This research focuses on the analysis and design of stacked-FET power amplifiers for millimeter-wave applications. We analyze the loss mechanisms in the stacked-FET PA circuit to develop the fundamental bounds on PAE and output power. Two-stack power amplifiers are designed and implemented at 45 and 90GHz achieving 19 and 15.8dbm output power with 34% and 11% PAE, respectively. The gate resistance of the stacked-FET PA is demonstrated to be a dominant source of loss at high frequency. To overcome this limitation, a multi-drive stacked-FET approach is proposed to improve the output power and efficiency. An analysis of conventional and multi-drive stacked-FET PAs demonstrates the performance improvement. A multi-drive three-stack PA is implemented in 45-nm SOI CMOS for 90GHz operation occupying 0.23 mm². This PA achieves 19dBm saturated output power at a PAE of 14% and 12dB gain at 90 GHz using a 3.4-V power supply. To achieve high output power and high efficiency with high data rates using QAM modulation, this research proposes a new stacked -FET transmitter in 45-nm SOI CMOS at 45 GHz, which shares a common DC current through an I/Q digital-to-analog converter (DAC), I/Q mixer, and stacked-FET PA to provide high voltage swing without exceeding the breakdown voltage of the transistors in the stack. The circuit approach proposed here provides high RF output power at high efficiency along with a high-resolution DAC control to transmit complex modulation schemes. The use of high- resolution DACs enables the use of digital predistortion (DPD) to improve the error vector magnitude (EVM). The proposed architecture demonstrates 21.3 dBm saturated output power at a peak PAE of 16% into a 50 Ohms load impedance at 45 GHz, generating a 1.25-Gbps QPSK at an EVM of 5.5% using digital predistortion. Considering that modern communication systems employ modulation techniques that exhibit high peak-to-average power ratios (PAPRs), demand for amplifiers with high efficiency over a wide power range is increasing. The traditional Doherty power amplifier is one of the circuits that satisfy this demand by providing peak efficiency at 6-dB back off as well as peak power. In this work, the designed stacked-FET power amplifiers are utilized to make a Doherty power amplifier and a modified Doherty PA is proposed that addresses the limitations of the traditional design. The results demonstrate 4% improved back-off PAE as well as 1.5dB higher gain in comparison to the designed traditional Doherty PAs


This paper revisits the dynamic discussion about journalism's role in representing and amplifying disability arts at the 2019 Cripping the Arts Symposium. Chronicling the dialogue of the "Representation" panel which included artists, arts and culture critics, journalists, and scholars, it reveals how arts and culture coverage contributes to the cultivation of disability, D/deaf, and mad art. Given that the relationship between journalism and disability communities continues to be fractured in Canada, speakers were invited to reflect on journalism and disability arts in relation to their own engagement with media as subjects, authors, and critics of disability arts reviews. The methods for presentation were cripped in multiple ways to provide the fullest access possible. The panel concluded with examples of ableist fault lines in representation practices where the disabled figure is an absent "ghost" in journalistic representation, warnings against journalistic reliance on traditional and objective narratives, and a call for artists to claim and write their own stories. Ultimately, disabled, D/deaf, and mad artists need both control over artistic endeavours and output and influence over representation. This article reconnects journalism and disability communities, ultimately demonstrating that representation is a critical, co-constitutive process that can become more aesthetically and politically oriented toward social justice in its focus on disability, D/deaf, and mad arts.


Nickel base superalloys are used for turbine blades in gas turbine engines, and are required to
operate at very high temperatures (≈900°C) for long periods of time in an aggressive
environment. A particular problem is that although the operating times of such blades are
generally well-known, their effective operating temperatures are less well defined due to
variations in position and metal-gas temperature. The microstructure of this material is
known to evolve as a function of time and temperature. The aim of this research is to
develop a model that will enable the microstructure to act as a time temperature recorder for
IN738LC industrial gas turbine blades. [Continues.]


Field carcinogenesis detection represents a promising means for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, although current techniques (e.g., flexible sigmoidoscopy) lack the requisite sensitivity. The novel optical technology low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS) spectroscopy, allows identification of microscale architectural consequences of the field carcinogenesis in preclinical CRC models with unprecedented accuracy. To investigate the potential clinical translatability of this approach, we obtained biopsies from the normalappearing rectal mucosa from patients undergoing colonoscopy (n = 219). LEBS signals were recorded through a bench-top instrument. Four parameters characterizing LEBS signal were linearly combined into a single marker. We found that LEBS signal parameters generally mirrored neoplasia progression from patients with no neoplasia, to 5 to 9 mm adenoma and to advanced adenomas. The composite LEBS marker calculated from the LEBS signal paralleled this risk status (ANOVA P < 0.001). Moreover, this was independent of CRC risk factors, benign colonic findings, or clinically unimportant lesions (diminutive adenomas, hyperplastic polyps). For advanced adenomas, the LEBS marker had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 80%, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.895. Leave-oneout cross-validation and an independent data set (n = 51) supported the robustness of these findings. In conclusion, we provide the first demonstration that LEBS-detectable alterations in the endoscopically normal rectum were associated with the presence of neoplasia located elsewhere in the colon. This study provides the proof of concept that rectal LEBS analysis may potentially provide a minimally intrusive CRC screening technique. Further studies with an endoscopically compatible fiber optic probe are under way for multicenter clinical validation. [Cancer Res 2009;69(10):4476–83]


The cytochromes P450 are important iron-heme based monoxygenases that catalyze a range of different oxygen atom transfer reactions in nature. One of the key bioprocesses catalyzed by these enzymes is the aromatic hydroxylation of unactivated arenes. To gain insight into axial ligand effects and, in particular, how it affects aromatic hydroxylation processes by P450 model complexes, we studied the effects of the axial ligand on spectroscopic parameters (trans-influence) as well as on aromatic hydroxylation kinetics (trans-effect) using a range of [Fe(IV)(O)(Por(+•))X] oxidants with X = SH(-), Cl(-), F(-), OH(-), acetonitrile, GlyGlyCys(-), CH(3)COO(-), and CF(3)COO(-). These systems give red-shifted Fe-O vibrations that are dependent on the strength of the axial ligand. Despite structural changes, however, the electron affinities of these oxidants are very close in energy, but sharp differences in pK(a) values are found. The aromatic hydroxylation of the para-position of ethylbenzene was tested with these oxidants, and they all show two-state-reactivity patterns although the initial low-spin C-O bond formation barrier is rate determining. We show, for the first time, that the rate determining barrier for aromatic hydroxylation is proportional to the strength of the O-H bond in the corresponding iron(IV)-hydroxo complex, i.e., BDE(OH), hence this thermochemical property of the oxidant drives the reaction and represents the axial ligand effect. We have rationalized our observed barrier heights for these axially ligated systems using thermochemical cycles and a valence bond curve crossing diagram to explain the origins of the rate constants.


The existence of a cortical "attentional filter" in the form of spatially selective modulation of alpha power (8-14 Hz) is a dominating hypothesis in electrophysiological studies. During auditory spatial attention hemipsheric lateralized posterior alpha modulations have been reported leading to the generalization of this hypothesis. Typically, this pattern is interpreted as reflecting a top-down endogenous mechanism for suppressing distracting input from unattended directions of sound origin. The present study on auditory spatial attention rejects this interpretation by demonstrating that alpha power modulation is closely linked to oculomotor action. Towards this end, we designed an auditory paradigm in which participants were required to attend to upcoming sounds from one of 24 loudspeakers arranged in a horizontal circular array around the head. Maintaining the location of an auditory cue was associated with a topographically modulated distribution of posterior alpha power resembling the findings known from visual attention. Multivariate analyses allowed the prediction of the sound location in the horizontal plane. Importantly, this prediction was also possible, when derived from signals capturing saccadic activity. Using eye tracking, two control experiments on visual (N=122) and auditory (N=10) spatial working memory confirmed that, in absence of any visual/auditory input, lateralization of alpha power is linked to lateralized gaze direction (± 3° visual angle). Attending to an auditory stimulus engages oculomotor and visual circuits in a topographic manner akin to the retinotopic organization in vision. We conclude that allocation of spatial attention is not sufficient to account for alpha lateralization without consideration of gaze control.


This paper presents a novel approach to learning to solve simple arithmetic word problems. Our system, ARIS, analyzes each of the sentences in the problem statement to identify the relevant variables and their values. ARIS then maps this information into an equation that represents the problem, and enables its (trivial) solution as shown in Figure 1. The paper analyzes the arithmetic-word problems "genre", identifying seven categories of verbs used in such problems. ARIS learns to categorize verbs with 81.2% accuracy, and is able to solve 77.7% of the problems in a corpus of standard primary school test questions. We report the first learning results on this task without reliance on predefined templates and make our data publicly available. 1


The aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions of students in the 11 - 12 age groups about physical education courses through the pictures they had drawn. The Document Analysis Technique, which is a qualitative research method, was used in the study. The study sample consisted of 691 students in the 11 - 12 age group who were enrolled in 20 schools in nine cities in different geographical regions of Turkey. According to the obtained findings, nine themes were identified in the pictures. The study data were analyzed by calculating the frequencies and percentages of each theme identified in the drawings. Then, the data were presented in tables. As a result, it was revealed that students perceived physical education classes as a course in which few sports branches were constantly repeated, the relevant basic techniques were taught, sports perception and athletic performance were prioritized. It is also perceived as a course where male students and students without mental/physical disabilities dominate, and which is performed outdoors, related with natural environment elements and give pleasure as well.


This seminar study examines the Eisenhower presidency. The author argues that the presidency marked an important stage in the evolution of modern America, but left a decidedly mixed legacy for future presidents. Domestically Eisenhower pursued a 'middle way'. Imbued with a profound district of politics and politicians, Eisenhower sought as much as possible to concentrate public policy making in the hands of an enlightened elite of public and private experts. Internationally, Eisenhower's policies exacerbated the nuclear arms race, institutionalised the Cold War, and extended the East-West struggles to new arenas in the Third World. This new account offers an up-to-date synthesis of this newly emerging literature, and reviews Eisenhower's record - from the mishandling of the Civil Rights movement to the escalation of the arms race and the intensification of the Cold War.


LightNet is a lightweight, versatile, purely Matlab-based deep learning framework. The idea underlying its design is to provide an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use and efficient computational platform for deep learning research. The implemented framework supports major deep learning architectures such as Multilayer Perceptron Networks (MLP), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN). The framework also supports both CPU and GPU computation, and the switch between them is straightforward. Different applications in computer vision, natural language processing and robotics are demonstrated as experiments.


In an effort to grow a profitable business, some healthcare institutions have structured the table of organization based on service lines or centers of excellence. Often these service lines are led by healthcare administrators evaluated on building a profitable service line by expanding services through the implementation of a business plan. The goals are to generate additional revenue and increase profitability. This structure is strategically valid because the service line leader can devote concentrated time and energy to growing the business. The inherent problem with this structure occurs when nursing reports to the service line leader and there isn't a comprehensive oversight or identified leader of professional nursing practice. In extremely decentralized organizations, the table of organization appears to have several companies working independently from one another and there's no overall oversight of nursing practice. Because regulatory agencies require an identified leader of nursing practice, there's typically a senior administrator for nursing; however, he or she may be impotent to ensure the continuity of care and practice because the structure precludes the enforcement of practice standards. This could result in disastrous consequences to the quality of care and service provided. Operational policies and procedures are often developed and implemented within the confines of the service line, with minimal congruency throughout the continuum of care. This lack of a standardized structure can lead to differences in care delivery that may cause confusion and dissatisfaction among the healthcare provider and the patient. As part of the healthcare reform package recently adopted by Congress, it will become increasingly more important that uninterrupted care throughout the lifespan be practiced. Care that's fragmented will make this task extremely difficult if not impossible without the presence of a strong nursing delivery model. The goal of growth will likely require that nurse leaders and staff members be active participants in the design and implementation of plans to grow the business. To avoid making decisions that aren't operational, it's incumbent upon the service line leader to actively engage clinical experts in any business decisions that will impact care delivery. If nursing isn't actively engaged in the process, the work done to bring new business to the organization will be negatively impacted if quality suffers. Although there are many benefits to the business model of service lines, it's vital that nursing oversight and practice aren't fractured as a result. Nursing strategy, standards, and practice must be governed by a nurse who has a proven track record to ensure the delivery of competent, effective, and efficient nursing care. The importance of congruent nursing practice shouldn't be minimized to enhance a bottom line because growth won't be sustained if conducted without a strong nursing presence and engagement in the process. It's probable that over the next several years, organizations will attempt to operationally restructure to ensure they're well positioned to endure the changing healthcare market brought about by funding sources. Leaders making these decisions must ensure that nursing is well positioned to influence them. Falling victim to making changes based solely on increasing the bottom line will ultimately backfire if nursing practice isn't centrally directed and led. NM


Recently attention has been focussed on the significance of primary care to the Canadian healthcare system. Nova Scotia. Like other provinces, is seeking ways to improve the healthcare that it provides within a financially constrained publicly funded system. The Strengthening Primary Care Initiative in Nova Scotia (SPCI) was a primary care demonstration project to evaluate specific goals related to primary care. Although the provincial government conceived the SPCI, the approach to its planning and implementation was participatory and consultative. Funded through the federal Health Transition Fund (HTF) (Health Canada 2002) and the government of Nova Scotia, the SPCI involved changes in four communities over a three-year period (2000-2002). These changes included the introduction of a primary healthcare nurse practitioner in collaborative practice with one or more family physicians; remuneration of the family physician(s) with methods other than a solely fee-for-service (FFS) arrangement; and the introduction and utilization of a computerized patient medical record. The SPCI was committed to a consultative process with stakeholders, and this gave rise to several challenges. Initially there was disagreement on the requirement for nurse practitioners at each of the demonstration sites. The Minister of Health confirmed that a nurse practitioner was a required component at each demonstration site. Differences in perspectives on the role of allied health professionals in the SPCI were encountered, and the significance of the role pharmacists have in primary care was not fully appreciated until after the SPCI had started. At the time the SPCI began there was no legislation for nurse practitioners in Nova Scotia; therefore, an approval mechanism for nurse practitioner practice was authorized through the provincial regulatory bodies for nursing and medicine. Malpractice and liability issues, particularly on the part of providers who had never worked with nurse practitioners before, were an initial concern. Recruitment of nurse practitioners into the three rural sites mirrored the difficulties with recruitment of healthcare providers encountered in other parts of rural Canada. The authors discuss their perspectives on the challenges related to interdisciplinary collaboration in health systems change that were encountered during the planning and implementation of the SPCI. Although nurse practitioner Legislation has existed in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador for several years, many provinces are grappling with the challenges associated with the introduction of nurse practitioners and collaborative practice. This paper conveys the experience of one province and will be of interest to administrators, educators and practitioners elsewhere in Canada who are engaged in primary healthcare renewal.


Background: Pott's puffy tumor is a rare and serious complication of acute or chronic frontal rhinosinusitis which is the osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with associated subperiosteal abscess causing swelling and edema over the forehead and scalp. Each case has a risk of causing intracranial sequelae and death if not adequately treated.
Case report: A 21-year-old male presented with progressive swelling of his left forehead accompanied with left superior palpebral abscess and headache without any rhinosinusitis symptoms. Patients were diagnosed with Pott's puffy tumor and performed a multidisciplinary management of intravenous antibiotics and operative management with external approaches and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
 Conclusion: Pott ' s puffy tumor is a rare case. Multidiciplinary management of intravenous antibiotics and aggressive operative management are often required and effective.


The Mediterranean region is expected to present reduced availability of water resources due to climate change. This study aims to assess the potential hydrological responses to climate change in the Kastoria basin (Western Macedonia, Northern Greece) for the period 2019-2078. Climate projections from eight regional climate models from EURO-CORDEX were bias-adjusted using the linear scaling method. The bias-adjusted climate data were used to force the FeFLOW hydro-logical model to predict the discharge of the Kastoria aquifer towards lake Orestiada along with the projected groundwater level distribution. Precipitation (temperature) shows a tendency to decrease (increase) mainly in late spring to early autumn while increase (decrease) in the other sea-sons. Moreover, results indicate a significant increase in temperature and a slight decrease in precipitation towards 2078, while the predicted groundwater level of Kastoria aquifer will reduce slightly. However, the future hydrological behavior of the basin indicates a substantial reduction by approximately 15% of total water yield towards the end of the century.


In this work, a two-dimensional (2D) geometrically-accurate model of the TN-32 cask is generated in ANSYS/Fluent to investigate the effect of backfill gases and their pressures on the peak cladding temperature (PCT). This model is similar to the cask being used in high-burnup (HBU) spent fuel data project lead by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Helium, nitrogen, argon, and water vapor fill gases are investigated at pressures ranging from atmospheric (∼105 Pa) to 100 Pa. Steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that include the effect of gas rarefaction (temperature-jump) at the gas-solid interfaces are conducted. The PCT as a function of heat generation rate and pressure is reported as well as the heat generation rate that brings the cladding temperature to the radial hydride formation limit. The results show that there are competing effects between the temperature-jump and the thermal conductivity of the gas to increase the fuel rods' temperature. The low pressures increased the PCT, with the increase being most significant for the helium backfill.


Since the TCP transmission rate is low during the startup phase, the QoS of various applications is seriously degraded. To improve the TCP transmission rate in the startup phase, many fast startup algorithms have been proposed. In this paper, we evaluate the fundamental performance of fast startup algorithms. Specifically, we focus on the initial window size and Rate-Based Pacing (RBP) start method, which is employed by many of fast startup algorithms. Through the simulation experiments, we first compare the performance of the RBP start method with that of the normal TCP. We then derive a way to set the initial window size for fast startup TCP algorithms.


Background: Previous research has found relationships between specific indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma. Objectives: In this review we provide an updated summary of knowledge from the scientific literature on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2013 on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma were identified through PubMed, from reference lists, and from authors' files. Articles that focused on modifiable indoor exposures in relation to frequency or severity of exacerbation of asthma were selected for review. Research findings were reviewed and summarized with consideration of the strength of the evidence. Results: Sixty-nine eligible articles were included. Major changed conclusions include a causal relationship with exacerbation for indoor dampness or dampness-related agents (in children); associations with exacerbation for dampness or dampness-related agents (in adults), endotoxin, and environmental tobacco smoke (in preschool children); and limited or suggestive evidence for association with exacerbation for indoor culturable Penicillium or total fungi, nitrogen dioxide, rodents (nonoccupational), feather/down pillows (protective relative to synthetic bedding), and (regardless of specific sensitization) dust mite, cockroach, dog, and dampness-related agents. Discussion: This review, incorporating evidence reported since 2000, increases the strength of evidence linking many indoor factors to the exacerbation of asthma. Conclusions should be considered provisional until all available evidence is examined more thoroughly. Conclusion: Multiple indoor exposures, especially dampness-related agents, merit increased attention to prevent exacerbation of asthma, possibly even in nonsensitized individuals. Additional research to establish causality and evaluate interventions is needed for these and other indoor exposures. Citation: Kanchongkittiphon W, Mendell MJ, Gaffin JM, Wang G, Phipatanakul W. 2015. Indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma: an update to the 2000 review by the Institute of Medicine. Environ Health Perspect 123:6–20; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307922


With advancement in modern medical sciences, a variety of major diseases such as type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders (ND) including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and the mood disorders still prevail. Medicinal plants have the potential to prevent, control, or cure some of these diseases. For example, some plants have constituents useful as antiaging potentials due to the presence of antioxidants. Many of the plants have high medicinal values to be further explored. However, determining specific components having specific pharmacological activity and their clinical effects still remains a challenge. This issue is a compilation of 10 intriguing papers focusing on medicinal plants with potential for management of diabetes and ND.

Berberine (Ber) is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid isolated from several Chinese medicines such as berberidis radix, phellodendri chinensis cortex, coptidis rhizoma, and mahoniae caulis. In recent decades, much attention has been placed on its significant antidiabetic activities. Z. Wang et al. conducted a research to improve the problem posed by the plant's low solubility and poor membrane permeability by incorporating nanosuspension technology. Due to the enhanced absorption posed by the technology, they concluded that Ber has good potential as a novel potential antidiabetic agent for both functional food and pharmaceutical purposes.

The paper by N. Giribabu et al. focused on Vitis vinifera (Linn.) which belongs to Vitaceae family. Besides having antidiabetic activity, V. vinifera also has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as inhibition of platelet aggregation and low density lipoprotein oxidation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. In their research paper, the authors explored the potential of the seed extract to protect against diabetes-induced liver damage for the first time. The authors found that it has the ability to confer near normal activity levels for various key enzymes involved in liver carbohydrate metabolism in diabetes. In addition, liver histology findings following administration of V. vinifera seed ethanolic extract were also very promising. The authors hypothesized that these positive changes may be due to decrease in liver oxidative stress in diabetes and suggested that the seed extract of a Muscat variety of V. vinifera helps in liver protection in diabetes.

N. Giribabu et al. investigated Centella asiatica, an herb traditionally used to improve memory on prevention of hippocampus dysfunction in diabetic rats. They reported that administration of C. asiatica leaf aqueous extract to diabetic rats maintained near normal ATPases activity levels and prevented the increase in the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus. The authors suggested that C. asiatica leaf protects the hippocampus against diabetes-induced dysfunction which could help to preserve memory in diabetes.

P. niruri is another medicinal plant reported to possess antidiabetic and kidney protective effects. N. Giribabu et al. investigated the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of P. niruri leaf aqueous extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes levels in diabetic rat kidney. They found that administration of P. niruri leaf aqueous extract for 28 consecutive days prevented the increase in the amount of lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, and the diminution of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity levels in the kidney of diabetic rats. In addition, P. niruri leaf aqueous extract also exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity while phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence of polyphenols. The authors concluded that P. niruri leaf extract protects the kidney from oxidative stress induced by diabetes.

In another paper, I. Aziz et al. explored the potential of Spirulina platensis (a commonly used nutritional supplement due to its high protein and antioxidant content) as a neuroprotective agent in both experimental focal and global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries in rats. They found that pretreatment with Spirulina significantly improved the rats' locomotor function and ameliorated the histological changes and neurological deficits thus suggesting that Spirulina possesses potential benefits in improving hind limb locomotor function and reducing morphological damage to the spinal cord which could offer alternatives to the limited management available for spinal cord injury.

S. N. Talukdar et al. reviewed the potential of Momordica dioica (a perennial, dioecious, cucurbitaceous climbing creeper), native to Asia for its phytochemical, ethnobotanical, phytotherapeutical, and pharmacological properties based on traditional view (including Ayurveda) along with recent scientific observations. Their effort can help many researchers justify the dynamic ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutical roles of several plants for future research as well as stimulating new ideas for therapeutic roles of Momordica dioica against diabetes, cancer, ND, and other life threatening disorders.

The in vitro and in vivo effects of Cuscutae Semen (CS) (a widely used traditional herbal medicine) on neurotoxicity were investigated by M. Ye et al. The in vitro assay indicated that CS attenuated 1-4-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- (MPTP-) induced cell death, increased reactive oxygen species generation, and activated glutathione peroxidase. In vivo, immunohistochemistry assay for tyrosine hydroxylase revealed a significant loss of nigral dopamine neurons with parallel activation of the microglia and increased production of reactive oxygen species was also observed in the substantia nigra and striatum. The MPTP-induced loss of nigral dopamine neurons was, however, partly inhibited by CS suggesting that CS may be useful for the treatment of ND such as Parkinson's disease which warrants further investigation.

Another medicinal plant, Codonopsis lanceolata (C. lanceolata), has previously been employed for lung inflammatory diseases such as asthma, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. J. B. Weon et al. evaluated the effects of fermented C. lanceolata on learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine by using the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. To elucidate the possible mechanism of cognitive enhancing activity, the authors also measured acetylcholinesterase activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein expression in the brain of mice. They found that the administration of fermented C. lanceolata reduced scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. Interestingly, it also inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity while the level of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and neurotrophic factor expression in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased indicating that fermented C. lanceolata can ameliorate scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mouse and may be an alternative agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.

M. Rasool et al. reviewed the use of various phytochemicals in the treatment of ND. Many of the phytochemicals could be used as promising therapeutic agents because many have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticholinesterase activity. The review covers the various researches related to phytochemicals in management of ND.

Honey is the only insect-derived natural product with therapeutic, traditional, spiritual, nutritional, cosmetic, and industrial value. In addition to having excellent nutritional value, honey is a good source of physiologically active natural compounds, such as polyphenols. Unfortunately, there are very few current researches investigating the nootropic and neuropharmacological effects of honey, and these are still in their early stages. M. M. Rahman et al. reviewed the nootropic effects of honey, such as memory-enhancing effects, as well as neuropharmacological activities including anxiolytic, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant activities. The review may help impact the use of honey for specific ND, apoptosis, necrosis, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and behavior-modulating neural circuitry in the future.

Overall, by compiling these papers, we hope to enrich both readers and researchers alike on the vast potential of natural products for the treatment of diabetes and ND for which treatment based on modern medicine is still lacking.

Gan Siew Hua

Mohammad Amjad Kamal

Marcelo M. S. Lima

Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil

Visweswara Rao Pasupuleti

Gjumrakch Aliev


PURPOSE
To investigate the MR findings in patients who have had osteoplastic frontal sinus flaps placed for inflammatory sinonasal disease.

METHODS
The MR images of 13 patients who had improvement of symptoms after osteoplastic frontal sinus flap placement with fat autograft were prospectively evaluated for the presence of high intensity on T2-weighted scans, contrast enhancement, and replacement of frontal sinus fat by lower-signal soft tissue. All studies were performed on a 1.5-T unit using a 5-in round surface coil placed over the nasion. Sagittal T1-weighted, axial and coronal fast spin-echo T2-weighted, and precontrast and postcontrast axial and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained through the operative bed. The T2-weighted and postgadolinium sequences were done with a fat-suppression technique.

RESULTS
Hyperintensity within the frontal sinuses on T2-weighted images and enhancement (peripherally and/or centrally where fat was replaced with soft tissue) were found to some degree in all patients. The degree of replacement of frontal sinus fat with soft tissue ranged from 4% to 85% (mean, 43%). Five patients with persistent symptoms had no distinguishing MR features when compared with asymptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Although increased T2-weighted intensity, fat replacement, and enhancement are findings compatible with inflammation, these changes may be seen in patients who are asymptomatic after placement of osteoplastic frontal sinus flaps; they may represent the normal granulation process. MR findings after flap placement are nonspecific and have limited utility in distinguishing symptomatic patients with recurrent inflammatory disease from asymptomatic patients whose imaging findings are related to postoperative scar tissue.


For industrial microwave sensors operating in continuous wave (CW) mode in general an adequate frequency modulation is required. A common modulation scheme for distance sensors is frequency stepping (FS). In this paper we present a fast and highly accurate stepped ramp generator based on an integrated 24-GHz Silicon Germanium (SiGe) oscillator with fractional-N-PLL stabilization and modulation. Fast and accurate frequency steps are a prerequisite for achieving a good sensor performance. The dynamic behavior is verified by a phase and frequency evaluation of the ramp signal. Frequency overshoot typical for large frequency steps is reduced by a compensation technique in the PLL control signal of the ramp generator and is demonstrated by 100-MHz steps at 24.5 GHz.


This chapter reports on research to investigate the "copyright literacy" of librarians in the UK. Based on a survey and focus groups, undertaken following reform of copyright legislation in the UK in 2014, it originated from a European study. The research highlights gaps in knowledge, identifies training requirements in the sector, and suggests library and information science (LIS) qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD) need to address a greater range of topics related to copyright and intellectual property rights. The data also suggests that copyright is a source of anxiety for many librarians. Following the survey, a follow-up qualitative study was undertaken, using phenomenography as a way of exploring in detail librarians' varying experiences of copyright. The chapter concludes by discussing how copyright might form a key component of the wider digital and information literacies taught by librarians. It also discusses how games based learning might be a valuable approach to copyright education.


Abstract The paper reports on the segmentation of Swiss senior travellers on the basis of their travel motivation. Switzerland is considered a mature market which is why this country serves as a role model for future travel behaviour. In contrast to previous studies, which identified up to six clusters, the results reveal that in the case analysed there are three clusters. Two of them partially represent a life cycle concept: TIME HONOURED BON VIVANTS (phase 1; towards the end of a professional life), and GRIZZLED EXPLORERS (phase 2; from the start of a retired life). These two segments are complemented by RETRO TRAVELLERS, which incor-porate many characteristics of the previous two but differentiate themselves in terms of educa-tion as well professional positions. ABSTRACT The paper reports on the segmentation of Swiss senior travellers on the basis of their travel motivation. Switzerland is considered a mature market which is why this country serves as a role model for future travel behaviour. In contrast to previous studies, which identified up to six clusters, the results reveal that in the case analysed there are three clusters. Two of them partially represent a life cycle concept: TIME HONOURED BON VIVANTS (phase 1; towards the end of a professional life), and GRIZZLED EXPLORERS (phase 2; from the start of a retired life). These two segments are complemented by RETRO TRAVELLERS, which incorporate many characteristics of the previous two but differentiate themselves in terms of education as well professional positions.


Leading competition authorities such as DG Competition ("DG COMP") and the U.S. agencies have recently expressed concern about the potential for injunctions to be used by owners of patents declared essential to a standard (SEP) to extract excessive royalties from licensees (that is, hold up). This was a central issue in the agencies' review of the acquisition of Motorola Mobility by Google in 2011, following which DG COMP opened investigations against Samsung and Motorola Mobility in early 2012 to assess whether these companies may have abused some of their essential patents.This article aims to contribute to the debate on the merit of the availability of injunctions for SEPs. We address the perception that the current system contains inadequate protection for licensees against the risk of hold up on the part of SEP owners through the application for injunctions. We provide an overview of court procedures currently in place across key jurisdictions and argue that the risk of hold up is overstated and that serious consideration should be given in the policy debate to the risk of reverse hold up by the licensees before contemplating change. Importantly, our analysis takes into account the possibility of opportunistic behavior by prospective licensees. This feature has been noted before but not explicitly modeled so far.


Peer review is the "gold standard" for evaluating journal and conference papers, research proposals, on-going projects and university departments. However, it is widely believed that current systems are expensive, conservative and prone to various forms of bias. One form of bias identified in the literature is "social bias" linked to the personal attributes of authors and reviewers. To quantify the importance of this form of bias in modern peer review, we analyze three datasets providing information on the attributes of authors and reviewers and review outcomes: one from Frontiers an open access publishing house with a novel interactive review process, and two from Spanish and international computer science conferences, which use traditional peer review. We use a random intercept model in which review outcome is the dependent variable, author and reviewer attributes are the independent variables and bias is defined by the interaction between author and reviewer attributes. We find no evidence of bias in terms of gender, or the language or prestige of author and reviewer institutions in any of the three datasets, but some weak evidence of regional bias in all three. Reviewer gender and the language and prestige of reviewer institutions appear to have little effect on review outcomes, but author gender, and the characteristics of author institutions have moderate to large effects. The methodology used cannot determine whether these are due to objective differences in scientific merit or entrenched biases shared by all reviewers. Open Peer Review


Water shortage in arid and semi-arid world results in fragile environmental conditions. Therefore, the implementation of rainwater harvesting system is an important step in order to maximize water availability for agriculture and other uses. However, choosing the appropriate location for implementation of various systems to collect rainwater on a large scale is being a great challenge due to the need for environmental data and infrastructure. In this study, the most influential factors affecting the rainwater storage in the soil profile and runoff production in the Rudsarab watershed were fed into the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The weights for six criteria, i.e. land use, slope, permeability, soil texture, soil depth and rainfall using ext-AHP application within the Arc GIS9.3 environment were determined as 0.4281, 0.1930, 0.0724, 0.0725, 0.0414, 0.1924, respectively for the objective of runoff production. However, based on the objective of runoff storage, the weights for criteria land use, slope, permeability, soil texture and soil depth were respectively determined as 0.102, 0.0458, 0.102, 0.504, 0.0245. Thus, in terms of runoff storage, the effect of soil texture and based on the aim of runoff production the effect of land use was more than the others for site selection in the study area. Then rain water harvesting potential map for both objectives, i.e. runoff storage and runoff production was extracted using a weighted linear combination in the GIS environment. The extracted map was classified into five suitability groups, i.e. very good, good, average, poor and very poor using the natural breaks approach. In general, it can be revealed that about 58% and 19% of the watershed area had very good and good potential for rainwater harvesting, in terms of the objectives runoff storage and runoff production, respectively. This established a more significant potential of the watershed for runoff storage, as compared with runoff production (efficiency).


Sertindole (Serdolect), an atypical antipsychotic, was voluntarily suspended in the European Union in 1998 following regulatory concerns over reports of serious cardiac dysrhythmias and sudden unexpected deaths. The reported causes of death, their frequency, prolongation of the rate corrected QT interval (QTc) and cardiac dysrhythmias in patients prescribed sertindole were compared with those for patients treated with two other atypical antipsychotics. All patients in England, prescribed atypical antipsychotics by general practitioners during each drug's immediate post-marketing period, were identified using an observational cohort technique, prescription-event monitoring. Mortality rates in the sertindole cohort were compared with those in a comparator cohort using standardized mortality ratios and incidence rate ratios. Cardiovascular events were reviewed and followed up to identify cases of prolongation of QTc interval. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between sertindole and the comparator cohort, although confidence intervals (CI) were wide due to small numbers in the sertindole cohort. A much smaller number of patients were prescribed sertindole than the other antipsychotics. Six cases of prolongation of QTc interval were identified in 462 patients (1.3%, 95% CI 0.5–2.8) treated with sertindole and one with unspecified electrocardiogram changes in the comparator cohort of 16 542 patients. This study contributes to the understanding of the occurrence of prolongation of QTc interval during clinical use of sertindole, the incidence of which was similar to that in clinical trials. Although no statistically significant difference was shown in mortality rates between sertindole and comparator cohort, the sertindole cohort was too small to rule out an association between the use of this drug and cardiovascular deaths.


The application of extreme-value analysis to long-duration (30 year) global altimeter and radiometer datasets is considered. In contrast to previous extreme-value analyses of satellite data, the dataset is sufficiently long to enable a peaks over threshold analysis to be undertaken. When applied to altimeter data for wind speed and significant wave height, this analysis produces values consistent with buoy validation data and previous numerical model reanalysis datasets. The spatial distributions produced are also consistent with the model reanalysis data. However, the altimeter data shows much greater finescale structure for wind speed, which is consistent with known tropical cyclone activity. The greater data density provided by radiometer measurements offers the potential to address altimeter undersampling. However, issues associated with the radiometer's inability to measure wind speed in heavy rain events appears to create an unacceptable "fair weather" bias at extreme wind speeds. This renders the radiometer data of wind speed largely unusable for the investigation of wind speed extremes. The study also clearly demonstrates the limitations of the initial distribution method for extreme-value analysis, which is heavily biased by mean conditions.


the triplex real-time PCR assay with internal control for detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections in urine and vaginal swabs. Methods The performance of TaqMan probe-based triplex real time PCR targeting the cryptic plasmids of C. trachomatis (pCHL1) and N. gonorrhoeae (pJD1) and beta-globin gene as an internal con-trol was assessed using 188 urine specimens and 118 vaginal swabs. The triplex real time PCR was compared with the Roche COBAS AMPLICOR CT/NG assay. The urine specimens were further tested using real-time PCR targeting the N. gonorrhoeae porA pseudogene. Results For urine specimens, the sensitivity and specificity of the triplex real time PCR were 100% and 97.6%, respectively, for C. trachomatis, and 100% and 95.2%, respectively, for N. gonorrhoeae. For vaginal swabs, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 100%, respectively, for C. trachomatis, and 100% and 98.1%, respectively, for N. gonorrhoeae. There were 5 (2.84%) from 176 urine specimens that were negative for cryptic plasmid, but positive for N. gonorrhoeae porA pseudogene.


A reliable, accurate and portable rainfall simulator was needed for vegetative and erosion control research at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and California State University Sacramento. This simulator was designed to be easily set up and maintained as well as able to create a variety of rainfall regimes. The nozzle performance tests and lateral spacing tests were performed at Cal Poly's Erosion Research Facility. This simulator was designed and constructed based upon the principles of the Norton Ladder Type Rainfall Simulator. This simulator is the standard for research involving simulated rainfall. Construction took place at Cal Poly's farm shop. The rainfall simulator is a pressurized nozzle type simulator with a cam-operated oscillating boom. It emits uniform rainfall on a plot 1 m (3 ft) wide by 3.56 m (12 ft) long. The nozzles at 47.6 kPa (7 psi), Spraying Systems Company's Floodjet 3/8K SS45, emitted an average drop size of 1.7 mm (0.07 in) and a range of drop sizes of less than 1 mm to 7 mm (0.04 in to 0.3 in), correlating well to storms less than 50 mm•hr (2 in •hr) as is common on California's Central Coast. The structure of the simulator was built from aluminum, supporting the four-nozzle boom. The nozzles are spaced 99 cm (39 inches) apart. A box with an opening of 15 cm by 11 cm (6 by 4.5 inches) was beneath each nozzle to create the proper spray angle, critical for lateral spray uniformity. An additional opening in the box is attached to a system which returns the unused water to the storage tank. Flow meters control the inflow of water from the storage tank, ensuring each nozzle has the same discharge rate, no matter the orientation of the simulator. A computerdriven motor and cam system controls the storm intensity. The number of oscillations per minute of the nozzle across the box opening determines the intensity. Design storms resemble a bell curve, typical of California storms. The support system is collapsible, easy to set up and maintain. The resulting simulator is economical (less than $7,000 to construct), made with commercially available parts, easy to set-up and maintain and highly accurate.


Peroxisomal-deficient skin fibroblasts from patients with Zellweger's syndrome or infantile Refsum's disease produced fewer prostaglandins than normal skin fibroblasts. Radioimmunoassay indicated a 45-55% decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production when Zellweger's fibroblasts were incubated with arachidonic acid. This deficiency was not overcome by pretreatment of the Zellweger's fibroblasts with media containing arachidonic acid, and it was not due to channeling of arachidonic acid into other eicosanoid products. Modifications in the peroxide tone of the Zellweger's fibroblasts by addition of H2O2 or catalase failed to increase PGE2 production. Using Northern analysis, we were unable to detect an mRNA transcript for PGH synthase in unstimulated Zellweger fibroblasts but identified a 4.2-kb mRNA transcript after treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Treatment for 6 h with 10 nM PMA raised PGE2 production in normal and Zellweger fibroblasts to equivalent levels. These increases were prevented by addition of H-7, staurosporine, cycloheximide, or actinomycin D. Our findings suggest that the reduced PGE2 production in peroxisomal deficient fibroblasts is due to a decrease in PGH synthase mRNA. The reduction in PGH synthase can be overcome by treatment of the cells with agents which enhance gene expression.


The purpose of this research is to find out the text of rhetoric on: (1) structure of editorial text of Kompas newspaper of January 2017 edition (2) word choice (diction) in editorial in Kompas newspaper January 2017 edition and, (3) language style in editorial Kompas daily newspaper January 2017 edition. This research method is descriptive method with qualitative approach. The source of research data in the form of a newspaper compass edition januari 2017. While the data in the form of editorial text in Kompas daily newspaper edition of January 2017 amounted to 25 texts editorial. Data analysis uses text structure theory and word choice according to Bolivar and style of language according to Koesworo. The results show that (1) the editorial rhetoric text on the text structure of Kompas newspaper has five types of text structure variation. The five variations are SDR-SDR-SDR, SD-SDR-SDR, SDR-SDR-SD, SD-SDR-SD and SDR-SD-SD. This pattern variation is based on the location of the Triad position (S representative situation, D development representative, and R representative of the recommendations) contained in each editorial text. (2) Editor's choice of wording in Kompas newspaper, all 25 data use the word choice that has been grouped by Bolivar, ie the form of the word adverb, the word modality and the lexical word form. In general, the more widely used group of word choices is the lexical word in the noun. And (3) editorial style language in Kompas newspaper, all 25 data have suggestive language style, analytical logic and literary. In general, the more widely used language style is the analytical logical language style which is the style of the form of a form of thinking created by the author for the reader to consider the author's opinion on the issues discussed so that the reader will gain a logical reason from the reader's own mind. Keywords: Text, Rhetoric, and Editorial


Packaging is the coordinated system that encloses and protects the dosage form. Counterfeit drugs are the major cause of morbidity, mortality, and failure of public interest in the healthcare system. High price and well-known brands make the pharma market most vulnerable, which accounts for top priority cardiovascular, obesity, and antihyperlipidemic drugs and drugs like sildenafil. Packaging includes overt and covert technologies like barcodes, holograms, sealing tapes, and radio frequency identification devices to preserve the integrity of the pharmaceutical product. But till date all the available techniques are synthetic and although provide considerable protection against counterfeiting, have certain limitations which can be overcome by the application of natural approaches and utilization of the principles of nanotechnology.


A terpolymer AA-HPA-SVS was synthesized from acrylic acid (AA), 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA) and sodium vinyl sulfonate (SVS) by following a free radical polymerization procedure. The scale and corrosion inhibition efficiency and dispersion ability of the terpolymer were studied. The results showed that the AA-HPA-SVS terpolymer had good antiscaling properties towards calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, and good dispersion ability towards ferric oxide. The scale inhibiting efficiency of the terpolymer can reach to 95% and 93% for CaCO3 and Ca3(PO4)2 respectively when the dosage was 20mg/L. Its corrosion inhibition efficiency towards carbon steel was improved greatly when sodium molybdate was added. When 150mg/L sodium molybdate dehydrate was added to 20 mg/L terpolymer, the corrosion inhibition rate can reach to 85%.


The management of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) with neem-based and registered insecticides most applied on tomato crops in the Agreste region on N. elegantalis (eggs, pre-pupae and pupae) were evaluated in this study; methomyl, chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin, beta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, etofenprox, chlorantraniliprole and the neem-based insecticides (azadirachtin A/B and emulsifiable neem oil) were used for studying the repellent effect on oviposition. Lufenuron, deltamethrin and indoxacarb associated with 2.5% sucrose were used as toxic baits on tomato plants. Regarding the ovicidal effect, etofenprox and methomyl had the highest egg mortality, reducing larval survival and fruit damage. Etofenprox had the highest average mortality: 50% in pupae and 38% in pre-pupae. As for repellency, all insecticides tested reduced significantly the number of eggs when compared to the control, except for azadirachtin and chlorantraniliprole. Lufenuron and deltamethrin decreased the number of eggs, showing great potential for use in toxic baits, while indoxacarb stimulated oviposition, thus not being recommended for this purpose. The appropriate use of synthetic insecticides can maximize their potential of control, as long as their use is directed to the stage of the pest that causes higher damage to the crop, or exploring their potential as oviposition deterrent, as well as their use in toxic baits.

 Key words: Toxic bait, ovicidal effect, repellence, integrated management.


Tumors can avoid immune destruction despite being invaded by tumor-specific CD8 ϩ T cells. On page 1257, Bronte et al. describe one way that prostate tumors subdue T cells— they make two enzymes that combine forces to cripple T cell signaling components. Tumors use a variety of tactics to avoid attack by cytotoxic CD8 ϩ T cells; one is to establish an inhospitable environment that inhibits T cell activation. In recent mouse studies, Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) (brown) helps subdue CD8 ؉ T cells in a human prostate tumor. A single amino acid change in a tumor-derived peptide results in the priming of a bigger and better T cell response upon vaccination, according to a study by Chen et al. on page 1243. Thus, results obtained with the original peptide, which is in phase I clinical trials as an anticancer vaccine, may be further enhanced by using the modified peptide. Single amino acid changes in peptides can either enhance or inhibit activation of the T cells whose T cell receptors (TCRs) bind the peptide–HLA complex. Structural alterations in the HLA–peptide–TCR complex are thought to cause these functional changes, although how structural changes modify the signaling events inside the T cell is not completely understood. To address this question, Chen et al. crystallized peptide–HLA–TCR complexes using either a wild-type tumor peptide or a variant peptide containing a cysteine to valine mutation at the COOH-terminal residue—a mutation they had previously shown to enhance killing of peptide-coated target cells by cytotoxic T cells. The altered peptide bound to the HLA molecule more tightly and created a longer lasting, more snug fit between the peptide–HLA complex and the TCR. This cozier interaction caused T cells to polarize their lytic granules toward target cells more rapidly and produce more cytokines upon target cell contact. The authors think that the tailored complex optimizes signaling events at the immunological synapse. Indeed, T cells stimulated with the altered peptide were less dependent on the CD8 coreceptor, which is necessary to stabilize some lower affinity TCR–HLA interactions. Immunization of mice with the tighter fitting peptide primed more interferon-␥ – producing T cells than were primed by the wild-type peptide, suggesting that vaccines that use the altered peptide vaccine may produce a superior T cell response. Slight alterations in peptide sequence alter the peptide–HLA–TCR interaction and affect T cell priming. myeloid suppressor cells infiltrated tumors and set up an …


The absorption of dietary calcium through the intestinal barrier is essential for maintaining health in general and especially of the bone system. We propose a microfluidic model that studies free calcium (Ca2+) transport through a confluent monolayer of Caco-2 cells. The latter were cultured on a porous membrane that was positioned in between a top and bottom microfluidic chamber. Fresh cell culture medium was continuously supplied into the device at a flow rate of 5 nL s−1 and the culture progress of the cell monolayer was continuously monitored using integrated Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) electrodes. The electrical measurements showed that the Caco-2 monolayer formed a dense and tight barrier in 5 days. The transported free Ca2+ from the top microfluidic chamber to the basolateral side of the cell monolayer was measured using the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2. This is a ratiometric dye which exhibits an excitation spectrum shift from 340 nm to 380 nm, when it binds to Ca2+ with an emission peak at 510 nm. Therefore, the concentration of free Ca2+ is proportional to the ratio of fluorescence emissions obtained by exciting at 340 nm and 380 nm. The barrier function of the cell monolayer was evaluated by a measured rate of Ca2+ transport through the monolayer that was 5 times lower than that through the bare porous membrane. The continuous perfusion of cell nutrients and the resultant mechanical shear on the cell surface due to the fluid flow are two key factors that would narrow the gap between the in vivo and in vitro conditions. These conditions significantly enhance the Caco-2 cell culture model for studying nutrients bioavailability.


A cryoseism is a non-tectonic earthquake caused by freezing action in ice, ice-soil and ice-rock materials. It can occur under perennial or seasonal frost conditions. Crysoseisms of intensity IVMM or VMM are characterized by ground rupture and localized felt area. The discrimination of cryoseisms from tectonic earthquakes is necessary to evaluate the true seismicity of a region of low to moderate seismicity such as the northeastern United States.


Despite the fact that expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and in natural killer (NK) cells plays an important role in Fas‐mediated tumor killing, During tumor progression FasL‐expressing tumor cells are involved in counterattacking to kill tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Soluble FasL levels also increase with tumor progression in solid tumors, and this increase inhibits Fas‐mediated tumor killing by CTLs and NK cells. The increased expression of FasL in tumor cells is associated with decreased expression of Fas; and the promoter region of the FASL gene is regulated by transcription factors, such as neuronal factor κB (NF‐κB) and AP‐1, in the tumor microenvironment. Although the ratio of FasL expression to Fas expression in tumor cells is not strongly related to the induction of apoptosis in TILs, increased expression of FasL is associated with decreased Fas levels in tumor cells that can escape immune surveillance and facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is a potent growth inhibitor and has tumor‐suppressing activity in the early phases of carcinogenesis. During subsequent tumor progression, the increased secretion of TGF‐β by both tumor cells and, in a paracrine fashion, stromal cells, is involved in the enhancement of tumor invasion and metastasis accompanied by immunosuppression. Herein, the authors review the clinical significance of FasL and TGF‐β expression patterns as features of immune privilege accompanying tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. Potential strategies for identifying which molecules can serve as targets for effective antitumor therapy also are discussed. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.


Abstract The liberal peace project has dominated state-building operations since the end of the Cold War, including in Timor-Leste. However, the attempt to institutionalise the liberal peace faced significant challenges in Timor-Leste's fragmented subsistence-based society. This resulted in the creation of shallowly rooted and poorly-understood liberal state institutions that were disconnected from the majority of Timorese, who continued to follow their local sociopolitical practices. In response, the state has increasingly engaged with these local practices in order to create state institutions that make sense to the people they seek to govern. This engagement has occurred through the formalisation of local sociopolitical institutions, the recognition of local justice systems and the utilisation of local ceremonies and practices. Therefore, this article argues that a liberal-local hybrid peace project has emerged to guide state-building in Timor-Leste, which may indicate how similar projects could develop in the future.


Achieving and maintaining the correct ink/water balance is crucial for acceptable print quality; this involves factors affecting the emulsification of water and ink. This process was investigated with two designed model ink varnishes (one being 'hydrophilic' relative to the other 'hydrophobic' varnish) and two commercial varnishes. The Surland test, widely used to characterise ink/water balance, showed differences in water uptake between inks and corresponding varnishes; however it did not distinguish between the 'hydrophilic' and 'hydrophobic' systems. Thus, the rheology of the systems are considered together with implications to the lithographic process.

Rheological studies of creep and flow showed that the hydrophilic and hydrophobic systems behaved differently in the presence of water. The rheology of the ink varnish plays a major role in emulsification and the nature of processes at the interface affecting droplet fragmentation, droplet coalescence and time-dependency. Slippage occurred in the hydrophobic systems to a greater extent compared with the hydrophilic systems increasing with water concentrations from 0 to 25% water.

Droplet size distributions of the emulsion depend on temperature and agitation speeds. As emulsions approached dynamic equilibria, mean droplet diameters in the hydrophobic varnish at 70°C and 40°C were found to be ca. 2S and 12 I'm respectively; corresponding mean droplet diameten in the hydrophilic varnish were ca. 20 I'm and 5 I'm. Increase of interfacial tension for both varnishes (ca. 6 mNm-l) between 40°C and 70°C, may not be significant to droplet breakdown. A reduction in viscosity i.e. from 100 to 5 Pas in the hydrophobic varnish and from 300 to 5 Pas for the hydrophilic varnish was the determining factor. Droplet size depends on temperature: e.g. temperature increases led to larger droplets. Viscosity ratios of the continuous and disperse phases account for these effects.

Investigating the time-dependency of the system showed that allowing 'rest periods' between episodes of mixing altered the rate and nature of emulsification. Thus using a modified varnish, rest periods of 1 and 3 minutes produced mean droplet diameters in the range of 1.5-1.8 um whereas rest period of 5 minutes produced diameters of 2.3-2.4 I'm indicating that thixotropic recovery which occurs up to 3 minutes, restores the rate of droplet breakdown; whereas, after 5 minutes, coalescence is dominant. Extending the 'rest period' allows time for drainage of a film of continuous phase between two colliding droplets. These time-dependent effects varied with different varnish modifications. The effect of IP A on emulsification was also time-dependent. During 3 minutes of stirring at 900 rpm, the number of droplets below 2 I'm was greater in an emulsion containing IP A than in one containing water only; the situation was reversed after 4 minutes of stirring where the number of droplets below 2 um was lower. A decrease in interfacial viscosity at the varnish/water interface is considered; such a decrease may reduce the effective shear stress at the interface and thus the extent of droplet breakdown.


The wireless vehicular sensor network (VSN) has been very useful for many transportation application systems, but it does not operate like the traditional wireless sensor network. For safety reason, the vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-gateway communication modes must be stable. The motion of the vehicle, the environment of the roads, and other uncertain traffic conditions all pose challenges to the system. Therefore, how to keep link stability becomes an important issue. In this paper, we propose a scheme that uses grey target tracking to self-heal or reroute in advance the weak link on an alternative route as failure occurs and makes the whole vehicular sensor network more stable. Although this scheme increases the average latency and control overhead, it supports higher survivability and effective reflections on rerouting.


(1) Background: To limit the COVID-19 outbreak, the Italian government implemented social restrictions that may have had psychological and cognitive repercussions on people with dementia. We aimed to analyze cognitive decline during the pandemic year in people evaluated in a memory clinic in northern Italy, the epicenter of COVID-19 spread. (2) Methods: A single-center retrospective study was carried out, including individuals with annual follow-up evaluated in three different years (2020-GROUP, 2019-GROUP, 2018-GROUP). We performed an intergroup comparison of cognitive decline over a one-year follow-up, and an intragroup comparison in the 2020-GROUP to analyze the five-year cognitive decline trajectory, as measured by the MMSE. (3) Results: The 2020-GROUP showed a significant loss of MMSE points per year in the considered follow-up period compared with the 2019-GROUP and 2018-GROUP (p = 0.021). Demographics, clinical features, and the other analyzed variables, including rate of diagnosis, therapy, and comorbidities, did not significantly differ between groups. The five-year cognitive decline trajectory confirmed a significant worsening of cognitive decline between 2019 and 2020 (p < 0.001), while the decrease in MMSE scores was not statistically significant between previous time points. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic measures have induced a significant worsening of cognitive decline in people with dementia, needing more careful assistance to minimize the adverse effects of social isolation in case of future lockdowns.


The Art of Memory in Renaissance scholarship was, for many years, confined to a footnote in classical rhetoric, until Francis Yates's groundbreaking study of 1966 argues for its considerable influence on hermetic philosophy and literature. Over the last few decades, another shft in scholarship has occurred that goes well beyond Yates's conceptualization of memory as an occult and occulted phenomenon in the history of ideas. Recent studies suggest memory to be less a theme or idea than the prevailing episteme, whose discourses, practices, and mentations produce and reproduce Renaissance culture. Humanism's project of recovering the past by retrieving and reconstructing textuality privileges recollection as a mode of epistemological engagement with the world, as a means of subjective and collective identity formation, and as an organ for achieving ethical goals. For that reason, memory finds itself involved in the passage to modernity, when its ascendancy is challenged by the rise of seventeenth-century science and fall of rhetoric, the emergence of the European nation state, and the explorsion of the printing press and book technologies. Acknowledging this new direction in scholarship, this volume seeks to trace the plurality and complexity of memory's cultural work throughout the English and Continental Renaissance. Among the thinkers and writers to receive attention are Thomas Hoby, Conrad Gesner, Erasmus, Conrad Celtis, Johann Sturm, Machiavelli, Jehan du Pre, Spenser, Robert Hooke, Milton, Sebastian Munster, and Shakespeare. A long critical and historical afterword extends the historical contexts around the contributions and provides an overview of the materials central to the field, as well as a sense of the field's future development.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of rosiglitazone (RSG) and ceftazidime (CAZ) on peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activity in nucleated cells and interleukin (IL-4, IL-6) levels in plasma in septic rats.

METHODS
According to randomized digital table, 180 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to control group, sham operation group, sepsis group, CAZ group, RSG group and combined CAZ and RSG group. Sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Drugs were administered by intraperitoneal injection at 3-hour post-operation, once every 12-hour. The PPARγ activity in nucleated cells and IL-4, IL-6 levels in plasma were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 12, 24 and 48 hours post-operation.

RESULTS
There was no difference in PPARγ activity and levels of IL-4 and IL-6 at each time point post-operation between control group and sham operation group. Compared with control group and sham operation group, PPARγ activity [absorbance (A) value] in nucleated cells in sepsis group, where downward trend was seen as time went on, significantly reduced (0.263±0.017 vs. 0.292±0.005, 0.294±0.007, both P<0.05). PPARγ activity was significantly higher in CAZ group, RSG group and CAZ + RSG group than in sepsis group (0.282±0.008, 0.336±0.020, 0.347±0.007 vs. 0.263±0.017, all P<0.05), CAZ + RSG group>RSG group >CAZ group (both P<0.05). Plasma IL-6 and IL-4 levels were higher in sepsis group than in control group and sham operation group (IL-6: 436.77±62.28 ng/L vs. 45.11±10.42 ng/L, 42.28±7.54 ng/L; IL-4: 89.24±25.06 ng/L vs. 41.34±7.08 ng/L, 41.49±7.27 ng/L, all P<0.05) and reached peak at 24 hours and 48 hours post-operation, respectively. Compared with sepsis group, IL-6 and IL-4 levels in CAZ group, RSG group and CAZ + RSG group were significantly decreased (IL-6: 273.48±12.13 ng/L, 317.64±14.10 ng/L, 253.94±13.57 ng/L vs. 436.77±62.28 ng/L; IL-4: 59.12±7.03 ng/L, 68.37±8.28 ng/L, 53.81±8.34 ng/L vs. 89.24±25.06 ng/L, all P<0.05), CAZ + RSG group < CAZ group < RSG group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION
In septic rats, PPARγ activity in nucleated cells was decreased. On the basis of effective antibiotic treatment, RSG might play a role in improving PPARγ activity in nucleated cells and reducing the levels of inflammation mediators and anti-inflammatory in plasma.


Abstract. In the present study, a ground-based counterflow virtual impactor (GCVI) was used to sample cloud droplet residual (cloud RES) particles, while a parallel PM2.5 inlet was used to sample cloud-free or cloud interstitial (cloud INT) particles. The mixing state of black carbon (BC)-containing particles and the mass concentrations of BC in the cloud-free, RES and INT particles were investigated using a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) and two aethalometers, respectively, at a mountain site (1690 m a. s. l. ) in southern China. The measured BC-containing particles were extensively internally mixed with sulfate and were scavenged into cloud droplets (with number fractions of 0.05–0.45) to a similar (or slightly lower) extent as all the measured particles (0.07–0.6) over the measured size range of 0.1–1.6 µm. The results indicate the preferential activation of larger particles and/or that the production of secondary compositions shifts the BC-containing particles towards larger sizes. BC-containing particles with an abundance of both sulfate and organics were scavenged less than those with sulfate but limited organics, implying the importance of the mixing state on the incorporation of BC-containing particles into cloud droplets. The mass scavenging efficiency of BC with an average of 33 % was similar for different cloud events independent of the air mass. This is the first time that both the mixing state and cloud scavenging of BC in China have been reported. Our results would improve the knowledge on the concentration, mixing state, and cloud scavenging of BC in the free troposphere.


Discourse theory methodology provides an alternative and novel framework for human rights implementation as a topic of legal research. By conceptualising implementation of international human rights norms in a national legal context as a play of discourses competing for hegemony, it becomes possible to explore the workings of human rights constructions as well as where and how implementation fails or succeeds. This study offers an example of human rights implementation approached through discourse theory methodology, using the right to family planning in Indonesia as an illustrative case. Since the introduction in 1998 of the democratic reforms known as Reformasi, Indonesia has undergone significant legal reform, including in the field of human rights and family planning related law. The right to family planning is constructed in the International Human Rights Domain by a discourse on sexual and reproductive health. In addition, it is given content and meaning by a discourse on autonomy, whereby the right to family planning is constructed as a right to make informed decisions on the number, spacing and timing of children, and to be free from violence and coercion. Through this construction, the right to family planning is established as an individual-based right, and women enjoy a special position hereto. In contrast, in the Indonesian Law Domain the right to family planning is constructed by a health discourse and a discourse on the prosperous family. The right to family planning is thus constructed as a health-related right, and a right to form and develop a prosperous family. The relevant subjects are primarily married individuals and family members. Individuals in their own capacity are thereby excluded by the discourses as rights-holders with respect to family planning. Women are identified as the primary users of contraception, but decision-making rests equally with both spouses. In the Reform Domain, as exemplified by draft Indonesian legislation, there are two dominating discourses that construct the right to family planning: one on reproductive health and one on the qualitative family. There is also an emerging discourse on autonomy. 'Reproductive rights' and 'reproductive health' are central to the reconstructed right to family planning. However, the discourses still position married persons as the relevant subjects and exclude unmarried persons as rights-holders. In conclusion, the right to family planning has become more inclusive in scope, but is still restricted in terms of who is considered relevant as a rights-holder. Three main conclusions regarding human rights implementation can be drawn from this case study. First, the implementation process of international human rights norms into a national legal system is not as direct or uncomplicated as it is sometimes perceived in the modernity paradigm. Second, inclusion of key words or 'umbrella definitions' such as 'reproductive health' and 'reproductive rights', without the equivalence chain of the international human rights discourses, gives an impression of human rights implementation, but actually serves to mask the discrepancies between the construction in the International Human Rights Domain and the national domain. Because of their inclusiveness, umbrella definitions run the risk of becoming 'empty'. Third, this situation is made possible by, and due to, the construction of the right in the International Human Rights Domain itself. Hence, the present study illustrates how maximisation or proliferation of human rights does not necessarily serve its intended purpose of extending the scope of the right so as to benefit as many individuals as possible. (Less)


In both research and production involving solidification of materials, it would be beneficial to have an in-situ, real-time characterization of the material properties during solidification process. In this work ultrasonic in-situ monitoring of aluminum alloy (Al-12.6%Si) during solidification and melting using a high temperature ultrasonic sensor is presented. The ultrasonic sensor used mainly consists of a conventional piezoelectric transducer, a titanium buffer rod as an acoustic waveguide and a cooling system. A steel reflector is assembled at the probing end of the sensor to make time-of-flight measurements. The sustainability of the sensor has been evaluated for long time immersion up to 16 hours in the molten aluminum alloy and the possible reaction at the outer wall of the titanium rod has been examined. It has been demonstrated that the titanium buffer rod has good wettability and sustainability to molten aluminum. Using the ultrasonic sensor, pulse echo measurements with the aluminum alloy have been performed in temperature range from 200 to 800 °C. The changes of the longitudinal velocity of the aluminum alloy during solidification and melting processes have been successfully monitored. In addition the change in the amplitude of reflected echoes during solidification is discussed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME


Abstract The goal of the paper is to evaluate the economic efficiency of tour operators in the Czech Republic in the period 2007-2014 using data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and prove the link between economic efficiency and profitability and to find out if profitability is a good proxy for economic efficiency. Data was exported from the database Albertina CZ Gold Edition. We calculated the efficiency score using CCR (Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes) and BCC (Banker, Charnes and Cooper) models based on 3 inputs and 1 output. In the years 2007 to 2010, the efficiency score of almost all the companies was higher than 0.5; however, in years since 2011, we revealed significant differences in the efficiency of individual firms and only about 40 percent of tour operators achieved an efficiency score higher than 0.5. Using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, our findings show that, in the case of the Czech tour operator market, profitability ratios do not correspond with firm efficiency. Profitability ratios are not a good proxy for economic efficiency and should not be used as the only firm criterion of performance.


OBJECTIVE
To calculate the cost of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to compare it with the costs determined in two previous Canadian studies.

DESIGN
Retrospective cost-analysis study.

SETTING
A tertiary care referral hospital.

PATIENTS
Fifty patients who had undergone successful triple and quadruple CABG between Jan. 3 and 30, 1989.

MAIN RESULTS
The cost of CABG per patient varied from $10,982 to $33,676 (mean $14,328) (in 1988 Canadian dollars). The cost tended to increase with age and number of vessels grafted. Compared with the patients in the two previous Canadian studies our patients were older, had more vessels grafted and cost more to treat, even after the total hospital costs were adjusted for inflation.

CONCLUSIONS
The population undergoing CABG is changing: it is older and has more diseased vessels. These changes have had a significant impact on the cost of CABG. Further study is required to determine the outcome and benefit of CABG in this group of patients.


To improve product family design methods for mass customization currently, scale-based modular method for product family design is proposed. On the basis of it, a web-based customization product design system is built. Three processes are included in the system: modeling product family, customizing individual product and estimating cost. Key technologies used in the system are studied on focus that include modular design, scale factors design, tabular layouts of article characteristics (LAC), Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), parametric CAD (SolidWorks) and so on. Finally, taking MK2110 internal grinder as an example, the web-based customization design system is set up.


Background and purpose:
Lower back pain (LBP) is a growing concern in adolescents aged 13-20 years. Evidence suggests LBP in young
people can be associated with heavy backpacks carried daily for lengthy periods causing biomechanical and
postural adaptations, changingmuscle activation and fatigue. Evidence focuses on largermuscles, e.g. erector
spinae, whilst effects on specific trunk muscles remain unclear. This investigation measured effects of
different backpack loads on bilateral multifidus (M) and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscle activity during
treadmill walking.
Method:
School of Health Care Studies Research Ethics Committee, Cardiff University, granted ethical approval.
Twelve healthy volunteers with a mean age of 20 participated. Average bilateral M and ILmuscle activity was
recorded using surface electromyography (SEMG), during 3 maximum voluntary contractions (MVC), and
whilst treadmill walking carrying randomly assigned backpacks loaded with 0%, 10% and 15% of
participant's body weight (BW). Thirty seconds average bilateral muscle activity after 4 minutes and 30
seconds of treadmill-walking was expressed as a percentage of MVC and inputted into Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16, for analysis.
Results:
Right IL data was normally distributed and therefore analysed using a paired parametric t-test. Left IL and
bilateral M data was not normally distributed and therefore analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Two
conditions were compared in each statistical test, significance level p<0.05. Bonferroni Correction was used
to set significance levels to p>0.01.
Conclusion:
There was no statistically significant difference in bilateral M and IL muscle activity, when walking up to 5
minutes, with backpack loads of 0%, 10% and 15% BW. Research evidence supports these findings, suggesting
backpack loads of 15% BW being an appropriate limitation for young people walking for this time period.
Further research investigating effects of prolonged heavy backpack use in children and young adults is
recommended.


We present a skin-shear actuator based on the lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism is simple, reliable, offers fewer components, and accommodates into compact form- factors. We show mechanical design of a single assembly unit and implement multiple units in a single handheld device. We evaluate the actuator in one instrumentation-based test and one preliminary user study. Tests show that the actuator performance matches with the open-loop control scheme when no load is placed on the actuator. The performance deteriorates with loading, particularly when quicker and high amplitude stroke are required. The user study shows that information throughput with the skin-shear is comparable to vibrations through three digits on the hand. It is shown that small compact actuators (~5g) with efficient mechanisms can render displacements (>3mm) and forces (>1N) for easily differentiating skin-shear cues.


(e author traces the psychoanalyst Igor Caruso's pro#le, one of the founders of International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS), alternative institution to the dogmatic International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). She comments his #rst visit to Brazil, in 1956, and his longer staying in 1968/1969 in Belo Horizonte, where he helped to consolidate the then newborn Circulo Psicanalitico de Minas Gerais (CPMG), and took part on the foundation of Circulo Brasileiro de Psicanalise (CBP). Caruso has been also important in the creation of others Circles of Psychoanalysis in Latin America. (e article presents his psychoanalytic ideas, especially about personalization and the permanent dialectic in0uence of socialization, still emphasizing his


Abstract Autobiographies written by those living with illness are readily available sources of data that can also aid in the development of a grounded theory. However, existing methodological guidelines do not provide support for the transparent and rigorous use of these texts. This paper describes a number of issues around the use of these texts, and provides an example of how autobiographies were used in a study conducted by the author. A set of steps that can be used by other grounded theorists considering the use of autobiographies as sources of data is provided, in an attempt to advance this aspect of the methodology. Autobiographies written by those living with illness are readily available sources of data that can also aid in the development of a grounded theory. However, existing methodological guidelines do not provide support for the transparent and rigorous use of these texts. This paper describes a number of issues around the use of these texts, and provides an example of how autobiographies were used in a study conducted by the author. A set of steps that can be used by other grounded theorists considering the use of autobiographies as sources of data is provided, in an attempt to advance this aspect of the methodology.


Over the last decade there has been some uncertainty over the calculation of "actual" catchment evaporation from the long-term difference between rainfall and runoff for the grassland Wye catchment at Plynlimon, compared to estimates made using the Penman formula on data from automatic weather stations. Hence, measurements of actual evaporation were made over a two month period in the late summer of 1992 using the eddy-correlation technique on a relatively flat but wetter than average site in this upland region. Although the site was rather restricted for this type of measurement, the quality of data proved typical of other eddy-correlation measurements made at more aerodynamically suitable sites. The ratio of actual evaporation to the Penman estimate on dry days in summer was 0.83. This compares with an average annual ratio, generated from the catchment data for the period 1978 to 1995, of 1.01. The catchment rainfall value has been improved recently by weighting each gauge using altitude domains.


Recently, a flat wiper which is one piece wiper and is subjected to a pressing force at a single center point is gaining wide applications on automotive windshields. However, nonuniform reactive pressure distributions takes place, so that wiping is not completed at that point. The wiping performance of a flat wiper is best when a wiper and a curved windshield have perfect contact without gaps under the specified pressing force of 13 ~ 15 gf/㎝. Therefore, it is necessary that the optimum curvature of a wiper spring-rail should be obtained. Finite element analysis, CATIA script-macro function, and the least square method were utilized to find out the curvature of a spring-rail for a perfect contact with a windshield under a specified concentrated load. The curvature equation is the third order polynomial.


Most major professional medical organizations advocate universal screening for Lynch syndrome in colorectal carcinoma; however, some allow for a selective screening approach based on clinicopathologic factors including assessment of histologic features of mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRD). We performed a prospective evaluation for histopathologic features of MMRD in colorectal carcinomas that underwent universal screening for Lynch syndrome to evaluate the ability of histology to predict MMRD. In total, 947 resected colorectal carcinomas over a 5-year period were prospectively analyzed for histologic features of MMRD and for DNA mismatch repair protein abnormalities. Histologic features of MMRD were reported as present in 281 of 947 (30%) tumors with only 109 (39%) cases demonstrating MMRD by immunohistochemistry. Histologic features of MMRD had a sensitivity of 74% [95% confidence interval (CI), 66%-80%], specificity of 78% (95% CI, 75%-81%), positive predictive value of 39% (95% CI, 32%-44%), and negative predictive value of 94% (95% CI, 92%-96%). Histologic features of MMRD in left colon/rectal tumors had a significantly lower sensitivity of 56% (95% CI, 41%-77%) compared with right colon tumors (P=0.02). Histologic rereview identified that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were most likely to be incorrectly reported as absent, and 72% of cases incorrectly assessed as lacking TILs demonstrated MMRD by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrate that histologic features of MMRD do not reliably predict the presence of MMRD by immunohistochemistry. Interpretative errors in the assessment of histologic features of MMRD occur, particularly for TILs and in tumors of the left colon/rectum.


In advanced congestive heart failure with fluid retention, extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF) causes persistent relief of edema or anasarca through hemodynamic and humoral changes that interrupt refractoriness to diuretics. The intra and extravascular fluid partition in congestive heart failure, as well as changes occurring in the two compartments following fluid withdrawal with UF, are unknown. In 8 congestive heart failure patients with severe fluid retention undergoing UF, we measured total (TBV), intrathoracic (ITBV) and pulmonary blood volumes (PBV), and extravascular lung water (EVLW). The intra and extravascular volumes were evaluated by a fiberoptic thermal dye dilution monitoring system, before, at the end of UF (3697 +/- 699 ml) and 24 hours later. Baseline data were compared with those of 10 subjects without heart failure undergoing coronary bypass surgery. In congestive heart failure patients, as compared with controls, TBV was normal, the intrathoracic blood content (ITBV, PBV and PBV/TBV ratio) was increased and EVLW was normal. UF did not induce significant changes in TBV and in EVLW, and reduced ITBV, PBV and PBV/TBV ratio, suggesting that a shift of fluid from the intra to the extrathoracic intravascular compartment occurred. Because both TBV and EVLW were not affected by the procedure, the largest proportion of fluid removed by UF derived from the systemic extravascular space. Both pulmonary wedge and right atrial pressures significantly decreased after UF, and cardiac output increased. In conclusion, congestive heart failure is associated with normal TBV and EVLW content and with intravascular intrathoracic hypervolemia and extrathoracic hypovolemia. UF induces hemodynamic improvement through a selective fluid removal from the extravascular systemic space without changes in both TBV and EVLW.


BACKGROUND: Many Australian native legumes grow in arid and nutrient-poor environments. Yet few Australian herbaceous legumes have been investigated for domestication potential. This study compared growth and reproductive traits, grain yield and seed composition of 17 native Australian legumes with three commercial grain legumes. RESULTS: Seed yields of seven native legumes were > 40% of Cicer arietnum, with highest seed yields and harvest indices in Glycine sp. (14.4 g per plant, 0.54 g g − 1 ) and Lotus cruentus (10.2 g per plant, 0.65 g g − 1 ). Five native species flowered earlier than field pea ( Pisum sativa ) (109 days), though many were slower to flower and set seed. Largest seeds were found in Glycine canescens (17 mg), with seed of other native species 14 times smaller than commercial cultivars. Seed composition of many native legumes was similar to commercial cultivars (200–330 g protein kg − 1 dry weight (DW), 130–430 g dietary fibre kg − 1 DW).Two Cullen specieshadhighfatcontent( > 110 g kg − 1 DW)and Trigonellasauvissima hadthehighestcrudeproteincontent (370 g kg − 1 DW). CONCLUSION: The seed composition and reproductive traits of some wild native Australian legumes suggest they could offer potential as grain crops for soils and environments where the current grain legumes are uneconomic. Further evaluation of genetic diversity, especially for seed size, overall productivity, and reproductive development is needed.


Time-scale spectra, obtained from seismic data wavelet transforms, are useful in analyzing local scaling properties of seismic signals. In particular, the wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) spectra, obtained by following the local extrema of wavelet transforms along a constant phase line, describe characteristics of discontinuities such as interfaces. They also show a smooth behavior as a function of scale and thus allow us to derive local scaling laws. We use scaling behavior of WTMM spectra to enhance the bandwidth of seismic data. An analysis of well-log scaling behaviors and the seismic data shows that, whereas the WTMM spectrum of well logs at each interface exhibits a power-law behavior as a function of scale, the corresponding seismic signal spectrum shows a more complicated behavior, arising from seismic wavelet effects. Under the assumption that local well-log power-law behavior holds in general, a scaling law for seismic signals can be derived in terms of parameters that describe subsurface scaling effects and the seismic wavelet. A stable estimation of these parameters can be carried out simultaneously, as a function of time and over the seismic bandwidth, using the modified scaling law. No well-log information is needed to derive the seismic wavelet. Then wavelet transforms can be corrected for seismic wavelet effects and a high-resolution signal reconstructed. This reconstructed high-resolution signal can be used to map features that might not be obvious in the original seismic data, such as small faults, fractures, and fine-scale variations within channel margins.


Ventilator device are external devices that are designed to assist a patient to perform a particular task. It is to keep up or improve a breathing ability of a person if he encounters problem in his own breathing. Ventilators play a vital role in human's life. It is a piece of equipment, software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities in breathing period. This paper deals with the hardware design of a lab model ventilator. A prototype model of the ventilator has been designed and tested


The research's purpose is to analyze reader response strategies which are used by readers to respond Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code novel. The objectives of the study are to know kind of reader response strategies that are applied by the readers to respond Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code , to describe how the readers apply the reader response strategies on Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code , to describe the dominant issues raised by the readers in applying reader response strategy on Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code and to know why the issues are problematic. This study is a qualitative study; the primary data source of the study is the responses from amazon customers and the guest who drop responds to the Da Vinci Code novel in amazon.com. The responses which are taken are from the paperback version and it is limited to the responses which were dropped on June 10 th 2006 until February 7 th 2015 and the secondary data sources of the study are books, journals or any information related to reader response strategy. In analyzing the data, the writer employs descriptive analysis. The outcome of the study shows the readers use various reader response strategies to respond Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code . The readers apply the strategies in responding by judging, connecting, engaging, interpreting etc. The dominant issue which is raised by the reader is a debatable problem in the novel dealing with the fact and fiction, there is a great possibility it becomes a problematic because Brown's initial statement in the beginning of the novel, "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate."