Helicobacter pylori infection is still one of the most common infections worldwide. It is almost always acquired in childhood, becomes chronic unless treated and may be the cause of duodenal ulcer or gastric cancer later in life. Improved hygienic conditions in the western world in recent decades have decreased the prevalence of the infection in the younger population. This is not the case in developing countries where the majority of children continue to acquire H. pylori at an early age. Early acquisition is considered one risk factor for development of gastric cancer in adulthood (1). There are several tests to diagnose H. pylori infection. Tests may be invasive, requiring upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and gastric biopsies, or noninvasive. Tests of infection have advantages and disadvantages and different indications for use. No single test is a fully reliable method for detection of H. pylori in all instances. Even histology is not positive in 100% of infected children. In symptomatic children, the diagnosis of H. pyloriassociated disease should always be performed with endoscopy, as clearly stated by task force reports from the European Task Force for H. pylori Infection in Children (2) and NASPGN (3). Noninvasive tests to screen children with abdominal pain for H. pylori are not recommended, as endoscopy provides more complete information on the entire differential diagnosis. Endoscopy allows the identification of causes of pain such as esophagitis and peptic ulceration and is the only method by which biopsies can be obtained to diagnose gastritis (including H. pylori), eosinophilic gastroduodenitis and celiac disease. Gastric biopsies can be cultured to grow H. pylori and test for antibiotic susceptibility, which may be important in choosing treatment (4). Clearly, endoscopy should be justified by symptoms indicating organic disease. The use of endoscopy might decrease the over use of noninvasive tests and the use of anti-H. pylori therapy in children with nonspecific symptoms, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of H. pylori where the infection may not play any role in causing symptoms. Compliance with eradication therapy may be better after endoscopy, and better compliance may result in a lower rate of treatment failures and therefore in a reduced risk of therapy-induced antibiotic resistance of the surviving bacteria. Noninvasive tests (serology, C-urea breath test (UBT), and stool antigen determination) have the advantages of low cost, the possibility of repeat testing and minimal patient discomfort. Their use for screening patients before endoscopy or before treatment to implement the so called test-and-treat strategy, as suggested for young adults (5), is discouraged in children because in the pediatric age there is no specific clinical picture indicating a need to screen children with dyspeptic symptoms for H. pylori infection (2). An eradication treatment in a child with abdominal pain and a positive noninvasive test is not recommended because diagnoses other than H. pyloriassociated peptic ulcer are more likely (6). Moreover, noninvasive tests give no information on the mucosal lesion, its distribution or its severity. Noninvasive tests for H. pylori infection are helpful in epidemiologic studies of incidence, mode of transmission and reinfection and spontaneous clearance to develop preventitive measures in early life. In clinical practice noninvasive tests are useful in monitoring treatment efficacy. Non-invasive tests should be easy to perform, inexpensive and have a high diagnostic accuracy. Serology and the C-urea breath test (UBT) do not fulfill all of these requirements. Serology, although not expensive, is not totally noninvasive, and venipuncture can cause pain and fear in children. Serology cannot distinguish between current and past infection. Sensitivity of most commercial kits is lower in children than in adults as children may respond to some H. pylori antigens only. Antibody titers may become Address correspondence and reprint requests to Prof. Giuseppina Oderda, Clinica Pediatrica, Universita del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 281000 Novara, Italy (e-mail: email@example.com). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 39:482–484 November 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia


The textile industry is one of the pillar industries of Jiangmen Municipality and occupies an important place in Guangdong's textile industry. Jiangmen's textile industry has its deficiencies as well as its unique characteristics and will face all kinds of challenges after China's entry to the WTO. The municipal government, the textile industry and other related authorities must make concerted efforts to meet them.


The process of desorption of dodecanol monolayer into the aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions of varying concentrations was studied by the surface tension measurement. The rate of desorption in its early stage obeyed the simple diffusion law and the plot of logarithms of surface pressure against the square root of time showed a linear relationship. The rate constant of desorption decreased slightly and linearly with an increasing concentration of SDS up to CMC. Beyond CMC it increased rapidly and linearly owing to the increase of dodecanol solubility due to the solubilization. Further, from these rate constants and the surface tension vs. concentration curve, the diffusion coefficient of dodecanol in water and in aqueous SDS solutions, its solubilization in aqueous SDS solution and the partition coefficient of dodecanol between water and SDS micelles were calculated. Critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate was also determined as a break point of desorption constant vs. concentr...


With the integration of more features, automotive driver information systems (DIS) are getting more and more complex. Some Telematics services such as automatic crash notification, dynamic route guidance, traffic and weather information, are already available in some markets. More services will soon be available. The latest technological developments make it possible to integrate e-mail, Internet and office applications into an on-board computer. Those involved in Telematics including developers, the press and public are focusing on the use of the Internet in vehicles. Internet based information on the traffic-situations, accidents, weather, etc., is useful while traveling. However Internet sites that offer such information do not take into account the needs of a driver while driving. New human-machine interfaces (HMI) and new information collection, filtering, and distribution services have to be developed, to make it possible for the driver to use these services while on the road. These developments lead to a growing focus on the HMI of the driver-car system and the CarPC in particular. The driver has to be able to drive and safely use the system. The HMI includes software and internal structures as well as the hardware, i.e., displays or input devices.


Objective To investigate the expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in rat parafascicular nucleus (Pf) following acute myocardial ischemia induced by coronary artery occlusion (CAO) in rats. Methods Twenty-four adult male SD rats, weighing 260 ~ 280 g, were randomly divided into four groups:Group C, the control group, with non-CAO;Group CAO 1 h, with CAO for 1 hour;Group CAO 3 h, with CAO for 3 hours;and Group CAO 6 h, with CAO for 6 hours. Coronary artery was occluded except Group C. Rats were killed at scheduled time points, and then the brains were dissected in order to perform in situ hybridization (ISH) of brain tissue cryo-section. Brain slices of Pf were examined and analyzed semi-quantitively for expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA by ISH technique with IDA-2000 digital micro-image analysis systems. Results The expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in rat Pf increased significantly at 1, 3 and 6 h after CAO as compared with that in Group C (P 0.05). The highest value was at 6 h in Group CAO 6 h (P 0.05). Conclusion Myocardial ischemia alone can cause the increase in the expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the neurons of rat Pf, which may be involved in central modulation of nociception of Pf evoked by acute myocardial ischemia.


The species of drosophilid flies found habitually or accidentally to feed on bleeding sap of various trees have attained to about thirty five in Japan (OKADA, 1956), though only a few of them have actually been ascertained to breed there.1) In general, the sap eating drosophilid flies are known to be easily attracted also to decaying fruits and, when available, to breed on them (STURTEVANT, 1942; PATTERSON and STONE, 1952). Whether they merely feed on or actually breed in the sap exudation has been proved to depend on the degree of fermentation caused by the yeasts thriving on it (CARSON and STALKER, 1951). Furthermore, that different kinds of flies or larvae prefer different kinds of yeasts contained in the food sources has repeatedly been reported (WAGNER, 1944, 1949; BUZZATITRAVERSO, 1949; DA CUNHA, DOBZHANSKY and SOKOLOFF, 1951; SHEHATA and MURAK, 1952; DUDGEON, 1954; DOBZHANSKY and DA CUNHA, 1955; SHEHATA, MURAK and PHAFF, 1955; CARSON, KNAPP and PHAFF, 1956; DA CUNHA, SHEHATA and OLIVEIRA, 1957; MOMMA and KANEKO, 1960). BURLA (1955) observed in Africa that the cut palm trees attracted different kinds of drosophilid flies at different days after the trees were cut, due to gradual alteration in fermentation stages of the bait. The author (OKADA, 1962) indicated that the sap eating drosophilid flies tend to have blackish body integuments and testes and relatively simple internal structures. He also found that the sap eating larvae usually have comparatively simple mouth hooks. The present study has the intention to clarify in what degree the flies of each species prefer bleeding sap to fruit, how the degree fluctuates according to environmental conditions, and how the sap preference concerns structural or behavioral adaptation and evolutionary sequence of the flies, and finally to shed any light upon an applied-entomological problem concerning establishment of breeding sites of phytophagous insects injurious upon cultivated plants. The author is deeply indebted to Dr. Eiji OHNISHI, Tokyo Metropolitan University, for his kind assistance in collecting sap eating flies in 1951.


Energy Resolving Photon Counting Detectors (ERPCD) have been developed as a medical X-ray imaging application. The ERPCD can analyze energy information of measured X-rays. There is the possibility that quantitative information of an object such as the effective atomic number (Zeff) can be derived by analyzing the energy information of the X-rays. In order to realize accurate Zeff identification, it is necessary to consider the effect of secondary-produced radiations which are produced by the interaction between incident X-rays and the detector. In addition, these secondary-produced radiations can be transferred to adjacent pixels. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the response function on the measured X-ray spectrum in terms of accuracy of derived Zeff. We focused on CZT, Si, and GaAs detectors, and the response functions of these detectors were reproduced by Monte-Carlo simulations. A detector with an area of 10 mm × 10 mm, a thickness of 1.5 mm, and a pixel size of 200 μm × 200 μm was used for the simulation. Aluminum samples having mass thicknesses of 1, 5, and 10 g/cm2 were used as an object. 50.0 kV polychromatic X-rays were irradiated to the detector area of 1 mm × 1 mm. The X-ray spectra measured within one center pixel were analyzed. The mass attenuation factor "μ/ρ" was calculated from the simulated X-ray spectra of being incident and penetrating the object. The Zeff was derived from the theoretical relationship between μ/ρ and Zeff, and the accuracy was evaluated. It was found that the effect of the response function decreases the accuracy of the derived Zeff. We clarified the energy regions which can derive Zeff accurately. These results are valuable to optimize analytical energy regions for accomplishing accurate Zeff analysis using ERPCD.


New data of the last measurement season held at the Tien-Shan complex for investigation gamma-radiation, accelerated electrons and low-energy neutrons during thunderstorms are presented. The flux of gamma-radiation in the energy range of 40 – 1200 keV shows a strict correlation with instantaneous intensity of atmospheric discharge. Its energy spectra measured for the first time with riches statistics and improved resolution typically have an absolute intensity about 50 – 100 quanta·cm−2·s−1, and demonstrate considerable evolution in the course of discharge. The signals from an avalanche of accelerated electrons have been directly observed inside thunderclouds. A lower energy estimation for these electrons is about 10 MeV. For the first time, during electric discharge moments in thunderstorms, there were found considerable intensity enhancements of the neutron intensity in the range of thermal energies: up to 100 – 200 standard deviations, or 3 – 8 times above the background, so the observed neutron flux reaches the values of (20 – 40) · 103 m−2 · min−1.


Recent social-psychological research suggests that evaluators may be susceptible to subtle biases in judgment. This chapter discusses the potential intrusive influences on evaluators of a variety of social and cognitive biases and suggests ways of counteracting such biases.


This paper proposes and describes a prototype of a peer-to-peer based infrastructure to support virtual enterprise's supply chain management. Because of a virtual enterprise is composed of autonomous, distributed, and continuously evolving entities, we have naturally modelled each business entity like a peer's agent platform that can play several roles according to the task to be fulfilled. To this end, we describe and apply such roles, required to the organizational architecture, into a virtual storehouse scenario. * We thanks D. Iacobucci for suggestions and useful discussions about these topics, M. Orlando and A. Petrini for their contribution to the implementation phase. 1 MOTIVATIONS Nowadays, especially in Italy, several organizations, characterized by common market interests in terms of products and services they manufacture and deliver, are collaborating together sharing both their specific expertise and entrepreneurial culture. Nevertheless, such a scenario produces a static enterprise coalition always based on the same members that often have not the competences and leadership, e.g., in terms of quality, on specific product and service orders. Furthermore, such coalitions are generally leader-centered, that is a coalition's member (the biggest or the leader one) establishes and imposes its standards to the other members. Actually, several research efforts have been fulfilled in the prospective of endowing small and medium enterprises with new forms and models of aggregation and collaboration suitable to take advantage of current inter-networking information technology (Franke, 2002; Huhns and Stephens, 2002; Jennings et al., 2000; Pathak et al., 2000; Petersen et al., 2000). The scenario introduced above can naturally be modelled by means of the virtual-enterprise paradigm (Franke, 2002; Petersen et al., 2000). Into a virtual-enterprise, each member maintains its autonomy and independence related to its internal business processes. Nevertheless, such a member has to collaborate in a synergic way according to the coalition goal, e.g., issuing a (new) service and manufacturing components for a (new) product. This paradigm establishes a network of small and medium enterprises characterized by a variety of value adding products/services (e.g., in a supply chain), alive only for a specific period, for a specific business objective, and disband when the goal is achieved (Franke, 2002). This paradigm views a distributed system as an open, dynamic network of peers. Each peer is acquainted with a small number of other peers with whom it can exchange information and services. Acquaintances change constantly, there is no central control/registry, and peers remain autonomous throughout their participation in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network (Bernstain et al., 2002). Notice that, current P2P tool capabilities are principally based on file sharing mechanisms; hence, some efforts have been done in the direction of improving/enhancing the data management skills, e.g., (Bernstain et al., 2002; Penserini et al., 2003). For example, in (Bernstain et al., 2002) the authors proposes an extended relational model for P2P databases that supports 316 Penserini L., Spalazzi L. and Panti M. (2004). A P2P-BASED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR VIRTUAL-ENTERPRISE'S SUPPLY-CHAIN MANAGEMENT. In Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems, pages 316-321 DOI: 10.5220/0002612003160321 Copyright c © SciTePress distributed query processing and constraint enforcement. This paper proposes and describes a prototype of a P2P framework based on collaborative agents in order to support and improve the horizontal and vertical supply chain management network typologies. Indeed, supply chain management is considered a strategic and critical aspect for enterprises and especially for a virtual-enterprise, e.g., (Huhns and Stephens, 2002; Pathak et al., 2000; Petersen et al., 2000). In particular, we describe the ability of the system that can play several roles to effectively encompass all the supply chain's activities, e.g., procurement, production, order processing, transportation, and customer service. 2 MOTIVATING SCENARIO The supply chain management is a strategic component of an enterprise because such an aspect involves all the activities associated with the value chain, that is, it copes with the required processes to transform raw materials to end user products. Moreover, supply chain management deals with providing products and services to customer faster, cheaper, and of better quality, e.g., (Huhns and Stephens, 2002) and (Petersen et al., 2000). As an example, it is interesting to observe one of the main advantages, in terms of costs, in applying a collaborative model at the chain storehouse level. Indeed, generally, the stock holding costs increase when the product availability increases (i.e., tends to 100%), while the potential lost sale costs increases when the product availability decreases. Therefore, the optimal service falls near 85% that is the minimum of the total cost trend. On the contrary, as experimented and described in (Netsourcing, 2003), applying a virtual storehouse collaborative approach the optimal service moves towards a less percentage availability, that is less stock investments at the same customer satisfaction. For the sake of simplicity, we assume that every time an order occurs the related enterprise can satisfy it in three principal ways: a) using its internal stock, b) negotiating the quantity/lot required with the known partners, and c) trying to seek for new partners. Scenario (a), the more traditional one, means that the firm has to internally produce the goods required and/or it has to hold a high lot size in its storehouse in order to satisfy every order. As a consequence, such an approach risks increasing both the lost sale and stockholding costs. Those costs are decreased using scenario (b). That is the known partners at the same level in the value chain (peer) contribute to satisfy an (retailer) order. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, each time a Retailer issues a sourcing order to Firm


1 Anderson CB, Roper C L , Ferguson T B : Management of pleural effusions. In Stoll BA ( e d ) : Breast Cancer Management Early and Late. Chicago, Year Book Medical Publishers, 1977, p 178 2 Wallach H W : Intrapleural tetracycline for malignant pleural effusions. Chest, 6 8 : 5 1 0 5 1 2 , 1975 3 Rubinson RM, Bolooki H : Intrapleural tetracycline for control of malignant pleural effusions. South Med J 6 5 : 8 4 7 849, 1972 4 Sahn SA, Good J T Jr, Potts D E : The pH of sclerosing agents: A determinant of pleural symphysis. Chest, to be published


Understanding the L → H and H → L transitions is crucial to successful ITER operation. In this paper we present novel theoretical and modelling study results on the spatio-temporal dynamics of the transition. We place a special emphasis on the role of zonal flows and the micro → macro connection between dynamics and the power threshold (PT) dependences. The model studied evolves five coupled fields in time and one space dimension, in simplified geometry. The content of this paper is (a) the model fundamentals and the space–time evolution during the L → I → H transition, (b) the physics origin of the well-known ∇B-drift asymmetry in PT, (c) the role of heat avalanches in the intrinsic variability of the L → H transition, (d) the dynamics of the H → L back transition and the physics of hysteresis, (e) conclusion and discussion, with a special emphasis on the implications of transition dynamics for the L → H power threshold scalings.


as he says, may or may not be true, but which, if no known fact in the universe disproves it, can be used just as has been used the atomic theory or Newton's theory of gravitation. In the field of psychological investigation a satisfactory working hypothesis has never yet been formulated. Many theories have been advanced, it is true; but although some are very plausible and satisfactory to the authors when applied to a particular class of facts, they utterly fail when confronted with another class of facts.


Abstract A tandem Penning trap mass spectrometer is used for mass measurement of radioactive isotopes produced at the on-line isotope separator ISOLDE/CERN. The mass is determined directly and with high accuracy by measuring the cyclotron frequency of the stored ions. Measurements were performed on 209 210 211 212 221 222Fr and 226 230Ra. A resolving power of 5 × 105 was used and an accuracy of 1·8 × 10−7 has been achieved.


We consider the scattering of time harmonic flexural waves by a through crack in a perfectly conducting plate under a uniform magnetic field. By the use of Fourier transforms we reduce the problem to solving a pair of dual integral equations. The solution of the dual integral equations is then expressed in terms of a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. The dynamic moment intensity factor versus frequency is computed and the influence of the magnetic field on the normalized values is displayed graphically.


Few studies of Taiwanese tones, which have a complex tonal structure, used computer-assisted acoustic analysis to measure time-varying dynamic pitch patterns in contour tones. After acquiring raw F0-over-time traces of lexical tones, we calculated F0-over-normalized time data and plotted F0 profiles along 11 equidistant time axis. Mean acoustic parameters, individual tone descriptions, and tone numbers are described. Our data show that seven lexical tones are grouped into seven tightly clustered, but distinct patterns. However they differ from previous studies in (1) Tone-5 is a mid falling-rising, rather than low-rising tone. (2) Short tones are level tones but not falling tones. (3) Short tone (entering tone) is not shorter in duration than long tones (non-entering tones). In conclusion, our study presents F0-over-normalized time patterns and duration of Taiwanese lexical tones and provides time normalization as a robust model to study tone categorization, gender tone contrast and pathologic tones.


Abstract In this paper a theorem on the local property of | N , p n ; δ| k summability of factored Fourier series has been proved. The theorem includes, as special cases, a number of well known results in [1, 4−8].


Abstract High protein skim milk retentate powders with modified functional properties were produced using UF and spray drying. Different heat treatments (65°C for 30 min, 75°C for 28 s, and 85°C for 28 s) and pH adjustments (6.4, 6.7, and 7.0) were applied before spray drying. The pH adjustment affected gel water-holding capacity, acid gel strength, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity. Heat treatment also affected gel water-holding capacity, acid gel strength, and emulsifying capacity, but not foaming capacity. The interaction of heat treatment and pH adjustment affected gel water-holding capacity, acid gel strength, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity.


From the partial differential Calogero's (three-body) and Smorodinsky-Winternitz (superintegrable) Hamiltonians in two variables we separate the respective angular Schrödinger equations and study the possibilities of their " minimal " PT symmetric complexification. The simultaneous loss of the Hermiticity and solvability of the respective angular potentials V (ϕ) is compensated by their replacement by solvable, purely imaginary and piece-wise constant multiple wells V 0 (ϕ). We demonstrate that the spectrum remains real and that it exhibits a rich " four series " structure in the double-well case. One of the most important methods of solution of partial differential Schrödinger equations in D dimensions is an approximate [1] or exact [2] separation of variables in spherical coordinates. For example, once the potential is central, V (r) = V (| r|), the angular part of each wave function coincides with the well known D dimensional (hyper)spherical harmonics. In non-central case the explicit examples range from the confinement of a single (quasi)particle in a superintegrable Smorodinsky-Winternitz potential [3] up to the binding of A > 1 particles in the exactly solvable models of the Calogero-Moser-Sutherland type [4, 5]. Of course, the structure of the corresponding D dimensional generalizations of the (hyper)spherical harmonics becomes more complicated. Our present study was inspired precisely by this problem. In section 2 we shall introduce some basic notions and a few explicit more or less standard examples of the above-mentioned partial differential Schrödinger equations (cf. subsection 2.1 for more details). Then we shall specify our main purpose, namely, the analysis of the models in question in their appropriate non-Hermitian generalizations (a few remarks about motivation will be collected in subsection 2.2). In such a setting, subsection 2.2 will summarize the key technical aspects of our project. In section 3 we shall specify and explain in some detail the present implementation of the Bender's and Boettcher's idea [6] of the weakening of the traditional Hermiticity to the mere PT symmetry. Subsection 3.1 will show that once we decided to study just the two-dimensional partial differential Schrödinger equations, their angular part degenerates to the mere single ordinary differential equation, − d 2 dϕ 2 + V (ϕ) ψ(ϕ) = ℓ 2 ψ(ϕ), ϕ ∈ (0, 2π). (1) This simplifies many technical aspects of our problem which may be re-formulated as a confinement of a quasi-particle on a circle [7]. Unfortunately, in contrast to the standard models which use the Hermitian Hamiltonians …


For the treatment of infections, it is usually recommended to 'complete the course' so as to avoid the development of resistance. There is little evidence, however, for the exact duration of treatment. Only a few pathogenic microorganisms are able to develop resistance during exposure to effective antibiotic concentrations. Commensal flora are often destroyed during treatment, which can lead to colonisation with resistant mutants. Excretion of antibiotics in the urine will expose microorganisms in the environment, leading to resistance. Longer exposure will lead to more resistance. Only the time needed to clear up the infection should determine the duration of treatment and not the arbitrary length of an antibiotic dosage schedule.


Objective To compare the two different decellularization methods for preparation of liver whole-organ decellularized matrix for providing an experimental basis for screening more effective method. Methods Liver whole-organ decellularized matrix was prepared by two different decellularization methods using sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100+SDS (Tx+SDS) as main detergent respectively. The three-dimensional shape, vascular structure, histological results and immunofluorescence images were observed, and the contents of residual DNA, collagen and growth factors (HGF, bFGF) were determined by ELISA. Results Liver whole-organ decellularized matrix was successfully prepared by both methods, as the cellular and nuclear components were removed successfully and the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein was preserved. The Tx+SDS method preserved the vascular structure of the liver, and the SDS method resulted in damage to the vascular structure. Compared with SDS method, the Tx+SDS method preserved more ECM protein, including almost 100% of collagen, and 58.5% of HGF and 42.5% of bFGF. Conclusion The liver whole-organ decellularized matrix could be well prepared by Tx+SDS method, and it may provide an effective scaffold for the study of tissue engineered liver and regenerative medicine.

 DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2014.04.07


With over fifty years of excellent performance records in the aerospace industry, fiberreinforced-polymer (FRP) composites have been introduced with confidence to the construction industry. These high-performance materials have been accepted by the civil engineers and have been utilized in different construction applications such as repair and rehabilitation of existing structures as well as in new construction applications. This paper provides an overview of the successful and unique applications of FRP composites in construction. The paper also presents a state-of-the-art review on code and specification developments in the USA and worldwide.


The article discusses the concept of a natural recreational system (NRS) as a set of interconnected areas of inaccessibility, tourists, regulatory authorities and service personnel. For the development of tourism in natural areas, it is necessary to study the connections between these subsystems, which determined the purpose of the study – to structure the NRS, for which it is necessary: to study the subsystem of tourists, engaged in various types of nature-oriented tourism; examine the subsystems of regulatory bodies and service personnel and determine their functions; to analyze the mutual influence of four NRS subsystems. The first subsystem includes areas of inaccessibility, on the territory of which different types of travel are carried out. The second subsystem consists of tourists traveling in areals of inaccessibility, where they are engaged in nature-oriented, active, sports, ecological and extreme tourism, as well as recreation. The third subsystem consists of bodies that control tourist processes in areas of inaccessibility. This includes the Ministry of Emergencies, which regulates the activities of search and rescue services responsible for search and rescue on the territory of Russia. Route qualification commissions are the controlling body of sports tourism. Insurance companies can interact with tourists involved in all types of nature tourism. The fourth subsystem is optional; it consists of service personnel and, in some cases, tourist infrastructure. At the same time, there are direct and feedback links between the subsystem of tourists and the subsystems of regulatory bodies and service personnel. There are only direct links between the tourist subsystem and areals of inaccessibility.


This live demonstration showcases a fully interactive, Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-enabled, wireless interface for bidirectional communications with a neural microsystem. A standalone user base station (UBS) employs custom software to wirelessly communicate with the prototype microsystem via BLE. Users can seamlessly interact with the UBS to program and monitor various features and functions of the neural microsystem wirelessly over meter-range distances.


OBJECTIVE
To review cases of retinoblastoma.

SETTING
Department of Pathology Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi.

METHOD
Twenty-three specimens from cases of retinoblastoma received over a period of eight years were routinely processes and stained with haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Other stains were used for tuberculoses and melanin. Immunochemistry was resorted to in undifferentiated tumors.

RESULTS
Over 60% cases of retinoblastoma were diagnosed after 5 years and nine cases showed involvement of optinerve.

CONCLUSION
Late diagnosis of retinoblastoma effects the stage of the tumors and the prognosis.


A common assumption of current pulsar theory is that pulsars can be approximated as axisymmetric, fill their magnetospheres with plasma, and create an approximately isotropic wind beyond the "light cylinder." We propose, by extending on work already in the literature, that it is exactly the opposite. Pulsars being inclined rotators is essential, have substantial "empty" volumes, are kept empty by the sweeping away of plasma by the large amplitude electromagnetic waves generated by orthogonal component of the dipole magnetic field (essential, of course, for inclination), and the winds are dominated by wave pickup of the charges in the domes and tori of charge-separated plasma that surround the pulsars to form jets and equatorial winds as observed (Crab Nebula).


Soursop (Annona muricata) is a plant that is widely available in Indonesia. Of all parts of the soursop plant, the leaves are the most interesting parts to be studied. Soursop leaves are the most interesting part to be investigated because soursop leaves have many benefits and benefits that have been applied in the health sector, both traditional and modern. This is because soursop leaves contain many active compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, acetogenins, and others. The purpose of this review is to compare the best methods commonly used to extract active compounds from soursop leaves. The methods studied were maceration, soxhletation and microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The mechanism of the extraction processes and the percentage of yield achieved from the three methods are also reviewed. The results of the review show that MAE is the method that produces the highest yield of the three methods with a yield of 33.98%. This method also has another advantage that is a shorter extraction time.


Supplemental Fig. S1 Multiscale model domain and grid structure Supplemental Fig. S2 Calcium traces and trained NN prediction Supplemental Fig. S3 PAC1, anti-P-selectin, Annexin V binding to CVX-activated platelets Supplemental Fig. S4 Comparison of microfluidic experiments and multiscale simulations of platelet depositin at an elevated shear rate. Supplemental Fig. S5 Sequencing of the TP receptor Supplemental Fig. S6 Calcium responses to Convulxin, ADP, or U46619 in Donors Supplemental Fig. S7 TP receptor levels in Donors Supplemental Fig. S8 Transient expression of TP and TP-V241G in HEK cells


channels are im-portantinregulatingmyometrialfunction.Forexample,thesechannels have been shown to be activated by a variety ofagents,whichinhibitmyometrialcontractility;theseincludeb-adrenoceptoragonists(Anweret al.,1992;Hamadaet al.,1994),relaxin(Meeraetal.,1995),humanchorionicgonado-trophin(Carvajaletal.,2003;Dohenyetal.,2003)andnitricoxide(Bradleyet al.,1998,Okawaet al.,1999).Moreover,Khan and coworkers have presented evidence that BK


We explain a general mathematical method that allows one to calculate the electrostatic potential created by a uniformly charged rectangular plate with arbitrary length and width at an arbitrary point in space. Exact analytical results for the electrostatic potential due to a uniformly charged finite rectangular plate are shown for special cases in order to illustrate the implementation of the formalism. Results of this nature are very important to various problems in physical sciences, applied mathematics and potential theory.


A. Bhattacaharyya, J. Schenk, G. Rantitsch, Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria, C. Thaler, voestalpine Stahl GmbH, Austria, H. Stocker, voestalpine Stahl Donawitz GmbH, Austria The present study concerns itself on the adverse effects of alkaline elements like sodium and potassium on blast furnace cokes. To achieve a deeper insight on the effects of alkaline elements on coke reactivity and strength, industrial coke samples impregnated with different alkaline species in various amounts have been tested under standard conditions to find out their Coke Reactivity Index (CRI) and Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) values. Scanning electron microscopy, petrographic and Raman Spectrometric investigations demonstrate the change of structural properties. The mechanism of catalysis has been postulated.


Dance has become compulsory in the physical education courses in Japan, recently. Especially for the creative dance, it is possible to cultivate capacities for expression and communication abilities. However, it is hard to presuppose the creativity and skill of creative dance for beginner level dancers without experience. This paper describes a novel supporting method for the beginners by using a grasping-type musical interface. Our interface supports the user's performance continuously by generating sounds in real-time according to the bodily motions. Through the experiments, we show the effectiveness of the proposed supporting interface for beginner level dancers.


Intracranial vascular lesions are known to affect 2% to 4% of the population, predisposing those affected to a lifetime risk of hemorrhagic stroke, ischemia, focal neurologic deficits, or epileptic seizures.Theselesionsconstituteaheterogeneous group, with different lesion types characterized by distinct biologic mechanisms of pathogenesis and progression. In this article, the minimally invasive management of intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) including arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), and cavernous malformations are discussed.


The purpose of this study was to identify student's conceptual change of global warming after integrated science learning based guided inquiry through conceptual metaphors. This study used a quasi-experimental with a nonequivalent control group design. The subject was students of two classes of one of MTsN Salido. Data was collected using conceptual change test (pretest and posttest), observation sheet to observe the learning processes, questionnaire sheet to identify students responses, and interview to identifyteacher'srespons of science learning with conceptual metaphors. The results showed that science learning based guided inquiry with conceptual metaphors is better than science learning without conceptual metaphors. The average of posttest experimental class was 79,40 and control class was 66,09. The student's conceptual change for two classes changed significantly byusing mann whitney U testwith P= 0,003(P less than sig. value, P< 0,05). This means that there was differenceson student's conceptual ...


[1] This study investigates the evolution of 10 January 1997 magnetic storm and the nighttime space weather change created by the impact of the interplanetary shock wave and associated events on the ionosphere. Its aims are to trace the storm's energy flow dissipation and transportation processes and to learn about the response of nighttime ionosphere to these interplanetary events, focusing on the reaction of the nighttime Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA). To track down the consequential space weather changes, multi-instrument measurements and Coupled Thermosphere/Ionosphere Plasmasphere (CTIP) simulations were combined. As results show, the first response of nighttime WSA to the energy input in the magnetosphere, when BZ turned southward, was its ∼50% total electron content (TEC) and Ni increase maintained during the main phase, indicating long-duration positive storm effects. At ∼0800 universal time (UT) the second such BZ event triggered the depletion of equatorial and northern midlatitude ionosphere, a signature of strong downward E × B plasma drift, and launched gravity waves. Following a period of very bright aurora, at ∼1200 UT, some southern midlatitude and subauroral plasma enhancements developed. TOPEX detected an enhancement between 45–65°S (dip), where the equatorward winds were most effective, with a sudden TEC drop-off, a signature of the plasmapause. Particularly strong negative storm effects depleted the nighttime WSA's TEC-Ni (∼45–50%) and O/N2 ratio (∼21%). The Bent model could simulate the WSA, but not the storm-related ionospheric responses. CTIP simulations indicated equatorward winds causing downwellings and changes in the neutral atmospheric composition revealed by the O/N2 ratio. Joule heating and electric fields were the major geophysical factors observed changing space weather during this storm.


In this thesis a novel transmission format, named Coherent Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CoWDM) for use in high information spectral density optical communication networks is proposed and studied. In chapter I a historical view of fibre optic communication systems as well as an overview of state of the art technology is presented to provide an introduction to the subject area. We see that, in general the aim of modem optical communication system designers is to provide high bandwidth services while reducing the overall cost per transmitted bit of information. In the remainder of the thesis a range of investigations, both of a theoretical and experimental nature are carried out using the CoWDM transmission format. These investigations are designed to consider features of CoWDM such as its dispersion tolerance, compatibility with forward error correction and suitability for use in currently installed long haul networks amongst others. A high bit rate optical test bed constructed at the Tyndall National Institute facilitated most of the experimental work outlined in this thesis and a collaboration with France Telecom enabled long haul transmission experiments using the CoWDM format to be carried out. An amount of research was also carried out on ancillary topics such as optical comb generation, forward error correction and phase stabilisation techniques. The aim of these investigations is to verify the suitability of CoWDM as a cost effective solution for use in both current and future high bit rate optical communication networks. Statement of Originality Except where indicated in the acknowledgements section (1.8.3) or by reference, all the work presented in this thesis are solely attributed to the author. The author participated in the design and implementation of all experiments except where explicitly indicated. Precise details of collaborators may be ascertained from the lists of co-authors in Appendix A.


This paper presents our vision and initial design of a wireless manufacturing execution system (MES) solution, which will be soon integrated in the fully-automated small production line in the Smart Production Lab at Aalborg University. The replacement of the current Ethernet-based control system with our wireless solution, will allow to remove all communication wires between the different stations of the production line and thus, enabling a faster re-configuration of the production facilities. The proposed solution also sets the base for the future integration of new industrial use cases requiring full mobility support.


CANON MASURE'S latest book 1 was prompted by the Encyclical Mediator on the liturgy. He considers that the Encyclical marks the end of a period of theological thinking about the Mass in which the tradition of the Missal, the Fathers and the Council of Trent had been to some extent lost; the unfortunate theories which took the place of this tradition will prove to have been finally put out of court, the Canon considers, by the fact that the Encyclical says nothing about them. But although he thus finds in it a general confirmation of the conclusions which he has been advocating for so many years, he has also been led by it, so he tells us in his preface, to add certain nuances to his formulations of them. These prove to be concerned with the symbolism of the species of bread and wine according to which their separation indicates Christ's immolation. To put the matter more bluntly, the Encyclical had underscored this symbolism, whereas Canon Masure had been showing an increasing tendency to soft-pedal it ; his conclusion is that he can accept the common view on this point without in any way compromising his general principles. And in the course of the discussion he is led to illustrate these principles and to reveal their implications in several very interesting and important directions. He begins by quoting the two relevant passages from the Encyclical, which tell us that the species clearly indicate Jesus Christ in statu victimae both by their separation and by their oblation to God the Father.


Schindler syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder that mainly causes neurological problems. Schindler's syndrome is caused by a mutation in the NAGA gene, which is located in the long arm of chromosome 22 as 22q13.2.


Many practices and hospital imaging departments nationwide are using manicures, wine, massages, and other activities to bring women in for their annual breast screenings. These so-called mammogram parties have received an extremely positive response from patients, officials said.


Today, common diseases like malaria, typhoid, cholera and others are becoming more dangerous problems for people living in this world. It is simple to use, portable, inexpensive and makes the diagnosis of typhoid faster, more efficient and more accurate, and helps doctors avoid wasting time on the diagnosis of typhoid and the publication of results. The objective is to know how to avoid the queue of patients in the hospital. In this article, the author proposed a model of expert systems using the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals. The expert system Xper Typh is useful for patients who suffer from typhoid fever. This system will give a response similar to that of a doctor or a medical expert. This system is also very useful in rural areas where we have young medical experts or no medical experts. Study cross-sectional between the Cabinda Provincial Hospital and the Center 1st of May Health in Cabinda during June 2015 and July 2018. We included 65 patients (22 men, 28 women and 15 children); age group from 5 to 75 years old. The patients examined presented different symptoms and signs. On 65 patients, 20 patients with confirmed fever, 25 patients without confirmed fever and 20 contraction patients between the expert system and the physician. The results between the doctor and the expert system are as follows: Sixty-five patients were diagnosed with XpertTyph. The XpertTyph correctly identified 20/65 (30%) of patients with typhoid fever and 25/65 (41%) of patients not suffering from typhoid fever. That is 71% concordance and 29% discrepancy. The criterion of validity of the model presented the best content for a certain level of average diagnosis for the diagnosis (k = 0.21 to 0.40) for typhoid fever which corresponds to 69% of confidence.


Over the past decade, there has been a sustained research on renewable fuel known as biofuel due to the reliance upon fossil fuel. Oil obtained from microalgae is a viable approach for biodiesel production to reduce the reliability on fossil fuel. In this study, the Tetraselmis suecica is cultivated in 5L centred-light Photobioreactor (CLPBR) to investigate the effect of pH and light intensity on cell concentration and lipid content of microalgae. Different pH (6.5, 8.5, 10.5) and light intensity (200 lux, 1000 lux, 2000 lux) were used to test their effect on algal growth and lipid production. The results showed that the highest cell concentration (4 mL/mL) and lipid content (18 %) was obtained at pH of 10.5. At 1000 lux light intensity, the highest cell concentration and lipid content was 0.898 mL/mL and 19% respectively. The two models that are tested to determine the growth kinetics are Logistic and Gompertz model. The R2 obtained from Logistic and Gompertz model was 0.8852 and 0.8736 respectively. The results demonstrate that both models was least accurate to predict the algal growth.


THE GOVERNMENTS commitment to quality is warmly welcomed by the RCN. But this enthusiasm is tempered with a worry that A First Class Service fails to tackle the environment of care and the essentials of nursing. Where, it asks, are the standards on cleanliness, food quality and mixed sex wards? In its summarised response - Action agenda for quality: listening to patients - the RCN emphasises how patients' priorities must inform the quality agenda.


Learning any language requires a lot of reading. English reading ability is a very important part of English language skills, in addition, learning English in the lower grades of primary schools requires original English texts particularly. As for the teachers, how to create opportunities for students to have access to authentic English texts and experience more authentic English culture has become an urgent problem that need to be solved. Some researchers proposed that the reading of English picture books should provide primary school students with more opportunities and time to contact and read English to stimulate students' interest in it, and improve their English reading ability and comprehension, and the author feels the same way at this point. However, this paper studies the application and practice of English picture books in English teaching in junior grade of primary school, and mainly discuss the following research questions: first, the existing problems in primary school English picture book teaching; second, the advantages of English picture book teaching in the lower grade of primary school; third, the practical strategy of using English picture book teaching model reasonably in primary school; fourth, problems that need to be paid attention to in the teaching of English picture books in the lower grade of primary school. As economic globalization and China's economic trade and exchanges with the world become more and more frequent and closer, foreign languages that are widely used in the world have become a language that China's society needs to increase. English courses are offered in primary school, middle school and university. Education of primary school gradually permeates into English teaching, hoping to cultivate children's English language sense from primary school. The concept of picture books originated from Japan, which was the Japanese general term for the picture originally. Actually, it refers to a book that interprets a story together with "picture" and "text". Primary school English picture book teaching is to show the words and syntax learning in the form of pictures to enrich students' emotions. The new curriculum standards for primary school English in the lower grades emphasize that students should be able to understand the small stories with the help of pictures. It is under the guidance of the new curriculum standard that the primary school English picture book teaching becomes the current important teaching mode. Thus, this paper conducts this study in order to promote the teaching of English picture books in the lower grades of primary schools better. 1. Current problems in primary school English picture book teaching 1.1 Teachers have insufficient understanding of the characteristics of English picture books Through the in-deep interviews, the author found that many teachers' understanding of the features of English picture books and picture books teaching is still in the primary stage, they believe that picture books can only supplement the existing classroom teaching of primary school English. Therefore, in the primary school English picture book teaching schools, teachers have different understanding of picture book teaching, resulting in the emergence of two completely different classroom teaching methods. One is to carry out picture book teaching centering on the teaching form of the original textbooks. In this teaching mode, teachers often adopt the traditional teaching method of textbooks with 5th International Conference on Education, Management, Arts, Economics and Social Science (ICEMAESS 2018) Copyright © 2018, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 264


Introduction Estrone (El), estradiol (E,), estriol (EJ, progesterone (P) and testosterone are some of the sexual steroid hormones (Table 1). From the identification of estriol, many experimental and clinical studies have been carried out on its possible physiological role. However, until now its function has not been completely clear. In spite of this, several potential therapeutic applications have been suggested. Whilt. estradiol is recognized as the most powerful estrogen and is unanimously recognized as a 'uterotropic hormone', different definitions are currently used for estriol. Some authors refer to estriol as a 'terminal metabolite', some others as a 'weak hormone' or as an'inipeding estrogen'. No one of these ascribed definitions is really correct. The term 'metabolite', for example, probably derives from the discovery of estriol in the urine ofpregnant women by Daisy in 1929' and Marrian in 1 9302. When Brown' and Marrian', some years later, described the chemical structure of estriol(l,3,5,10-estatrene3,16,17, triolo), they still defined it as a metabolite and not as a secretory hormone and many authors shared their opinion. However, at the present time, the concept of cstriol as a 'metabolite' cannot be accepted for several reasons:


Using atomlc force constants, primary kinetic isotope effects in a series of well-studied reactions were computed by Bigeleisen's frequency moment method. It was found that the kinetic isotope ratios were predicted with sufficient accuracy to discriminate between alternative mechanisms for the same reaction. The application of atomic force constants to the analysis of secondary isotope effects is also briefly considered. (auth)


161 Tb has similar decay properties as 177 Lu but, additionally, emits a substantial number of conversion and Auger electrons. The aim of this study was to apply 161 Tb in a clinical setting and to investigate the feasibility to visualize the physiological and tumor biodistribution of 161 Tb-DOTATOC. Methods: 161 Tb was shipped from Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland, to Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Germany, where it was used for the radiolabeling of DOTATOC. In two separate studies, 596 MBq and 1300 MBq 161 Tb-DOTATOC were administered to a 35-year-old male patient with metastatic, well differentiated, non-functional malignant paraganglioma and a 70-year-old male patient with a metastatic, functional neuroendocrine neoplasm of the pancreatic tail, respectively. Whole-body planar γ -scintigraphies were acquired over a period of several days for dosimetry calculations. SPECT/CT images were reconstructed, using a recently-established protocol and visually analyzed. Patients were checked for adverse events after application of 161 Tb-DOTATOC. Results: The radiolabeling of DOTATOC with 161 Tb was readily achieved with high radiochemical purity suitable for patient application. Planar images and dosimetry provided the expected time-dependent biodistribution of 161 Tb-DOTATOC in liver, kidneys, spleen and urinary bladder. SPECT/CT images were of high quality and visualized even small metastases in the liver and bones. Application of 161 Tb-DOTATOC was well tolerated and no related adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility to image even small metastases after injection of relatively low activities of 161 Tb-DOTATOC using γ -scintigraphy and SPECT. Based on this essential first step to translate 161 Tb to clinics, further efforts will be directed towards the application of 161 Tb for therapeutic purposes.


In cross-cultural studies, cultures are often described based on their cultural values. Examples of such values are time orientation and social self-construal. Cultures might predominantly represent one of these seemingly bipolar categories, and often dualistic categories of time orientation and social self-construal are grouped, namely monochronism and individualism (MONO+INDV), as well as polychronism and collectivism (POLY+COLL). In academic literature, limited focus is allocated to unique cultural value variations or orthogonal groupings (e.g., MONO+COLL) – a clear gap in the knowledge base. In this article, through conceptual analysis, the author expounds some differences between three POLY+COLL cultures (found in South Africa, the Arab League, and China) based on their time orientation and social self-construal. She also gives accounts of the Japanese and French cultures that present with orthogonal groupings (MONO+COLL and POLY+INDV, respectively) to illustrate that such groupings – much like unique cultural value variants – should receive more focused attention in cross-cultural research.


Applying the theory of hemodynamics,hemodynamics experimental model of heartcoronary arterymyocardial bridge system is proposed.The application of this hemodynamics experimental model demonstrates that by the model the phenomenon of pressing mural coronary artery by myocardial bridge and resulting in abnormal homodynamic features can reappear.The result of analogue test using this model coincides with that of clinical research.


Introduction: In the past few years, there has been increased recognition that children, who have a history of traumatic incidences, can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), just like in adults.
Case: We presented a case of PTSD in a 3-year-old child hospitalized in the hospital for two days due to combustion (deep dermal burn injury) in his left hand, stomach, and both of his legs. The patient started to experience parasomnia such as nightmares, raves, difficulty to sleep and awakened from sleep (for one month from the beginning of wound treatment and debridement). The patient also had two re-experiencing symptoms: nightmare and emotional distress (anxiety, anger) after a traumatic stimulus. From his temperament scale and character assessment, there was dysregulation disorder. From the PEDSQL parent's reports, there was also decreased quality of life.
Conclusion: First-line therapy of PTSD for the pediatric population is supportive psychotherapy with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) that results in a remarkable improvement in child's psychiatric outcome.


Today, socio-economic, political, environmental prerequisites have been formed for the formation of the pharmaceutical safety system of Ukraine, the institutionalization of which provides for the implementation of the relevant state policy, which will determine state priorities in certain areas of pharmaceutical safety in Ukraine. The work is devoted to the study of approaches to the definition of "pharmaceutical safety" of the state, the description of the theoretical foundations, the gist and its components, as well as the assessment of the current state of the level of economic security of the pharmaceutical industry and the development of recommendations for ensuring the economic security of the pharmaceutical industry of Ukraine. Attention is paid to the role and place of pharmaceutical safety in the economic system of the state, the identification of threats and ways to achieve an appropriate level of pharmaceutical safety. It is concluded that the requirements for the economic security of the pharmaceutical industry do not correspond to the actions actually taken in this direction, the lack of a systematic approach to raising the level of domestic production for import substitution of medicines and solving many other problems in this area.


Understanding the nucleation and growth of carbon nanotubes at room temperature by a novel electrochemical process using acetonitrile as the electrolyte is investigated here. Microscopic insight into the nucleation process clearly reveals coalescence of amorphous carbon clusters in a branched network instigated mainly by dangling-bond induced relaxation and subsequent rearrangement of carbon atoms through a quasi-liquid state leading to the formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Such a direct conversion of amorphous carbon into nanotubes is not abrupt, rather driven by a slow thermodynamical process that is inherent to the electrochemical process.


Designs of devices for drying granulated polymeric materials, suspensions and pastes are developed and studied. Study of a drying device of a mine type for granulated materials has shown, that time of the process is considerably reduced at improvement of a quality of a product in comparison with devices of other type. A number of devices with active hydrodynamic modes for intensification of the process of suspensions and pastes drying are also offered.


Abstract As a signaling molecule, nitrate induces the expression of multiple genes involved in nitrate assimilation in plants. We previously showed that the expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. nitrite reductase gene (NIR1) was activated by nitrate signaling through an interaction between NODULE INCEPETION-like protein (NLP) transcription factors (NLP1-9) and a nitrate-responsive cis-element (NRE) in the NIR1 promoter. By in vitro binding assays, we have also demonstrated the binding of NLP6 to an NRE-like sequence, designated NIA1-NRE1, in the 3' flanking region of an A. thaliana nitrate reductase gene, NIA1. In our current study, we characterize the role of NIA1-NRE1 in NIA1 expression. Deletion analysis of the 3' flanking region of NIA1 revealed that a 345-bp sequence containing NIA1-NRE1 has a dominant role in nitrate-inducible NIA1 expression. We also found that the 35S minimal promoter fused to the 345-bp sequence, or to NIA1-NRE1, can confer nitrate-inducible expression. Furthermore, the NIA1-NRE1-fused 35S minimal promoter is transactivated by NLP6 in vivo. These results suggest that NIA1-NRE1 alone is sufficient to direct nitrate-responsive gene expression and that nitrate-inducible NIA1 expression is regulated through the interaction between NLPs and NIA1-NRE1. Additionally, we show that the distance between the NRE and the gene under the control of the NRE is not critical for this process.


In this paper, we propose an improved methodology for the reduction of mutual coupling within millimeter-wave (mmwave) wearable multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas. Such approach is crucial for high frequency applications. The important parameters such as return loss (with best matching having $S_{11}\, \lt -10$ dB with 35 GHz centered frequency), radiation pattern, diversity gain (DG $\gt 9.99)$, envelop correlation coefficient (ECC $\lt 0.05)$, and mutual coupling evaluate the presented antenna. The main issue that arises in MIMO antenna is mutual coupling. We mitigate this problem by introducing slots on either end of the transmission line. We achieve a reduced mutual coupling even less than -36 dB and it works within a high-frequency range, which is its beauty.


Ruhemann 1 and Grassmann and von Arnim 2 have shown that the color-forming reaction of ninhydrin with amino acids occurs with evolution of CO2. We have found that at pH 5, or somewhat lower, in water solution the CO2 from carboxyl groups adjacent to alpha-amino groups can be quantitatively split off in 3 minutes. The apparatus used is that employed by Van Slyke, Page and Kirk 3 for manometric determination of organic carbon. In the combustion tube of this apparatus are placed a few milligrams of amino acid, 100 mg. of KH2PO4, and 50 mg. of ninhydrin made to a volume of 1.0 cc. with water. The tube is connected to the manometric chamber, arranged as for combustions, 3 and the solution is boiled gently for 3 minutes. The evolved CO 2 is measured as in carbon combustions. 3 The reaction appears to be specific for carboxyl groups of amino acids. Other organic acids, such as acetic, lactic, citric, yield no CO2. Each of the naturally occurring amino acids including proline yields 1 mole of CO2, except the dicarboxylic acids, aspartic and glutamic. Aspartic yields at once 2 moles of CO2, while glutamic yields one mole at once, and a second much more slowly (only about 2% in 3 minutes). Peptides do not react, even with the free carboxyl, which is inactivated by the binding of the alpha NH2 group in peptide linking. Urea does not react. Because other primary amines, urea and ammonia do not interfere, the determination of amino acid carboxyl CO2 may be more specific for amino acids in biological material than is the nitrous acid reaction. Because of the non-reactivity of the free carboxyl group in peptides the method appears to provide a sharp distinction between peptides and free amino acids.


The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the progress which we have made in producing and maintaining a high quality surface (and thus high tensile strengths) over long lengths (~ 1km) of silica fibers.(1,2)


This article reports on a series of four car-into-stationary-semi-tractor-trailer crash tests, conducted to aid in the reconstructions of these collision scenarios. Although fortunately not a frequent occurrence, one of the worst accident scenarios occurs when light-duty vehicles, such as automobiles, impact the side or rear of a semitrailer. The underriding auto tends to engage the side of the trailer at the car's windshield level, resulting in extensive penetration of the passenger compartment and serious or fatal head trauma for the vehicle's occupants. In this series, in Tests 1 and 3, automobiles underrode the side of the semi-trailer. In Test 2, an automobile impacted the side of the trailer's tandem wheels. In Test 4, an automobile impacted the rear of the trailer, which had its tandem wheels set in the rearmost position. Striking vehicles were towed up to desirable test speed and the tow cables released just prior to impact. Results from Tests #2 and #4 were covered in the January/February 2011 issue of the publication; this article focuses on Tests #1 and #3. These tests used the Trego methodology which requires the use of a Damage Index Matrix (DIM) which compartmentalizes the roof panel, glass and pillars into cells. The results obtained from the use of this equation can be combined with precrash energy loss (skidding) and post crash kinetic energy (from exit speed) to determine approach speed of underriding vehicle. Vehicles involved include a 1983 Buick LeSabre and a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The authors conclude that their study corroborates the Trego method for reasonably estimating the minimum impact speed of a vehicle underriding the side and rear of a trailer where portions of the vehicle's roof have been damaged.


During Peking opera star Mei Lanfang's visit to New York City in 1930, expectant crowds packed the Broadway theaters where he performed for a firsthand look at the dramatic skills that were eliciting resounding acclaim. The praise lavished on Mei did not extend, however, to the other productions of Chinese opera available in New York at the time: in various theaters downtown, Cantonese opera had been staged on and off since the nineteenth century for Chinese immigrants and Chinatown tourists. Contemplating the differences between these performances, a New York Times article published soon after Mei's visit describes in detail the experience of attending the Chinatown theater1 and bemoans that its productions are far less refined than Mei's exhibition. The title hints at the objections elaborated in the article: "Mr. Mei and the Local Chinese Drama, His Engagement Has Had Little Effect on the Troupe Downtown, Which Is Indifferent to Occidental Patronage."2 The writer, Grace Lynn, explains,


Successful intertidal mollusk farming requires a working knowledge of the biology, density, dynamics, and distribution of mollusk populations. Little Skookum Shellfish Growers (LSSG) has operated under economically and environmentally sustainable sea ranching guidelines for Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum) since 1977 in Little Skookum Inlet near Shelton, Washington, USA. LSSG's system of benthic surveys and seeding offers a rational approach for establishing and monitoring standing stocks and biomass dynamics of infaunal mollusk populations, allowing LSSG to sea ranch Manila clams in excess of 60,000 kg/ha/y in sustainable yield. Until successful acoustical methods for infaunal biomass analysis are established, this approach may be the only cost effective way of achieving economical and sustainable results with a full working knowledge of the impacts involved in either intertidal sea ranching or stock enhancement for infaunal mollusks.


Ergonomics or human factors engineering is called ningen-kogaku' in Japan. 'Ningen' refers to human and 'kogaku' to engineering or technology. The past one decade saw formation of 'ningen-kogaku' groups on a large scale. They are mainly oriented to equipment and work-place design, but this term seems to imply two features; as engineering it demands optimized systems solution, whereas as one of human sciences individual work and life should be within the scope of study. They emerge also from a historical sketch.In 1964 the Japan Ergonomics Research Society came into existence. There have been 10 national conferences. Contributors distributed among about 50 university departments, 18 research bodies, 16 enterprises and 4 hospitals. Five research groups which contributed the most are Industrial Products Research Institute, Railway Labour Science Research Institute, Architecture and Industrial Design Departments of Chiba University, Administrative Engineering course of Keio University and Institute for Science of Labour. There follow courses of machine engineering, industrial management or biomedical electronics in universities, national aerospace or aeromedical laboratories, living environment laboratories of women's colleges and industries of automobile and machines. Interenterprise groups are found in automobile, shipbuilding, camera, furniture or steel industries.J. E. R. S. activities extend from anthropometric projects, posture and work-space studies to display and equipment design and sensory-motor skills, fatigue or safety as well as human control and systems design (Table 2). The systems design projects seem, however, to show still reluctance to make the work really 'multidisciplinary'. Work-science circles seem to approach the solution for their part by work load assessment. A sample is given in Table 3.The society's journal 'Jap. J. Ergonomics' is one of main publications for research results, but many are found separately in various specified journals as J. Sci. Labour, Ind. Engineering, Operations Res., Jap. J. Ind. Health, J. Soc. Automotive Engineers and others. Reports of independent institutions are also important.The difficulty of ergonomic work seems to lie both in understanding of man's dynamics and in multiple data analysis. Firstly, we find no universal agreement on ergonomic criteria. There are criticisms that human factors work is too narrow to solve design of work as an individual social activity. Integrated load assessment by work-scientists is not in a position to present a clearer model. In 1969 an ergonomists committee acted as a technical umpire of a labour-management confrontation of locomotive engineers and proposed the single-engineer plan. But criticism arose that there is little scientific basis to back the report in view of dense train operations with frequent night shifts and numerous level crossings. This called for grave reflection on an 'ergonomic' judgment.Secondly, we know technical optimization is often rejected if it lacks cultural considerations. As an example, recent computerization of the sales of American magazines caused complaints among readers when they were requested every month for the subscription fee for the next term. Another example is people's persistence to classical unit of land area, tsubo or 3.3m2, which is based on a two-mat size, a feasible unit in Japanese daily life.Thirdly more severe criticism is that the fixation of working patterns results from an ergonomic solution. The consequencies are easier but fragmentary, comprehensible but skill-killing work. A work that does not exclude the advancement of individual creative skill will be future problem. An attempt is being undertaken by 'ergologists' group through understanding of ecological and biological factors in human routines of work and life.There is strong hope that exchange of ergonomic


India is undertaking the world's largest biometric ID card project – Aadhaar, also dubbed the "the world's biggest mass surveillance project". The government seems unaware, or unconcerned, that because of an inadequate legal framework for protecting citizens' privacy this project will have catastrophic consequences. This overzealous project is obtaining demographic and biometric information and being forced upon Indian citizens, with no choice for an individual to opt-out of the system. The Indian government has claimed that setting up Aadhaar would establish a system of protection against wastage and corruption in the dispensation of social benefits.This draconian ID system is linking with every aspect of an individual's life, from booking train tickets, registering marriages, or seeking scholarships, to mobile phone numbers, bank accounts, and schools and colleges. In many of these cases, it is mandatory.Thus, the government can exert absolute control by cross-referencing all transactions authenticated by or linked with Aadhaar. Indian society and politics has gone through a tectonic shift and is now in the grip of 'absolutism'. Amid mounting governmental pressure, more than a billion Indians have signed up for Aadhaar. The aggregation of this data, along with various other data sets interlinked to Aadhaar, will enable the government to trace the movements, social relationships, and interactions of residents so that their private lives are laid bare. Seemingly innocuous, data when collated is capable of profiling residents' lives. Once such data is in the government's hands, wide latitude in access and use facilitates government abuse. Indeed, coercive application of Aadhaar creates a potential for mass surveillance, which in turn threatens the privacy of Indian citizens. We argue that this systemic mass invasion of privacy will diminish citizens' autonomy of decision making: the choice of what to make public or keep private will no longer be theirs. In a high-octane, emotionally charged democracy like India, the fear of backlash will stop individuals from expressing disagreement with the government; they will increasingly self-censor their speech and interactions. Subjecting citizens to greater scrutiny and control will tilt the already imbalanced dynamics between the administration and the citizens, leading to erosion of democracy.


This paper investigates several statistical properties of the autoregressive (AR) spectral analysis method by using the periodogram technique recently devised by the author. When the data are made up of several sinusoids contaminated by stationary noise, the asymptotic variances of the AR spectral estimator are given. It is shown numerically that the behavior of the variances is similar to Kromer and Berk's earlier result for stationary processes. As for frequency measurement accuracies, the statistical fluctuation of a peak frequency is analyzed under the assumption that the deviation from the true peak frequency is small. It is shown numerically that the resulting variance is inversely proportional to the data length and the square of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).


Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to discuss a software reliability growth model (SRGM) based on the non‐homogeneous Poisson process which incorporates the Burr type X testing‐effort function (TEF), and to determine the optimal release‐time based on cost‐reliability criteria.Design/methodology/approach – It is shown that the Burr type X TEF can be expressed as a software development/testing‐effort consumption curve. Weighted least squares estimation method is proposed to estimate the TEF parameters. The SRGM parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood estimation method. The standard errors and confidence intervals of SRGM parameters are also obtained. Furthermore, the optimal release‐time determination based on cost‐reliability criteria has been discussed within the framework.Findings – The performance of the proposed SRGM is demonstrated by using actual data sets from three software projects. Results are compared with other traditional SRGMs to show that the proposed model has a fair...


Urine nitrogen excretion (g/d; UN) represent a significant environmental impact for both confinement feeding and pastoral based dairy systems. It is difficult to measure UN directly due to animal handling and labor requirements, especially in forage based production systems. The currently available milk urea nitrogen (MUN) equations have been shown to overestimate UN excretion of grazing dairy cows compared with an equation using urinary creatinine and UN concentration, indicating that diet may alter the relationship between MUN and UN. This potential was explored using data retrieved (treatment means: n = 69 and 27 for fresh forage [FF] and total mixed ration [TMR] fed cattle, respectively) from the literature and new data obtained from dairy cows fed FF (n = 15) in metabolism crates was used to test the new equations. The TMR data from literature was further split into a training set (to develop the model; n = 53) and a test set (to validate the model; n = 16). There was an interaction for diet type (P < 0.01) where UN (g/d) = 0.023 × MUN (mg/dL) × live-weight (kg, LW) for TMR fed cattle, (similar to a pre-established equation); however, UN (g/d) = 0.015 × MUN × LW for FF fed cattle. For FF based equations, the New MUN equation and the creatinine equation showed good precision and accuracy (Lin's CCC = 0.79 and 0.74, respectively) and adequate predictive ability (RMSEP = 29.8 and 35.9, respectively). The new MUN equation for TMR fed cattle showed excellent accuracy and precision (Lin's CCC = 0.87) with good predictive ability (RMSEP = 24.3) for UN excretion (observed mean = 216.5 g/d). The new equations generated during this meta-analysis provide promising predictive ability of UN excretion, which can be used for management considerations, future research, and policy making.


In this paper, two schemes of a model predictive control (MPC), namely finite control set with modulation control (FCS-MPC) and dead-beat model predictive control (DB-MPC) as a continuous control set (CCS-MPC) are applied to permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for torque control. The FCS-MPC strategy chooses the optimal output voltage vector with its optimal modulation interval. In CCS-MPC strategy, a current/torque control structure that utilizes the advantage of the dead-beat controller and combines it with a reference current prediction is presented. Then, we compare the performance of the two approaches. The comparison is mainly handled from two sides: (1) ripples reduction of torque and current waves which is assessed at steady-state, (2) fast response of torque at transient times. For a neutral comparison, both techniques are implemented to the same PMSM at the same operational circumstances. The performances of both MPC structures are found out by simulation results. As a result, torque and current ripples are reduced by CCS; whereas the FCS presents somewhat faster torque response.


Objective To evaluate the clinic values of cerebral hematoma aspiration guided by CT.Methods 55 in-patients with cerebral hematoma were treated by aspiration guided by CT with the use of CJF three-dimensional position indicator.Results Of the 55 patients,52 patients survived,3 patients died.Of the 52 survivals,39 patients,short-term life quality was good(ADL1~2),10 patients had physical disability(ADL3 in 7 patients,ADL4 in 3 patients),3 patients were in transient vegetative state(ADL5). Blood aspiration quantity per one aspiration was 85% or greater in 30 patients,50%~84% in 16 cases,less than 50% in 9 cases.The predominant complication of hematoma aspiration was recurrent hemorrhage,which occurred in 2 patients.Conclusion Cerebral hematoma aspiration guided by CT with the use of three-dimensional position indicator is a safe,precise and simple therapy method and is worthy of recommendation.


The present invention discloses a liquid crystal panel and a display device, relates to the field of liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal layer and the pixel region, the pixel region comprising a plurality of pixel units; pixel unit comprises: a first subsidiary region and the second subsidiary region; in the initial state, the first subsidiary region corresponding to the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, between the major axis direction of liquid crystal molecules in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal layer and a second subsidiary region corresponding to the angle of 90 degrees; the subsidiary first subsidiary region comprises two sub-regions, the second subsidiary region comprises one or two subsidiary sub-regions; subsidiary sub-region of the first subsidiary region and the second subsidiary region respectively provided with at least two electrodes for applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer is coplanar with at least two electrodes at least one strip electrode; first subsidiary region of the two the angle between the parallel strip electrodes subsidiary sub-region is greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees. The liquid crystal display panel and apparatus for improving the conventional liquid crystal panel is poor viewing angle and color shift at different viewing angles serious problems.


Humatin was well tolerated, and eliminated E. histolytica infection as determined by stool examination in sixty percent of cases. The drug appeared to be more effective in older individuals than in those under eight years of age. It eliminated abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and weakness in most cases in which these symptoms were present before treatment (AU)


A water treatment and storage vessel has a reservoir 50 for untreated water, a filter 51 and a main vessel 2 for receiving and storing treated water. A Peltier-effect device 25 is located on or in a side wall of the vessel 2 for removing heat from the water. The cold side of the Peltier is connected to a heat sink 15 within the vessel 2, and the hot side is connected to a heat dissipater 20. The heat sink 15 comprises a number of fins defining channels to improve the circulation of water within the vessel 2. The handle 10 and base section 13b are provided with slots 35, 36 which cause air to be drawn through the passageways 7, 8, thus improving heat loss from the heat dissipater 20. Also disclosed is a liquid cooling vessel having a thermoelectric cooler on or in a side wall of the vessel so as to encourage circulation of the liquid. A sprout allows liquid to be drawn from the bottom of the vessel.


Whereas prior studies suggest that strategic alliances offer powerful tools for firms to explore business opportunities and alliances may explore in technology and organization dimensions, firms tend to compensate for exploration in one dimension by engaging in exploitation in the other dimension. The question of how firms can explore at a higher level in multiple dimensions of alliances remains unanswered. This study proposes that a firm's broad technological knowledge base may help facilitate exploration alliances in multiple dimensions. Data from the biopharmaceutical industry reveal that not only does a broad technological knowledge base support exploration in the technology and organization dimensions individually, but it also relaxes the firm's resource constraints; thus, the firm is less likely to compensate for exploration in one dimension with exploitation in the other. Instead, it can explore at a higher level in both dimensions simultaneously. This insight is particularly important in light of the increasing research interest in the fundamental enablers of and barriers to exploring new technological opportunities.


At Millner Primary School, Northern Territory, the Gateways to Literacy program has helped to transform the literacy outcomes of struggling students. Building on existing assessment and analysis strategies at the school, the program has been informed and fine tuned with knowledge and expertise from speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The program is now a stand-alone package, published by the school.


To the Editors, The coronavirus 2019 (Covid19) pandemic particularly troubled the Italian health care system that had to rapidly adjust its procedures to guarantee the continuity and quality of care to all patients, including IBD patients. Occhipinti and Pastorelli, in their special report on IBD1 published recently, described the challenges in dealing with a systemic reconfiguration of their Hospital Unit in Policlinico San Donato, Milan. Their contribution has indubitable value by offering an organizational perspective. However, the report did not consider patients' psychological elaboration of an event, which can be fundamental in influencing IBD patients' care process,2 even more in this stressful emergency. Having psychologically active and empowered patients is indeed recognized as an effective way of achieving better care outcomes, as also highlighted in the authors' report.1 Therefore, we conducted an online survey with a sample of 1014 IBD Italian patients, in collaboration with the national patient association AMICI Onlus. This survey aimed to explore the role of the patient's psychological predisposition to be an active and empowered player of the health care system (Patient Health Engagement [PHE]3) in dealing with the Covid-19 emergency. The PHE has previously been found to play a protective role in better clinical, psychological, and organizational outcomes.4 The PHE scale measures 4 incremental levels of PHE.5 In this model, people changed from being completely overwhelmed by the crisis to regaining a proactive role in taking the reins of their health to positively manage it. We found that patients with higher levels of PHE had significantly lower levels of the perceived risk of Covid-19 emergency and experienced lower levels of stress and higher levels of coping selfefficacy, suggesting a patient's more adaptive psychological functioning. Moreover, patients with higher levels of PHE scored significantly higher on perceived responsibility for preventing risk infection; contrarily, patients with lower PHE levels had lower trust in health care and a greater number of canceled hospital visits (Table 1). To conclude, in our study, a psychological predisposition to be engaged (PHE) seemed to mitigate patients' reactions to the Covid-19 emergency. In response to Occhipinti and Pastorelli, we suggest doctors help patients change their perspectives to become active partners in the health care community. Finally, we highlight the organizational value of PHE in emergency management. Profiling patients on this parameter is important to identify higher-risk patients and thus create a "red flag" monitoring system that would allow for personalized intervention and communication strategies to be more effective.


10.1586/ERV.13.5 Administration of the measles vaccine could be altered to be performed using microneedle patches thanks to new research performed by the Georgia Institute of Technology (GA, USA) and the CDC. Researchers have demonstrated that the vaccine given with painless and easily administered microneedle patches immunizes against measles at least as well as when administered through conventional hypodermic needles. In the study a technique to dry and stabilize the live attenuated measles virus vaccine was developed by the researchers and demonstrated to stay effective for at least 30 days after being inserted onto the microneedles. It was also demonstrated that the dried vaccine was both quickly released into the skin and able to prompt a strong immune response in an animal model. The study was reported online in the journal Vaccine, and will appear in a special issue of the journal. Despite a safe and cost-effective vaccine being available, measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children according to the WHO. It was reported that in 2011 158,000 measles deaths occurred globally, the equivalent of approximately 430 deaths every day or 18 deaths every hour. Furthermore, the majority of measles-related deaths still occur in Africa and Asia due to failure to vaccinate and a lack of appropriate healthcare. The microneedle technique holds promise to provide a new tool for international immunization programs against measles that may help immunization efforts by decreasing cost, simplifying logistics and increasing safety. Paul Rota, co-author and Lead of CDC's Division of Viral Diseases, elucidates: "Measles is extremely infectious, and we need an immunization coverage rate of around 95% to interrupt its transmission. Microneedles represent a real potential game-changer in developing strategies to get high global coverage for a measles vaccine." Current measles immunizat ion programs use conventional hypodermic needles to deliver the vaccine. This puts a strain on global immunization programs as the hypodermic injection method presents significant logistical challenges including: continuous refrigeration for the vaccine; the shipping of large numbers of needles and syringes; sterile water to reconstitute the ten-dose vaccine vials; trained healthcare personnel are required to administer the injection; and proper disposal of the needles and syringes is needed. Using a microneedle patch could help overcome some of these challenges through increased ease of delivery. It is hoped that this research could therefore potentially reduce measles as a leading cause of vaccine-preventable death among children. In the study, the researchers first worked to convert the attenuated live virus liquid vaccine to allow it to be dried and applied to micron-scale, solid needles. The researchers stabilized the viability of the virus by incorporating the sugar trehalose. Loss of viral titer was then found to be less than 1 log 10 (TCID 50 ) after 30-day storage at room temperature. The microneedle patches were then found to generate neutralizing antibody levels equal to those of a subcutaneous immunization when tested on cotton rats with the Edmonston– Zagreb measles vaccine strain. Rota comments on the results: "The two major accomplishments of this study are that the vaccine can be stabilized on microneedles, and that it could dissolve in the skin to provide a good immune response." To improve the technique, the researchers are now working on both the stability of the vaccine to prevent the need for refrigeration and to create polymerbased microneedles that would fully dissolve in the skin, eliminating the need for waste removal. Furthermore, research is now being conducted into the potential use of microneedles for the administration of vaccines against inf luenza, polio, rotavirus, tuberculosis and hepatitis B. The researchers expect that the microneedle measles vaccine would be most useful in the developing world, Mark Prausnitz (Georgia Institute of Technology), one of the inventors of the microneedle patch, explains: "This represents a different direction for us, which is campaignmode global health vaccination. I see the greatest impact of the measles patch being in developing-country vaccination programs where the logistical advantages of this simple-to-use technology will have the most public health benefit."


Key Points • There are no prior prospective studies of thrombopoietin receptor agonists to enhance platelet recovery after auto-HCT.• As studied, romiplostim did not shorten the duration and depth of the platelet nadir, but it enhanced platelet recovery after day +15.


Abstract : Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the particles formed when depleted uranium projectiles (99.25 percent depleted uranium, 0.75 percent titanium) impact armor targets. Special emphasis was placed on the morphological characteristics of the particles in relationship to size, crystalline structure, and inherent stability. Airborne particles, which had been collected on cellophane tape, were observed directly following sputter coating. These particles were primarily spherical in shape, indicating formation from molten material. Crystalline structure was highly variable and was dependent upon the degree of alloying with target material as determined by X- ray energy spectroscopy. The surfaces of these particles were covered to varying extents by large numbers of coalesced, ultrafine (<0.1 micrometers) particulates. Soil particles, which were sieved and density separated from debris prior to microscopic examination, consisted of spheres and irregularly shaped fragments. X-ray analysis confirmed alloying and fusion with clay and sand particulates. (Author)


Herein we report the crystal structures of tubular self-assemblies of flexible macrooligolides. The assembly is driven by the propensity of the macrocycles to create nearly flat structures displaying a void space within them and the cooperativity of weak directional interactions such as dipole–dipole interactions and CH⋯O hydrogen bonds and non-directional interactions such as van der Waals contacts. The significance of the stereochemistry and the size of the cavity in the formation of the nanotubes are also studied.


Adiponectin, a hormone highly abundant in circulation, has many beneficial effects in atherosclerosis; however, gene deficiency of this hormone or its receptor have shown detrimental effects on plaque burden in mice. Our objective was to understand the role of sex and aging in the effects of adiponectin deficiency on plaque content, inflammation, and the mechanisms regulating the phenotype of adipoq-/- vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Even a 50% reduction in the expression of adiponectin led to a plaque reduction in males and an increase in females, compared with apoe-/-controls. Plaque reduction may be attributable to chemokines upregulated in males and downregulated in females. Changes in plaque were not attributed to changes in cholesterol or cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. In old mice, both genotypes and sexes accumulated more plaque than apoe-/-. RNA sequencing of VSMCs from male mice in vitro uncovered a critical role for adiponectin in AKT signaling, regulation of the extracellular matrix, and TGF-β signaling. Upregulation of AKT activity mediated proliferation and migration of adipoq-/-cells. Activation of AMPK with metformin or AdipoRon reduced AKT-dependent proliferation and migration of adipoq-/- cells but did not improve the expression of contractile genes. Anti-atherogenic mechanisms targeted the ECM in adipoq-/- cells, downregulating MMP2 and 9 and upregulating decorin. Our study uncovered sex and age-dependent effects of adiponectin deficiency in atherosclerosis.


This study examines the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the container ship time charter business. In this context, the container charter transactions were derived from the Clarksons Research Database, which included the ship types, daily charter fees, ship ages, and total charter days. The empirical analysis employed the K-Means Algorithm to cluster the observations in which the elbow curves revealed three cluster centers in the pre-COVID period and four in the post-COVID era, respectively. Based on the industry-wide used threshold definitions, the clusters were then named according to the mean value of given features. In addition, the relative weight of each cluster was disclosed based on the number of transactions falling into the respective cluster. Accordingly, the pre-COVID period clusters were described as intermediate-rated middle-termed young-aged intermediate-TEU container ships; low-rated middle-termed middle-aged feeders; and intermediate-rated long-termed middle-aged upper intermediate-TEU container ships. As for the post-COVID era, the cluster definitions were determined as intermediate-rated middle-termed young-aged feeders; intermediate-rated middle-termed old-aged feeders; high-rated long-termed middle-aged intermediate-TEU container ships; and high-rated short-termed middle-aged intermediate-TEU container ships. The findings suggested that the pandemic boosted the demand for relatively lower TEU container ships such as the feeders in which the criterium of ship age lost its importance due to availability reasons in the market. In addition, the pandemic led to higher charter rates which was a prioritized factor over the charter period.


Sensitive organizational issues such as conflict, lying and deceit, and personal health issues are difficult to investigate because of their complex, elusive, and sometimes threatening nature as well as their potential consequences. In this article, an approach is presented that uses triangulation of multiple quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate sensitive organizational issues. This study of organizational conflict illustrates special data elicitation techniques (e.g., tree graphs, third-person questioning) designed to decrease the reluctance of employees to respond to various forms of inquiry. The qualitative approach complements the survey methods by identifying, categorizing, and verifying the existence of constructs. The benefits of the elicitation techniques, computerized text analysis, and multimethod comparison processes as remedies for research problems accentuated in studies of sensitive organizational issues are discussed.


Objective To investigate the inhibitive effect of antisenes oligodeoxynucleotide(ASON) on the phosphodiesterase type 5(PDE5) in smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum,and provide experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of erectile dysfunction. Methods PDE5 gene ASON (containing exon 1) was transfected into the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells with the presence of liposome DOTAP.Another sense oligodeoxynucleotide(SON) and 1% of bovine serum were also transducted into the cells as controls.PDE5 was probed and measured by Western blot at 1,2,4,6,10,24 and 48 h after transfection. Results After transfection(1~6 h), PDE5 in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells was significantly lower than it was in controls( P = 0.000 ~0.014). Conclusions The results indicate that PDE5 gene antisense oligodeoxynucleotide has inhibitive effect on PDE5 in smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum in vitro,and the present study provides experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of erectile dysfunction.