Introduction In general, the colonic mucosa is macroscopically normal in collagenous colitis, although minor, non-specific abnormalities may be found. Significant endoscopic abnormalities, «mucosal tears» representing longitudinal mucosal lacerations, have been reported in a few patients with collagenous colitis (1). The colonoscopist should aware that the risk of perforation is likely to be increased when mucosal tears are present.A 56-year-old female patient was referred to the outpatient clinic with 6 weeks history of profuse watery diarrhoea. Her significant past medical history includes colonic polyps and polypectomy in 2000 and her last colonoscopy in 2003 was normal. Her drug history includes alendronic acid 70 mg once a week, hormone replacement therapy patches, solifenacin 5 mg once a day and loperamide 2 mg as required. Her initial blood investigations including FBC, Urea & electrolytes, LFT, TFT, inflammatory markers, coeliac serology & stool cultures were normal. Her colonoscopy revealed a mucosal tear at the splenic flexure and the biopsies confirmed collagenous colitis. Methods N/A Results N/A Abstract PTU-010 Figure Conclusion The colonoscopy usually reveals a normal mucosa or mild mucosal edoema & usually biopsies required to confirm the diagnosis. The mucosal tears on endoscopic insufflation are not uncommon with collagenous colitis.A postulated mechanism for the mucosal lacerations in collagenous colitis might be the rigid character of the collagen containing subepithelium, possibly in combination with endoscopic insufflation,leading to stretching of the mucosa and subsequent tearing (2) Disclosure of Interest None Declared References Colonic mucosal tears in collagenous colitis. Wickbom A, Lindqvist M, Bohr J, Ung KA, Bergman J, Eriksson S, Tysk C.SourceDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. Collagenous colitis with mucosal tears on endoscopic insufflation: a unique presentation. M Cruz-Correa, F Milligan, F M Giardiello, et al. Gut 2002 51: 600 doi:10.1136/gut.51.4.600


Radiographic apparatus, relates to a control method and a computed tomography device of the radiation imaging apparatus, a radiographic apparatus is the subject based on the radiographic images obtained by irradiating a radiation to the image taking portion and the subject to obtain the radiographic image of the subject, determining the equivalents thereof corresponding to, and obtaining at least one of the tube voltage and tube current on the basis of the image quality and the determined equivalent of the set image, and obtains at least one estimated dose corresponding to the obtained at least one of the tube voltage and tube current, respectively which may include a processor.


An experimental and computational investigation was conducted to study the growth and detachment of a single liquid droplet. High-speed photography was employed to capture the droplet evolution from the onset to the breakup time. Three-dimensional computations were carried out to predict the droplet behavior and flow dynamics inside the droplet. The droplet fluid was water immersed in the surrounding atmospheric air. The computations were performed using the finite volume and Volume of Fluid (VOF) techniques. The computations and high-speed photography of the droplet formation were carried out at 20°C. Diameter of the injection port was 2.4 mm and the flow rate for generation of droplets was 1.1 × 10−4 kg/s. These values together with the choice of liquid resulted in a Bond number of 0.19, Capillary number of 3.4 × 10−4 , and liquid-to-gas viscosity ratio of 56.05. The results indicated that the shape and evolution of the droplet as predicted by the computations were in good agreement with those captured on the high-speed photographs. The computations revealed details of the flow inside the droplet such as pressure and velocity.Copyright © 2007 by ASME


In this paper, we present a simple endogenous growth model that allows for the occurrence of innovations that can develop into General Purpose Technologies (GPTs), which are the result of basic R&D. The model incorporates the main features of the Romer (1990) model and the Aghion and Howitt (1992) model by using multi-level Ethier functions on the one hand, and Poisson processes to describe the arrival of innovations produced by performing basic R&D and applied R&D. Through basic R&D the core of a potentially new GPT enters the economic system. This core offers the possibility for further expansion of the potential GPT through applied R&D by adding peripherals to this core. The characteristics of the new potential GPT that is represented by the core are randomly distributed. These characteristics include intrinsic profitability, scope for expansion, as well as R&D opportunities and efficiency of the corresponding applied R&D process. By using some illustrative simulations with the model, we show that the arrival of a successful GPT does indeed bring about a reallocation of R&D activities towards applied R&D, thus postponing the moment of arrival of the next GPT. Meanwhile, applied R&D raises the productivity of the GPT as a whole. But the profitability of finding the next/marginal peripheral falls in the process. This fall in marginal profits diminishes the incentives to engage in further applied R&D and increases the incentives to move into basic R&D activities again. Thus, we obtain a cyclical pattern in output growth that is not only partly driven by the arrival of the new potential GPTs but also by the continuing development of existing GPTs in the absence of the arrival of new ones. In periods that do not give rise to the arrival of new successful GPTs we find instances of alternating expansions of existing GPTs that have the character of a GPT-race.


Abstract A longitudinal design was used to explore attachment style differences in the positive (cohesion, expressiveness, support) and negative (conflict, verbal aggression) interactions of divorcing parents. One hundred men and women participated within one week of attending a court-mandated parenting workshop; 63 provided Time 2 data three months later. At Time 1, securely attached participants reported enhanced positive, and reduced negative, parental interactions compared to those with insecure attachment styles. Over time, participants experienced increases in positive parental interactions and decreases in negative interactions, a pattern most dramatic for those with insecure attachment styles. Implications of these individual differences for program development and implementation are discussed.


Objective
To explore the pattern of feedback learning deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods
Twenty-five patients with schizophrenia and 31 controls participated in the study of probabilistic stimulus selection task. The percentage of "choose A" and "avoid B" and individual training blocks of reach performance criterion were analyzed.

Results
There was no significant difference on the percentage of "choose A" between patient group and control group(control group: (66.13±26.31)%; patient group: (63.75±20.57)%; t=0.37, P=0.713). The percentage of "avoid B" in patient group was significantly lower than that in control group(control group: (62.10±27.10)%; patient group: (49.75±13.68)%; t=2.212, P=0.032). In addition, the training blocks of reach performance criterion in patient group was significantly greater than that in control group(control group: 3.23±2.012; patient group: 4.64±1.977; t=-2.635, P=0.011).

Conclusion
The deficits of feedback learning in patients with schizophrenia is largely due to the failure of avoiding negative feedback stimuli. Learning efficiency was lower in patients with schizophrenia than controls.

Key words:
Schizophrenia; Feedback learning; Probabilistic stimulus selection


This article examines the history of educational and public information comics and the emergence of scholarship that investigates the educational potential of the medium. There is a particular focus on American comics, but also reference to comics from other countries, notably the United Kingdom. Early comics scholarship, such as that published in the 1944 special issue of The Journal of Educational Sociology, is put in dialogue with later scholarship on comics. The article considers how the pedagogical power of comics is expressed not only at the level of content but also through formal and stylistic elements.


1 We examined the effects of systemic infusion, in healthy human volunteers, of the endothelin antagonist TAK‐044 on the plasma concentrations of mature endothelin, big endothelin‐1 and the C‐terminal fragment of big endothelin‐1, by selective solid‐phase extraction and specific radioimmunoassays. 2 Unlabelled TAK‐044 competed with specific [125I]‐endothelin‐1 binding to human left ventricle tissue in a biphasic manner giving KD values of 0.11 nM and 26.8 nM at the ETA and ETB receptor subtypes, respectively, indicating a 244 fold selectivity for the ETA receptor subtype. 3 A 15 min intravenous infusion of placebo or 30 mg TAK‐044 (giving a serum concentration of 2 nM, calculated to block > 95% of ETA but <5% ETB receptors) had no effect on the immunoreactive plasma concentrations of the three peptides. 4 At the higher dose of 750 mg TAK‐044 (giving a serum concentration of 80 nM, calculated to block > 99% of ETA and > 75% ETB receptors), the immunoreactive plasma endothelin concentrations were increased 3.3 fold over basal levels (P < 0.01). The concentrations of big endothelin‐1 or C‐terminal fragment of big endothelin‐1 were unchanged. 5 At both doses of TAK‐044, there were significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance, with corresponding increases in cardiac index and stroke index. There were no changes in systolic or mean arterial blood pressures or heart rate. 6 Since only the concentrations of the mature peptide were increased, we conclude that the most likely sources of endothelin contributing to the observed rise were displacement of receptor‐bound peptide and reduction in plasma clearance rather than peptide synthesis.


ABSTRACT Sympathetic input to the anterior segment of the eyes of cats was unilaterally removed by either superior cervical ganglionectomy or treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine. Parasympathetic input was unilaterally removed by extirpation of the ciliary ganglion. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol ( Δ9-THC; 20 μg/hr) was delivered unilaterally to the denervated eyes and to eyes of surgically intact control cats via osmotic minipumps and connecting extraocular cannulas over a total period of nine days. The results indicated that the degree of reduction of intraocular pressure by Δ9-THC was not affected by removal of input from either branch of the autonomic nervous system. Outflow facility during chronic administration of THC showed a two-to-three fold increase. Ciliary ganglionectomy alone produced a moderate decrease in intraocular pressure that endured for one week. These findings indicate that neither adrenergic nor cholinergic input to the cat eye is apparently required for the mediation of the tension lowering e...


This paper introduces an improved transmission line NL-L (NeZ+, >2J de-embedding methodology by providing more stable and accurate transmission line characteristics, such as, Z0, phase and attenuation constants. More accurate results are achieved by using a deterministic matrix decomposition technique and also a more accurate π-based circuit modeling of the parasitics for the probing pad adapters. Electromagnetic simulations (EM) and measurement results show that the inclusion of the improved parasitic model result in significantly more accurate de-embedding at mm-wave frequencies.


Submitted for the MAR17 Meeting of The American Physical Society Carrier Scattering in Decorated Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers1 DIANA MENESES GUSTIN, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, SERGIO ULLOA, Ohio University, VICTOR LOPEZ, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos — The modification of electronic properties of 2D crystals by adsorption of molecules, such as deposition of photosensitive azobenzene on MoS2 monolayers, has been recently achieved [1]. Azobenzene modifies the electronic structure, which may be described by local charge transfer and strain fields. These potentials produce carrier scattering processes that may be described in terms of scattering phase shifts and corresponding cross sections. A comparison of Schrodinger and massive Dirac formulations for such problem are found to provide interesting insights in two asymptotic regimes. At low energies, where both dispersions can be seen as parabolic bands, the process is dominated by low angular momentum channels which exhibit different wave number dependence, and yet result in nearly isotropic scattering amplitudes. On the other hand, the differential cross section at high energies has clear signatures of the different band dispersions, with anisotropic behavior and different energy dependence in the Dirac or Schrodinger problem. The understanding of the electronic dynamics in these systems hold the promise for successful design of structures with desired functionality, as we exemplify by presenting differential cross sections for different types of scattering potentials. 1D.M.-G. and V.L.-R. acknowledge support of scholarship FAPESP No. 2016/020650; S.E.U. supported by NSF-DMR grant 1508325. [1] J. Li et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 241116 (2014). Diana Meneses Gustin Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos Date submitted: 11 Nov 2016 Electronic form version 1.4


The succession of the Palaeoproterozoic Birimian belt of the Kedougou-Kenieba Inlier of western Senegal is subdivided into the Mako and Diallé-Daléma supergroups. The c. 2.2 Ga Mako Sgp consists of tholeiitic pillow lavas overlying gabbros and ultramafic rocks. The pillow lavas are overlain by metacherts, shales, and carbonate rocks. This assemblage represents a deep-water, oceanic crust succession. It is intruded by calc-alkaline plutons, and covered by calc-alkaline lavas and pyroclastic rocks of the upper Mako Sgp, representing an oceanic island arc. The Diallé-Daléma Sgp consists of a thick (8-10 km) volcano-sedimentary succession, with calcitic and dolomitic marbles, conglomerates, breccias, greywackes, sandstones, shales, and ash beds, possibly deposited in a back-arc basin [1]. Carbonate rocks of the Mako Supergroup lie directly above tholeiitic pillow lavas, with associated banded cherts and some thin organic-rich black shales. These rocks also include hyaloclastic breccias, containing angular fragments of vesicular basalt, formed by explosive eruption of basalt on the seafloor and enclosed in a carbonate matrix. The Mako Sgp carbonates are mainly dolomitic marbles with minor calcitic marbles. Their C isotopic composition shows C values ranging between +7.9 and +11.2 ‰ V-PDB (n=18), indicating that these carbonates were deposited during the Lomagundi Carbon Isotope Excursion (LCIE) in seawater composition between c. 2.2 and 2.06 Ga, recorded by high C values of sedimentary carbonates with this age [2]. Their stratigraphic position and high C values are similar to those of marbles associated with seafloor pillow lavas in the Ruwenzori Belt, Uganda [3]. Although the isotopic systems have been disturbed by metamorphism, as shown by large variations in O and Mn/Sr values, the high C values indicate a source from C-enriched seawater. The sedimentary carbonates of the Mako Sgp have a tentative Pb-Pb age of 2.15 Ga [4]. They overlie pillow lavas, which have yielded age of c. 2.197 Ga [5], and, since they display the LCIE, their age is constrained between c. 2.2 and 2.06 Ga. In contrast, metacarbonates from two quarries near Ibel, located in the Diallé-Daléma Supergroup, consist of highly deformed calcitic and ferroan, dolomitic marbles, with C values ranging between -1.9 and +2.5 ‰ V-PDB (n=30). These C values are within the range of normal marine carbonates, and are similar to previously reported C values of the Diallé-Daléma Sgp metacarbonates from Ylimalo along the Falémé River, ranging from +0.3 to +1.7 ‰ V-PDB (n=4) [6]. The Diallé-Daléma Sgp metacarbonates have a Pb-Pb age of 2065 ± 33 Ma [7]. Since they post-date the LCIE, their depositional age is likely to be in the range 2060-2030 Ma.


Objective To investigate the dose-response relationship of ketamine for inhibiting postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cbolecystectomy. Methods Fifteen ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients aged 40-60 yr, weighing 45-80 kg undergoing laparuscopic cholecystectomy under remifentanil-based general anesthesia were studied. The patients were premedicated with intramuscular atropine 0.5 mg. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.05 mg/kg, fentanyl 4 μg/kg, propofol ventilated after tracheal intubatiun. Ketamine was given before skin incision for inhibiting remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia. Pain was assessed using VAS (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain) at 10 min after tracheal extubation. VAS score < 4 was defined as effective. The optimal dose was determined by Dixon's up-and-down method. If the VAS score was < 4, the next patient received a lower dose of ketamine, or conversely if ineffective, a higher dose was given in the next patient. The up-and-down sequences were analyzed by using probit method to determine the ED50, ED95 and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The ED50 of ketamine for inhibiting postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anesthesia was 0.23 mg/kg (95% CI 0.12-0. 35 mg/kg) and ED95 0.62 mg/kg (95 % CI 0.51-0.68 mg/kg). Conclusion The ED50 and ED95 of ketamine for inhibiting postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anesthesia in patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy are 0.23 mg/kg and 0.62 mg/kg respectively.

Key words:
Ketamine;  Pipefidines;  Hyperalgesia;  Dose-response relationship,drug


We introduce a new technique for the analysis of kernel-based regression problems. The basic tools are sampling inequalities which apply to all machine learning problems involving penalty terms induced by kernels related to Sobolev spaces. They lead to explicit deterministic results concerning the worst case behaviour of e- and ν-SVRs. Using these, we show how to adjust regularization parameters to get best possible approximation orders for regression. The results are illustrated by some numerical examples.


An endoscopic bipolar forceps (10) for sealing and dividing tissue, comprising: - an elongated (12) shaft having a opposing jaw members (22, 24) at a distal end (14) of it, whose jaw members are relatively movable from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation to each other, and a second position wherein said jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue (150) therebetween; - a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw members so that they are capable of conducting energy through said tissue to effect a seal (152); - at least two members of nonconductive stop (50a-50g) disposed on an inwardly facing surface (34) of at least one of the jaw members which control the distance between the jaw members when tissue is held them, and whose stop members include a series of projections oriented longitudinally extending from a proximal end (26) of said at least one of said jaw members to a distal end (28) of said at least one member jaw; and - a blade (60) longitudinal reciprocation to cut tissue proximate the seal.


In recent years the focus on software component reuse has been elevated to an important research topic within software engineering circles. This is particularly visible among object-oriented communities. Although reuse is not new to object-oriented software developers, it has matured su ciently to be applied in the early phases of the development life-cycle. In the ROSA (Reuse of Object-oriented Speci cations through Analogy) project (Tessem et al. 1994) the aim is to apply analogical reasoning in the reuse of object-oriented speci cations in the initial phase of the software development. This paper address distributed connectionist networks in the analogical mapping process of object-oriented speci cations. OOram (Object-Oriented Role Analysis and Modeling) role models (Reenskaug et al. 1996) have selected for component speci cations. The role models are represented as directed graphs in the mapping process. This paper shows that analogical mapping of OOram role models is not a trivial task. Experiments indicate that presenting the graphs as holistic patterns to a neural network in order to establish a mapping between the elements is di cult. In particular, it is di cult to nd a uniform representation of the graphs that is sensitive to the structure. Experimentation with di erent distributed connectionist networks, combinations of structural and semantic information, and alternative coding schemes is necessary to obtain better results.


To the Editor: —I read with much interest your excellent editorial, "The Supply of Practical Nurses," which appeared inThe Journal, January 25. Congratulations! I was glad to hear some one with backbone speak up. Truer words were never spoken. The nursing situation here in Portland and in Maine, for that matter, has been, and is, most trying, for just the very reasons mentioned in your editorial.


ABSTRACT Clinical choice of β 2 -adrenergic receptor agonists (β 2 -agonists) is based on the parameter of receptor selectivity, potency, and duration of action. The guidelines for asthma management describe nothing about intrinsic efficacy concerning the use of β 2 -agonists. Since intrinsic efficacy refers to the ability to activate β 2 -adrenergic receptors independent of agonist concentration, β 2 -adrenergic desensitization may be associated with intrinsic efficacy. However, little is currently known whether chronic administration of high intrinsic efficacy drugs interferes with the effects of β 2 -agonists as a reliever medication. In this review, the causal relationship between intrinsic efficacy and desensitization to β 2 -agonists is examined in tracheal smooth muscle using isometric tension records. Reasonable clinical use of these agonists based on these observations is discussed. When β 2 -agonists intrinsic efficacy was measured as relaxation response (the maximum inhibitory effects against 1 μM methacholine-induced contraction), their rank order was : isoproterenol=procaterol = formoterol > salbutamol > salmeterol >> tulobuterol. Next, the subsequent response to short-acting β 2 -agonists (procaterol, salbutamol) was examined after continuous exposure to long-acting β 2 -agonists (formoterol, salmeterol, tulobuterol). β 2 - adrenergic desensitization induced by these long-acting β 2 -agonists was enhanced in proportion to their intrinsic efficacies. On the other hand, under the conditions of impairment of β 2 -adrenergic receptors, reduced responsiveness to these short-acting β 2 -agonists was enhanced in inverse proportion to the intrinsic efficacy. Although the clinical relevance of these results is still unclear, our data may provide evidence that weak partial agonists are useful as a controller medication, whereas full or strong agonists are useful as a reliever medication.


In this study, we investigate ground shaking in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince if a hypothetical rupture similar to the 2010 Haiti earthquake occurred on the central segment of the Enriquillo Fault. We use a finite element method and assumptions on regional tectonic stress to simulate the low-frequency ground motion components using dynamic rupture propagation for a 52-km-long segment. We consider eight scenarios by varying parameters such as hypocenter location, initial shear stress and fault dip. The high-frequency ground motion components are simulated using the specific barrier model in the context of the stochastic modeling approach. The broadband ground motion synthetics are subsequently obtained by combining the low-frequency components from the dynamic rupture simulation with the high-frequency components from the stochastic simulation using matched filtering at a crossover frequency of 1 Hz. Results show that rupture on a vertical Enriquillo Fault generates larger horizontal permanent displacements in Léogâne and Port-au-Prince than rupture on a south-dipping Enriquillo Fault. The mean horizontal peak ground acceleration, computed at several sites of interest throughout Port-auPrince, has a value of ~0.45g, whereas the maximum horizontal peak ground acceleration in Port-au-Prince is ~0.60g. Even though we only consider a limited number of rupture scenarios, our results suggest more intense ground shaking for the city of Port-au-Prince than during the already very damaging 2010 Haiti earthquake. Postodoctoral Researcher, Dept. of Earth Science, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 (email: firstname.lastname@example.com) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Professor and Department Head, Dept. of Geosciences, PSL Research University, École Normale Supérieure, 75005 Paris, France Eleventh U.S. National Conference on Earthquake


In practice, the objective of sample size calculation is to select the minimum sample size in such a way that the desired power can be obtained for detection of a clinically meaningful difference at the prespecified significance level. Therefore, the selection of the sample size depends on the magnitude of the clinically meaningful difference, the desired power, the prespecified significance level, and the hypotheses of interest under the study of choice (e.g., a parallel design or a crossover design).

Keywords:

sample size;
equality;
superiority;
equivalence;
one-sample design;
two-sample parallel design


Polynucleotides, polypeptides having the function of adjusting the contents of the plants metabolites, transformed plants generated using the polynucleotide or vector comprising a portion thereof, and the vector having the function of adjusting the contents of the plants metabolites and by its production method, it provides a novel gene, and its use for adjusting the contents of the plants metabolites.


A structured action programme for the remedial treatment of accident blackspots requires a four-stage process of identification, investigation, implementation, and evaluation. This paper presents part of a research project to obtain improved estimates of the effects of accident remedial schemes on all accidents and on accidents classified by severity and road surface and lighting conditions. Data were obtained from 1500 high-risk sites in ten local authority areas in the UK. For each site, data were obtained about the type and date of treatment, and the observed accident frequencies in the treated section during the identification period, the lag period, and the period after treatment. Treatments in the following groups were applied: (1) surface treatments; (2) mini-roundabout provision; (3) other junction improvements; (4) link realignment; (5) other link improvements; (6) street lighting schemes; and (7) traffic management schemes. For each treatment category and accident group, the magnitude of the accident reduction due to the treatment and the regression-to-mean (RTM) effect was estimated. The paper tabulates these estimates and describes the statistical estimation method used. The pattern of variability of the RTM effect is outlined.


Porous polymeric tissue engineering scaffolds of 3 dimensional structure have been prepared by various solvent casting/particulate leaching methods using different porogen additives. One of the most widely used methods involves compression moulding of a polymer salt mixture, followed by salt leaching. A drawback of the technique is achieving pore interconnectivity at low porogen (salt/sucrose) loadings, as many of the porogen particles may remain trapped. Another issue that is noteworthy is that the interconnection between the pores is smaller than the size of the pores. This may limit the propagation of cells from one pore to the other in certain applications. Generally the pore size and pore shape is determined by the leachable particles characteristics (size and shape).


Multilayer films with up to 600 bilayers and 740 nm thickness were fabricated using the alternating deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly{1-[p-(3′-carboxy-4′- hydroxyphenylazo)benzenesulfonamido]-1,2-ethandiyl} on glass substrates. Linear relationships for absorbance, thickness, and the square root of the second harmonic intensity versus the number of bilayers demonstrates that the films have long range polar order and optical homogeneity. The deposition conditions (i.e., pH of the solutions, solvent quality, deposition and rinsing times) are critical variables in fabricating layer-by-layer thick films that exhibit long range polar orientation of chromophores. The ability to fabricate noncentrosymmetric films on the order of a micron thick with bulk second order nonlinear optical responses is crucial because it enables the development of nonlinear optical waveguide devices such as electro-optic modulators.


tion is summarily dismissed in 20 pages. Other topics included in this volume are negotiations, treaties, means of coercion other than war, the seizure and judgment of prizes, and peace. Our author shows a wide acquaintance with the literature of the subject, particularly with the writings of continental publicists, from whom by far the greater part of his citations are made. Recognizing custom and treaties as the only sources of international law, he practically ignores case law. While certain English and American writers have displayed an undue propensity for case-hunting, it is just as bad to err in the other direction, as M. Nys has done. Even granting that the decisions of prize courts and courts of arbitration are not sources of law in the strict sense, they are at least entitled to respect as evidence of what the customary rules of law are. On many points of law the decisions of prize courts and state papers afford the only conclusive evidence as to the present attitude of states and therefore they can not be ignored in any treatise which aims at more than a purely theoretical discussion. The chapters on arbitration are not satisfactory either as an historical survey or as a critical exposition of the subject. The author makes a general application of Lorimer's statement to the effect that in the Alabama case " the decision of the arbiters rested on a definition made for a special purpose, and not on the common law of nations; it was the treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, not the sentence of the arbiters of September 14, 1872, which prevented war." While this statement may be true of this case, a like objection can not be made to all arbitral decisions. The provisions of the convention establishing The Hague Court are given in outline, but there is no reference to the cases that have actually come before that tribunal. On most of the disputed points M. Nys sides with the continental writers and condemns many of the English and American doctrines, such as the doctrine of continuous voyage. As a whole the work is well written and interesting. As an historical exposition of the rules of international law it has decided merits, but as a criticism of existing law it falls short of what might be expected in a work of its pretensions.


Since 1920s,the science and technology in America have been advanced in the world,which owes to university's contribution partly. The contribution of university to science and technology in America can be manifested on five aspects as follows: university is the base of basic research;university is the important participant and backbone of key scientific projects;university is the vital contingent for scientific and technological creation;university is the incubator for high and new technology enterprises;university is the cradle of the Nobel prize for scientific achievements.


To date, several effect size measurement methods have been proposed to determine the effect sizes of single case experimental designs (SCEDs) based on probability, mean or overlap. All these methods have certain considerable limitations. In this study, a new effect size calculation model for SCEDs, named performance criteria-based effect size (PCES), is proposed considering the limitations of four nonoverlap-based effect size measures, which are widely accepted in the literature and blend well with visual analysis. In the field test of PCES, real data from published studies were utilized and the relationship between PCES, visual analysis and the four nonoverlap-based methods was examined. In determining the data to be used in the field test, 1,012 tiers (AB phases) were identified from the issues of the four journals, which have most frequency SCEDs studies, published in the last five years. The findings revealed a weak or moderate relationship between PCES and nonoverlap-based methods due to its focus on performance criteria. Although PCES has some weaknesses, it was found to be promising in eliminating the cases that may create issues in nonoverlap-based methods, using quantitative data to determine the presence of socially important changes in behavior and complementing the visual analysis.


Multi-stack anodic bonding using two electrodes is realized in this paper. The process includes two bonding steps separated by one electrodes reversal. When pre-cleaned substrates of silicon and glass are piled up and heated to predetermined temperature, voltage applied between the top and bottom substrates for bonding the first interface, when this bonding process is finished, the substrates are annealed for few minutes, then electrodes are reversed for bonding another interface. This anodic bonding process provides an efficient way for anodic bonding multi-stacks substrates of silicon and glass piled up alternately, enhances the feasibility of operation and decreases the requirement of relevant apparatus for doing so. Tensile strength testing shows that this bonding method can obtain high quality permanent bonding. Furthermore, this bonding method provides a simple way for bonding silicon- glass stacks for some special use such as sealing alkali metal into cell of glass-silicon-glass structure, in which process the electrodes are directly linked to two glasses. And using this method we successfully sealing alkali metal into the anodic bonded cell.


Power system is facing new challenges as the present system is subjected to severely stressed conditions. Voltage instability is a quite frequent phenomenon under such a situation rendering degradation of power system performance. In order to avoid system blackouts, power system is to be analyzed in view of voltage stability for a wide range of system conditions. In voltage stability analysis, the main objective is to identify the system maximum loadability limit and causes of voltage instability. Static voltage stability analysis with some approximations gives this information. Voltage stability problem is related to load dynamics and therefore different load characteristics are to be considered in the voltage stability analysis. This paper presents an efficient method for conducting line voltage stability analysis in power systems. This newly developed method is accurate, fast, simple, and theoretically proven for finding precise voltage collapse points and for determining voltage stability at each transmission line. Voltage stability margins can be easily calculated, providing an indication of how far the transmission line is from its severe load condition and allowing separate analysis if one transmission line is highly stressed. The proposed method was demonstrated on the IEEE 30-bus system and compared with existing methods to show its effectiveness and efficiency.


In common with other public sector bodies, the police service recognises that the development of leadership capability amongst its workforce is key to improving levels of both performance and service delivery. The recently developed Police Leadership Qualities Framework lays out a clearly defined model of leadership, and is underpinned by a framework of values and behaviours that enable that model to be developed in practice. This paper expands on one of the key underlying principles of the model that leadership is evident at all ranks and grades of the service, and is a skill that can be developed. This article postulates that each individual has their own 'leadership space' which it is important they are able to fill effectively. Individual and organisational failings often occur when this 'space' is not properly filled ‐ through lack of skill, development opportunity or experience. The paper considers a cognitive and behaviourist approach to learning and explores some of the ways in which leadership capability is developed in the police service.


There is a well-known association between Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus with penile cancer. Yet, it is not the standard of care to screen for either of these sexually transmitted diseases upon diagnosis of primary penile cancer. We present a 50 year old male who had a confirmed diagnosis of penile cancer for 2 years prior to his presentation to our clinic in Dakar, Senegal. Outside institutions repeatedly failed to screen the patient for sexually transmitted diseases, namely HPV and HIV. We share this case to emphasize the importance of sexually transmitted disease screening upon diagnosis of penile cancer with hopes to increase awareness in both developed and developing nations. We call for consensus in sexually transmitted disease screening guidelines upon penile cancer diagnoses.


One of the main advantages of bianisotropic metasurfaces is their capability to produce asymmetric scattering depending from which side they are illuminated. For most applications, these meta-surfaces are expected to be illuminated with a single source at a time. However, in applications with simultaneous illumination by two or more sources, bianisotropic effects can be replicated by exploiting coherent illumination. In this talk, we discuss how asymmetric scattering can be realized for a planar 180° hybrid junction using bianisotropic metasurfaces with omega response and non-bianisotropic metasurfaces under coherent illumination.


Background: Recently, the use of medium and high energy X-rays has increased in Iran, and radiotherapy centers along with a variety of accelerators have been installed in some provinces. Hence, there is not sufficient skill in designing and installing radiotherapy treatment rooms. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different mixtures of barite concrete for shielding the radiotherapy rooms. This way, we have emphasized on determining the size and amount of barite aggregations to achieve the maximum radiation attenuation which leads to minimizing wall thickness in treatment room. Materials and Methods: To increase concrete density, the barite aggregation was added to concrete. Different size variations of barite aggregates mixed with different water/cement ratio were examined. The dimension of cubic concrete specimens for compression strength test was 15×15×15 cm. The rectangular barite concrete blocks with different compressions as used for strength test with cross section of 10×10 cm, and thicknesses from 5 to 40 cm were used for radiation attenuation test. To do so, concrete specimens were irradiated by gamma beam of 60Co (Phoenix Theratron). The transmission radiation through the blocks was measured by a Farmer ionization chamber (FC65P). Results: Our findings showed that in all specimens the highest mean compression strength was related to the specimens with equal ratio of fine to coarse barite aggregates, but the lowest HVL was obtained from mixtures with fine to coarse ratio of 35/65. The concrete sample with a 0.45 water/cement ratio, 350 kg/m 3 cement and equal amounts of fine and coarse barite sands had nearly minimum half value layer (HVL), and maximum compression strength, so the sample was considered as the best barite concrete sample. Conclusion: Since HVL of the barite concrete specimens with the same compression strength is markedly lower than the conventional concrete, and that there are quite a number of barite mines in our country, it is recommended to use barite concrete with the most suitable mixture condition based on our findings for shielding the radiotherapy rooms. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2006; 4 (2): 71-75


HIV-related stigma in health facilities has been suggested as a primary target for HIV-related stigma reduction. The objective of this study was to describe negative attitudes among Thai healthcare personnel (HCP) toward PLHIV. This nationwide probability sampled survey was conducted in 2019 in 12 provinces in Thailand and Bangkok, the capital. Participants were considered to have stigmatizing attitudes toward PLHIV if they had a stigmatizing view in response to at least one of the four questions. Eighty-two percent of the 3056 respondents had at least one stigmatizing attitude. Younger HCP, ages < 30 (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.18–2.18) and 30–39 (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.21–2.12) were more likely to have stigmatizing attitudes towards PLHIV compared to those aged 50 and older. Being support staff, support-clinical (AOR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.44–2.49) and support-nonclinical (AOR = 1.71; 95%CI: 1.24–2.36) as opposed to professional staff also increased the likelihood of having stigmatizing attitudes. Stigma was also more likely to be present in HCPs who did not work at HIV-focused clinics (AOR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.57–2.48). HCP who had more work experience, especially related to PLHIV care, were less likely to have stigmatizing attitudes. These personnel could be good peer educators or role models for a stigma reduction campaign within their healthcare facilities.


Two previous trials with 400 lb. steer calves have shown that a feeding system containing approximately 38% roughage for the entire feeding results in similar performance and carcass grade, as does a low roughage system containing 12% roughage. As expected, feed requirements per unit of gain favored the lower roughage systems. In the high roughage system, the high roughage levels are fed during the latter portions of the trial, and during the latter portions of the trial, a low roughage diet is fed. It appeared desirable to substantiate the findings of the first two trials and to feed a higher roughage level than was fed in those two trials.


The use of in situ tests to determine design parameters is particularly important in sands where undisturbed sampling is difficult. Unfortunately, most in situ tests do not measure actual soil properties but instead yield some index parameters which are converted to design values by means of empirical correlations. Thus the quality of the empirical correlation ensures tbe quality of the design. This Paper assesses the key parameters which govern the expansion stage of a flat plate dilatometer (DMT) test in cohesionless material in order to develop relevant correlations with respect to the compressibility of sands. Laboratory tests in a small calibration chamber were conducted to obtain a response from the DMT during expansion in undisturbed Ottawa sand under a given stress field. The deformation characteristics inferred from the DMT data compared well with those obtained from triaxial tests. The results from the DMT are best interpreted in terms of the state parameter which combines the influence of void ...


Since the implementation of reform and open-door policies in 1978, China's economy has made great advances, especially in the development of township and village enterprises (TVEs). During the period of 1978 to 1995, the total output value of TVEs increased by the high average annual rate of 35 per cent. Unfortunately, the developments also brought serious environmental problems, particularly wastewater pollution. In this paper, the author discusses the history of disposing of wastewater in China's TVEs and analyses some causes of the ensuing problems in wastewater management. By examining the dialectic relationship between economic development and environmental protection, the author puts forward some basic countermeasures aimed at solving the problems in wastewater management for the sustainable development of China's TVEs in the 21st century.


Neutron-based techniques have proved for decades to be essential tools in the investigation of magnetic materials. The strong experience gathered in neutron centers together with high performance instruments have also largely contributed to the researches on magnetic nanosystems. We will present here a few examples of the use of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering for the study of Dysprosium-based thin films and heterostructures. Elastic neutron scattering in rare earth-based nanosystems provides crucial information both on the crystal structure and the modulated magnetic order. This has especially permitted to connect the drastic change in Curie temperature observed in Dy epitaxial films to modifications of both magnetoelastic and exchange contributions. In superlattices, elastic neutron scattering has been successfully used to analyze the magnetic coupling phenomena, in particular the long range coherent propagation of the Dy helical order. The example of Dy/Er superlattices highlights this fascinating coupling mechanism through either a paramagnetic or magnetic spacer. Inelastic Neutron Scattering is the technique of choice to investigate magnetic excitations over the entire Brillouin Zone. The very low inelastic scattering cross section can however make any investigation of nanosystems very difficult and very few studies have indeed been reported so far on nanosystems. We will show that relevant information could be obtained from high quality single crystalline Dy films and superlattices. These promising results are paving the way to new spin wave explorations in a wider range of magnetic nanosystems.


Through the analytical approach of studying official and perception-related discourse on bell ringing I accentuate the complexity of aspects that the sound of church bell presents in contemporary society. I point out the misleading officially defined level of noise nuisance and reveal how, when and why bell ringing is perceived as a positive or negative part of the acoustic environment. The study argues for a holistic approach to the noise nuisance issues, still much underestimated in the official discourse, that co-create our everyday soundscape.


In this article, we propose to investigate how the general theories of Western science influenced and reflected in a very specific context: the archaeological excavations conducted in Brazil from the 1840s and 1890s, led by Brazilian and foreign researchers linked to several institutions. The publications of this research comprised an idea of what would be the Brazilian prehistoric man in their antiquity, lifestyle and racial and intellectual characteristics. The latter would be inferred from the intersection of four key data , namely: (i) cranial capacity; (Ii) artifactual production associated with skeletons; (Iii) ethnographic data and - risk- (iv) a preconception of what should be this prehistoric man


Objective To evaluate the indication, risk and results of completion pneumonectomy for residual lung cancers. Methods A retrospective review was made on 49 consecutive patients, and diagnosed as recurrent lung cancer ( n =35) and second primary lung cancer ( n =14), who underwent completion pneumonectomy. The interval between the first operation and completion pneumonectomy averaged 29 months. Results There were 6 operative death. The operative mortality was 12.24%. Follow up from 1 month to 5 years, median overall survival time was 2.5 years, actuarial 5 years survival rate was 33%. Conclusion These results suggest that completion pneumonectomy can be done with an operative risk similar to that of standard pneumonectomy, and patients underwent completion pneumonectomy have a reasonable prospect for long term survival.


Gelomed® is a frozen emulsion consisting of methyl salicylate, menthol and camphor being indicated on inflammatory processes, especially traumatisms. The association of those active principles promotes a topical anti-inflammatory action explained byvasoconstriction, followed by a reflex vasodilatation response. The study's outlining consisted of a non-randomized clinical trial with an open bias control. The project was approved by the ethics in research committee of the Federal University of Ceara. Twenty five healthy male volunteers were selected and each one of them received a daily 50g-topical application of Gelomed® for 20min, twice a day, for 14 uninterrupted days. The volunteers were only included in the study when considered healthy after clinical evaluation, physical tests and laboratorial exams that preceded the study. The evaluations were repeated in the 1st and 2nd weeks and 7 days after the end of the medicine administration. The formulation Gelomed® was well tolerated, however, adverse events were refered by 24% of the volunteers, although only two of those events were related to the formulation (itch and pain in the application site), being all of light intensity and not requiring any further treatment. The clinical exams, physical evaluation and laboratorial tests made before, during and after the research didn't evidence toxicity signs in the several organs and appraised systems. The phase I clinical trial confirmed the formulation's safety in the appraised sample, allowing the product to be used in larger populations in the determining of its therapeutic effectiveness.


VRML is one of the most common and popular virtual reality development tools available in the market. This low end product is widely used in school or college. High end product such as Sense8, EON, Cartia and many others have been in the market for quite number of years. These applications have been popularly used in the big industries such as medical, automobile and infrastructure design. However, for our purpose of environment visualization and immersion, Virtools development kit was used. The main focus of this paper is to describe the approach used in producing an immersive and interactive 3D environment used to treat acrophobia. The 3D environment consists of a busy city surrounded by tall buildings. The advantages and benefit of using Virtools as virtual reality development tool is then explained.


Background and Objective : Surgical reduction of the hypertrophic inferior turbinate has been performed in patients who are refractory to medical treatment. Surgical procedures have associated morbidity including pain, bleeding, crusting, and dryness. Recently, Coblator ® using high-frequency current has shown to be safe and ef-fective in volumetric tissue reduction of the hypertrophic inferior turbinate. The aim of study is to evaluate the long term effect of turbinoplasty with Coblator ® . Materials and Methods : Twenty patients with nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical therapy were prospectively evaluated with a follow-up period of over 12 months. Postoperative changes in degree of severity and frequency of nasal obstruction on visual analogue scale ( VAS ) were assessed. And cross-sectional area of C-notch and volume of nasal cavity from the nostril to 7 cm posteriorly were assessed using acoustic rhinometry. Results : At postoperative 12 months, the severity and frequency of nasal obstruction significantly reduced in 51.2% and 52.4% respecti-vely on VAS ( p < 0.05 ) . And cross-sectional area of C-notch before shrinkage significantly increased from 0.54 cm 2 preoperatively to 0.66 cm 2 at postoperative 12 months ( p < 0.05 ) . There were increases in the cross-sectional area of C-notch after shrinkage and volume of nasal cavity at postoperative 12 months, but there were no statistical differences. Conclusions : Coblator ® turbinoplasty may be useful for the relief of nasal obstruction in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy until 12 months. (J Clinical Otolaryngol


Ga:La:S:Cu films have been prepared by sputter deposition. Amorphous thin films were fabricated with Cu concentrations as high as 66 at.%. The electrical phase change properties of these films have been investigated. The electrical resistivity of these materials is 200 µm in the amorphous state and 40 µm in the crystalline state. The crystallisation time was measured using an optical pump probe method and confirmed to be 150 ns. The high resistivity of these films in both their crystalline and amorphous states allows low current, Joule, heating and therefore shows potential for the utilisation as the active layer in electrical phase change memory devices.


This paper discusses gaming in a Western Australian school for boys. The overriding ethos of the school is supportive of the potential of ICT to better engage students and deliver enhanced educational outcomes. The school sees game-based design as at the vanguard of innovation, but also accepts its important duty of care responsibilities. Tensions were revealed between the opportunities presented by educational gaming and the perceived problem of managing student distraction, particularly the tendency for students to spend large amounts of time playing games that have little or no educational value. The paper describes the forms of gaming that emerged at the school, considering both their educational impact and propensity to detract from students' opportunities to learn. It is argued that the perceived benefits and risks of gaming are not well understood, and that powerful political forces are at play which shape school policy, teachers' pedagogy, parent perceptions and student actions.


New brominated fatty acids (3, 5-8, 10) and new sterol esters (14-16) have been isolated from an unidentified marine sponge collected in Papua New Guinea. Their structures were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data. A major component of the marine sponge (1) was tested for activities against Arutemia salina and some fungi.


Abstract Fossil anuran remains from an outcropping of Oligocene sediments in central Patagonia have been attributed to the extant genus Eupsophus based on their putative similarity to the skeleton of living members of this genus. These remains would represent the only and oldest evidence of the existence not only of Eupsophus, but also of any cycloramphid anuran in Patagonia during the past. Given the scarcity of the anuran fossil record, these fossils have been long considered as significant evidence in the discussion of the evolutionary history of the South American batrachofauna. However, re-examination of these specimens reveals that some skeletal structures were misinterpreted and that these anurans clearly differ from living Eupsophus. Although osteological synapomorphies of this genus are still unknown, there is no evidence to link these fossil remains with the presence of Eupsophus in the Oligocene batrachofauna of Patagonia.


To approach the construction of a new mechanism in the education of student Party members in colleges which features a combination of education,management and supervision means a lot to the construction of a long-term mechanism in Party members' progressiveness education for university students.Innovation of management mechanism in student Party members' education should emphasize on the enhancement of student Party members' Party awareness,the guarantee of their rights,the enhancement of their capabilities,and the fulfillment of their responsibilities.The Party members' progressiveness education should be combined with ideological and political education,self-development education,formulation of regulations,organizational activities among Party members as well as with social practice so as to enhance the formation of a long-term mechanism in Party members' progressiveness education for university students.


Deep learning algorithms are playing an important role in computer vision and image recognition tasks. At the very outset, one can view neural networks as an function approximator. Recent trends in deep learning involves exploring lower precision operations for increasing performance and energy efficiency. To this end, In this paper we provide variable precision accelerator template in FPGA and its corresponding software and runtime stacks that interfaces with these accelerators. We first implement the prototype CNN template to support FP-32 based weights and activations. We then extend the design to support Int16, Int8 ,Int4 ,1-bit and ternary weights with Fp-32 and Int8 activations in Intel HARPv2 platform. These templates can be extended to any arbitrary precisions. We then design runtime and API for dynamically reconfiguring the precision. In terms of performance and energy efficiency, these variable precision template accelerators provides (24 Tops, 545.5 Gops/W),(6.3 Tops, 141 Gops/W), (3.1 Tops, 70 Gops/W) and (1.6 TOPS, 40 Gops/W) for binary, Int4, Int8 and Int16 precisions respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these measured numbers are the state of the art for Arria 10 class of FPGA devices.


INTRODUCTION The widespread contamination of groundwater with arsenic (As) in the fl oodplain of the Ganges River in Bangladesh and West Bengal (India) has been well-documented over the past 15 years (Bhattacharaya et al. 1997; Dhar et al. 1997; Nickson et al. 1998). Studies over the past ten years have documented that the region of As contamination extends even into the Terai Zone, the Indo-Gangetic Plain of southern Nepal (Fig. 1) (Neku and Tandukar 2002; Bhattacharya et al. 2003; Shrestha et al. 2003; Brikowski et al. 2004, 2006; Emerman 2004; ENPHO and USGS 2004; Kanel et al. 2005; Tandukar et al. 2005; Neku et al. 2006; Panthi et al. 2006; Neku and Brikowski 2009; Pokhrel et al. 2009; Emerman et al. 2012). According to the most recent count in a scholarly journal, 737,009 groundwater samples in Nepal have been tested for As, of which 7.9% exceeded the WHO (World Health Organization) As Standard (As = 0.01 mg/L) and 2.3% exceeded the Nepal Interim As Standard (As = 0.05 mg/L) (WHO 2008; Thakur et al. 2011). IRIN (2010) reported that UNICEF had tested over 1.1 million wells in the Terai and found that 1.8% exceeded the Nepal Interim As Standard, while another 5.6% exceeded only the WHO As Standard. It is estimated that there are perhaps 200,000 tubewells in the Terai Zone and that 3.5 million Nepalis have no access to drinking water that does not exceed the WHO As Standard (Pokhrel et al. 2009). Other studies in the Terai have addressed the geologic setting of As contamination (Shrestha et al. 2004; Williams et al. 2004, 2005; Brikowski et al. 2005; Gurung et al. 2005; Van Geen et al. 2008), the health impacts of As-contaminated groundwater upon the local population (Ahmad et al. 2004; Maharjan et al. 2005, 2006, 2007) and the As contamination of soils and crops (Dahal et al. 2008). The dominant paradigm for As contamination of groundwater in south Asia is the reductive-dissolution model, according to which the strongly reducing conditions of the thick sedimentary package of the Indo-Gangetic Plain cause the release of As from sorption sites on Fe oxyhydroxides ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that elevated groundwater As occurs even in Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys in Nepal, two tectonic valleys well upstream of the fl oodplain of the Ganges River. Moreover, studies in both valleys showed surface water As to be statistically indistinguishable from groundwater As, which led to the fl uvial recharge model in which elevated groundwater As results from losing streams with elevated As, which is a consequence of rapid erosion caused by a combination of monsoon climate, tectonic uplift and deforestation. The objective of this study was to further test the fl uvial recharge model in Mustang Valley, the third major tectonic valley in Nepal Himalaya far upstream from the fl oodplain of the Ganges River. In May 2011 water samples were collected from 33 surface water sites (24 directly from streams and 9 from canals, pipes or taps fed by streams) and 24 groundwater sites (10 directly from springs and 14 from pipes or taps fed by springs). The WHO As Standard was exceeded in 47% of surface water samples and 79% of groundwater samples, including all nine functioning water taps in Lo-Manthang, the largest village. Separating samples into a highAs Region I (geometric mean As = 0.071 mg/L) and a low-As Region II (undetectable As for 85% of samples) showed that surface water As and groundwater As were statistically indistinguishable within each region. Only Region I receives overland fl ow from the exposed Mustang and Mugu Granites. The correspondence between groundwater As and watershed surface lithology is further evidence for the fl uvial recharge model.


Abstract South African entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema australe and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were used for studying the responses of infective juveniles (IJs) to soil desiccation and soil rehydration. The capacity to infect larvae of Galleria mellonella was used to assess the viability of EPNs after their exposure to desiccation. All the samples were initially hydrated to 10% moisture and moisture loss was recorded daily before rehydrating the soil. Desiccation tolerance results revealed that both species were able to withstand desiccated conditions or continuous dehydration for 20 days in sandy loam soil. H. bacteriophora caused 80% larval mortality after day 15 on rehydration of soil, whereas S. australe caused only 60% larval mortality. All the controls, with coarse river sand, gave zero larval mortality by day 21, indicating that the soil texture is also important for EPNs recovery from dehydrated soils. It may be concluded that coarse sand is not ideal for survival and effectiveness of EPNs, because of its incompetence to retain water.


Alfalfa witches' broom (AlWB) is a destructive phytoplasma disease in Iranian southern and central provinces. Antiserum was raised by injection of partially purified Fars AlWB phytoplasma (FAlWBP) from 20 g infected alfalfa tissue into a rabbit. The specificity of the polyclonal antibody against phytoplasmas was shown by its reaction with diseased, but not with healthy alfalfa upon dot immunobinding assay (DIBA) tests. Phytoplasmas associated with Borazjan fababean phyllody and Chahbahar periwinkle phyllody were also shown to be serologically related to FAWBP. No serological relationship was found between FAlWBP and phytoplasmas associated with Yazd AlWB, witches' broom disease of lime, Khafr almond witches' broom, carrot witches' broom, sesame phyllody, eggplant big bud and tomato big bud.


The summary:after having carried out an analysis to the albumen of 2 copies of maternal maize seeds by utilizing stored SDS-PAGE technology,the result indicates their maternal seed protein electrophoresis atlas has obvious difference and the characteristic table is steady.The purity between the results of seed albumen electrophoresis and plants the field district is more than 97%,this technology can be used as a kind of means to appraise the purity of crossbreed maize seeds and selft-bred seeds.


Converging Web and Telco services is one of the most interesting and valuable challenge that both Web providers and Telco operators will be facing during the next few years. Indeed, recent evolutions like smartphones' enhanced web-browsing capabilities (e.g. IPhone) and the technical incursion of Web2.0 main actors in the Telco world (e.g. Android) points out that this convergence is necessary and unavoidable. As converging Web and Telco consists mainly on converging Web2.0 and IMS services, this paper will focus on this point. We will first provide an overview of the involved technologies and the convergence stakes. Thus we will present the different solutions that have been proposed so far and finally expose TEWCOP (stands for TElco and Web COnverging Protocol), our proposition, through a set of significant use cases.


We study the relationship between population growth, unemployment rates, and employment growth in Norwegian municipalities, to distinguish between disequilibrium and equilibrium explanations of the situation in regional labour markets. At a national level our results indicate that neoclassical adjustments dominate weakly over amenity-based mechanisms. However, results from many regions support the hypothesis that amenity-based adjustments are dominant for municipalities within a labour market region. One possible explanation is that the diversity in job opportunities is considered as an amenity. A thicker labour market is better fit to meet the demand of workers with specific qualifications.


The energy management (EM) of active distribution network (ADN) under uncertainties is a stochastic, nonconvex and nonlinear problem, which cannot be solved by traditional algorithms in acceptable time. In this paper, we decouple this computationally intractable problem into a series of subproblems which are easier to handle, and then solve them successively according to an improved approximate dynamic programming (IADP) algorithm. Different from the existing approximate dynamic programming (ADP) algorithms, which need to update value functions iteratively, IADP obtains approximate value functions directly using Galerkin method. Such that the time of updating approximate value functions can be omitted. Furthermore, the influence of each basis function on the approximate value function is evaluated according to the absolute value inequality principle. Then the unimportant basis functions are removed from the basis function set to speed up the algorithm. The historical data can also be embedded into IADP to facilitate the online decision-making and reduce the dependency of real-time forecast information. Numerical simulations on two modified IEEE test systems and a real 682-bus ADN are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


Taizhou Changjiang Highway Bridge is the longest three-pylon two-span suspension bridge in the world. To investigate the seismic performance of different connecting configurations between the deck and pylons, which are referred to as seismic structural systems, a 1/40-scale model of Taizhou Changjiang Highway Bridge incorporating different seismic structural systems was tested on the shake tables at Tongji University, Shanghai, China. In this paper, the design, construction, instrumentation, and loading protocol of the test model are introduced first. The fundamental frequencies of the eight bridge models are identified and are compared with numerical results. The damping ratios corresponding to the fundamental frequencies are obtained by the half-power bandwidth method. The test results show that the seismic responses of the three-pylon two-span suspension bridge under seismic loads are highly dependent on the connecting configurations between the deck and pylons. The relative displacement responses between the deck and the pylons in the longitudinal direction can be decreased effectively by viscous dampers or elastic cables. In addition, the influences of variations in those viscous dampers and elastic cables on the response of the model are investigated. Numerical results and test results are compared, and good agreement is achieved.


Mentalizing is a term that refers to the ability to understand own and others' mind. Mentalized affectivity is a sophisticated form of affect regulation that means being able to experience one´s own affects and give them new meaning. One aim for this studie was to investigate whether it is relevant to speak about an affect specific approach. Further, the aim was to describe mentalized affectivity and mentalizing about others, for people who have been in contact with health care in relation to eating disorder. Four participants were interviewed with the Affect Consciousness Interview-Self/Other, as in the present study were interpreted qualitatively form a mentalizing perspective. The participants were also assessed with the Toronto Alexitymia Scale-20. The result showed that respondents identified affects thorough the body, and strategies to modulate affects were expectations, avoidance, action strategies and rational arguments. Informants focused on implications for affective expression, which lead to the modulation of affects before they got an outward expression. The similarity reported between own and other affective experiences was interpreted as limited mentalizing about others. Neither the TAS-20 nor interviews indicated that the participants had difficulties identifying or describing affects. The study's limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.


High static pressure treatment was applied to breed saccharomyces cerevisiae that were restored in lab by induced mutation.A yeast strain was obtained when the pressure was 250 MPa and pressure preservation time was 30 min.Its alcohol degree reduced from 4.7 to 3.1,34 % lower than starting strain.And it had good flocculation and its diacetyl content was also lower than that of original strain.


AIM
To comparatively evaluate changes in proliferation and mineralization abilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from juvenile and adult rats in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory microenvironment to provide a theoretical basis for the age-related differences observed in DPSCs in repair of inflammatory injury.

METHODOLOGY
DPSCs were isolated from juvenile rats (JDPSCs) and adult rats (ADPSCs), and senescence associated β-galactosidase staining was used to compare senescence between JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Effects of LPS on JDPSCs and ADPSCs proliferation were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assays and flow cytometry. Alizarin red staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot assay were used to examine the effects of LPS on mineralization-related genes and proteins in JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and osteocalcin (OCN) expression in the pulpitis model. Unpaired Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were used in statistical analysis.

RESULTS
DPSCs could be isolated from juvenile and adult rat dental pulp tissues. At low concentrations (0.1-1 μg/mL), LPS significantly promoted the proliferation of JDPSCs (P < 0.01) and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), with the effect being stronger in JDPSCs than in ADPSCs. In addition, mineralized nodules and the expression of mineralization-related genes (OCN, DSPP, ALP, BSP) increased significantly after stimulation with LPS (0.5 μg/mL) in JDPSCs and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and JDPSCs displayed a more obvious increase than did ADPSCs. Western blots revealed OCN and ALP expression levels in JDPSCs treated with LPS were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); meanwhile, ALP expression in ADPSCs increased slightly but significantly (P < 0.05), and OCN expression was not affected. Finally, IL-1β expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and OCN expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the inflamed dental pulp of adult rats than in juvenile rats.

CONCLUSIONS
A certain degree of inflammatory stimulation promoted the proliferation and mineralization of DPSCs; however, this effect declined with age. The DPSCs of older donors in an inflammatory microenvironment have a weaker repair ability than that of young donors, who are better candidates for tissues damage repair.


This paper focuses on the impact of fiscal decentralization on the efficiency of fiscal resources at the regional level that will improve the probability of Indonesia avoiding the middle-income trap. From a development standpoint, the implementation of decentralization is not only aimed at increasing fiscal capacity and efficiency, but also at enhancing institutional quality at the local level to support economic growth. A nonparametric method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) is utilized to measure the fiscal efficiency scores of state governments. In the second stage of empirical analysis, a Tobit panel model is constructed to find key factors that affect state fiscal efficiency in Indonesia. The finding of this study confirms that the degree of fiscal decentralization is the key determinant of state fiscal efficiency. Hence, despite the positive impact of fiscal decentralization in Indonesia, the expansion of the state's fiscal spending has caused some degree of inefficiency due to a growing corruption and rent seeking. This could jeopardize the speed and extent of development in the Indonesian regions and also the transition into high-income countries.


In 1978 the late L. T. Giuzalian published a cast brass or bronze bucket (fig. 1) in the Hermitage collections.1 His detailed description of the object and reading of its inscriptions are unnecessary to repeat here. Giuzalian proposed that it should be known as the "Fould bucket," because at the time it was first illustrated in the scholarly literature it was in the collection of the distinguished French collector Louis Fould, in Paris.2 Subsequently the bucket came to Russia, where it passed into the Faberge family, one of whom offered it to the Hermitage for purchase in 1926, though for some reason it was not bought. On the closure of the Fab rg6 workshops and the emigration of the family it remained behind in Leningrad. It appeared in an antique shop in 1946 and somewhat later, in 1953, was acquired by the State Hermitage. That in brief is its recent history. In its somewhat different shape, its unusual decorative composition, and many details of its ornament, the Fould bucket differs markedly from buckets associated with late-twelfthor early-thirteenth-century Khurasan. This was all noted in Giuzalian's article, though he still attrib-


The article is a historiographical study devoted to the analysis of the signs of statehood of such actors of the Middle East policy as Hamas, Hezbollah and ISIS. The purpose of the work is to study the array of scientific literature and on the basis of the extracted data to conclude about the possession of the above actors signs of outcast states, "failed states" and quasi-state entities. Particular attention is paid to the research of individual cases (historical development and the current situation of Hamas, Hezbollah and ISIS), as well as to the works focused on the comparison of these actors. Modern authoritative scientific works on this subject, most of which relate to 2015-2019, were chosen as the basis of the study. The relevance of the study of the characteristics of these organizations is due to the need to expand knowledge about these terrorist groups, understanding of the processes taking place in the unstable Middle East region. On the basis of the literature studied, the author concludes that Hamas, Hezbollah and ISIS have features of both outcast states and "failed states" and quasi-state entities. The author also notes that due to the ongoing wars in the Middle East, the scientific interest in the study of quasi-state Middle Eastern actors in the historiographical sphere will only grow.


The use of MSMA as a grass control herbicide along Louisiana highway rights-of-way is desirable because of its economic advantage in chemical mowing and Johnson grass control. Since MSMA contains arsenic, there has been some public concern over MSMA's possible adverse environmental and health effects due to the buildup of arsenic residues in soil, water and biota. The objective of this project was to obtain baseline arsenic residue data along the highway rights-of-way of five selected highways in Louisiana: LA 7/Webster Parish; LA 15/Catahoula Parish; LA 496/Rapides Parish; LA 42/Ascension Parish; and US 171/Calcasieu Parish. In summary, 432 or 77.3% of all surface-soil samples collected contained from 0 to 50 ppm of arsenic residues while 127 or 22.7% contained over 50 ppm. Most, 14 of 18, water samples contained arsenic residues below 50 ppb which is the EPA Primary Drinking Water Standard. The background (baseline) arsenic-residue concentrations in surface-soil samples ranged from 3.72 ppm to 13.9 ppm of arsenic. The environmental and health risks due to the accumulation of arsenic residues in soil and water appear to be minimal. It was recommended that DOTD continue this monitoring program to maintain a current assessment of the environmental and health risks of MSMA application.


The key problem of GPS height control survey for long span bridge and tunnel is that the height datum on each side of the obstacle is not consistent.So the general GPS leveling method can not be used directly.A new method in this paper is offered to solve the question,which is based on astronomical leveling.First,the general GPS leveling method is used to fit local quasigeoid on each side of the obstacle separately and then surface deflection is determined.Afterwards,principle of astronomical leveling is adopted to compute height anomaly difference across obstacle.The new method based on the above thought is put to the test in the Hangzhou Bay Major Bridge which spans 31 km.The result of the test is compared with grade two leveling.The max difference is 29 mm,the minimum difference is 3 mm and the average difference is 16 mm.Accuracy of the new method reaches grade two leveling.


Abstract By considering the urbanization process on an overland plane whereby a relatively rough permeable surface is replaced by a relatively smooth impermeable surface, the effect of urbanization on the time of concentration is assessed. In the assessment, two opposing urbanization sequences are considered: one from downstream to upstream, and the other from upstream to downstream. The assessment is carried out in terms of the individual effect as well as the combined effect of the Manning resistance coefficient and the runoff coefficient. For both urbanization sequences and for all degrees of urbanization, the assessment shows that surface conversion from rough to smooth or from permeable to impermeable causes the time of concentration to be shorter. Urbanization at the upstream end causes the greatest decrease in the time of concentration, and the reduction in surface roughness causes a greater decrease in time of concentration as compared to the reduction in permeability. Depending on the pre- and po...


We propose a biomimetic electromechanical system mimicking auditory hair cell and investigate its mechanical properties. The biophysical properties of the biological hair cells, mechanical instability, and sensory adaptation are modeled using feedback control. The proposed system shows two different types of response according to their spontaneous oscillations; sinusoidal-like and bistable oscillation. We demonstrate by numerical simulation that, as in auditory hair cells, the sensitivity is larger and frequency filtering is sharper for weaker force signal, which might be applicable for high sensitivity wide-ranged force (sound) sensor.


Detection of oil pollution have been evaluated and assessed by several authors adopting such techniques as field spectroscopy, vegetation health indices, canopy water use efficiency and UAVSAR Polarimetric Backscatter and Decomposition among several others. However, no published study at the moment have sought to utilize and assess the potential of Spaceborne Sentinel1 C-Band SAR Datasets in the characterization of vegetation affected by oil pollution. In this study, field work was conducted across 3 sites of a recent, old and a non-polluted site. The field plot center point was used to retrieve image information for the various sites. Effort was made to assess the underlying characteristics of Sentinel -1 C Band derived Entropy and Alpha Plane Polarimetric scatterers and the field spectral responses. Result shows that the Alpha component of the dual polarization decomposition had stable scattering characteristics after the spill compared to the observed random scattering characteristics before the spill. This however indicates a feasible potential of the Alpha plane component scatterers for discerning stressed vegetation as a result of oil pollution.


ABSTRACT. CXCR4 is the chemokine receptor which aids in chemotaxis of stem cells, such as those in the bone marrow or the brain. SDF-1 is the natural ligand for the CXCR4 receptor. Similarities between novel molecule 390 synthesized by the Miller Lab and SDF-1 make this novel small molecule a possible agonist of the CXCR4 receptor. To determine whether 390 is an agonist to the CXCR4 receptor, we transfected cells with CXCR4 and exposed them to no agonist [vehicle control], SDF-1, or varying concentrations of our agonist drug. Next, we took calcium images using the dye fura-2, which indicates changes in calcium concentration in the cell due to CXCR4 activation. There was an increase in calcium in the cells when 390 was added, indicating that the receptor was being activated. When compared to the natural ligand, SDF-1, the levels were not as high, but they were higher than with the vehicle control. In the internalization assay, both SDF-1 and 390 internalized the receptor. The results suggest 390 is an agonist or partial agonist of the CXCR4 receptor. 390 may be the first small molecule agonist of CXCR4 receptors ever identified and may have a number of uses in medicine.


The Forward Physics Facility (FPF) plans to use neutrinos produced at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to make a variety of measurements at previously unexplored TeV energies. Its primary goals include precision measurements of the neutrino cross section and using the measured neutrino flux both to uncover information about far-forward hadron production and to search for various beyond standard model scenarios. However, these goals have the potential to conflict: extracting information about the flux or cross section relies upon an assumption about the other. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that the FPF can use the low-$\nu$ method -- a technique for constraining the flux shape by isolating neutrino interactions with low energy transfer to the nucleus -- to break this degeneracy. We show that the low-$\nu$ method is effective for extracting the $\nu_{\mu}$ flux shape, in a model-independent way. We discuss its application for extracting the $\bar{\nu}_{\mu}$ flux shape, but find that this is significantly more model dependent. Finally, we explore the precision to which the $\nu_{\mu}$ flux shape could be constrained at the FPF, for a variety of proposed detector options. We find that the precision would be sufficient to discriminate between various realistic flux models.


'Square-root' or 'deVries — Rose' light adaptation is observed over a substantial luminance range in human foveal vision. The classical interpretation is that a detector (presumably in the brain) discriminates the neural signal evoked by the stimulus from the neural noise evoked by quantum fluctuations. It is known, however, that the retina may adjust its gain in inverse proportion to the square root of mean luminance, as observed eg in cat retinal ganglion cells under scotopic or mesopic adaptation. This kind of gain change is approximated even by the primary visual cells, the rods and cones, in at least some vertebrate species up to luminances producing 103 – 104 photoisomerisations per photoreceptor cell, per second. Is square-root adaptation in fact mainly an expression of an inverse-square-root gain in retinal cells? We investigated the roles of gain and noise in human foveal detection of 0.25 deg incremental spots presented for 50 ms on 5 deg steady backgrounds ranging from −0.25 to 2.35 log td, by measuring effects of pixel noise added to the stimulus and background. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that square-root adaptation mainly reflects gain changes, whereas the signal is detected against a constant level of neural noise. They were not consistent with the idea that signals proportional to stimulus intensity are detected against a noise that increases in proportion to quantum fluctuations. Thus, they do not support a simple interpretation of the deVries — Rose law. Still, an inverse-square-root retinal gain may in an evolutionary sense be seen as an adaptation to quantum fluctuations, in view of its functional consequences: (1) that output noise stays constant, independent of luminance level; (2) that light signals of constant statistical significance are encoded by visual responses of constant size.


The influence of afobazole (5-ethoxy-2-[2-(morfolino)ethylthio]benzylimidazole dihydrochloride) on the functional activity of P-glycoprotein efflux transporter and its expression in the liver and small intestine was studied on a group of 17 male Chinchilla rabbits. The functional activity of P-glycoprotein was characterized by the pharmacokinetics of its marker substrate fexofenadine upon single peroral drug administration. The expression of P-glycoprotein was evaluated by the immunohistochemical method. After 14-day administration of afobazole (3.8 mg/kg, 3 times a day), the area under the concentration – time curve of fexofenadine increased and its total clearance decreased. This result was indicative of the inhibition of P-glycoprotein functional activity in the organism. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a decrease in the total expression of P-glycoprotein in the liver after afobazole administration for 14 days.


Previous work on relay networks has concentrated primarily on the diversity benefits of such techniques. This paper explores the possibility of also obtaining multiplexing gain in a relay network, while retaining diversity gain. Specifically, consider a network in which a single source node is equipped with one antenna and a destination is equipped with two antennas. It is shown that, in certain scenarios, by adding a relay with two antennas and using a successive relaying protocol, the diversity multiplexing tradeoff performance of the network can be lower bounded by that of a 2 by 2 MIMO channel, when the decode-and-forward protocol is applied at the relay. A distributed D-BLAST architecture is developed, in which parallel channel coding is applied to achieve this tradeoff. A space-time coding strategy, which can bring a maximal multiplexing gain of more than one, is also derived for this scenario. As will be shown, while this space-time coding strategy exploits maximal diversity for a small multiplexing gain, the proposed successive relaying scheme offers a significant performance advantage for higher data rate transmission. In addition to the specific results shown here, these ideas open a new direction for exploiting the benefits of wireless relay networks.


Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a critical activator of cell apoptosis induced by a diverse array of insults. However, the effects of GSK-3β on the human lung adenocarcinoma cell (ASTC-a-1) apoptosis induced by high fluence low-power laser irradiation (HF-LPLI) are not clear. Here, we showed that GSK-3β was constantly translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus and activated during HF-LPLI-induced cell apoptosis. In addition, we found that co-overexpression of YFP-GSK-3β and CFP-Bax in ASTC-a-1 cells accelerated both Bax translocations to mitochondria and cell apoptosis, compared to the cells expressed CFP-Bax only under HF-LPLI treatment, indicating that GSK-3β facilitated ASTC-a-1 cells apoptosis through acceleration mitochondrial translocation of Bax. Our results demonstrate that GSK-3β exerts some of its pro-apoptotic effects in ASTC-a-1 cells by regulating the mitochondrial localization of Bax, a key component of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade.


Preface. CHAPTER1 ISSUES IN DIAGNOSIS: CATEGORICAL VS. DIMENSIONAL ( Scott O. Lilienfeld and Kristin Landfield ). CHAPTER2 EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: MEASURING PREDICTION, PRESCRIPTION, AND PROCESS ( Eric Youngstrom ). CHAPTER3 GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER ( Karen Rowa and Martin M. Antony ). CHAPTER4 PANIC DISORDER ( Joanna Arch and Michelle G. Craske ). CHAPTER5 OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER ( Jonathan S. Abramowitz ). CHAPTER6 SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER ( Deborah Roth Ledley, Brigette A. Erwin, and Richard G. Heimberg ). CHAPTER7 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER ( Patricia A. Resick, Candice M. Monson, and Shireen L. Rizvi ). CHAPTER8 MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER ( W. Edward Craighead, Lorie A. Ritschel, Eirikur O. Arnarson, and Charles F. Gillespie ). CHAPTER9 DYSTHYMIA AND CHRONIC DEPRESSION ( Daniel N. Klein ). CHAPTER 10 BIPOLAR DISORDER ( David J. Miklowitz and Sheri L. Johnson ). CHAPTER 11 SCHIZOPHRENIA AND THE PSYCHOTIC SPECTRUM ( Elaine Walker, Vijay Mittal, Kevin Tessner, and Hanan Trotman ). CHAPTER 12 EATING DISORDERS: BULIMIA NERVOSA AND BINGE EATING ( Linda W. Craighead and Lucy T. Smith ). CHAPTER 13 EATING DISORDERS: ANOREXIA NERVOSA ( James Lock and Nina Kirz ). CHAPTER 14 ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS: HISTORY, THEORY, AND DIAGNOSIS ( Lara A. Ray, Kent E. Hutchison, and Monika Hauser ). CHAPTER 15 SLEEP DISORDERS ( Allison G. Harvey, Polina Eidelman, and Lisa S. Talbot ). CHAPTER 16 SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION ( Cindy M. Meston and Alessandra Rellini ). CHAPTER 17 PSYCHOPATHY AS PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN ETIOLOGY, ASSESSMENT, AND TREATMENT ( Jennifer E. Vitale and Joseph P. Newman ). CHAPTER 18 BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER ( Jill M. Hooley and Sarah St. Germain ). AUTHOR INDEX. SUBJECT INDEX.


The main point of this work is to study the algorithm for designing H/sub 2//H/sub /spl infin// controllers. In this algorithm there are three Riccati equations two of them being coupled. The numerical problems to solve these equations have been often cited in many papers, and until this time there have not been any conclusive results. In this paper the authors study two algorithms in order to solve these Riccati equations,which are applied in some typical systems that have already discussed. The conclusions are related to convergence, numerical accuracy and processing time.


The initiation of new accreditation standards for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2002 mandated assessing student learning as a requirement for all community colleges. This study examined a non-Californian community college recognized by experts as having successfully institutionalized student learning outcomes. Qualitative data from 18 faculty and seven administrators were examined to determine what elements could be identified as keys to successful implementation. Twelve categories emerged from the data. Each category was further analyzed to elicit elements that were key to faculty and/or administrators and to note similarities and differences among the groups. Faculty were most focused on what impacts their existence in the classroom; they see improvement of teaching and learning as the force behind their commitment. In contrast, administrators tended to take a broad institutional view in describing what was key. Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of understanding these two perspectives as essential to successful implementation. Background American colleges and universities have long been credited as the foundation of our nation's economic success and overall prosperity (National Commission on Excellence in Education [NCEE], 1983). Flagship universities have been touted for their outstanding research programs and numerous contributions to the scientific and intellectual communities. State universities provide liberal arts degrees and specialized program degrees. The advent of the third tier of American postsecondary education - the community colleges - made possible broadening the mission of higher education to include transfer, vocational/ technical education, continuing education, basic skills, and community education programs (Cohen « Brawer, 2003). A 1982 Gallup Poll of attitudes toward public schools revealed that education is extremely important to an individual's future success, and that education is integral to our future strength as a country: "The primary importance of education is the foundation for a satisfying life, an enlightened and civil society, a strong economy, and a secure Nation" (NCEE, 1983, p.8). Beginning in 1983, however, several national reports (NCEE, 1983; Education Commission of the States, 1986; National Governors' Association, 1986) documented decrements in students' academic performance and identified an overwhelming public perception that the quality of higher education had significantly declined. This concern resulted in a nationwide call for education reform - including certification of the quality of student learning and accountability for funding higher education - from the federal government, state governors and legislatures, business leaders, students, families of students, and leaders from within higher education (NCEE, 1983). Today, more than 20 years after these reports on the decline of postsecondary education, we still struggle with securing the confidence of the American public regarding the quality of higher education. "Information about student learning outcomes is important to government, students, and the public because these constituents increasingly tie judgments about the quality of an institution or program to evidence of student academic achievement" (Council for Higher Education Accreditation, 2002, p.l). In an attempt to meet these demands, accrediting agencies continue to develop more forceful accreditation models to improve student learning and regain public assurance (Ewell, 1997). The federal government is also trying to improve accountability via accreditation (Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education, 2006) . The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is the last accrediting agency to adopt standards that include establishing institutional effectiveness based partially on the measurement of student learning outcomes (SLOs) (Gallagher, 2008). These new standards were adopted by California community colleges in 2002 (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 2002). …


Objective:To determine the effects of lower doses of conjugated estrogens (CE) alone or in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on body weight and to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the effect of lower-dose CE or CE/MPA on vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, bone mineral density (BMD), endometrial safety, and side effects such as endometrial bleeding and breast pain. Design:In this large clinical trial [the Women's Health, Osteoporosis, Progestin, Estrogen (Women's HOPE) study], 2,673 healthy, postmenopausal women with intact uteri were randomized for 1 year of CE 0.625, CE 0.625/MPA 2.5, CE 0.45, CE 0.45/MPA 2.5, CE 0.45/MPA 1.5, CE 0.3, CE 0.3/MPA 1.5 (all doses mg/d), or placebo. Weight, BMI, number and severity of hot flushes, vaginal atrophy (as determined by the vaginal maturation index), bleeding profiles, breast pain, and endometrial biopsies were evaluated. A subset of 822 women was randomized into a 2-year substudy to evaluate changes in BMD with lower-dose CE or CE/MPA regimens. Results:After 1 year of treatment, a small but significant (P < 0.05) gain in body weight from baseline was observed in all arms of the study, the largest increase in body weight occurring in the placebo group [1.15 ± 0.21 (SE) kg]. Body mass index had no significant effect on changes from baseline for vasomotor symptoms, bleeding patterns, vaginal atrophy, BMD, endometrial safety, or breast pain when analyzed both by analysis of covariance with baseline BMI as covariate or when participants were grouped into BMI less than 25 kg/m2 and BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater. In placebo-treated women, vaginal atrophy was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 compared with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater. Conclusions:Lower- and standard-dose regimens of CE or CE/MPA are not associated with greater weight gain than placebo. In addition, BMI does not seem to influence effects of these regimens on vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, bleeding profiles, BMD, endometrial safety, or breast pain.


Education became a government task with reform movements in Ottoman Empire. It made progress in terms of quality and quantity in Tanzimat period. The reforms went on during Abdulhamid II period and the education system was made more centralized and the control was increased. Freedom to speak and write and old practices were criticized with the 2 nd constitutional period. One of those who criticized the education system was Âyanzade Namik Ekrem (1878-1917), one of the educators of the period. He criticized the current implementations in his booklet named "Maarif (Education)". Accordingly, education leads to the existence and development of a people. Though Ottoman People was open to develop and it was possible to be supported by education, there were contrary implementations. People were unaware of science and skill, and civilization. The governors remained unresponsive to those. Teachers were appointed with favoritism. The salary of teachers was too low that they couldn't make a living. Even those who didn't receive training could be teacher. Those malpractices caused the bitter fruits, spoiled the education, and ruined the country. The most criticized side of the education during Abdulhamid II period is quality, as it is shown in that booklet. Thus, the problems weren't solved and even they went on in the same way in later years.


Two-phase media theory considers that underground media consist of solid and fluid (include liquid and gas) filled in the pores. And then coal bed gas and coal measure strata is a kind of typical two-phase (solid phase & liquid phase) media. The paper analyzed reflected wave energy information of gas enriching section in goaf and cranny developed area in 3D seismic data adopting maximum energy scanning method based on two-phase media theory and coal-bed gas geology theory, and which showed that seismic wave energy moves to low frequency in two-phase media. And the forecasting gas results are fit close to actual data. So it makes important sense to study forecasting coal gas using 3D seismic exploration technique based on two-phase media theory. 1. The primary wave equation in two-phase media based on Biot theory was studied in the article. The solve of equation shows that there are two kinds of primary waves which are quick P-wave and tedious P-wave; quick P-wave has the same quality to P-wave in single-phase media, and its solid phase displacement is inphase to liquid phase one; tedious P-wave' solid phase and liquid displacement are opposite in phase owing to the existing of two-phase media.


Sarah Gilbert explains what is needed for an effective vaccine against malaria and looks at how some vaccines in development work