with addition of rare earth compound is higher than that of the without addition. The internal oxidation mechanism of the aluminized layer on copper matrix is comprehensive processes of the oxygen inner-toward diffusion and localized internal oxidation of the inner-toward diffusion of aluminum.


Two polar multicomponent materials: sulfanilamide sulfamic acid salt (P21) and sulfanilamide [(4-sulfamoylphenyl)carbamoyl]formic acid salt (Pc) were designed using crystal engineering techniques. A full analysis of the interactions present in both materials was performed by means of topological descriptors of the theoretical electron density. The detailed characterization of S–X (X = O, N, C) bonds by valence shell charge concentration and source function analysis revealed the strongly polarized, almost 'ionic' character of S–O interactions. The obtained results show that mutual assembly of crystal building blocks and their packing in both crystal structures is influenced by N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds with an intermediate character between closed and shared shell interactions. Their presence can be associated with hydrogen atom transfer leading to salt formation. Linear (birefringence) and nonlinear optical properties (second harmonic generation) were examined for both materials. The theoretical calculations of χ(2) tensor components and the dispersion of refractive indices revealed that both materials are phase-matchable with second harmonic generation efficiency comparable with commonly used KDP (KH2PO4). One of the materials shows large birefringence (ca. 0.3), which is confirmed by the observation of interference colours strongly dependent upon the sample thickness.


OBJECTIVE
To study the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in high epidemic areas.

METHODS
Reported data on typhoid and paratyphoid fever during 1988-2007 in Ningbo were analyzed epidemiologically. Shellfish from the market was collected for laboratory testing and Salmonella typhi strains collected from the patients were also studied.

RESULTS
Number of reported cases on both typhoid and paratyphoid fever was 19 404 with 7 deaths, from 1988 to 2007. The annual mean incidence was 17.68 per one hundred thousand with the fatality rate as 0.36 per thousand. Most cases were among adults aged 20-50 years and an obvious regional distribution was observed with high incidence seen in winter and spring. Since 1990s, the advantage strain had changed from Salmonella typhi to Salmonella paratyphi A. Etiologic studies showed that raw Anadara subcrenata and oyster were the main risk factors. One Salmonella paratyphi A strain was detected in both Anadara subcrenata and oysters collected from the market, which contained TEM-1 drug resistance gene. PFGE genotyping showed that PFGE-X2 was the strain which causing pandemic in Ningbo.

CONCLUSION
Eating contaminated raw shellfish like oysters and hairy clams was the primary risk factor, responsible for the outbreaks. Salmonella paratyphi A was the advantages pandemic strain in Ningbo. Strategies as supervision on personal hygiene and health education should be strengthened.


Systematic reviews must be conducted responsibly, eliminating any scope for error and bias. The reporting quality of a systematic review should follow and conform to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. AMSTAR (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) is an assessment tool, which has been developed specifically to assess the quality of the process used in conducting the review. There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews in oral health and several reports have been published stating low AMSTAR ratings of systematic reviews in dentistry. Systematic reviews answer key clinical questions objectively, and are often used to underpin clinical guidelines in oral health. If the quality of these reviews is compromised, this can result in inadequate or inappropriate clinical guidelines. Consequently, ensuring consistent high quality is a key imperative for systematic reviews in oral health.


Many-body systems with chiral fermions exhibit anomalous transport phenomena originated from quantum anomalies. Based on quantum field theory, we derive the kinetic theory for chiral fermions interacting with an external electromagnetic field and a background curved geometry. The resultant framework respects the covariance under the U(1) gauge, local Lorentz, and diffeomorphic transformations. It is particularly useful to study the gravitational or non-inertial effects for chiral systems. As the first application, we study the chiral dynamics in a rotating coordinate and clarify the roles of the Coriolis force and spin-vorticity coupling in generating the chiral vortical effect (CVE). We also show that the CVE is an intrinsic phenomenon of a rotating chiral fluid, and thus independent of observer's frame.


Publicly displayed art has long been an important mechanism for public pedagogy, historical representation, and critical thought. Thus, as art-creation technologies evolve enabling public artistic representations to change forms, it is important to critically examine the pedagogical and social implications of these novel art technologies. In this paper, I will analyze the pedagogical possibilities and the potential socio-political implications of an increasingly popular form of modern art representation: Virtual Reality (VR) art. Specifically, I argue that while the immersive and engaging form of VR technologies may offer some interesting possibilities as an educational practice for history through art, if they are not used properly, VR-art technologies may serve to propagate colonial narratives and inhibit a critical lens on historical events. Going forward, then, the ways in which novel artistic technologies are put into practice must be more critically examined and critiqued before they are launched into the public sphere.


Quality of care from the patient's perspective is an increasingly important outcome measure for cancer services. Patients' and carers' perceptions of cancer care were assessed through structured telephone interviews, 4-10 months post-discharge, which focused on experiences during the most recent hospital admission. A total of 481 patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer (ICD-10 C codes) were recruited, along with 345 carers nominated by the patients. Perceptions of clinical care were generally positive. Less positive aspects of care included not being asked how they were coping, not being offered counselling, and not receiving written information about procedures. Results also highlighted inadequate discharge processes. Carers were more likely than patients to report negative experiences. Perceptions of care also differed by cancer type.


At present, the accuracy of diffusion rate forecasting, at a macro-level, in the research literature, is nonexistent. This research reveals underlying macro-level trends of diffusion rate assessment using historical technological innovation diffusion data to explore the statistical characteristics of diffusion rate percent-error of the Bass and logistic model time stepped through its lifecycle. A quantitative exploratory data analysis (EDA) based approach was employed to uncover underlying macro-perspective patterns and insights on a technological innovation's forecasted diffusion rate percent-error using the data of 42 matured U.S. consumer technological innovations. An objective of this effort is to determine the statistical characteristics (mean, median, variance, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) of diffusion rate assessment using the Bass and logistic model at various points in a technological innovation's lifecycle to reveal underlying directional and associative insights. Specifically, this effort explores the development of macro-perspective knowledge on quantifying the forecasting accuracy of a technological innovation's diffusion rate using partial diffusion data. Developing such insights and a framework for accessing in situ (real-time) a technological innovation's diffusion rate percent-error would benefit an organization's decision makers in maximizing gains and minimizing losses. These insights include identifying whether the Bass and logistic models are more likely to overestimate or underestimate a technological innovation's diffusion rate when assessed at various points in its diffusion lifecycle. Practitioners can use such information to set resource investment strategies and policies based on risk tolerance and the utility of the weighted outcomes via decision theory tools.


In this paper, a novel compact quasi-optical mode converter based on anisotropic metasurfaces for high-order mode terahertz electronic devices is presented. To demonstrate the design model, a Ka-band metasurface quasi-optical mode converter that converts cylindrical waveguide TE01 mode to circularly polarized Gaussian beam is designed and fabricated. Both electromagnetic simulation and experiment results show that the Gaussian beam can be observed from 35 to 38 GHz, corresponding to over 8.5% of the bandwidth. The maximum scalar Gaussian mode content of 97.85% is observed in the experiment, and the output radiation from the metasurface quasi-optical mode converter is approximate circular polarization. This work unveils the potential of compact quasi-optical mode converter based on metasurfaces.


Abstract Arteries are vessel structures that serve vital function of transportation of blood to different parts of the body. Researchers have experimented with some approaches to model the arterial behaviour and to analyse its biomechanical properties. To analyse the in-vivo arterial properties, at Furtwangen University an inflatable sensoractuator system is being developed, which provides the basis for a decision support system for vascular surgeons. The capabilities of this sensor shall be evaluated in simulations which requires appropriate modelling of the arteries. The inverse problem, i.e. how to efficiently identify arterial wall properties from sensor readings is targeted. A histology motivated 3D artery model was implemented in FEM using COMSOL (v5.5). The geometry of one model was based on a cross section of a real artery. The second model was axisymmetric and of equal dimensions with respect to volume, layer thickness etc. A biomechanical pressure-stretch analysis was performed applying an inflating pressure inside the walls of the vessels. Stretch in different areas of the first model was evaluated and the circumferential strain was compared to the axisymmetric model. The results show variation of strains within the segments of the first model of upto 10 percent. In addition, its outer wall circumferential stretch was found to be 10 percent lower compared to the axisymmetric setup. This comparison sheds light upon whether a simplification of arterial models is possible, without loss of accuracy in the context of the novel sensor evaluation. It provides useful information whether e.g. standardizing vessel structures to axisymmetric models will still provide results within allowable tolerance limits. Simulations proved useful to evaluate different vessel model formulations in the context of arterial diagnostics.


A total of 4810 laser keratomilase surgeries (LASIK) in myopia and hypermetropia were analyzed. The spherical equivalent of clinical refraction in myopia amounted to -6.56 +/- 1.34 diopters, in hypermetropia it amounted to +3.97 +/- 1.74 diopters. The refraction parameters in myopia ranged from 1.5 diopters to 12.0 diopters; in case of astigmatism they ranged from 0.5 diopters to 2.75 diopters, and in hypermetropia they varied from 1.5 to 6.25 diopters. The age of patients ranged from 18.5 to 52; there were 49.3% male patients and 50.7% female patients. The observation period was up to 2 years. The lamellar corneal incision was implemented by three types of microkeratomes: "Hansatome" (Germany), "Moria" (France) and "Nidek" (Japan). Photoablation was carried out by Keracor Techlas 217 (Germany) of the "flying dot" scanning type and by "Profil 500" (Russia). The primary DLK reaction of the dystrophic nature amounted, during the first year of using the method, to 1:75 cases, during the second year it was 1:350 cases. The share of secondary DLK manifestations ranged from 0.1 to 17% with regard for a type of complications. DLK can be characterized by various forms, phases and stages. The reaction can be primary (early) and secondary (delayed). Basically, it is a universal inflammatory response of keratocytes to a prolonged malfunction of lamellar flap due to disadaptation. It is described as a complication of the lamellar surgery as a whole and is, most probably, a response to the sutureless surgery. There are factors, which diminish the frequency of such complication. A new working classification of the DLK response is presented. A new clinical classification of DLK and DLK-like conditions in the corneal lamellar surgery is offered. Finally, notion "lamellar malfunction" is offered for a comprehensive usage in refraction surgery.


In 2014, Charge Gradient Microscopy (CGM) was first reported as a new scanning probe imaging mode, particularly well-suited for the characterisation of ferroelectrics. The implementation of the technique is straightforward; it involves monitoring currents that spontaneously develop between a passive conducting atomic force microscopy tip and Earth, as the tip is scanned across the specimen surface. However, details on the fundamental origin of contrast and what images mean, in terms of associated ferroelectric microstructures, are not yet fully understood. Here, by comparing information from CGM and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), obtained from the same sets of ferroelectric domains (in both lithium niobate and barium titanate), we show that CGM reasonably reflects the spatial derivative of the measured surface potential. This is conceptually different from measuring local gradients in the surface bound-charge density or in any associated screening charges: after all, we see clear CGM signals, even when polarisation is entirely in-plane. We therefore suggest that CGM in ferroelectrics might be more accurately called Potential Gradient Microscopy (PGM). Intriguingly, in all cases examined, the measured surface potential (determined both through KPFM and by integrating the CGM signal) is of the opposite sign to that intuitively expected for a completely clean ferroelectric in vacuum. This is commonly observed and presumed due to a charge accumulation on the ferroelectric surface which is not easily removed.


This article presents a comprehensive study conducted in Samarra and Al-Dour districts, focusing on the impact of agricultural components on development. The study aims to identify and analyze the natural, human, and economic obstacles that impede agricultural progress in the region. Through questionnaire data analysis, several key findings emerge. Natural factors such as inadequate rainfall, arid soil conditions, and soil salinization pose significant challenges to agricultural development. Insufficient utilization of water resources further exacerbates these constraints. Agricultural pests also cause substantial damage to crops, leading to farmer abandonment of agricultural practices. Roughly 30-35% of cultivated areas are affected. Moreover, a decline in agricultural labor is observed, with individuals deterred by constraints and limited financial returns. The increasing population in the region intensifies food demand and pressures agricultural land for housing, compounding challenges for farmers. Water scarcity emerges as a primary constraint, leading to neglect of agricultural areas due to inadequate irrigation. Progressive soil salinization and desertification, influenced by natural and human factors, worsen the situation. Approximately 22.38 km² of land are affected, particularly in eastern and southern Samarra and eastern Al-Dour. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to overcome these obstacles and foster sustainable agricultural development. Strategies should prioritize water resource management, pest control, technological advancements, and addressing labor shortages. Implementing these measures will contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability, food security, and economic growth in the studied regions.
Highlights:

Natural and human constraints hinder agricultural progress in Samarra and Al-Dour districts.
Agricultural pests cause significant damage and discourage farming activities.
Water scarcity and soil salinization negatively impact agricultural development.


Considering a series of twelve patients operated on at the General Surgical Clinic of the University of Pavia, the authors discuss the results of surgical therapy of pulmonary metastases from breast cancer. According to literature data their results are not so good with a 5-year survival rate of 11%. Nevertheless, selected series of patients have been reported with a 5-year survival rate of 43% after pulmonary resection. So, by a careful selection of the indications the possibility of a surgical treatment would not be eliminated. After breast cancer exeresis it is certain that surgery is the best treatment for a solitary pulmonary nodule when there is some doubt about the diagnosis of primary or secondary lung cancer.


For muon-catalyzed fusion to be of practical interest, a very efficient means of producing muons must be found. We describe a scheme for producing muons that may be more energy efficient than any heretofore proposed. There are, in particular, some potential advantages of creating muons from collisions of high energy tritons confined in a magnetic mirror configuration. If one could catalyze 200 fusions per muon and employ a uranium blanket that would multiply the neutron energy by a factor of 10, one might produce electricity with an overall plant efficiency (ratio of electric energy produced to nuclear energy released) approaching 30%. One possible near term application of a muon-producing magnetic-mirror scheme would be to build a high-flux neutron source for radiation damage studies. The careful arrangement of triton orbits will result in many of the ..pi../sup -/'s being produced near the axis of the magnetic mirror. The pions quickly decay into muons, which are transported into a small (few-cm-diameter) reactor chamber producing approximately 1-MW/m/sup 2/ neutron flux on the chamber walls, using a laboratory accelerator and magnetic mirror. The costs of construction and operation of the triton injection accelerator probably introduces most of the uncertainty in the viability of thismore » scheme. If a 10-..mu..A, 600 MeV neutral triton accelerator could be built for less than $100 million and operated cheaply enough, one might well bring muon-catalyzed fusion into practical use.« less


Atorvastatin calcium (ATC) is the choice of drug in the treatment of moderate to severe hypercholesterolemia. In the current study, ATC self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were prepared in an attempt to improve the bioavailability by enhancing its solubility. The solubility of ATC in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants were determined. Based on their solubility, Capmul MCM (oil), Tween 20 (surfactant), propylene glycol (Co-surfactant) was selected for preparation of SNEDDS. Self-nanoemulsification region were determined by pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. The compatibility of drug with excipients were determined by FTIR spectroscopy and Optimized SNEDDS were evaluated for thermodynamic stability, dispersibility, robustness to dilution, particle size measurements, refractive index, percent transmittance, drug content, In vitro drug release etc. The SNEDDS were successfully formulated with the selected excipients. FTIR studies confirm there is no significant interaction between drug and excipients. The metastable formulations were ruled out by thermodynamic tests and robust to dilution test. The optimized ATC SNEDDS yielded nano-emulsion of mean globule size 42.21 nm. In vitro release studies shows that all the SNEDDS released more than 90% of drug at the end of 30 min, whereas the pure drug shows only the release of 29.54% at 30 min. The optimized formulation was subjected to various conditions of storage as per ICH guidelines for 3 months. ATC SNEDDS successfully withstood the stability testing. Thus this study indicates that the SNEDDS can be used as a potential drug carrier for solubility enhancement thereby drug release of ATC and other lipophilic drugs. Keywords: Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, Thermodynamic stability Cite this Article Panner Selvam R, Parthasarathi K Kulkarni, Mudit Dixit, Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Atorvastatin Calcium: Design, Optimization and Evaluation, Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery , 2015; 2(2): 27–36p.


Living organisms have adapted to the daily rotation of the earth and regular changes in the light environment. Life forms anticipate environmental transitions, adapt their own physiology, and perform activities at behaviorally advantageous times during the day. This is achieved by means of endogenous circadian clocks that can be synchronized to the daily changes in external cues, most notably light and temperature. For many years it was thought that neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) uniquely controlled circadian rhythmicity of peripheral tissues via neural and humoral signals. The cloning and characterization of mammalian clock genes revealed that they are expressed in a circadian manner throughout the body. It is now accepted that peripheral cells, including those of the cardiovascular system, contain a circadian clock similar to that in the SCN. Many aspects of cardiovascular physiology are subject to diurnal variation, and serious adverse cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and stroke occur with a frequency conditioned by time of day. This has raised the possibility that biological responses under the control of the molecular clock might interact with environmental cues to influence the phenotype of human cardiovascular disease.


Most of the traditional systems of medicine are effective but they lack of standardization. So, there is a need to develop a standardization technique. Central Council of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha has given preliminary guidelines for standardizing these conventional formulations. For the uniformity in production of herbal formulations it is necessary to develop methods for evaluation. In the paper, attempt had been made to evaluate Dhouti-Yog Churna, an Ayurveda formulation. One sample was procured from manufacturer and was subjected to compare with in house preparation sample by performing physicochemical screening, phytochemical screening, and microscopic characterization. It was observed that market samples matched with that of authentic standards. The inhouse formulation also produced the similar results with that of marketed formulation 1.


Abstract Firms' strategies reflect their competitive advantages, such as the prospector focuses on innovation and defenders focus on cost efficiency. The differences in strategies' competitive advantages imply different resource management to different magnitude of cost stickiness. This study examined whether prospectors and defenders exhibit different magnitude of cost stickiness. This study also examines cost stickiness differences in high and low managerial abilities for prospector and defender. The study investigates 24,362 firm-year observations in six Southeast Asian countries in 2013–2019. The results show that Southeast Asian firms exhibit cost stickiness. Both prospectors and defenders exhibit cost stickiness, likely because Southeast Asian firms mostly operate in raw goods trading and do not innovate much in high technology. Consequently, prospectors do not exhibit different cost behavior than defenders. Our findings document that firms led by less able managers exhibit greater cost stickiness, both for prospectors and defenders. The results suggest that managerial characteristics remain crucial in resource management, because less able managers tend to retain resources to cope with operational problems and meet future sales demands.


The internationalization of higher education is a growing reality in state and private universities. Theological schools that wish to impart religious values in addition to liberal arts and discipline specific curriculum may experience cultural barriers that prevent the successful teaching of religious ideologies. This study investigates the implications of the filial piety as a value that Chinese learners bring to Western classrooms and how the comparing of Confucian filial piety to similar values in biblical theology serves as a means for cultural exchange and moral development. Confucian teachings of filial piety, affective domain learning, and biblical teachings of family and society are explored. The study concludes with suggestions of how to integrate similar teachings of two different cultures in order to teach religious values.


Saint-Jean-de-Dieu Hospital, at the far east end of Montreal, is presented as the
ideal site for uncovering the lives of men and women institutionalized for madness in
Quebec. Recognized as the largest asylum for the insane in Canada, it housed a clientele
not only from Montreal but also from all corners of the province of Quebec, a
characteristic that offers, under the same roof, a sample population representative of
the entire province. As part of a project involving the history of marginalized populations
of Montreal, the authors undertook a systematic, quantitative retrieval of information
from almost 10,000 files of patients committed to Saint-Jean-de-Dieu. The
quantitative data allowed them to reveal profiles of those institutionalized from the
establishment of the asylum in 1873 up to 1921. The correspondence contained in the
medical files of about 300 patients, however, made it possible to trace the "faces" of
madness. Six broad categories emerged repeatedly: broken relationships, conjugal
violence, those considered undesirable, the forgotten, the persecuted, and those committed
unjustly.


The purpose of this review is to analyze existing data on the molecular genetic features of the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes and specific types of diabetes (maturity onset of diabetes of the young, neоnatal diabetes) and to assess the possibility of precision therapy.The etiology of diabetes is heterogeneous, and a genetic predisposition plays a significant role in its development. Genetic studies, conducted in the past few decades, allow us to identify a number of genes that directly affect the development of diabetes. The genetic prerequisites indicate high levels of predictability for the occurrence of type 1 diabetes. The only personalized treatment that is known to date for such patients is insulin therapy. For monogenic specific types of diabetes, genetic testing is a diagnostic factor which allows to prescribe adequate therapy. The molecular genetic characteristics of the development of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are very complex and ambiguous, however, the existing rich data will become the basis for future recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and personalized treatment.


Introduction: Pnemonia or lower respiratory tract infections are considering most common entity responsible for under five morbidity & mortality. WHO guidelines for ARI control programme is universally accepted by most of countries. It has reduced mortality by proper treatment and referral. Although tachypnia is consider single criteria for diagnosis. Many of these children have viral pneumonia or normal x-ray. Although oral antibiotics are prescribed to them but it is actually not needed. Methods: All the patients came to paediatric department from January 2013 to July 2014 & diagnosed as pneumonia as per WHO protocol were included in study. It was a prospective, double blind, randomized controlled study of radiological data of all the patients who were diagnosed as pneumonia as per WHO protocol. All the x- rays were read by two experts. Results: Of 219 radiographs examined 23 have evidences of pneumonia. 183 patients have normal x-ray. Conclusion: Radiology is consider most accurate method for diagnosis of pneumonia. As per WHO protocol these children receive unnecessary antibiotics although many of these children have viral pneumonia. There is need of some cheaper, easily available & more accurate methods to identify etiological organism for pneumonia.


Phylogenetic relationships and genome affinities were investigated by utilizing all the biological Avena species consisting of 11 diploid species (15 accessions), 8 tetraploid species (9 accessions) and 4 hexaploid species (5 accessions). Genomic DNA regions of As120a, avenin, and globulin were amplified by PCR. A total of 130 polymorphic fragments were detected out of 156 fragments generated by digesting the PCR-amplified fragments with 11 restriction enzymes. The number of fragments generated by PCR-amplification followed by digestion with restriction enzymes was almost the same as those among the three repeated DNA sequences. A high level of genetic distance was detected between A. damascena (Ad) and A. canariensis (Ac) genomes, which reflected their different morphology and reproductive isolation. The A. longiglumis (Al) and A. prostrata (Ap) genomes were closely related to the As genome group. The AB genome species formed a cluster with the AsAs genome artificial autotetraploid and the As genome diploids indicating near-autotetraploid origin. The A. macrostachya is an outbreeding autotetraploid closely related with the C genome diploid and the AC genome tetraploid species. The differences of genetic distances estimated from the repeated DNA sequence divergence among the Avena species were consistent with genome divergences and it was possible to compare the genetic intra- and inter-ploidy relationships produced by RFLPs. These results suggested that the PCR-mediated analysis of repeated DNA polymorphism can be used as a tool to examine genomic relationships of polyploidy species.


Abstract: There is good reason to take a virtue-based approach to business ethics. Moral principles are fairly useful in assessing actions, but understanding how moral people behave and how they become moral requires reference to virtues, some of which are important in business. We must go beyond virtues and refer to character, of which virtues are components, to grasp the relationship between moral assessment and psychological explanation. Virtues and other character traits are closely related to (in technical terms, they supervene on) personality traits postulated by personality psychologists. They may therefore be featured in respectable psychological explanations. But good character fits no familiar psychological pattern. A person of good character is sufficiently self-aware and rational that his or her virtues are not accompanied by the vices that psychologists find usually associated with them. A course in business ethics can help develop this self-awareness, which a good life in business requires.


Pest avian wildlife is responsible for substantial economic damage every year in the United States. In this study we focused on altering the foraging behavior of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), a pest bird that is responsible for crop losses and also poses significant risk for bird-aircraft strikes. The goal of our project was to develop an effective system to limit starlings' access to a food patch. Previous technologies used to deter starlings have generally failed as birds quickly habituate to startle regimes. Using non-linear ultrasonic parametric arrays, we broadcast a directional sound that overlapped in frequency with starling vocalizations and was contained in a specific area creating a "net". We hypothesized that the "sonic net" would disturb acoustic communication for starlings, causing them to leave and feed elsewhere. Using wild-caught starlings in a large aviary, we deployed the sonic net over one food patch while leaving another food patch unaltered and then assessed their presence and feeding for three consecutive days. The sonic treatment decreased starlings' presence at the treated food patch, on average by 46%. Additionally, we assessed whether the sonic net disrupted the birds' response to an alarm call. When under the sonic net, starlings did not respond to the alarm call, suggesting that the sonic net disrupted acoustic communication. The sonic net is a promising new method of decreasing foraging activity by pest bird species, which has important implications for protecting crops, and deterring birds from airports and other sites of socio-economic importance.


Because of the presence of much fewer untrapped electrons that can resonate with drift-type, low frequency modes in toroidal geometry, the anomalous transport coefficients based on the slab geometry are significantly reduced for typical tokamak parameters in the banana regime. In drift-type modes, anomalous electron transport may be dominated by trapped electrons


Mildew taro caused by Phytophthora colocasiae affection is the most devastating of taro cultivation in Cameroon since 2010. It has been studied in leading the influence that can have a parameter considered favourable in the kinetics of the disease, and secondly, the interaction between plots through zoospores that can move from one field to another while estimating their dispersal throughout the plant. These models have allowed us to demonstrate that the duration of pathogen latency period, the number of sporangia produced on the surface of a lesion as well as the severity of the infection taken individually, are parameters to be taken into account in the development of a variety resistant to late blight taro. The dynamics of the fungus over time is represented by a matrix. The latter was used to establish a detailed estimate of the number of new infections caused by a sporangium placed in a landscape of healthy leaves. This number is known as the net rate of breeding base name (R0). The incidence and severity of disease are significantly reduced when the rate is less than or equal to one. So our approach can be used to guide research programs or evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies to design throughout the plant.


Decoyinine, an inhibitor of GMP synthetase, was used to induce sporulation under catabolite-repressed conditions in Bacillus subtilis. Sporulation-specific penicillin-binding proteins 4* and 5* were produced in abundance, and there was an increase in vegetative penicillin-binding proteins 2B and 3. These results, which were completely blocked by addition of guanosine, suggest that synthesis of penicillin-binding proteins is neither catabolite repressed nor directly dependent on the stringent response.


1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, 3Department of Obstetrics, Osaka City General Hospital, 4Perinatal Center, Divisions of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, 7Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 8Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 9Department of Obstetrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, 10Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Barnabas' Hospital, 11Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 12Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, 13Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Faculty of Medicine, 14Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 15Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 16Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palmore Hospital, 17Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 18Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama Hypertension Research In Pregnancy


Stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and adaptive gradient methods, such as Adam and RMSProp, have been widely used in training deep neural networks. We empirically show that while the difference between the standard generalization performance of models trained using these methods is small, those trained using SGD exhibit far greater robustness under input perturbations. Notably, our investigation demonstrates the presence of irrelevant frequencies in natural datasets, where alterations do not affect models' generalization performance. However, models trained with adaptive methods show sensitivity to these changes, suggesting that their use of irrelevant frequencies can lead to solutions sensitive to perturbations. To better understand this difference, we study the learning dynamics of gradient descent (GD) and sign gradient descent (signGD) on a synthetic dataset that mirrors natural signals. With a three-dimensional input space, the models optimized with GD and signGD have standard risks close to zero but vary in their adversarial risks. Our result shows that linear models' robustness to $\ell_2$-norm bounded changes is inversely proportional to the model parameters' weight norm: a smaller weight norm implies better robustness. In the context of deep learning, our experiments show that SGD-trained neural networks show smaller Lipschitz constants, explaining the better robustness to input perturbations than those trained with adaptive gradient methods.


[The purpose of this article is to analyse Pharaoh Rhampsinitus' descent to the Underworld, briefly reported by Herodotus (II, 122, 1) and included by the Greek writer in the legendary history of Egypt. This short episode can be connected to the demotic cycle of Setne Khamwas, to be precise when this literary hero seizes a book of magic from a tomb after playing dice—the Egyptian senet—with the dead. These two stories share a common origin, arising possibly from the same folkloric tradition from the second half of the First Millenium B.C. But even if the adventure of Rhampsinitus is one of the many underworld motifs which occur in folklore throughout the world, it is important to note that the descent to hell is not a recurrent theme in Egyptian imagery. Here we are dealing possibly with a foreign topic, even an interpretatio graeca of the katabasis of Rhampsinitus, Herodotus being influenced by the echoes of the doctrines of the Orphics and the Pythagoreans, and trying to support the supposedly Egyptian belief in the transmigration of the soul, a clearly dubious statement., The purpose of this article is to analyse Pharaoh Rhampsinitus' descent to the Underworld, briefly reported by Herodotus (II, 122, 1) and included by the Greek writer in the legendary history of Egypt. This short episode can be connected to the demotic cycle of Setne Khamwas, to be precise when this literary hero seizes a book of magic from a tomb after playing dice—the Egyptian senet—with the dead. These two stories share a common origin, arising possibly from the same folkloric tradition from the second half of the First Millenium B.C. But even if the adventure of Rhampsinitus is one of the many underworld motifs which occur in folklore throughout the world, it is important to note that the descent to hell is not a recurrent theme in Egyptian imagery. Here we are dealing possibly with a foreign topic, even an interpretatio graeca of the katabasis of Rhampsinitus, Herodotus being influenced by the echoes of the doctrines of the Orphics and the Pythagoreans, and trying to support the supposedly Egyptian belief in the transmigration of the soul, a clearly dubious statement.]


The Comprehensive Cancer Centre West (CCCW) population based non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) registry contains information on all newly diagnosed NHL patients living in the region covered by the CCCW. Patients were entered from June 1st 1981 to December 31st 1989. Follow-up is still ongoing, median follow-up is 113 months (1-191 months) for patients alive. In this study, patient and tumor characteristics, data on patterns of care, response and (relative) survival are described. As follicular lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are the most frequently occurring NHL subtypes in the database, a separate analysis is performed to characterize the clinical picture of these disease entities in the CCCW population. Our data illustrate that NHL patients in the general population are substantially older than patients included in trials and hospital based series. Due to older age, treatment is withheld or adapted for a substantial number of patients. The resulting survival and relative survival rates are a reflection of these choices.


This is the first study to our knowledge to report a novel mutation in the interferon regulatory factor 8 gene (IRF8G388S) associated with multiple idiopathic tooth root resorption, a form of periodontal disease. The IRF8G388S variant in the highly conserved C‐terminal motif is predicted to alter the protein structure, likely impairing IRF8 function. Functional assays demonstrated that the IRF8G388S mutant promoted osteoclastogenesis and failed to inhibit NFATc1‐dependent transcriptional activation when compared with IRF8WT control. Further, similar to subjects with heterozygous IRF8G388S mutation, Irf8+/– mice exhibited increased osteoclast activity in the mandibular alveolar bone surrounding molar teeth. Immunohistochemistry illustrated increased NFATc1 expression in the dentoalveolar region of Irf8–/– and Irf8+/– mice when compared with Irf8+/+ controls. Genomewide analyses revealed that IRF8 constitutively bound to regulatory regions of several thousand genes in osteoclast precursors, and genetic aberration of IRF8 significantly enhanced many osteoclast‐specific transcripts. Collectively, this study delineates the critical role of IRF8 in defining osteoclast lineage and osteoclast transcriptional program, which may help in better understanding of various osteoclast‐mediated disorders, including periodontal disease. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.


The MIMO communications system model is presented with reference to actual transmission line measurements on a 5/spl times/5 twisted-pair telephone cable. It is thought that such a model could be useful in complementing a fibre optic backbone Internet system since twisted-pair connections to consumer premises are more economically viable then fibre optic ones. This paper shows that a successful implementation of a MIMO communications system for twisted-pair telephone cable is contingent on accurate measurement of the S-parameter, S/sub 21/, of the telephone cable.


High‐latitude modern humans with traditional diets must maintain a critical ratio of dietary fat to protein. An analysis of 15 New World Arctic groups reveals that the abundance and predict ability of dietary fat affects eight social variables. Assuming that the physiology of extinct Palaeolithic humans resembles that of anatomically modern humans and that dietary carbohydrates were limited, constraints to their behavior must have existed. These constraints were determined by the physiological necessity of maintaining a critical ratio of dietary fat to protein. At the end of the European Middle Palaeolithic, a relatively subtle dietary shift occurred; an initial increase in dietary fat would have increased population size with very little lag time. Later in the Upper Palaeolithic, dietary breadth expanded. These dietary shifts may have affected hominid biology and social behavior, with selection pressure being exercised principally through population growth. A relaxation of selection pressure for skeletal robusticity could have resulted in high‐protein diets without intolerable calciuria. The cascading, interacting consequences of population increase would eventually have resulted in a phase change which is identified as the Upper Palaeolithic. If similar physiology is assumed, different human groups may have independently acquired traits of modernity. The effect of population expansion in temperate areas is dramatic, because dietary carbohydrates are always seasonally limited. In the eastern Canadian Arctic, the transition between the Dorset culture and the Thule culture offers a recent analogue to the European Middle Palaeolithic/Upper Palaeolithic transition.


In this paper, we propose a TRE (Two-step Rule Estimation) method that can avoid eluding attacks of NIDS (Network-based Intrusion Detection System). Many existing NIDS have used rule-based pattern-matching method, that is, an expert system. However, this method is very vulnerable to insertion and evasion attacks. The TRE method proposed in this paper consists of two processes; the first process involves a preprocessor that searches for the optimal rule similar to a captured packet, and the second process involves a main processor that achieves adaptive pattern matching. The TRE is designed to detect various kinds of eluding attacks and can decrease the miss-detection probability of the rule-based pattern matching that is usually used in NIDS.


This paper presents a compact and low power consumption three-stage differential low noise amplifier (LNA) with a 10 dB differential mode gain at 25.8 GHz by using transformer feedback technique in standard 0.18-mum CMOS technology. The input 1-dB compression point and the input third-order intercept point are -17.8 dBm and -5 dBm, respectively. The measured noise figure at 25.8 GHz is only 4.84 dB. The minimum input return and output return losses over a 3- dB bandwidth of 22.8-26.8 GHz are 11 dB and 7 dB, respectively. The overall power consumption is less than 25.6 mW. This three- stage differential LNA only occupies a 0.63 times 0.88 mm in area.


Analyzing the importance of Thailand's blue economy, this report considers ways to mobilize and scale up private sector investment in areas such as aquaculture and marine renewable energy to help bolster sustainable blue development. It explains why factors such as limited awareness of ocean economy opportunities, a lack of investment-ready at-scale projects, and insufficient monitoring are proving a barrier to investors. The report shows how creating an enabling environment and developing products such as sustainability-linked loans and technical assistance grants could help drive investment flows to the sector and safeguard Thailand's blue economic growth.


Sustainable Bioenergy Potentials for Europe and the Globe
In the framework of the EU FP7 project EnerGEO (Earth Observation for Monitoring and Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Energy Use) sustainable energy potentials for agricultural and forest areas were estimated by applying three different model approaches. The EPIC (Environmental Policy Including Climate) yield forecast model was used to estimate crop yields. The Global Forest Model (G4M) was applied to estimate global woody biomass growth.


By exploiting a reform in the United Arab Emirates that relaxed restrictions on employer transitions, we provide new estimates of the monopsony power of firms over migrant workers. Our results show that the reform increased incumbent migrants' earnings and firm retention. This occurs despite an increase in employer transitions and is driven by a fall in country exits. While the outcomes of incumbents improved, the reform decreased demand for new migrants and lowered their earnings. These results are consistent with a model of monopsony in which firms face upward-sloping labor supply curves for both new recruits in source countries and incumbent migrants.


A number of methods for producing sub-picosecond beam microbunching have been developed in recent years. A train of these bunches is capable of generating THz radiation via multiple mechanisms like transition, Cherenkov and undulator radiation. We utilize a bunch train with tunable spacing to selectively excite high order TM0n - like modes in a multimode structure. In this paper we present experimental results obtained at the Accelerator Test Facility of Brookhaven National Laboratory.


In a fine mold manufacturing process, the polishing process plays an important role in enhancing the surface quality and is performed manually by skilled workers. However, there are many problems such as decrease in skilled workers, health hazards due to scattering of abrasives, and difference in surface quality due to difference in the proficiency. Hence, there is a strong demand for automation of the polishing process at present.
 In this research, a robot polishing system that applies macro-micro mechanism is proposed. The functional polishing module of the end effector is developed and attached to the hand of the serial link robot. Tool path and posture are controlled in a serial link robot as a macro mechanism, and polishing force and tool rotation speed are controlled in the developed polishing module as micro mechanism. This mechanism ideally controls position, force, and rotation speed at the same time. An interlocking control system for position and force has already been constructed. In this paper, we constructed gravity compensation and evaluated the force control performance of the constructed system. Through the evaluation, the followability of the estimated reaction force to the command force and the validity of the actual force behavior measured by the force sensor were evaluated.


Abstract The advance of high-throughput RNA-Sequencing techniques enables researchers to analyze the complete gene activity in particular cells. From the insights of such analyses, researchers can identify disease-specific expression profiles, thus understand complex diseases like cancer, and eventually develop effective measures for diagnosis and treatment. The high dimensionality of gene expression data poses challenges to its computational analysis, which is addressed with measures of gene selection. Traditional gene selection approaches base their findings on statistical analyses of the actual expression levels, which implies several drawbacks when it comes to accurately identifying the underlying biological processes. In turn, integrative approaches include curated information on biological processes from external knowledge bases during gene selection, which promises to lead to better interpretability and improved predictive performance. Our work compares the performance of traditional and integrative gene selection approaches. Moreover, we propose a straightforward approach to integrate external knowledge with traditional gene selection approaches. We introduce a framework enabling the automatic external knowledge integration, gene selection, and evaluation. Evaluation results prove our framework to be a useful tool for evaluation and show that integration of external knowledge improves overall analysis results.


Practical Applications Summary In When Growth Beats Value: Applying Momentum Filters to Growth and Value Portfolios, which appeared in the August 2019 issue of The Journal of Investing, Andrew Clare, James Seaton, Stephen Thomas (all at Cass Business School, City University), and Peter Smith (University of York) investigated the relative performances of value, growth, and two types of momentum (relative and absolute) in developed and emerging international equity markets. The authors found that, in general, value outperforms growth; however, applying momentum filters to both types of portfolios can improve the performance of growth portfolios to rival that of value portfolios. They suggest that investors consider applying momentum filters to growth portfolios to improve their performance.


Nihewan Basin is one of a series of well-developed East Asian Cenozoic basins, located in Hebei Province, North China. It has abundant gullies developed along both banks of the Sanggan River during and after the demise of Nihewan paleo-lake, creating a number of outcrops of the Nihewan Beds of fluvio-lacustrine origin, which are underlain by the Pliocene eolian Red Clay and overlain by the late Pleistocene loess. The fluvio-lacustrine sequence is rich sources of mammalian faunas and Paleolithic sites, thus providing unique insights into our understanding of land mammal biochronology and early human settlements in East Asia. Among the Nihewan Fauna (sensu lato), the Danangou (DNG) and Dongyaozitou (DZ) faunas are two of the important Pleistocene and Pliocene mammalian faunas in the Nihewan Basin. Except for a biostratigraphy, precise age control on the DNG and DZ faunas remains unavailable. Here we report a high-resolution magnetostratigraphic results that stringently constrain their ages. Rock magnetism and thermal demagnetization results show that magnetite and hematite dominate the remanence carriers in the DNG and DZ fluvio-lacustrine sequences. High-resolution magnetic polarity stratigraphy indicates that the DNG sequence recorded the Brunhes normal chron, the Matuyama reverse chron and the late Gauss normal chron, yielding the fossil-rich layers of DNG fauna with an age of ca. 1.95 Ma to 1.78 Ma during the Olduvai normal subchron. The DZ sequence was located at the late Gauss normal chron, leading an age of ca. 3.04−2.58 Ma before the termination of the Kaena reverse subchron. This result, together with previously published magnetochronology data obtained in the eastern basin, constructs a precise age constraints on the chronological framework of the Nihewan faunas and Paleolithic sites, especially during the Plio-Pleistocene transition.


In this paper, we obtain some new approximations for the cumulative distribution function of the standard normal distribution via the He's Variational Iteration Method. For this end, we consider the cumulative distribution function as the unknown function to be determined by solving a certain differential equation of the second-order that the cumulative distribution function satisfied subjected with the certain initial conditions. The correction functional in this approach is constructed here in such a manner that we have one real numerical parameter to be tuned for the best result. Our approximations to the cumulative distribution function are comparable to other approximations found in the literature and has the advantage of being a simple expression, that may have potential applications in several areas of applied sciences. Numerical comparison shows that our approximations are very accurate.


Kinesin-5 motors organize mitotic spindles by sliding apart anti-parallel microtubules. They are homotetramers composed of two antiparallel dimers placing orthogonal motor and tail domains at opposite ends of a bipolar minifilament. Here, we describe a regulatory mechanism, involving direct binding of the tail to motor domain and reveal its fundamental role in microtubule sliding motility. Biochemical analyses reveal that the tail down-regulates microtubule-activated ATP hydrolysis by specifically engaging the motor in the nucleotide-free or ADP-bound states. Cryo-EM structures reveal that the tail stabilizes a unique conformation of the motor N-terminal subdomain opening its active site. Full-length kinesin-5 motors undergo slow motility and cluster together along microtubules, while tail-deleted motors exhibit rapid motility without clustering along microtubules. The tail is critical for motors to zipper together two microtubules by generating substantial forces within sliding zones. The tail domain is essential for kinesin-5 mitotic spindle localization in vivo, which becomes severely reduced when the tail is deleted. Our studies suggest a revised microtubule-sliding model, in which tail domains directly engage motor domains at both ends of kinesin-5 homotetramers enhancing stability of the dual microtubule-bound states leading to slow motility yet high force production.


I am very pleasure to announce the launch of special issue "Immunoregulation of Innate Immune Cells in the Disease" in the Journal of Immunobiology. This issue will cover basic and clinical research about how to regulate innate-immune response to prevent the disease. This issue will cover several categories of manuscripts including original Research articles, Short-communications, Review articles, Case reports, Commentaries and opinion article. We welcome the studies including immunology, biological, and cell-biology and relative research in all physiological and pathological processes.


Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a characteristic type of head and neck cancer which is frequent in Southern China. Different from other head and neck cancers, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) mutation and deletion in NPC is uncommon. Conversely, downregulation of TSGs expression by miRNA is increasingly recognized as an important mechanism of nasopharyngeal tumorigenesis. In this study, we report that miR-144 is commonly upregulated in NPC specimens and NPC cell lines, its repression decreased cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion and tumor growth, establishing an important oncogenic role for this miRNA. Further, we verified tumor suppressor gene PTEN as a direct target through luciferase reporter assay in NPC cell lines. Similar to the restoring miR-144 expression in miR-144 attenuated cells, PTEN downregulation in miR-144 attenuated cells increase cell growth and invasion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-144 suppressed the expression of PTEN to downregulate p53 while suppressing the expression of pAKT and cyclin D1 induce G1-phase cell-cycle arrest. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-144 functions as an onco-miRNA in NPC, and its onco-effects are mediated chiefly by repressing PTEN expression.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3169. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3169


The authors use a new diagnostic algorithm derived from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (the DIS/Borderline Index) to identify a borderline personality disorder among 19- to 55-year-olds at the Duke site of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area project. A criterion score of 11 or more symptoms from the 24-item DIS/Borderline Index identifies 1.8% of the sample. The borderline diagnosis is significantly higher among females, the widowed, and the unmarried; and there is a trend toward the diagnosis in younger, non-White, urban, and poorer respondents. Extensive psychiatric comorbidity and high use of mental health services are found in the borderline group.


Polyphenic differences between individuals arise not through differences at the genome level but as a result of specific cues received during development. Polyphenisms often involve entire suites of characters, as shown dramatically by the polyphenic castes found in many social insect colonies. An understanding of the genetic architecture behind polyphenisms provides a novel means of studying the interplay between genomes, gene expression and phenotypes. Here we discuss polyphenisms and molecular genetic tools now available to unravel their developmental bases in insects. We focus on several recent studies that have tracked gene‐expression patterns during social insect caste determination. BioEssays 23:62–68, 2001. Published 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


We investigate the occurrence and nature of a naked singularity in the gravitational collapse of an inhomogeneous dust cloud described by a non-self-similar higher dimensional Tolman spacetime. The necessary condition for the formation of a naked singularity or a black hole is obtained. The naked singularities are found to be gravitationally strong in the sense of Tipler and provide another example that violates the cosmic censorship conjecture.


ABSTRACT In this study, the combined thermodynamic and dynamic model of a new concept of gamma type free-piston Stirling engine is conducted. The engine consists of two identical displacer cylinders, a power cylinder, a linear alternator, and three-cushion pistons. Two displacer cylinders are symmetrically positioned on each side of the power cylinder for minimizing the rotational vibrations. Hydrogen is used as the working gas and the effect of gas temperature on the specific heat capacity is considered. The analysis carried out in this study involves the prediction of the thermodynamic-dynamic performance characteristics of the engine. In the thermodynamic section of the analysis, the working space of the engine is divided into 31 nodal volumes and the gas pressures in nodal volumes are assumed to be equal to each other. The conservation of mass and energy equations is obtained for each nodal volume. Instantaneous gas temperatures of nodal volumes are calculated by the first law of thermodynamics given for the unsteady open systems. The dynamic section of the analysis involves the motion equations of displacer, power and cushion pistons. The motion equations are derived using the Newton method. In the calculations done for variable specific heat capacity, it has been determined that there is 1% cyclic work reduction compared to the constant heat capacity. It is estimated that the maximum effective power that can be produced by the linear alternator will be around 1.6 kW. The working frequency range of the proposed engine is found to be suitable to generate electrical power.


The elusive quest for technological advancements with the aim to make human life easier has led to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT technology holds the potential to revolutionise our daily life, but not before overcoming barriers of security and data protection. IoTs' steered a new era of free information that transformed life in ways that one could not imagine a decade ago. Hence, humans have started considering IoTs as a pervasive technology. This digital transformation does not stop here as the new wave of IoT is not about people, rather it is about intelligent connected devices. This proliferation of devices has also brought serious security issues not only to its users but the society as a whole. Application layer protocols form an integral component of IoT technology stack, and XMPP is one of such protocol that is efficient and reliable that allows real-time instant messaging mechanism in an IoT ecosystem. Though the XMPP specification possesses various security features, some vulnerabilities also exist that can be leveraged by the attacking entity to compromise an IoT network. This paper will present XMPP architecture along with various security challenges that exist in the protocol. The paper has also simulated a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on the XMPP server rendering its services unresponsive to its legitimate clients.


In the recent decades hydrologists, geologists, and stream ecologists have shown substantial interest in analyzing 12 suspended sediments in water. Extracting information like suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in coastal waters is very 13 important for assessment and monitoring of coastal settings and their effects on their ecology. This article demonstrates 14 importance of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) for monitoring seasonal variation in SSC and movement (pre and 15 post monsoon) along Thiruvananthapuram coast in India. The data was converted into marine reflectance after correcting due 16 atmospheric errors. SSC was extracted using spectral analysis data analysis. Movement of SSC was monitored using wave 17 direction and significant wave height data. The results revealed that the SSC decreased rapidly with the increase in distance 18 from the beach and depth of the seabed. Wave with higher frequency in deeper water caused sparely circulation of sediments 19 and their concentration at the lower depth in high bathymetry. Thus, the suspended sediments were indirectly proportional to 20 bathymetry and distance from the shoreline and directly proportion to wave direction and littoral current at off-shore. High 21 concentration of sediments was found to be accumulated at shallow depth (< 10m), which was estimated to be 92 mg/l and 22 decreased up to 30mg/l at a depth of 30 m. The movement of sediments was observed north-south during the pre-monsoon 23 and reversed during post-monsoon due to reversal in wind direction. Satellite remote sensing techniques and data processing 24 can be efficiently used for SSC monitoring and their movement in ocean. Such estimates over temporal and spatial scales can 25 be used for coastal zone management and conservation. 26


Liverpool is a city which has, in many ways, undoubtedly and observably benefited from Objective One EU funding to the extent that there is pretty much universal agreement that this has underpinned the city's recent renaissance. That said, outside the city centre persistent long-term economic problems endure. This paper reviews the mixed experiences of Merseyside's Objective One 'Pathways to Inclusion' programme as an attempt to solve problems of concentrated deprivation, arguing that the success of conventional approaches has been mixed. Brexit provides an opportunity for a rupture with forms of local economic development that have been progressively neoliberalised through time. It argues for a focus on opportunities, not deficits and absences, using asset-based community development, diverse economies, and solidarity economy approaches.


The physical motivations to search for new particles and new effects are reviewed. The status of searches, direct and indirect, performed at accelerators, is described, as well as the foreseeable future at upgraded and planned machines. The main emphasis of the review is put on the study of electroweak symmetry breaking, in particular the search for Higgs bosons, and on supersymmetry.


In previous work, we experimented a variant of the two-level ideal algorithm for parametric shape optimization that was proposed by Desideri, and two of three approaches were shown superior. In this report, we try to look them in a more classic way -- in terms of singular value decomposition (SVD) and regularizations, for model problems, i.e., we combine these regularization tools with these two-level ideal algorithms. Numerical results show that regularized two level algorithms are more robust.


In vivo effects of thymopentin, an active fragment of the naturally occurring thymic hormone thymopoietin, on the production of cytokines, nitric oxide, heat shock proteins, and signal proteins NF-kappaB, phNF-kappaB, and IkappaB-alpha in lymphoid cells of male NMRI mice was studied. Activation of production of several cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-gamma), nitric oxide, and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) was observed in peritoneal macrophages and spleen lymphocytes of mice that received intraperitoneal injections of thymopentin (15 microg per 100 g body weight). Thymopentin apparently produces stress-like rather than damaging effects. A probable action mechanism of this hormone is activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, which is most pronounced at the NF-kappaA phosphorylation stage.


The local patterns of distribution and resource utilization of four bat species (Myotis brandti, Eptesicus nilssoni, Plecotus auritus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) were examined in patchy and continuous environments, using bat detectors. The effects of two different kinds of open matrix habitats (crop-fields and water) on species occurrence were compared in the patchy areas. A crop-field matrix seemed to have a greater negative influence on species occurrence than a water matrix. Presence and absence of species in the patchy areas were analysed against island area, area of some habitats, and isolation. All species were positively affected by one or more forest habitat parameters. Two species (M. brandti and P. auritus) were negatively affected by isolation, which suggests that they may be particularly vulnerable to increased forest patchiness. These species occurred mainly on large islands. Two hypotheses that might explain the habit of open area avoidance in M. brandti and P. auritus were tested: 1. Insect abundance hypothesis; 2. Foraging behaviour hypothesis. Both failed to explain why these two species avoid open habitats and as a consequence are negatively affected by isolation.


The Division and Replication of Data in the Cloud for Optimal Performance and Security (DROPS) that collectively approaches the security and performance issues. Data to a third-party administrative control, as is done in cloud computing, gives rise to security concerns. The data compromise may occur due to attacks by other users and nodes within the cloud. Therefore, high security measures are required to protect data within the cloud. To protected the data in cloud by using fragmentation and replication. In DROPS methodology, divide a file into fragments, and replicate the fragmented data over the cloud nodes. Each of the nodes stores only a single fragment of a particular data file that ensures that even in case of a successful attack, no meaningful information is revealed to the attacker.


Exercise plans help people implement behavior change. Crowd workers can help create exercise plans for clients, but their work may result in lower quality plans than produced by experts. We built CrowdFit, a tool that provides feedback about compliance with exercise guidelines and leverages strengths of crowdsourcing to create plans made by non-experts. We evaluated CrowdFit in a comparative study with 46 clients using exercise plans for two weeks. Clients received plans from crowd planners using CrowdFit, crowd planners without CrowdFit, or from expert planners. Compared to crowd planners not using CrowdFit, crowd planners using CrowdFit created plans that are more actionable and more aligned with exercise guidelines. Compared to experts, crowd planners created more actionable plans, and plans that are not significantly different with respect to tailoring, strength and aerobic principles. They struggled, however, to satisfy exercise requirements of amount of exercise. We discuss opportunities for designing technology supporting physical activity planning by non-experts.


The theoretical treatment of the phenomena of adsorption has been very largely based upon the results of experiments with charcoal, a material which is not chemically homogeneous, and about whose undoubtedly very complex physical structure little is known. The uncertainties thus arising are not rendered less formidable by the various empirical methods of "activation" to which the charcoal is usually subjected. Vitreous silica, on the contrary, has properties which seem to provide a nearly ideal foundation for adsorption experiments of theoretical significance. It is chemically inert and homogeneous, and its structure has been the subject of detailed and successful investigation. In common with that of charcoal the surface of powdered silica undergoes little change by sintering even on prolonged exposure to red heat. The low retentivity (adsorption/pressure) of this form of silica, while destroying its value as a practical adsorbent, proves a great advantage for theoretical development in that the early portions of isothermals are accessible at external pressures easily measurable by simple manometric means. Also a low retentivity obviously minimizes the difficulty of preparing a bare surface. There is lastly the advantage, by no means the least important, that an apparently trustworthy method has been devised for evaluating the surface of the powdered material independently of the adsorption experiments. The Preparation of Powdered Fused Silica for Adsorption Experiments A coarsely crushed fused quartz was narrowly graded by sieving until the material consisted of particles of average diameter (calculated as spheres) of 0·8 mm. After thorough cleaning in acid bichromate and washing in distilled water the silica was dried and then formed the starting point for all subsequent preparations of adsorbent. The superficial area of 1 gm of the silica at this stage was estimated by the method described later as very nearly 100 cm2.


The objective is to present the clinical case of pelvic floor reconstruction after total exenteration. Clinic al c ase. The formation of the combined fistula after surgical treatment and combined radiation therapy for uterine body cancer is presented in female patient (57 years old). The rectum and bladder were removed, the perineal tissue was excised and a vulvectomy was performed. The rectus abdominis muscle was mobilized with epigastric artery and moved to the perineum. The wound was healed by primary tension. The patient lives a full life, adapted, and does not require analgesic therapy. Conclusion. The treatment and diagnosis tactics for regional combined fistulas are not standardized, and surgical treatment is the method of choice, especially in cases where the patient has already had radiation therapy for malignancy and relapse.


Evidence is presented indicating that chrysotile asbestos induces rapid cellular ageing in lung fibroblast cultures. Depending on the dose of asbestos given to these cultures the formation of fibrous collagen is enhanced or suppressed. The reaction of chrysotile at the cellular and molecular level is discussed and is considered to be determined by the organic coating it receives or the manner in which the surface absorbed material is modified. Studies are included of the ability of chrysotile to adsorb and retain serum proteins, pulmonary surfactant and lysosomal enzymes. Finally, a critical appraisal is given of the theories accounting for chrysotile-induced fibrogenesis particularly related to the lung fibroblast system studied.


In this paper, we consider an online optimization problem over $T$ rounds where at each step $t\in[T]$, the algorithm chooses an action $x_t$ from the fixed convex and compact domain set $\mathcal{K}$. A utility function $f_t(\cdot)$ is then revealed and the algorithm receives the payoff $f_t(x_t)$. This problem has been previously studied under the assumption that the utilities are adversarially chosen monotone DR-submodular functions and $\mathcal{O}(\sqrt{T})$ regret bounds have been derived. We first characterize the class of strongly DR-submodular functions and then, we derive regret bounds for the following new online settings: $(1)$ $\{f_t\}_{t=1}^T$ are monotone strongly DR-submodular and chosen adversarially, $(2)$ $\{f_t\}_{t=1}^T$ are monotone submodular (while the average $\frac{1}{T}\sum_{t=1}^T f_t$ is strongly DR-submodular) and chosen by an adversary but they arrive in a uniformly random order, $(3)$ $\{f_t\}_{t=1}^T$ are drawn i.i.d. from some unknown distribution $f_t\sim \mathcal{D}$ where the expected function $f(\cdot)=\mathbb{E}_{f_t\sim\mathcal{D}}[f_t(\cdot)]$ is monotone DR-submodular. For $(1)$, we obtain the first logarithmic regret bounds. In terms of the second framework, we show that it is possible to obtain similar logarithmic bounds with high probability. Finally, for the i.i.d. model, we provide algorithms with $\tilde{\mathcal{O}}(\sqrt{T})$ stochastic regret bound, both in expectation and with high probability. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithms outperform the previous techniques in the aforementioned three settings.


Abstract In the eastern US, research is needed on the establishment and evaluation of conservation measures for forest-dwelling bats, in general, and for the newly listed Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-Eared Bat), in particular. Our objectives were to evaluate the overall use of 3 artificial roosting structures—rocket box, nursery box, and artificial bark—by bats and to relate this use to local landscape characteristics in north-central West Virginia. We monitored 306 structures during summer 2016 and detected use (i.e., presence of guano, visual identification, capture of bats) at 132 (43%) roosts, of which 55 (42%) were confirmed, through capture or visual identification, to contain Northern Long-eared Bats. Nursery boxes were used more than expected based on availability (60%), but rocket boxes accounted for 40 (73%) of the roosts confirmed to be occupied by Northern Long-eared Bats, with 70% being used by maternity colonies of this species. We utilized binomial generalized linear models and an information theoretic approach to examine use of artificial roosts by maternity colonies of Northern Long-eared Bats. Our best-supported model differentiating structures occupied by maternity colonies from those that housed individual bats showed relationships to elevation, slope, area solar radiation, and distance to streams and large (>200 ha) forests. Our study provides initial guidance for land and wildlife managers on implementing an effective conservation and management technique for bats within this region.


BACKGROUND
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality and may develop from oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia (OEL), the most common oral potentially malignant lesions. Our objective was to provide a descriptive overview of the global research activity on OEL over the past decades.

METHODS
We performed a systematic bibliometric analysis of articles and reviews on OEL up to December 31st 2016 using the SCOPUS database. Contribution of each country was analyzed by density-equalizing mapping (DEMP). The overall scientific productivity was analyzed for each journal and country.

RESULTS
A total of 5098 published items (articles or reviews) were identified. They are expected to double by 2040, with an expected number of 400 items per year. Only 4% of all research on oral oncology is focused on OEL. Together with the increasing number of publications since 1980s, an increasing number of international collaborative studies were observed. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine and Oral Oncology are the leading journals in terms of number of published items. The US, India, and the UK were the most prolific countries in terms of publications overtime.

CONCLUSIONS
We identified the leading journals as well as the leading authors and countries contributing to the research on OEL. International collaborative studies in the field are to be encouraged to refine strategies of oral cancer prevention.


ABSTRACT Duan, W.; He, B.; Takara, K.; Luo, P.; Hu, M.; Alias, N.E.; Ishihara, M., and Wang Y., 2014. Climate change impacts on wave characteristics along the coast of Japan from 1986 to 2012. With the effects of the earth's climate change, ocean waves present various change trends in different areas. Using the linear trend method and the Mann-Kendall test, we analyzed the trends of the annual maximum significant wave height and period during the period of 1986–2012 on the basis of the 10 wave monitoring stations along the Sea of Japan coast. The correlation with climate change indexes including SST (sea surface temperature), MEI (Multivariate Enso Index), SOI (Southern Oscillation Index), AOI (Arctic Oscillation Index), PDOI (Pacific Decade Oscillation Index) and NPI (North Pacific Index) were also checked to fully understand the changes of wave characteristics. Generally, the annual maximum significant wave height and period increased at almost all stations along the Sea of Japan from 1986 to 2012. The Sakata station had the largest increase in the annual maximum significant wave height and period, which increased about 49.65 cm (approximately 1.84 cm yr-1) and 0.24 s (approximately 0.009s yr-1) from 1986 to 2012, respectively. The increasing tendency of the wave height and period was more apparent in the northeast areas along the Sea of Japan coast compared to the southwest areas. The annual maximum significant wave height and period had negative relationships with PDOI, SOI, MEI and AOI at most stations, while positive relationships with NPI and SST at most stations.


It is very important to identify carrier molecules of astronomical interstellar infrared spectrum (IR) to understand chemical evolution step of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in the universe. In our previous study, it was suggested that coronene (C24H12) related PAH could reproduce such IR by the first principles quantum chemical calculation. In this paper, PAH candidates were enhanced to circumcoronene (C54H18) related molecules. Well known PAH oriented wavelength of 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 micrometer were reproduced well by a void induced mono-cation (C53H18) having hydrocarbon two pentagons combined with 17 hexagons. Typical astronomical object are the red rectangle nebula and NGC6946, which is categorized as Type-B sectrum. Neutral circumcoronene show very strong IR peak at 11.1 micrometer, which is noted as Type-A spectrum observed in NGC1316 and NGC4589. Ubiquitously well observed spectrum was noted as Type-C, which could be explained by a suitable combination of Type-B and Type-A. Type-C objects are NGC7023, NGC2023 and so many. It should be noted that a dehydrogenated pure carbon mono-cation molecule (C53) show IR peaks at 6.3, 7.8, 8.5 micrometer, but no peak at 11.3 micrometer, which newly defined as Type-E. Such a strange characteristic can contribute to explain IR intensity ratio. Observed intensity ratio between peaks of 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 micrometer each other were compared with above calculated IR intensities. Major intensity ratio was well reproduced by Type-B molecules. Variation of observed intensity ratio could be explained by a mixture degree between Type-B and Type-A, and also a mixture degree between Type-B and Type-E.


We present trapped solitary wave solutions of a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) system in 1 + 1 dimensions in the presence of an external, supersymmetric and complex PT -symmetric potential. The Schrödinger system this work focuses on possesses exact solutions whose existence, stability, and spatio-temporal dynamics are investigated by means of analytical and numerical methods. Two different variational approximations are considered where the stability and dynamics of the solitary waves are explored in terms of eight and twelve time-dependent collective coordinates (CCs). We find regions of stability for specific potential choices as well as analytic expressions for the small oscillation frequencies in the CC approximation. Our findings are further supported by performing systematic numerical simulations of the NLS system.


In this issue of Arthritis Care & Research, we present the sixth in a series of themed issues. These themed issues, which appear once or twice a year, are designed to highlight state-of-the-art information in a field of relevance to rheumatology. The topic for this themed issue is the epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases. A solicitation for manuscripts for the seventh theme, concerning drug safety in the rheumatic diseases, has already been published in the Journal. The manuscripts submitted for the themed issues navigate the usual peer-review process of Arthritis Care & Research, and therefore meet the same rigorous standards as articles in this or any other issue. The discipline of epidemiology has been invigorated by a revolution in the scope of inquiry, from molecular genetics at one end of the spectrum to the effect of community at the other (the latter is sometimes referred to as areabased analysis). Some analysts incorporate both, as well as traditional individual characteristics, including sociodemographics and measures of disease severity. Investigators in the rheumatic diseases reflect this revolution. We received 100 manuscripts in response to the call for papers, of which 24 have been accepted for publication in this issue. Of note, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are represented by 3 articles and osteoarthritis by 2, but the diseases covered include less common ones, such as Wegener's granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic sclerosis, and vasculitis, as well as regional pain disorders and syndromes such as eosiniphilia-myalgia and amyloidosis. The 24 articles draw upon a wide range of methodologies, including case–control studies, registries, population-based surveys, meta-analysis, and more traditional review articles. Outcomes assessed include incident and prevalent cases, progression from onset to disability, and mortality. The geographic reach of the articles ranges across individual clinical sites, regions within nations, whole nations—including some that are not commonly subject to analysis such as Iran—and the world. Almost every issue of Arthritis Care & Research includes manuscripts using epidemiologic methods. However, we hope that by publishing an entire issue devoted to the epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases, the journal can highlight the strength of the community of rheumatology researchers in this area of inquiry and can also catalyze further cross-fertilization in the scope of research from molecules to communities and every level in between.


The background of this research is based on the phenomenon that the Regional Government-owned Regional Hospital, the focus is to serve the community in the health sector, so that pursuing profit is not a top priority for the RSUD, as a result sometimes service is slow, facilities, and administration are also slow.
This study aims to analyze the effect of Job Distribution, and Bureaucracy  on Employee for the performance of Regional General Hospital staff, either simultaneously or partially. This study explains the causal (cause-effect) relationship between variables and tests the research hypothesis. The technique of determining the data is done by using probability sampling technique. The analysis method uses SEM (Structure Equation Modeling).
The results showed that there was a significant effect of Job Distribution, and Bureaucracy on employee job satisfaction by 62.53%. There is a positive and significant influence, either directly or indirectly from the distribution of jobs on employee job satisfaction (23.02%), and bureaucracy on employee job satisfaction (39,51). %),


A novel method is introduced for preparing iron nanoparticles from iron pentacarbonyl using an atmospheric microwave plasma. The prepared iron nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the size of the particles can be controlled by adjusting the microwave power and the flow rate of the carrier gas. The magnetic properties of the synthesized iron particles were studied and a saturation magnetization of ∼95 emu/g was obtained. The convenient preparation process and considerable production rate were also found to be satisfactory for industrial applications.


The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia, UOC) is an online university that makes extensive use of information and communication technologies to provide education. Ever since its establishment in 1995, the UOC has developed and tested methodologies and technological support services to meet the educational challenges posed by its student community and its teaching and management staff. The know-how it has acquired in doing so is the basis on which it has created the Open Apps platform, which is designed to provide access to open source technical applications, information on successful learning and teaching experiences, resources and other solutions, all in a single environment. Open Apps is an open, online catalogue, the content of which is available to all students for learning purposes, all IT professionals for downloading and all teachers for reusing. To contribute to the transfer of knowledge, experience and technology, each of the platform's apps comes with full documentation, plus information on cases in which it has been used and related tools. It is hoped that such transfer will lead to the growth of an external partner network, and that this, in turn, will result in improvements to the applications and teaching/learning practices, and in greater scope for collaboration. Open Apps is a strategic project that has arisen from the UOC's commitment to the open access movement and to giving knowledge and technology back to society, as well as its firm belief that sustainability depends on communities of interest.


The present research is oriented toward the task of developing an improved electrolyte for the direct hydrocarbon-air fuel cell. The electrochemical behavior of methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and sulfoacetic acid as fuel cell electrolytes was studied in a half cell at various temperatures. The rate of electro-oxidation of hydrogen at 115 degrees was very high in methanesulfonic acid and sulfoacetic acids. The rate of the electro-oxidation of propane in methanesulfonic acid at 80/sup 0/C and 115/sup 0/C was low. Further, there is evidence for adsorption of these acids on the platinum electrode. Sulfoacetic acid with H/sup 2/ has supported about two times higher current density than trifluoromethanesulfonic acid monohydrate, but, attempts to purify the compound were unsuccessful. It was concluded that anhydrous sulfonic acids are not good electrolytes; water solutions are required. Sulfonic acids containing unprotected C-H bonds are adsorbed on platinum and probably decompose during electrolysis. A completely substituted sulfonic acid would be the preferred electrolyte.


Purpose To analyze the location of the femoral tunnel by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) of the lateral condyle in patients who underwent arthroscopic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, performed using a modified transtibial technique, and to compare the results with data from the literature. Materials and Methods Seventeen patients with ACL lesions underwent modified transtibial ACL reconstruction. Postoperatively, 3D CT examinations were performed and the images were analyzed by the quadrant system described by Bernard and Hertel to define the femoral tunnel coordinates. Results The mean value of femoral tunnel location coordinates was 37.1±5.9 in the horizontal plane and 23.9±7.5 in the vertical plane. Compared with other studies using the transtibial or transportal technique, femoral positioning was improved in the vertical plane. The outside-in technique provided the best results both in the vertical and horizontal planes. Conclusions The modified transtibial technique was not effective for systematically anatomic femoral tunnel positioning; however, it was relatively better than the conventional transtibial technique.


In vehicular communications, a balance between privacy and anonymity from one side and responsibility and non repudiation from the other side is very important. In this paper, a security framework for VANETs to achieve privacy and non-repudiation is proposed. We present the safety requirements in the context of accident and reporting problem. We build a platform to provide security to safety messages in an accident scenario based on Identity-based cryptography (IBC). An analytical evaluation and performance measurement are achieved to validate this platform. This study confirms that identity-based cryptography and elliptic curves are very useful to make light communications.