In the past two decades, extensive efforts have been made to develop agents targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for prostate cancer imaging and therapy. To date, represented by two recent approvals of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]F-DCFPyL by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to identify suspected metastases or recurrence in patients with prostate cancer, PSMA-targeting imaging and theranostic agents derived from small molecule PSMA inhibitors have advanced to clinical practice and trials of prostate cancer. The focus of current development of new PSMA-targeting agents has thus shifted to the improvement of in vivo pharmacokinetics and higher specific binding affinity with the aims to further increase the detection sensitivity and specificity and minimize the toxicity to non-target tissues, particularly the kidneys. The main strategies involve systematic chemical modifications of the linkage between the targeting moiety and imaging/therapy payloads. In addition to a summary of the development history of PSMA-targeting agents, this review provides an overview of current advances and future promise of PSMA-targeted imaging and theranostics with focuses on the structural determinants of the chemical modification towards the next generation of PSMA-targeting agents.


Impatt diode amplifiers are candidates for use in super high frequency (s.h.f.) systems as broadband,intermediate power amplifiers, but their poor linearity makes them unattractive for some systems.The linearity of some X?band impatt diode amplifiers is considered in this paper. The amplifiers are of the circulator coupled, reflexion type, where p +nn + silicon diodes of various doping levels are operated in the impatt mode.The impatt class of diodes shows a r.f.negative resistance that depends on the r.f. voltage, so that the design of linear amplifiers using passive circuitry is empirical. The structure of the diode chip determines the spatial distribution of the electric field which, in turn, determines the value of the negative resistanceand its dependence on r.f. power. A range of theoretical? W mesa structures has been investigated to get a computed, optimum, linear amplifier at a frequency of 12 GHz, where the optimizingparameter is the choice of passive stepped impedance transformer. The computations show that somewhat better linearity can be obtained with lower-doped diodes than with the higher?doped diodes used in the design of impatt oscillators. The characteristics of experimental amplifiers using relatively highly?doped diodes are presented and show good qualitative agreement with the computed responses.


Electric vehicle (EV) offers one of the most promising approaches towards reducing urban pollution. With EVs' integration into power grid for charging batteries, they can potentially have a significant impact on the distribution grid. This paper discusses the modeling of a charging station for analysis of charging load demand in a residential parking lot with the assumption that EV arrivals follow Poisson distribution. Then, a simulation framework to generate the charging load profiles is proposed. Furthermore, Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to obtain the stochastic feature parameter of charging start time, and an optimal charging strategy based on the model is developed to reduce the power fluctuation level caused by EV charging. Compared with results of the uncontrolled case, simulation results indicate that the proposed charging start time optimal algorithm not only slightly meets EV owners' charging demand but also significantly reduces peak and filling valley, mitigating the impact of EV charging on the distribution network.


Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of selective nerve root block (SNRB) in advance to the patient who is going to undergo the operation for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD). Materials and Methods: 103 cases were selected from among SNRB conducted to the patients who had been diagnosed by this hospital to have lumbar HIVD from December 2004 to November 2005 and assigned for operations. The follow-up period was 10 months in average (2.5-30 months) and the average age was 35.5 years (19-72 years). Patients had been monitored by means of clinical records, interviews and telephone and features of symptoms and stage of nerve root compression were compared between the group of operated patients and that of the non-operated. Results: As for stages of nerve root compression, 15 cases could be classified to belong to the 1st stage, 4 cases to the 2nd stage and 1 case to the 3rd stage. Among 42 cases for which operations were conducted because there was no improvement after SNRB. Divided by stages of nerve root compression, 13 cases belonged to the 1st stage, followed by 10 cases to the 2nd stage and 4 cases to the 3rd stage. No statistically significant difference turned out to exist the clinical results between 42 cases which underwent operations and 61 cases which experienced improvement after nerve root block. No significant difference, either, was confirmed from the statistical outcomes between SNRB group and operations. Conclusion: The preserving treatment using SNRB for the patients with lumbar HIVD seems to have positive clinical effects. Features of radiating pains or stages of nerve root compression, however, can't be regarded to be factors foretelling the treatment effects of SNRB.


It has been shown (Amuru et al. 2015) that online learning algorithms can be effectively used to select optimal physical layer parameters for jamming against digital modulation schemes without a priori knowledge of the victim's transmission strategy. However, this learning problem involves solving a multi-armed bandit problem with a mixed action space that can grow very large. As a result, convergence to the optimal jamming strategy can be slow, especially when the victim and jammer's symbols are not perfectly synchronized. In this work, we remedy the sample efficiency issues by introducing a linear bandit algorithm that accounts for inherent similarities between actions. Further, we propose context features which are well-suited for the statistical features of the non-coherent jamming problem and demonstrate significantly improved convergence behavior compared to the prior art. Additionally, we show how prior knowledge about the victim's transmissions can be seamlessly integrated into the learning framework. We finally discuss limitations in the asymptotic regime.


| Reduction of carbon emissions is of paramount importance in the context of global warming and climate change. Countries and global companies are now engaged in understanding systematic ways of solving carbon economics problems, aimed ultimately at achieving well defined emission targets. This paper proposes mechanism design as an approach to solving carbon economics problems. The paper first introduces carbon economics issues in the world today and next focuses on carbon economics problems facing global industries. The paper identifies four problems faced by global industries: carbon credit allocation (CCA), carbon credit buying (CCB), carbon credit selling (CCS), and carbon credit exchange (CCE). It is argued that these problems are best addressed as mechanism design problems. The discipline of mechanism design is founded on game theory and is concerned with settings where a social planner faces the problem of aggregating the announced preferences of multiple agents into a collective decision, when the actual preferences are not known publicly. The paper provides an overview of mechanism design and presents the challenges involved in designing mechanisms with desirable properties. To illustrate the application of mechanism design in carbon economics, the paper describes in detail one specific problem, the carbon credit allocation problem.


Olson's book provides a unique approach to the analysis of national identity formation in Ecuador. Her rigorous analysis of visual sources, the diversity of her selection, the sophisticated interpretation of these sources, and her interdisciplinary methodology provide a new interpretive framework for this material. However, while Constitutive Visions makes significant contributions to studies of the formation of Ecuadorian nationhood, it lacks selected comparisons with how this process manifested itself in other nations. Such comparisons would have strengthened the case for Ecuadorian singularity, or better situated this history within a broader continental process of identity formation. Another factor that hindered Olson's argument at times was the mention in text of several paintings or illustrations that were not included, making it difficult for the reader to assess the image as evidence. Finally, while the extension of rhetorical theory to the visual field is a laudable exercise and expands the interpretations of the images examined, the theoretical jargon employed in the analysis is at times so dense and discipline-specific that it is difficult to make sense of the argument. The density of the language may present an impediment to employing the text in undergraduate courses, especially outside the field of rhetorical studies.


In this paper, we consider maximizing the sum rate in the uplink of a multi-cell orthogonal frequency-division multiple access network. The problem has a non-convex combinatorial structure and is known to be NP-hard. Because of the inherent complexity of implementing the optimal solution, firstly, we derive an upper bound (UB) and a lower bound (LB) to the optimal average network throughput. Moreover, we investigate the performance of a near-optimal single cell resource allocation scheme in the presence of inter-cell interference, which leads to another easily computable LB. We then develop a centralized sub-optimal scheme that is composed of a geometric programming-based power control phase in conjunction with an iterative subcarrier allocation phase. Although the scheme is computationally complex, it provides an effective benchmark for low complexity schemes even without the power control phase. Finally, we propose less complex centralized and distributed schemes that are well suited for practical scenarios. The computational complexity of all schemes is analyzed, and the performance is compared through simulations. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed low complexity schemes can achieve comparable performance with that of the centralized sub-optimal scheme in various scenarios. Moreover, comparisons with the UB and LB provide insight on the performance gap between the proposed schemes and the optimal solution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Aortic prosthesis infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The introduction of the neo-aortoiliac system (NAIS) technique offers a new perspective, as a venous conduit is considered an optimal graft in aortic prosthesis infection because it is autogenous, durable, inexpensive and has low infection rates. Occasionally, the anatomical characteristics of available autologous venous conduits may limit the applicability of this technique. Herein, we present two cases in which a variant NAIS technique was used to confront an aortic graft infection. To expand the usefulness of the NAIS technique and avoid the use of prosthetic material in a potentially contaminated area as much as possible, we combined an autologous femoral vein with a short segment of a silver-coated Dacron graft. The combination of a silver-impregnated graft and the NAIS is a feasible bailout technique should the NAIS vein appears inadequate upon exploration.


The sintering temperature in rotary kiln is measured through image processing algorithm as feedback of its predictive control. The predictive model based on RBF network is designed by the image and other process data optimized by genetic algorithm. The final results of application at an alumina sintering kiln show that this intelligent predictive control strategy can achieve higher stability in normal condition.


The stiffness of truck scales is the main influence factor on its measurement accuracy. Three kinds of SCS-100T large electronic truck scales are different in size arrangement of U-beam. Based on the finite element method, the models of the truck scales were established. The stiffness and strength of the scales were compared on account of the analysis results. The results show that U-beam arrangement of the low at both ends but high in the middle structure for the truck scale not only can save material but also meet the requirement of stiffness. Simulation analysis provides the theoretical basis for the structural design of truck scales.


Lead concentrations in blood samples typical of unexposed individuals are determined by using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry at a disposable 287-element (15-35-microns diameter) carbon microarray electrode. Analysis of a series of low Pb-containing samples (blood [Pb] = 17 to 92 micrograms/L) by standard addition gives good accuracy (average bias vs graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy = -4 micrograms/L) and precision (pooled SD = 7 micrograms/L). The signal/noise ratio is improved by about an order of magnitude over that found at a single carbon disk (10 microns diameter), resulting in a detection limit (for the microarray) of 5 micrograms/L for a 60-s deposition of sample.


Objective This descriptive and comparative study was conducted to determine the cognitive functions and nutritional status of nursing-home-residing and community-dwelling elderly. Methods The study was carried out with a total of 204 elderly people who were community dwelling (n = 104) and nursing home residents (n = 100). Data were collected with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and standardized with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results Mean age of the nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly people was 77.4 (SD = 6.7) years and 76.5 (SD = 7.4) years, respectively. Mean MMSE score was significantly different between nursing home residents (18.5 [SD = 4.5]) and community-dwelling elderly (22.1 [SD = 4.7]) (P < .05). Mean MNA score of nursing home residents (23.0 [SD = 3.7]) and community-dwelling elderly (24.6 [SD = 3.1]) was significantly different (P < .05). Conclusion Nursing home residents were at risk of malnutrition and cognitive impairment. Precautions for the protection of the residents for maintaining nutritional status and cognitive functions were recommended.


Steganalysis is a collection of techniques used to detect whether secret information is embedded in a carrier using steganography. Most of the existing steganalytic methods are based on machine learning, which typically requires training a classifier with "laboratory" data. However, applying machine-learning classification to a new source of data is challenging, since there is typically a mismatch between the training and the testing sets. In addition, other sources of uncertainty affect the steganlytic process, including the mismatch between the targeted and the true steganographic algorithms, unknown parameters –such as the message length– and even having a mixture of several algorithms and parameters, which would constitute a realistic scenario. This paper presents subsequent embedding as a valuable strategy that can be incorporated into modern steganalysis. Although this solution has been applied in previous works, a theoretical basis for this strategy was missing. Here, we cover this research gap by introducing the "directionality" property of features with respect to data embedding. Once this strategy is sustained by a consistent theoretical framework, new practical applications are also described and tested against standard steganography, moving steganalysis closer to real-world conditions.


Background: Owing to the many unique disease characteristics of Parkinson disease (PD)—namely resting tremors, muscular rigidity, and poor bone quality—we hypothesized that this patient population would have inferior outcomes with surgical management of acute distal radius fractures (DRFs) compared with the literature available on the general population. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study performed at a single, level 1, academic center from 2001 to 2020 capturing all adult patients with an isolated, acute, and closed DRF that ultimately underwent operative treatment. International Classification of Diseases 10 codes were used to identify 30 patients for manual chart review. Several patient and fracture characteristics were accounted for and complications, reoperations, and failures of surgical intervention were recorded. Results: There was a total of 7/30 failures (23%), 6/30 reoperations (20%), and 12 complications in 9/30 wrists (complication rate, 30%) at a mean latest follow-up of 11 months (1.2-158 months). Of the 7 failures, 5 were due to loss of reduction, and 2 of them were deep infections with mean time to failure of 8.3 weeks (range, 11 days-5.2 months). Conclusions: This study found a high rate of complications, reoperations, and early failure despite a short follow-up period and a small cohort of patients with PD treated surgically for a DRF. We recommend locked plating if suitable for the fracture type and early involvement of a multidisciplinary team to assist with medical optimization of PD to increase chances of a successful outcome.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Momordica charantia L. is one of the important Ayurvedic drugs having anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-lipolytic and hepatoprotective properties. This study was designed for comparative fingerprint profiling of vicine bioactive compound in M. charantia L. fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation extract through high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and for developing rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of vicine in fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dried powder of M. charantia L. fruit (10.3448 g) and powder of coded Ayurvedic formulation (13.4975 g) were extracted by using a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 h. For HPTLC finger printing, ethyl acetate: methanol: water: formic acid (7:3:1:0.5; v/v/v/v) was used as a solvent system. The quantitative analysis was performed by HPLC using acetonitrile and water (65:35 v/v) as mobile phase, with 1.0 mL/min flow rate at 275 nm, and the retention time of vicine was 3.688 min. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A band was obtained at 254 nm (green, Rf = 0.31) in standard and test solution tracks of M. charantia L. fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation extract corresponding to vicine. The calibration plot showing linear relationship with concentration has been observed. A linear equation is y = 12.224x + 7.829, and the goodness of fit (r2) of 0.99 was obtained from the regression analysis, which showed proportional dependence between concentration and peak area. CONCLUSION: Results of the HPLC analysis showed that the coded Ayurvedic formulation extract and M. charantia L. fruit extract contains 0.0273% and 0.0603% of vicine biomarker compound, respectively.


Objective: Active surveillance has become a management option for low-risk prostate cancer patients, while keeping the curative treatment option available. In this study, we evaluated the results of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer patients. Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who chose an active surveillance protocol were followed with PSA measurements, digital rectal examinations and TRUS-guided biopsies. The patients' data and re-biopsy results were evaluated. The results were compared with the results of the patients who had definitive treatment. Results: Forty-one patients on active surveillance and 34 patients with at least one re-biopsy were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients who had more than one re-biopsy were followed for an average of 27.7 (12-78) months. Twelve patients (44.4%) had definitive treatment: 9 had a radical prostatectomy, and 3 had radiotherapy. There were 17 patients under surveillance after a second biopsy, and 9 (33%) of them had a third biopsy. Among these 9 patients, 7 patients were kept under surveillance, and 2 (7%) of those had a fourth biopsy. The follow-up of 15 of 17 patients who have not undergone definitive treatment is still ongoing. Conclusion: Active surveillance is a treatment option that protects low-risk prostate cancer patients from the complications of or a reduction in the quality of life due to an early or unnecessary definitive treatment option, while keeping the curative treatment option available. Active surveillance can be applied safely with the appropriate patient selection, regular examinations and tests.


In the late nineteen fifties in Lucania, an area that became symbolic as regards the peasant condition which would be redeemed and changed through new programmes and politics, Ernesto De Martino studies and records the ancient mythical and ritualistic performance of the "game of the sickle". In the same period Luchino Visconti studies the location and makes a detailed anthropological research for "Rocco and his brothers", one of the masterpieces of Italian neo-realism, released in Italy in 1960. That same year L. Del Fra presents "A passion for wheat", a documentary based on the documents and archive material of the research conducted by De Martino. Visconti's neo-realism and the anthropological studies in southern Italy are connected by the same methodology used and the creation of the paradigms of the first "anthropological cinema" or documentary which in Italy is, in its beginnings, the "meridional" cinema.


According the feature of mine local ventilator, the paper proposes a kind of control method combining fuzzy neural network (FNN), genetic algorithm (GA) and PID control to local fan. The GA is used to optimize central value and width of the FNN's membership function, and the BP algorithm is used to optimize the connection coefficients. The experiment shows that the system can adjust automatically fan's speed according to variation of gas concentration. Compared with conventional PID controllers, this method has obvious advantages. The design of PID controller and speed control of frequency converter can be made with TMS320F2407 DSP system.


The Eustachian tube (ET) is divided in 3 portions: a bony portion, a cartilaginous portion, and a junctional portion. From an anatomical-functional point of view, the bony portion of ET is the region of ventilation and clearance of secretions, and is lined by pseudostratified, ciliated, columnar epithelium, with an anti-gravitational direction of the drainage. The ET in the bony portion is in a state of forced opening. The cartilaginous portion is instead the heart of this dynamic system tube, because the mechanism of opening and closing of the tube is at this level. ET is normally closed, and it opens only during swallowing, being essential for good functioning of the middle ear, because it provides ventilation from the nasopharynx to the middle ear, and, at the same time, clearance of secretions from the middle ear-mastoid unit to the nasopharynx. Moreover, the ET protects the middle ear against nasopharyngeal pressure variations, ascending secretions, and microorganisms. The ability to develop all these functions makes the tube a complex organ.


Spontaneous subcapsular renal hematoma is an uncommon entity. We report a 54-year-old lady presenting with high fever, dysuria followed 5 days later by acute onset left flank pain and uncontrolled hypertension. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a subcapsular hematoma in the left kidney. Except urinary tract infection and hypertension, no particular cause for the condition could be found. Symptoms and size of the collection decreased on conservative treatment. The collection disappeared on MRI at 6 weeks follow-up. She was asymptomatic at 23 months follow-up.


Four heifers (British x British; average BW 372 kg) cannulated at the rumen and duodenum and consuming a grass hay (fescue-orchardgrass) diet were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square and supplemented with four levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 g.head-1.d-1) of supplemental four- and five-carbon VFA (BCFA). Forage OM, ADF, NDF and N intakes and digestibilities were not affected (P greater than .10) by BCFA supplementation. Likewise, duodenal N (microbial, feed and ammonia) flows and microbial efficiency were not altered (P greater than .10) by BCFA supplementation. Neither particulate and fluid passage rate nor in situ rate of NDF digestion was affected (P greater than .10) by treatment. Ruminal pH, ammonia concentrations and total VFA concentrations were similar (P greater than .10) among treatments. Ruminal proportions of acetate and propionate were not affected (P greater than .10) by treatment; however, butyrate responded in a cubic (P less than .05) fashion to BCFA, with the lowest proportion of butyrate at the 40 g BCFA feeding level. A time x treatment interaction (P less than .05) was noted for isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate proportions; they were increased as a function of BCFA dosage at 2 to 8 h postdosing. Supplemental four- and five-carbon VFA had no effect on digestion and fermentation of grass hay. Supplementation of low-quality roughages with BCFA is not justified.


Traffic accidents in Japan claim some 10,000 precious lives every year, and there is seemingly no end to the problem. In an effort to overcome this situation, vehicle manufacturers have been pushing ahead with the development of a variety of advanced safety technologies. Joint public-private sector projects related to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are also proceeding vigorously. Most accidents can be attributed to driver error in recognition, judgment or vehicle operation. This paper presents an analysis of driver behavior characteristics in emergency situations that lead to an accident, focusing in particular on operation of the brake pedal. Based on the insights gained so far, we have developed a Brake Assist System with a Preview Function (BAP) designed to prevent accidents by helping drivers with braking actions. Experimental results have confirmed that BAP is effective in reducing the impact speed and the frequency of accidents in emergency situations.


This book contains 24 chapters and is divided into three main sections: an overview of stem cell sources and characteristics, cell labeling and imaging techniques, and clinical applications.


A large portion of the zakat utilization program is something needed in order to have long-term benefits of zakat and to increase the socio-economic value of zakat funds, one of which is the community's social empowerment program. BAZNAS (the National Zakat Amil Agency) of West Java, which has an intermediary function, conducts the Zakat Community Development (ZCD) program to empower the community. This study aims to determine the profile of social empowerment in the ZCD program. The research method applied is a case study and descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results show that the effectiveness of zakat utilization can be increased through community social empowerment programs that are carried out in stages, namely the stage of mental development, group activities, and capacity building activities. Such a method aims to divide the empowerment process and identify competencies and community development.


Recent studies in dialogue state tracking (DST) leverage historical information to determine states which are generally represented as slot-value pairs. However, most of them have limitations to efficiently exploit relevant context due to the lack of a powerful mechanism for modeling interactions between the slot and the dialogue history. Besides, existing methods usually ignore the slot imbalance problem and treat all slots indiscriminately, which limits the learning of hard slots and eventually hurts overall performance. In this paper, we propose to enhance the DST through employing a contextual hierarchical attention network to not only discern relevant information at both word level and turn level but also learn contextual representations. We further propose an adaptive objective to alleviate the slot imbalance problem by dynamically adjust weights of different slots during training. Experimental results show that our approach reaches 52.68% and 58.55% joint accuracy on MultiWOZ 2.0 and MultiWOZ 2.1 datasets respectively and achieves new state-of-the-art performance with considerable improvements (+1.24% and +5.98%).


Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) is probably the most popular or- dination method in community ecology. However, it is only a heuristic approximation to maximum-likelihood estimated canonical Gaussian ordination (CGO), which is the "ideal" method. When proposed in the mid-1980s, CCA held two advantages over CGO: it was computationally cheaper, and its algorithm was not complex. However, an exponential increase in computing speed over the last two decades has meant that computation cost is no longer such a compelling advantage. The computational complexity of CGO has always been its major difficulty, even though it is statistically more sound and simpler to understand than CCA. For these reasons, no general computational framework or software has appeared until now. This article proposes a new class of statistical regression models called quadratic re- duced-rank vector generalized linear models (QRR-VGLMs) for maximum-likelihood es- timated CGO. This is achieved by extending a recently developed class of statistical models called RR-VGLMs. The extension is named QRR-VGLMs because of the addition of a quadratic form to each linear predictor, with the consequence that bell-shaped responses can be modeled as functions of latent environmental variables or gradients. QRR-VGLMs have several major positive features; for example, their framework is unifying and broad, so that canonical Gaussian ordination can potentially be performed on a wide range of data types. The two most important special cases of CGO in ecology, multispecies presence/ absence and Poisson abundance data, are considered in this article. The methodology is illustrated with a real data set using a software implementation written by the author in the S statistical language. The code, called the VGAM package in R, is object-oriented and free, and it allows QRR-VGLMs to be fitted to moderate-sized data sets conforming rea- sonably closely to the Gaussian model.


A user-friendly diagnostic ultrasound device offers a range of features that makes it a valuable instrument for anterior and posterior ophthalmic imaging both for clinical use and for teaching applications.


We evaluate the square-root diffusivity method as implemented in a new computer program Profiler developed by Brockman and Morral in 1993 to model interdiffusion of components in multicomponent alloys, a process which is of great importance in the materials sciences. Two multicomponent alloys joined along a planar interface form a classical one-dimensional diffusion couple in which the flux of any given component is affected by the flux of the others. A special relationship exists between the spatial extent of penetration of the various diffusing species and the square root of time, from which the usefulness of the square root of the diffusivity matrix becomes evident. Profiler, written in Turbo Pascal for use on personal computers, calculates the variation, with time and distance, of the concentrations of the n species diffusing across the interface of the single-phase diffusion couple using the square-root diffusivity method. Diffusion profiles calculated by Profiler are compared to the published experimental data of Thompson et al. in 1990 and Dayananda and Kim in 1979. Profiler is also used to investigate diffusion paths as a function of ternary alloy concentration in Cu-Ni-Zn couples. We conclude that Profiler accurately predicts the form of the two independent diffusion fields (e.g. predicting the existence or absence of extrema in the penetration curves). The slopes of the diffusion profiles and the precise location of compositional extrema are, however, shown to be dependent upon the accuracy of the alloy thermodynamic data selected by the user. Profiler is especially useful as a survey tool for estimating the potential occurrence and magnitude of compositional extrema and other peculiarities of multicomponent diffusion. In addition, the interpretation of diffusion penetration data obtained from electron microprobe analysis can be enhanced by prior knowledge that compositional extrema may occur within multicomponent diffusion zones.


The amino acids L-cysteine and L-cystine appear to have an important role in the metabolism of leukocytes. Decreased availability of these amino acids may therefore have important effects on leukocytes. The possibility of decreasing the influx of radioactive L-cystine into leukemic leukocytes was investigated by exposing the leukocytes to various analogues of cysteine (cystine) prior to incubation with S35 L-cystine. It was found that a highly specific structural and spatial configuration is required to decrease the influx of S35 L-cystine. Thus unlabeled L-cysteine is effective in decreasing the incorporation of radioactive L-cystine. However, analogues of cystine in which there is modification or substitution of the sulfhydryl, amino or carboxyl group do not decrease the influx of S35 L-cystine. Furthermore, any alteration in the spatial relationship of the sulfhydryl and amino groups of L-cysteine also results in a loss of the ability of an analogue to decrease the incorporation of S35 L-cystine. Of the compounds studied and in the concentrations employed, only unlabeled L-cysteine, selenium cystine and phenyl selenium cysteine were effective. Selenium cystine is identical with cystine except that selenium replaces the sulfur in the molecule. Phenyl selenium cysteine is also closely related structurally to cysteine. The mechanism of action of selenium cystine and phenyl selenium cysteine in decreasing the influx of S35 L-cystine is not known. Other selenium compounds tested were ineffective. These compounds may exert their inhibitory effect by (a) competitive combination with specific intracellular receptors for L-cysteine (L-cystine), (b) inactivation of enzymes or compounds essential for normal cellular function, (c) alteration in membrane permeability or (d) a toxic effect of selenium. Since selenium cystine and phenyl selenium cystine are inhibitory in low concentrations in vitro, these compounds may have important effects on leukemic leukocytes in vivo.


Sodium valproate is a well-established treatment in epilepsy and mood disorders. Its utility is compromised by its adverse effects such as tremor, weight gain, hair loss, and liver dysfunction. Hair loss may occur when drug is used in higher dose. Drug-induced hair loss is diffused and non-scarring, which is reversible upon withdrawal. But there are no case reports showing relation between serum levels of valproate and occurrence of hair loss. So we took interest in reporting this case report.


Autonomous cars are the next step in the transportation sector in the hopes of reducing
the environmental impact and increase safety, but they are expensive to develop and test.
In order to facilitate the development and reduce test costs, a virtual test environment
has been developed and tested via implementation of an autonomous steering function.
In order to develop this virtual environment the simulation tool V-REP and the framework
ROS were used, since both of these tools are developed for robot development. What has
been developed is a virtual test environment as well as an interface for communication
between simulation and framework.
The result of this project is a virtual test environment where lters and steering algorithms
can be calibrated and tested for usage in a physical environment, as well as
support for the possibility of basic network communication between multiple cars.
The virtual environment works well for testing the model. Simulator and framework have
reached a functional level, but small errors occur which may demand further development
to compensate for.


Digitalization provides opportunities for sustainable development. Cultivating postgraduates' digital skills is an important task of higher education to support sustainable development (HESD). As a crucial way of cultivating digital skills, high-quality online learning processes are of great significance to achieve "Quality Education", in line with the 2030 sustainable development agenda. Based on Biggs's 3P (Presage-Process-Product) learning model, this study focused on the whole learning process and explored the relationship among postgraduates' information literacy, online platforms, online knowledge-sharing processes and their innovation performance. The analysis of a questionnaire survey of 501 Chinese postgraduates showed that (1) information literacy has a positively predictive effect on postgraduates' innovation performance; (2) different online learning processes lead to different learning results. Compared to the quantity-oriented online knowledge sharing process (Qty-KSP), the quality-oriented online knowledge sharing process (Qlty-KSP) is related to better innovation performance, which opens onto this study's third finding: (3) Qty-KSP and Qlty-KSP play a parallel mediating effect between postgraduates' information literacy and their innovation performance. Compared to Qty-KSP, Qlty-KSP is a more powerful intermediary variable, which leads to this study's fourth finding; (4) an efficient online learning environment can contribute to higher-quality online learning process, thus improving postgraduates' innovative performance. This study suggests that policy makers should develop postgraduates' digital skills for sustainable development in the digital age. This can be achieved by (1) cultivating postgraduates' information literacy; (2) encouraging them to practice high-quality online learning processes; and (3) providing an efficient sharing platform for sustainability, resilience, and digitalization in higher education.


The Little Raven Corvus mellori is an omnivore that occasionally eats small birds. Most birds taken are thought to be eaten as carrion, though several records exist of ravens hunting and killing Budgerigars Melopsittacus undulates and a Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis (Higgins et al. 2006). Both cases of bird depredation record Little Ravens attacking from above and stabbing prey to death with their beaks. Here, we report a pair of Little Ravens hunting, killing and eating a lone Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminita at Cheetham Wetlands, near Melbourne, Victoria (37° 53' 56"S, 144° 47' 33"E; 420 ha; see Antos et al. 2007 for a description). We also report an event which strongly implies they hunted and ate an adult Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus, and observations of hunting and eating eggs and chicks.


Gesture is the most primitive way of communication among human being. Today in the era of modern technology gesture recognition influences the world very diversely, from the physically challenged people to robot control to virtual reality environments. Compared to the systems which use extra devices (gloves, sensors), vision-based systems are more userfriendly and simple. Vision-based systems are easy to use, but most difficult to implement. This paper presents a comprehensive survey on the vision-based dynamic gesture recognition approaches, a comparative study on those methods, and find out the issues and challenges in this area.


Although the carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium (Cr+6, Cr(VI)) by inhalation has been known for a long time, there has been little evidence regarding the potential for the carcinogenicity and no ability to estimate cancer potency of Cr+6 by ingestion until recently. The release in 2008 of the National Toxicology Program's (NTP) chronic bioassay of rats and mice exposed to Cr+6 in drinking water provided clear evidence of cancer risk by ingestion and permits the estimation of the cancer potency and the associated soil remediation criterion. Dose-related increases in oral cavity tumors were observed in both sexes of rats and small intestine tumors were observed in both sexes of mice. Following USEPA guidance, NJDEP calculated a value for the human-equivalent cancer potency of 0.5 (mg Cr+6/kg body weight/day)-1 based on the most sensitive species and sex (male mice). For a one-in-a-million (1x10-6) lifetime cancer risk, this is equivalent to a daily dose of 1x10-6 mg Cr+6/kg body weight/day. Based on NJDEP soil remediation standards guidance, this corresponds to a soil concentration of 1 ppm (part per million). The NTP study was scientifically sound in its design and execution. Taking into account the ability of the stomach to metabolize Cr+6 to the less toxic Cr+3 form, the NTP animal data are judged to be relevant to human exposure. As per the USEPA scheme for characterization of carcinogenic potential, it is concluded that Cr+6 is "likely to be carcinogenic to humans" by ingestion. Derivation of an Ingestion-Based Soil Remediation Criterion for Cr+6 Based on the NTP Chronic Bioassay Data for Sodium Dichromate Dihydrate


Despite their many advantages, issues remain unresolved over the variability in catalytic activities in supported gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based catalysts, which requires precise characterization to unravel the presence of any fine features. Herein, upon analyzing the Au 4f core-level spin-orbit components in many as-synthesized AuNP-based catalysts, we observed that like deviations in the Au 4f7/2 binding energy positions, both the Au 4f7/2-to-Au 4f5/2 peak intensity and linewidth ratios varied largely from the standard statistical bulk reference values. These deviations were observed in all the as-synthesized supported AuNPs irrespective of different synthesis conditions, variations in size, shape or morphology of the gold nanoparticles, and different support materials. On the other hand, the spin-orbit-splitting values remained almost unchanged and did not show any appreciable deviations from the atomic or bulk standard gold values. These deviations could originate due to alterations in the electronic band structures in the supported AuNPs and might be present in other NP-based catalyst systems as well, which could be the subject of future research interest.


© 2014 American Physical Society. We calculate the differential, total, and transport cross-sections for scattering of two-dimensional massless Dirac electrons by a circular barrier. For scatterer of a small radius, the cross-sections are dominated by quantum effects such as resonant scattering that can be computed using the partial-wave series. Scattering by larger size barriers is better described within the classical picture of reflection and refraction of rays, which leads to phenomena of caustics, rainbow, and critical scattering. Refraction can be negative if the potential of the scatterer is repulsive, so that a p-n junction forms at its boundary. Qualitative differences of this case from the n-N doping case are examined. Quantum interference effects beyond the classical ray picture are also considered, such as normal and anomalous diffraction, and also whispering-gallery resonances. Implications of these results for transport and scanned-probe experiments in graphene and topological insulators are discussed.


In these recent years, many people have been influenced by stars, celebrities, and influencers of social media platforms in promoting their online products. Many celebrities who have many followers would start to promote certain products, especially food and beverage to all their audiences, fans and followers. The influenced audiences, fans and followers have to share and show with their close friends and family members to gain more popularity among other audiences. Celebrities have played a significant role in corporate brands as they manage to promote the brand products and also attracted many people who are interested in purchasing the products. Therefore, the group of celebrities can be called social media influencers (SMI).
The previous study has reported that food products are top interest for Gen Z and millennials  (Hanifawati, Dewanti, & Saputri, 2019). Many of Gen Z prefer to spend their money to buy food and beverage (Cheung, Davis, & Heukaeufer, 2017). Pricing strategy and providing variety are effective approaches for food and beverage. Gen Z has higher engagement with brands on social media compared to millennials. Either Gen Z or millennials are generally used multichannel to engage with the brands (Hanifawati et al., 2019).
In social network analysis (SNA), a node value influential a network called centrality. Centrality is defined as a value that represents how many connections are from nodes to other nodes (Wasserman & Faust, 1994). There are many methods to define centrality to identify the effect of each node in a social network such as Degree Centrality (DC), Betweenness Centrality (BC), Closeness Centrality (CC), and Eigenvector Centrality (EC). Among these, the eigenvector centrality will give the most influential node in a network. A node with the highest eigenvector value among the other nodes is the most influential/important node in a network.
Data was collected from Twitter using the Twitter API with the hashtag #pizzzahut. The goal of this research is to identify the main influencer in the Twitter community. It applied the eigenvector centrality to observe the effect of the centrality value for Twitter data. The result shows that there is a significant difference among the 3 most influential users. This result will be used for future research that will be focused on small and medium enterprise (SME) Twitter data.
This research is held a comparison analysis between the 4 centrality measurements approach for determining the most influential user with social network Twitter as its case study.


Abstract : On Friday, September 11, 2015, Professor Jerry Dobson and Graduate Research Assistant Taylor Tappan visited NGA headquarters in Springfield Virginia. Col. (Ret.) Dean Bland organized the session which was well attended by administrators and analysts in Human Geography. Doug Batson, a long term intellectual leader in NGAs Human Geography programs was present in person. Brian Hagan, NGAs national geospatial intelligence officer for geography and cartography teleconferenced with us from his office in St. Louis for the entire presentation and discussion afterward. He listened intensely and spoke glowing praise afterward. He complimented Professor Dobson for his long term efforts through the American Geographical Society (especially Bowman Expeditions) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (where Dobson worked for 26 years before moving to the University of Kansas).


Public relations studies have often examined dialogue and engagement with clients and customers using social media. However, studies have not explored the dynamics of the use of social media in the hospitality industry for building a customer relationship. More importantly, studies examining the dynamics of social media use for public relations purposes in the hospitality industry in developing countries in Africa are very scanty. Studies on social media have instead, focused on developed countries while limited in scope regarding the hospitality industry. The purpose of this study is to enhance the use of social media in the hospitality industry in Ghana, by examining how Facebook is adopted among hotels in Ghana for the purpose of public relations to maintain customers and foster good communication. A content analysis of 800 posts and updates from 70 hotels in Ghana indicates that the hospitality industry is making good use of Facebook for public relations purposes. However, the use of Facebook was more in oneway informational messages rather than two-way information sharing. This result is explained and its implication for the hospitality industry for public relations and customer service.


By Baker's method for the staining of lipids, various types of cytoplasmic rods and granules in leukocytes give a positive acid hematein test but are negative after the pyridine-extraction test. According to Baker,8 this combination of results indicates the presence of phospholipids. Some of the rods and granules which are stained appear to be mitochondria, judging from their shape, size and distribution. as well as from the fact that they coincide in all respects with mitochondria demonstrable by supravital staining. Baker8 pointed out that in a great variety of cells his method stained mitochondria, although he did not report having examined leukocytes. In addition to mitochondria, Baker's method stains the specific granules of the three varieties of granular leukocytes. In the neutrophilic leukocytes, the granules appear gray or black; in some of the eosinophilic leukocytes, they are intensely black, while in others they are unstained although surrounded by stained ground substance; and in the basophilic leukocytes, some of the granules of individual cells are stained while others are not. Provided the method is chemically specific, it follows that the specific granules of these leukocytes contain phospholipids. The appearance of the eosinophils indicates that many of them possess granules composed of protein surrounded by phospholipid, although some of them contain granules with lipid in their interiors. These differences in the eosinophils suggest possible functional stages, related perhaps to the age of the cells or some other metabolic factors. In the monocytes, besides a general stippling of the cytoplasm corresponding to mitochondria, the region of the attraction sphere often contains numerous deeply stained granules.

Sudan black B stains both the mitochondria and the specific leukocytic granules in a manner similar to Baker's method. However, certain slight differences were noticed. Platelets were brought out moderately distinctly by the acid hematein procedure, whereas in sudan black preparations they were barely visible. A variability was noted in the staining of the granules of the eosinophilic leukocytes in Baker's method, in contrast to the uniformity of their staining with sudan black. This difference should perhaps be interpreted as indicating that the eosinophilic granules contain other lipid substances besides phospholipids. Mitochondnia, in whatsoever type of leukocyte they are observed, appear to stain more deeply and distinctly by Baker's method than with sudan black, a circumstance suggesting that mitochondria are very rich in phospholipids.


3 Introduction 4 ● The Importance of Men's Issues Research ● Study Aims Theoretical Framework 7 ● R. W. Connell (2005) ● C. Wright Mills (1959) Methods and Procedures 10 ● Recruitment Criteria ● Participants and Survey Outreach ● Data Collection ● Data Analysis Results and Discussion 14 ● Public Sphere (Issues) ● Private Sphere (Troubles) ● Support Group Sphere (Introduction to and Emphasis on Androgyny) Implications and Future Directions 24 ● Group Therapy as a Solution ● Limitations ● Study Applications Appendix A (Examples of Group Profiles) 28 Appendix B (Qualtrics Survey Questions) 29


Anionic hydrated titanate (H(n)TiO(m): HTO) nanosheets and cationic magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al LDH) nanosheets were electrophoretically deposited on positively and negatively charged indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates, respectively. The HTO nanosheets and Mg-Al LDH nanosheets obtained were identified in neutral water as H(2)Ti(4)O(9)·nH(2)O with a ζ-potential of -23 mV and Mg(6)Al(2)(OH)(18)·4.5H(2)O with a ζ-potential of +41 mV, respectively. Dense and smooth HTO and Mg-Al LDH films with layered structures with thicknesses of about 10-15 μm were prepared in 300 s at 7.5 V by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) from the nanosheet suspensions. Both EPD HTO and LDH films showed elasticity because of their layered laminate structures. The HTO thick films demonstrated large adsorption properties and high photocatalytic activity, while the Mg-Al LDH thick films showed relatively high ionic conductivity of 10(-5) S cm(-1) at 80 °C and 80% relative humidity.


Abstract This research study explored teachers' self-reported uptake as well as observed instructional change after participating in a year-long professional development (PD) program focused on supporting the learning and teaching of transformations-based geometry. Analyses illuminate the degree and nature of the pedagogical shifts made by teachers who participated in this highly specified, videocase-based PD program. The treatment teachers' lessons started out significantly lower on most aspects of their instructional quality relative to the control teachers' lessons prior to the PD. However, the control teachers stayed the same or showed a decline in their instructional quality scores, whereas the treatment teachers made significant gains after the PD that brought them to the same level as the control teachers. The article concludes by considering how engagement with intentionally designed videocases during the PD may have contributed to the teachers' improvement in targeted dimensions of instructional quality.


A well-functioning and inclusive financial sector is critical for efficient resource allocation leading to increased productivity, greater investment, higher overall levels of economic growth, and lower inequality. This is particularly critical in Iraq, where years of political instability and violence have impeded the development of a robust private sector. Microfinance services in Iraq are still nascent and far from meeting their full potential. This diagnostic report aims to present the microfinance landscape in Iraq, its legal and regulatory framework, and potential policy improvements to enhance the operating environment. It aims to inform public and private sector stakeholders on the regulations and laws affecting the development and strategic direction of the microfinance sector. The policy recommendations presented are designed to address factors preventing greater growth and outreach, with the goal of promoting inclusive financial sector development in Iraq.


The secret of the successfully working companies resides in the consistent
adaptation as well as the high-level satisfaction of the continuously
changing consumer demands. According to a current approach in these days we
can talk about the competition struggle not only of companies and products
but also of the supply chains of certain companies [4].
The management of the supply chain means the coordination of the product,
service and information flow inside and outside of networks in order to
reach consumer satisfaction [2]. Consequently, the supply chain indicates
all those organizations and their activities, which forward the product from
the raw material source to the end user, at the same time, include the
information system, assuring communication among the participants of
this process [5]. The key of assuring consumer satisfaction is the
maximization of the supply chain usually organically independent
of participants´ performance (producing companies, suppliers, distributors, and
logistics providers) as well as the optimization of operating costs.
The change of disposition data along the supply chain cuts down order lead
time, improves flexibility and increases the performance of logistics
services. The realization of the effective information flow means to activate
and operate connection among logistics softwares, which have different
structure and functions in practice. Passing company limits necessitates the
efficient communication among partners participating in the operation of the
supply chain. The logistics system, which was established by the commercial
and producing companies as well as their partners according to the above, is
called logistics databus, partners jointly operating the supply chain and
being in dispositional relationship with each other are called virtual
companies [7].
The study presents the reasons, which lead towards the joining a 3 rd
party logistics provider (3PL) on the sales supply chain, and reveals the
challenges of cooperation as well as enlightens through an example from the
field of supply logistics that in addition to the separation of warehousing
and distribution how it is possible to assure information flow through
passing company limits.


Impressive numbers of clinical conditions are associated with defective leukocyte chemotaxis. In many, this cellular dysfunction is associated with other abnormalities of the immune response, but in others abnormal chemotactic responsiveness of leukocytes is the only abnormality of function identified in the laboratory. Patients are usually selected for study because of unusually severe, recurrent infections or poor response to antimicrobial agents, and therefore a frequent association between abnormality of chemotaxis and infection would be expected. Many patients demonstrate abnormal chemotaxis during remissions as well as during infections, and there seems little doubt that abnormality of chemotaxis is related to susceptibility to infections. Partial classification of disorders of chemotaxis was attempted. Major abnormalities are found when there is a primary cellular disorder or cell-directed inhibitors of chemotaxis are found. Less marked abnormalities are found when chemotactic factors are deficient.


The rise of Somali piracy in the beginning of the 21st century led to a swift response by the international community. Suspects were arrested by naval forces in the high seas exercising universal jurisdiction. As there is no international tribunal for maritime piracy, the suspects were prosecuted in national courts using domestic laws. The United States prosecuted a handful of cases using its piracy statute passed in 1909, which incorporates international law but prescribes mandatory life imprisonment for those convicted. Although the definition of the crime of piracy in the United States evolves along with developments in international law, the punishment is an outlier that deviates from global norms. This article argues that the punishment for piracy in the United States must also evolve with international practice because a changing definition of a crime coupled with a fixed punishment may lead to rule of law violations and other undesirable results.


Objective: To asses the reaction of persons with developmental disabilities to posttraumatic stress disorder using Darryl, a cartoon-based measure of cardinal symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method: We measured persons with developmental disabilities manifesting continuing emotions and behavioural difficulties following PTSD in the Cambridge community through the reports of patients and their parents and then administered Darryl to a sample of 46 persons who have suffered trauma.

Results: Darryl's reliability is excellent overall and is acceptable for the re- experiencing, avoidance and arousal subscales. PTSD was the primary diagnosis in 35 (11 persons) of the overall referral group, and was the only diagnosis in 11 persons (3%).

Conclusions: Individuals with developmental disabilities who have suffered trauma may develop PTSD. It is possible to diagnose PTSD in these individuals using Darryl, a cartoon-based measure of PTSD. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:71-73).


Objective Emergency care can address over half of deaths occurring each year in low-income countries. A baseline evaluation of the specific needs and gaps in the supply of emergency care at community level could help tailor suitable interventions in such settings. This study evaluates access to, utilisation of, and barriers to emergency care in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Design A cross-sectional, community-based household survey. Setting 12 health zones in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Participants Three-stage randomised cluster sampling was used to identify approximately 100 households in each of the 12 clusters, for a total of 1217 households. The head of each household or an adult representative responded on behalf of the household. Additional 303 respondents randomly selected in the households were interviewed regarding their personal reasons for not accessing emergency care. Primary outcome Availability and utilisation of emergency care services. Results In August 2021, 1217 households encompassing 6560 individuals were surveyed (response rate of 96.2%). Most households were economically disadvantaged (70.0% lived with <US$100 per person per month) and had no health insurance (98.4%) in a country using a fee-for-service healthcare payment system. An emergency visit in the last 12 months was reported in 52.6% of households. Ambulance utilisation was almost non-existent (0.2%) and access to health facilities for emergencies was mostly by walking (60.6% and 56.7% by day and night, respectively). Death in the last 12 months was reported in 12.8% of households, of which 20.6% occurred out-of-hospital with no care received within 24 hours prior to death. Self-medication (71.3%) and the expected high cost of care (19.5%) were the main reasons for unmet emergency care needs. Conclusion There is a substantial gap in the supply of emergency care in Kinshasa, with several unmet needs and reasons for poor access identified.


Semantic segmentation of remote sensing images enables in particular land-cover map generation for a given set of classes. Very recent literature has shown the superior performance of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) for many tasks, from object recognition to semantic labelling, including the classification of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images. However, while plethora of works aim at improving object delineation on geographically restricted areas, few tend to solve this classification task at very large scales. New issues occur such as intra-class class variability, diachrony between surveys, and the appearance of new classes in a specific area, that do not exist in the predefined set of labels. Therefore, this work intends to (i) perform large scale classification and to (ii) expand a set of land-cover classes, using the off-the-shelf model learnt in a specific area of interest and adapting it to unseen areas.


Milling is a machining process that used in the production industry to make components to mate with other component in the assembly. The GFRP materials are not generally subjected to machining unless otherwise the perfect mating is required. The extensive and expensive experimental work is necessary to evaluate the cutting process parameters for achieving the preferred machined quality. In this regard, the present work is focused on minimising the machined surface damage. Moreover, the paper presents the comparative analysis and performance of two different mill tools (one is customised the two fluted brazed carbide tipped tool and other is four fluted solid carbide tool). Subsequently, comparative evaluation of two tools was illustrated by the plotting graphs. Finally experimental results were thoroughly analysed by the scanning electron micrographs to study the cutting characteristics of machined glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite surface.


In this paper, we study a new two-step iteration scheme of mixed type for two total asymptotically nonexpansive self-mappings and two total asymptotically nonexpansive non-self mappings and establish some strong convergence theorems in the framework of Banach spaces. Our results extend and generalize several results from the current existing literature.


The use of new information technologies and software provide the possibility to solve problems connected with raising work efficiency in the company (Hannelore, 1999). The first information on using information technologies in the sewing industry, particularly in construction designing, turned up in the beginning of the 70-ies of the XX century, but first publications on computer aided designing software – only in the 90-ies of the XX century. At present most of the companies use computer aided software.


Public hospitals for Roman citizens were established in many Roman cities during the early Christian era; the first of which was established at Rome in the fourth century by a Christian lady named Fabiola, as follows.
 The origin of public hospitals is remarkable, and not generally known. Ecclesiastical history informs us, that this, perhaps the grandest and most successful effort for alleviating human misery, arose from no common species of benevolence, but from the impulse of singular piety upon the sensibility of a female mind, softened by a series of domestic afflictions, and urged by the desire of atoning for imaginary guilt. In the fourth century, a Roman lady, of a noble birth, by name Fabiola, by religion a Christian, left by the death of her husband in sole possession of an affluent fortune, was the first who built an infirmary for the reception of the sick and houseless, where they were supplied with every comfort. Jerom[e] calls her the glory of the Christians, the wonder of the Gentiles! The account which he gives of her is this: Divorced from her first husband, who proved an abandoned libertine, during the life of the first she married a second husband, who was sincerely attached to her, and whom she survived. Among the melancholy reflections consequent upon his death, being led to conceive her second marriage criminal, she voluntarily underwent a solemn penance, assumed the plainest dress, defaced her beauty, submitted to the meanest drudgery, sold her estates, which were answerable to her noble birth, and converted them into money, for the relief of the poor, and was the first to build an infirmary, into which sick and distressed objects of every description were collected from the streets. Many who were afflicted with distempers, the most loathsome and offensive she attended in person, carried them in her arms, bathed their sores, moistened the lips of the dying with her own hands, and so tenderly assuaged their miseries, that many who were well envied the sick. Rome was a scene too confined for her charity; she visited, either in person or by her deputies, all the country round, and even crossed the sea in quest of new objects of compassion. At length she took a sudden and unexpected resolution of visiting Jerusalem; on which occasion she was entertained a short time by Jerom[e] in his retreat in Bethlehem. She returned to Rome, and devoted all her property and all her time to relieving the sick and the indigent till she died. Her funeral is said to have been attended by a more numerous concourse, and with a zeal infinitely more fervent, than the triumphs of Scipio or Pompey.


Far from offering a cohesive representation of ethnic and racialized individuals after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, US recent fiction on this particular subject navigates otherness in many contradictory ways, ranging from the resistance to represent, or even think, alterity in literary forms to the desire of exploring, if not mastering it through characterization. The novels here examined, John Updike's Terrorist (2006) and Joseph O'Neill's Netherland (2008), deal with the long-term aftermath of 9/11 rather than shaping its symptomatic repercussions in the days following the attacks. Yet, Updike and O'Neill pick up on the dualisms that run across early post-9/11 America and represent, though in ways that are at largely at odds, the impossibility for (either naturalized or immigrant) ethnic subjects to suture their own identity to the fabric of American society. Theirs are stories of naivete and exclusion that convey a rather pessimistic vision of multiculturalism in the twenty-first-century US society. In both Updike and O'Neill's novels, 9/11 has augmented social tensions and racial hatred: on the one hand, mainstream white America appears self-absorbed and depressed, unable to open up fully to the unfit or the different; on the other hand, racialized individuals are depicted in an ambivalent light and are in the end doomed because of their blind and staunch faith, regardless whether it is pinned on Islam or the American dream. This would leave us with a rather bleak picture if it were not for the fact that the "white gazes" that shape the novels cast a benign, sympathetic light on the ethnic characters by turning them into victims of their own intransigence and of even larger systemic forces beyond their control.


The spatial structure of ACTH-(6-9)-PGP molecule has been investigated using theoretical conformational analysis method. Amino acid sequence of the N-terminal pentapeptide fragment of His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Pro of this molecule conforms to the fragment 6-9 of ACTH hormone. Calculations of conformational states of this molecule are carried out regarding nonvalent, electrostatic and torsional interactions and the energy of hydrogen bonds. The spatial structure of the His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Gly-Pro molecule was estimated on the low–energy conformations of the N-terminal tetrapeptide fragment His-Phe-Arg-Trp and C-terminal tripeptide fragment Pro-Gly-Pro of this molecule. It is shown that the spatial structure of heptapeptide molecule can be presented by 11 low-energy forms of the main chain. The low–energy conformations of this molecule, the values of dihedral angles of the backbone and side chains of the amino acid residues were founded and the energies of intra- and inter-residual interactions were determined.


Minimizing postsurgical swelling, edema, and pain are important to the patient because of the elective nature of orthognathic surgical procedures. Closed-intraoral wound suction was placed following mandibular osteotomies in 65 consecutive patients. The volume of drainage ranged from 35 to 285 mL (mean of 113 mL). The use of closed-intraoral wound suction only minimally increased the incidence of postsurgical infection and at the same time resulted in considerable subjective improvement in postoperative facial appearance and a decrease in tissue edema and pain.


Microtubule configurations in porcine oocytes after sperm penetration or after artificial activation by electrical stimulation were imaged by immunocytochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Soon after sperm penetration, an aster was seen adjacent to the incorporated sperm head. Polyspermic penetrations led to the presence of multiple sperm asters in association with each sperm. The sperm aster enlarged and, at the time of pronuclear apposition, filled the cytoplasm. After male and female gamete union, the microtubule matrix was reduced. At the mitotic metaphase stage, microtubules were detected in the spindle, which was anastral and fusiform. At anaphase, asters assembled at each spindle pole, and at telophase, large asters filled the cytoplasm. Artificial activation by electrical stimulation induced in the cytoplasm a dense network of microtubules, which seem to be involved in proper positioning of the female pronucleus. At mitotic metaphase, microtubules were concentrated around the chromatin. The results of experiments using taxol, a microtubule stabilizing agent, suggest that maternal centrosomal material is present in the mature porcine oocyte as dispersed undetectable material that can form a microtubule network after parthenogenetic activation. However, at fertilization, the paternal centrosome collects centrosomal material to form a sperm aster. These results suggest that the functional centrosome that forms during fertilization is a result of the blending of paternal and maternal centrosomal components.


We compare higher order gravity models to observational constraints from magnitude -redshift supernova data, distance to the last scattering surface of the CMB, and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. We follow a recently proposed systematic approach to higher order gravity models based on minimal sets of curvature invariants, and select models that pass some physical acceptability conditions (free of ghost instabilities, real and positive propagation speeds, and free of separatrices). Models that satisfy these physical and observational constraints are found in this analysis and do provide fits to the data that are very close to those of the LCDM concordance model. However, we find in that the limitation of the models considered here comes from the presence of superluminal mode propagations for the constrained parameter space of the models.


A 1.2-kV/24-A SiC-MOSFET and a 1.2-kV/30-A Si-Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) have been electrothermally stressed in unclamped inductive switching conditions at different ambient temperatures ranging from -25 °C to 125 °C. The devices have been stressed with avalanche currents at their rated currents and 40% higher. The activation of the parasitic bipolar junction transistor (BJT) during avalanche mode conduction results from the increased body resistance causing a voltage drop between the source and body, greater than the emitter-base voltage of the parasitic BJT. Because the BJT current and temperature relate through a positive feedback mechanism, thermal runaway results in the destruction of the device. It is shown that the avalanche power sustained before the destruction of the device increases as the ambient temperature decreases. SiC MOSFETs are shown to be able to withstand avalanche currents equal to the rated forward current at 25 °C, whereas IGBTs cannot sustain the same electrothermal stress. SiC MOSFETs are also shown to be capable of withstanding avalanche currents 40% above the rated forward current though only at reduced temperatures. An electrothermal model has been developed to explain the temperature dependency of the BJT latchup, and the results are supported by finite-element models.


The aim of the study is to determine whether the metacognitive skill levels of the English language teacher candidates change depending on the gender, grade level and the graduated high school type and reveal the relationship between the metacognitive skills and the academic success. The study group of the research in relational screening model consists of 210 teacher candidates and "Metacognitive Skills Scale" developed by Altındağ (2008) has been used as the data collection tool. As a result of the study, it has been revealed that the metacognitive skills of the teacher candidates have been in middle level and it has shown a meaningful different for the advantage of the female students and it has not shown any difference depending on the type of the graduates school and the grade level. A positive and low-level relationship has been detected between the metacognitive skill levels and the academic success averages. The findings of this study have revealed the contribution of the metacognitive skills to the academic success and therefore, to the learning and it has been suggested that the activities improving these skills should be frequently applied in the learning environment. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the Sakarya University.


Angiogenesis plays a key role in tumor progression and anti-angiogenic agents including sunitinib and sorafenib that target VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway have been proved to an effective therapy for cancer in the clinic. However, severe side effects such as hypertension and bone marrow toxicity limit their clinical application. Thus, development of novel anti-angiogenic agents with fewer side effects is still an unmet challenge. In this study, we characterized the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of famitinib, an orally active multi-targeted kinase inhibitor. Famitinib inhibited the activity of c-kit, VEGFR-2, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ with IC50 values of 2.3 nM, 4.7 nM and 6.6 nM, respectively. In addition, Famitinib inhibited the VEGF-induced proliferation, migration and tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and micro-vessel spouting from matrigel-embedded rat aortic rings. In vivo, famitinib exhibited broad and potent anti-tumor activity, leading to regression or growth arrest of various established xenografts derived from human tumor cell lines. Moreover, famitinib significantly enhanced the efficacy of oxaliplatin or 5-fluorouracil when they were combined. In summary, famitinib has potent preclinical antitumor activity which supports its further evaluation in clinic. Famitinib is currently in phase I clinical trials in China. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3604. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3604


In early childhood, the mother is the primary object of the child's dyadic relationship, and mother and child form a unity together. In the oedipal period, however, the father enters this dyadic unity, and it is with his entry that the dyad becomes triangular and begins to incorporate features of a triangular relationship. In some cases the father may even replace the mother, thereby reducing the mother's relevance. Kafka is an interesting example of this unusual case. In addition, a close look at Kafka's psychopathology facilitates a better understanding of the interdependency of preoedipal, oedipal and adolescent stages. A psychoanalytic approach to Kafka reveals severe disturbances of these major developmental steps, which, on their part, impede the development of Kafka's individual identity. It is against this background that Kafka's author identity will be analysed in greater detail, by regarding representations of separatedness, continuity, and originality in his literary work to be expressions of his author identity. One further assumption of this paper is that Kafka's ideal self and superego are not separate from each other. His feelings of guilt, shame and fear demonstrate that these instances are very much intertwined and not distinct from each other. The reader's emotional agony while reading some of Kafka's work signalizes that Kafka's ideal self and superego form a unity together. Psychoanalysts, however, commonly accept that, in normal development, ideal self and superego should become separate entities, and continue their activities separately. It seems as though Kafka's ideal self and superego have not gained sovereignty yet, and likewise, it is difficult to separate the son's superego or ideal self from his father's.


A stimuli-responsive tetranuclear complex was assembled into new aggregates with controllable dimensionality through directional hydrogen bonds (HBs). A cyanide-bridged tetranuclear complex cation, [Co2 Fe2 (CN)6 (tp*)2 (bpy*)4 ]2+ (abbreviated to 12+ ) (tp*=hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate and bpy*=4,4'-di-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine) has two terminal cyanide nitrogens and acts as a hydrogen-bond acceptor (HBA) with a linear bridging mode. Co-crystallization of 12+ with p-hydroquinone (H2 Q), a hydrogen-bond donor (HBD) with two donor sites, led to a one-dimensional aggregate, 1(BPh4 )2 ⋅(H2 Q)⋅2 H2 O (2), while a two-dimensional sheet with a honeycomb structure, 13 (PF6 )6 ⋅(H3 PG)2 ⋅4 CH3 CN⋅8 H2 O (3), was obtained by co-crystallization with phloroglucinol (H3 PG) acting as a three-way structure-directing HBD. Magnetic measurements revealed that 2 and 3 exhibited thermal and light-induced electron-transfer-coupled spin transitions (ETCSTs).


Chronic urticaria (CU) is a relatively common but vexing disease. The pathophysiology is based on the cutaneous mast cell release of mediators, predominantly histamine. Release can be induced via specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), components of complement activation and nonspecifically by various compounds including endogenous peptides, endorphins, and enkephalins. In >30% of CU patients, autoimmune phenomena have been found, characterized by positive autologous serum skin test, antibodies to the alpha-subunit of the basophil IgE receptor, to IgE itself, and, perhaps, the most clinically relevant, thyroid autoimmunity. Studies suggest that the products of the activated immune system can lower the cutaneous mast cell release threshold, possibly allowing activation by endogenous compounds. The resulting release of mediators produces the clinical picture of recurrent hives. Although the goal of management of CU is the identification of a treatable cause, in most CU patients, especially adults, a cause is not frequently found. Identified causes include drugs, foods, infections, immune complex production leading to urticarial vasculitis, autoantibody production, and underlying autoimmune disease, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis. The treatment of the thyroiditis with suppressive doses of thyroid hormone often results in the remission of the CU. Given the marginally effective and sometimes dangerous medical therapy available for CU, a systematic and thorough approach to identify a treatable cause in difficult CU patients is warranted.


This paper presents an overview of a practical-oriented teaching methodology focusing on the blended and project-based learning approach to enhance students' fundamental in naval architecture and its application in solving applied engineering problems. Students were taught on the theoretical aspects in the first trimester with the aid of blended learning, i.e. a naval architecture quest created specifically for the module. A practical project was then planned in the second trimester to assess students' fundamental in solving engineering problems. The paper will highlight the effectiveness of this practical oriented teaching methodology which comprised components of blended and project-based learnings in strengthening students' fundamental for solving applied-engineering problems. The assessment results based on students feedback, examination performance, team peer evaluation and student's self-reflection report are presented.


This paper describes an electronic packaging topology using embedded transmission line (ETL) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) that have been flip-chip mounted on a beryllia (BeO) micro-ball grid array (/spl mu/BGA) ceramic carrier with a z-axis interconnect material. Small signal S-parameters are presented at each stage during the assembly process and negligible frequency shifts are observed due to the flip-chip packaging before and after encapsulation. Increased gains of 2.0 dB with the unencapsulated and 2.2 dB with the encapsulated packaged part are observed compared to the on-wafer measurements at 10 GHz under the same bias conditions.


Bovine isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IARS) disorder, a major cause of weak calf syndrome, is caused by a homozygous missense (c.235G>C) mutation in the bovine IARS gene of Japanese Black (JB) cattle, which was identified in 2013. However, the extent to which the carrier rate has changed at Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, and whether the carrier status is associated with any clinical or reproductive problems, have yet to be ascertained. In this study, using a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping assay, we determined the carrier rate in a regional JB cow population at Kagoshima prefecture. Comparative analyses were performed on the metabolic profile test (MPT) results and reproductive performance data obtained for heterozygous carrier and homozygous wild-type cows. In 2009 and 2018, DNA samples were collected from 130 and 462 clinically healthy JB cows, respectively, in Kagoshima prefecture. MPT results and reproductive performance data were evaluated for 62 cows, comprising four heterozygous carriers and 58 wild-type cows. Genotyping revealed that the carrier rate was 6.9% in 2009 and 1.5% in 2018, the difference of which was statistically significant (P<0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the carrier and wild-type cows with respect to either MPT results or reproductive performance, indicating that the carrier cows have necessary IARS activity to maintain minimal health and reproductive potential.


ABSTRACT Background In this study, the effects of zoledronic acid (ZolA) administered at different times to patients undergoing surgical treatment for hip fracture were investigated. Materials and methods Ninety patients who underwent surgical treatment for osteoporotic (OP) hip fractures between February 2013 and September 2016 in our hospital were included in the study. After surgical treatment, patients were allocated into three groups: group I—patients who had osteosynthesis using proximal femoral nail (PFN) for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were given ZolA within 1 week after fracture and before discharge; group II—patients who had osteosynthesis using the PFN for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were given ZolA within 1 month after fracture post-discharge; group III—patients in the same age group who had a hemiarthroplasty (HA) for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were administered ZolA before discharge. In addition, all patients were given daily oral calcium and vitamin D3. The Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and bone mineral density (BMD) were used at the follow-up as evaluation criteria, and complications were noted. Results There were no significant differences between groups in terms of demographic data and laboratory outcomes (p > 0.05). Radiographic Union Score for Hip scores were similar between groups I and II (p > 0.05). Fracture union occurred by the sixth month in all patients whose results were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was found between three groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the three groups in the hip and vertebrae BMD and t scores (p > 0.05). When t and BMD scores before treatment were compared with those at 1 year after treatment, a benefit from ZolA treatment was observed in all three groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that the timing of ZolA administration has no effect on fracture healing and complication incidence in elderly patients with hip fractures. In addition, ZolA was found to be beneficial in increasing BMD of both femur and vertebra in all groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. Clinical significance The study demonstrated that ZolA may be used early in the treatment of osteoporotic hip fractures with PFN. How to cite this article Sargin S, Konya MN, Gulcu A, et al. Effects of Zoledronic Acid Treatment on Fracture Healing, Morbidity and Mortality in Elderly Patients with Osteoporotic Hip Fractures. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2019;14(3):126–131.


The local contact potential difference (CPD) between different linear alkanethiols self-assembled as monolayers on Au substrates was investigated with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Our results demonstrate that KPFM simultaneously provides information on the sample topography and its contact potential down to a lateral resolution of 100 nm. The reported CPD measurements allow the distinction between regions in the monolayer comprising thiol molecules with chemically different terminal head groups down to a resolution of 3 meV. Furthermore, the CPD values measured in monolayers having one type of functionality vary with the chain length of the molecules in the film, which is consistent with a dipole-layer model. Variations in the length of the alkyl chain reveal a linear dependence as a function of the (−CH2−) units in the chain, with an increase in the CPD potential of 14.1 ± 3.1 mV per (−CH2−) unit.


Over-exploitation of trees by increasing human population has put an enormous pressure especially on those species having slow growth and low reproduction rate. Desert teak (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem) a multipurpose agroforestry tree of arid zone has fallen on the verge of extinction in Iran due to lack of efficient seed reproduction. Inherent low adventitious rooting has caused vegetative mass macro- and micropropagation (organogenesis pathway) of this tree to be unsuccessful. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) pathway by production of bipolar embryo capable of development into a complete plantlet can solve the problem. Hence, a research was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of in vitro regeneration of the tree by SE. Ovary extracted from un-pollinated flower was cultured in the media supplemented with different auxins and cytokinins (CKs). The results showed α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was superior in induction of embryogenic callus (EC). NAA ranging 5.4–21.5 µM could induce the highest ECs which exhibited developing pro-embryogenic masses (PEMs) and globular somatic embryos. Both CKs, thidiazuron (TDZ) and N6-benzyladenine (BA), though induced good callogenesis at low concentrations but the formed calli were non-embryogenic. Proliferation of NAA–induced ECs revealed that hormone-free medium is the best choice. However, the media containing 40.5 and 54 µM NAA alone could also induce somatic embryos along with callus proliferation. Effort for maturation of the obtained globular, hear-shaped and torpedo embryos did not yield satisfactory results. Low BA-contained medium led to secondary SE. More research is expected to be undertaken to optimize SE in desert teak.


Pharmaceutical agents are the most common causes of poisoning in Korea. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are commonly used in Korea for the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, but are associated with a risk of mortality due to overdose. Due to the frequent fatalities associated with CCB overdose, it is essential that the emergency physician is capable of identifying CCB intoxication, and has the knowledge to manage CCB overdose. This article reviews the existing clinical guidelines, retrospective studies, and systematic reviews on the emergency management of CCB overdose. The following are the varied treatments of CCB overdose currently administered. 1) For asymptomatic patients: observation with enough time and decontamination, if indicated. 2) For symptomatic patients: infusion of calcium salt, high dose insulin therapy, and vasopressor (norepinephrine) or atropine for bradycardia. 3) For patients refractory to the first line therapy or with refractory shock or impending arrest: lipid emulsion therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. 4) As adjunct therapy: phosphodiesterase inhibitors, glucagon, methylene blue, pacemaker for AV block. Small CCB ingestion is known to be fatal for pediatric patients. Hence, close observation for sufficient time is required.


Two computational methods for obtaining the gain pattern of a large antenna using power levels recorded by a spacecraft are developed from the transmission equation. Nominally, the large antenna is linearly polarized while the spacecraft's receiving antennas are circularly polarized. Since the spacecraft has no attitude control system, the orientation of the receiving antennas is not known a priori nor its orientation the same from orbit to orbit. The first method relies on an independent spacecraft attitude determination system to furnish the orientation of the receiving antennas. It combines this information with receiving-antenna gain measurements to give the power level of the incident radiation. Losses due to polarization mismatch are taken into account, but polarization loss factors are not actually computed. The second method relates simultaneous measurements made by separate channels with separate receiving antennas. By solving a system of equations numerically, one can determine the direction of the incident radiation as well as its power level. This alleviates the need for an attitude determination system. These methods originated in the operations of the spacecraft NUSAT1 (northern Utah Satellite). >


Entrepreneurship is a concept whose borders have greatly expanded over the last decades, and this is both in terms of research than practice. Entrepreneurship is the most effective means that enables to bridge the gap between science and the market, the creation of new businesses and new products and services on the market. This research will attempt to clarify the phenomenon of entrepreneurship by referring to different disciplines and different approaches.


Purpose: We performed a prospective noncomparative study to report the results of reduced fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with active exudation and hemorrhage. Methods: Seventeen polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy eyes were treated, and follow-up for all patients was 12 months. Photodynamic therapy was administered with reduced fluence (exposure time of 70'') and followed (48 hours later) by intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg in 50 &mgr;L). Intravitreal ranibizumab, with or without reduced fluence PDT, was repeated as indicated by clinical and angiographic findings. Results: During the follow-up, the mean best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.45 ± 0.29 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at baseline to 0.29 ± 0.28 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at 12 months. The mean total macular volume (documented by optical coherence tomography retinal map examination) decreased from 7.5 ± 1.18 mm3 to 6.7 ± 0.8 mm3. In 95% of the cases, best-corrected visual acuity remained stable or improved. Conclusion: Reduced fluence PDT limits laser exposure, minimizing the risks of PDT-induced adverse effects. Intravitreal injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg reduced bleeding and leakage in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy eyes and interfere with rebound upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor because of PDT-induced choroidal hypoperfusion. Combined treatment may improve treatment outcomes in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy while minimizing ocular and systemic complications of treatment.


We consider the Budgeted Submodular Maximization problem, that seeks to maximize an increasing submodular function subject to budget constraints. Extending a result of Khuller, Moss, and Naor for the Budgeted Coverage problem, Sviridenko showed that the greedy algorithm combined with guessing 3 most profitable elements of an optimal solution has approximation ratio $\alpha=1-\frac{1}{e} \approx 0.632$. We show that just $2$ guesses suffice to achieve ratio $\alpha$, 1 guess suffices to achieve ratio $0.899 \alpha \approx 0.568$, while ratio $0.68\alpha \approx 0.43$ can be achieved without any guessing. We note that ratio $\alpha-\epsilon$ can be achieved using ${(1/\epsilon)}^{O(1/\epsilon^4)}n\log n$ value oracle calls, but this algorithm is impractical already for large values of $\epsilon$. Among practical algorithms, our is the currently best known one.


The article represents a segment of global research emanating from the visual images of the Slavic deities, mostly manifested on archaeological finds, in this particular case, early Slavic artefacts (the plates of a cult character, and the so-called radiate-headed fibulae) found in the Balkans. By analysis of the iconography and symbolical features of these finds, the author attempts to define a type of mythical picture of an "anthropomorphic firmament with the phases of a solar cycle". By its Slavic analogies, he follows this mythical picture through to the 19th century. Then, by use of iconographic analogy, and by comparison of visual images, attributes, and functions (the comparison is foremost made to the Iranian-Avesta god Z'rvan), the author suggests that this image should be identified as a mythical picture of the Slavic god Svarog who is manifested as the anthropomorphic sky. Finally, the author connects his proposed hypothesis with the known written sources, toponyms and etymological definitions related to the theonym Svarog.


ACT This consensus statement supports implementation of caries management by risk assessment in clinical practice by using the following principles: modification of the oral flora, patient education, remineralization, and minimal operative intervention. The statement includes a list of supporters.


Human amoebiasis is a disease produced by infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica currently affecting many millions of people worldwide. Amoebic colitis is the most common clinical manifestation. Host protective immunity involves participation of both humoral and cellular responses. However, the mechanisms involved in immune evasion are not clear and remain under investigation. One of these mechanisms could be associated with the ability of parasite proteases to modulate or interfere with the inflammation process, which is initiated by expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as chemokines. To further clarify the potential role of cysteine proteases in modulating chemokine‐mediated functions, we have analysed the ability of Entamoeba histolytica cysteine protease 2 (EhCP2) to have an effect on the chemotaxis of leucocytes by chemokine cleavage. We find that EhCP2 is capable of cleaving chemokines CCL2, CCL13 and CXCL8, and the resulting proteolysis products modulate the chemotaxis of leucocytes when compared to that induced by intact chemokine. Thus, the extracellular activity of the cysteine proteases affects chemokine‐mediated responses and could be considered as part of the mechanisms used by Entamoeba histolytica to circumvent the host immune responses.


We investigate focus points of the renormalization group equations of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. We show that within this model the up-and down-type Higgs mass soft supersymmetry breaking parameters have focus point behavior at the electroweak scale simultaneously when appropriate conditions are fulfilled. The focus point scenario is holding for large tan β. This two focus point scenario allows to fix the pole top-quark mass which is within the experimentally allowed interval. The main goal of the present paper is the investigation of the influence of the existence of focus points on the determination of the mass of the lightest Higgs boson.


Changes in the market work and wages of women from 1975 to 1994 are documented. Women are organized into nine birth cohorts, five schooling groups, and each year of age from 25 to 60 years and their weekly and annual work hours, their annual work weeks, their employment-population ratio, and their real average hourly earnings tabulated. Schooling differences in work behavior have become wider in recent cohorts as have their wages. The relationship between work and wages is estimated for women of different ages, cohorts, and marital status. The gap between the work of unmarried and married women has narrowed and the role of wages (both the wages of women and those of husbands) is examined to determine the extent to which changes in wages account for these movements.