The method for the automatic analysis of methamphetamine (MA) and amphetamine (AP) in the urine was developed using a prepstation in combination with a GC/MS instrument. A prepstation can automate many pretreatment steps, such as solid phase extraction (SPE) and derivatization. Human interaction is only required to load the urine samples into vials, cap them and place them on the auto sampler tray. All of the following steps were automated : 1) An urine sample of 1.5 ml was injected into the SPE cartridge (DAU), where MA and AP were retained. 2) The cartridge was then washed with 1M acetic acid (1 ml) and then with methanol (3 ml). 3) The MA and AP were then eluted using 0.1% sulfric acid-methanol (0.5 ml) from the washed cartridge. 4) The elute was evaporated and dried. Then a 4N sodium hydroxide (0.02 ml) and a 10 ppm diphenylmethane in dichlormethane (0.2 ml) internal standard (I.S.) solution were added and stirred. 5) A derivatizing reagent, N-methyl-bis-trifluoroacetamide (MBTFA) was added into the sample. 6) And finally, the reaction mixture was injected into the GC/MS instrument for analysis. The total analysis time for 10 samples was approximately 10 h and 20 min. The calibration curves, using the I.S. method, demonstrated good linearity throughout the concentration range from 0.1 to 10 μg/ml for both MA and AP. Using a scan mode the detection limits were 20 ng/ml for both MA and AP and using selected ion monitoring (SIM) the limits were 1 ng/ml for MA and 3 ng/ml for AP. The relative standard deviation using the scan mode for a 1 μg/ml sample was 5.9% for MA and 6.0% for AP.


In this paper we describe the architecture and the performances of a hybrid modular acquisition and control system prototype we developed in Napoli for the implementation of geographycally distributed monitoring and control systems. The system, an improvement of a VME-UDP/IP based system developed by our group for interferometric detectors of gravitational waves, is based on a dual-channel 18-bit low noise ADC and 16-bit DAC module at 1 MHz, managed by an ALTERA FPGA, that can be used standalone or mounted as mezzanine (also in parallel with other modules) on a motherboard. Both the modules and the motherboard can send/receive the configuration and the acquired/correction data for control through a standard EPP parallel port to an external PC, where the real-time computation is performed. Experimental tests have demonstrated that this architeture allows the implementation of distributed control systems, using a standard laptop PC for the realtime computation, with delay time &Dgr;t < 30 &mgr;s on a single channel, that is a sustained sampling frequency fc > 30kHz. Each module is also equipped with a 20-bit slower ADC necessary for the acquisition of an external calibration signal. The system is now under extensive test in two different experiments, i.e. the control of a Michelson Interferometer to be used as Velocimeter for Seismic Waves in Geophysics and the control of the end mirrors a suspended Michelson Interferometer through electrostatic actuators, a prototype for mirror control for Interferometric Detectors of Gravitational Waves.


Abstract Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) known in USA also as sunchoke, is a perennial plant, well-adapted to humid and cold climats, nonpretencious to soil and with good yield increase. The bulbs are the eatable part that grows in the ground that have certain similitudes with the potato. The value of Jerusalem artichoke as a technical and medical vegetable is based on the chemical composition of the plant. The bulbs of the Jerusalem artichoke harvested in autumn have been sensorially and chemically analyzed along the deposition during the cold season. Measurements were made on the light brown variety with a slightly elongated shape. The low mass loss during depostion, the high content of reducing sugar (4.7- 6.12%) and total carbohydrates (94.27-96.18%) enable their successful use in the functional food and for the production of alcohol.


Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted mechanical recanalization technique in treating acute ischemic stroke. Methods Stent-assisted mechanical recanalization procedure was carried out in 12 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The lesions were located at the anterior circulation in 10 cases and at posterior circulation in 2 cases. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success rate, the vascular reeanalization, the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, the clinical improvement and mortality were observed and evaluated. Results The stent was successfully deployed in 11 patients (92%). After the treatment, different degrees of vascular reeanalization were obtained in all patients. The complete (TIMI 3), partial (TIMI 2) and minor (TIMI 1) reeanalization rate was 58.3% (7/12), 25% (3/12) and 8.3% (1/12), respectively. Postoperative symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in one patient (8.3%). Stroke-related death occurred in one patient (8.3%) and eight patients had their modified Rankin Score ≤ 2. Conclusion For the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, stent-assisted mechanical reeanalization technique is clinically feasible and safe with high vascular reeanalization rate although further studies with larger sample to clarify its clinical usefulness are still needed. (j Intervent Radiol, 2011 , 20: 599-602)


Adequate nutrition of farm animals and efficient use of huge forage resources of our country is impossible without a detailed study of the composition and nutritional value of the forages. Mixed sowings of cereal crops and legume and cruciferous crops retain a high nutritional quality of its herbage longer not only because of higher protein content of legume or cruciferous component, but also because legume and cruciferous crops grow for much longer time than cereal crops, and they form new leaves as contrasted to cereal crops. In such sowings the content of digestible protein ranged from 0.99 to 3.32% in 2010. The chemical composition of forage mixes depends on the ratio of components: the greater the percentage of legume or cruciferous component, the greater the protein content of the herbage, i.e. forage quality increases. The research goal was to study the effect of biological products made of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on the yield and nutritional value of oat, barley and Sudan grass in mixed sowings with legume and cruciferous crops. Of mixed sowings of annual cereal crops with legume crops, the most efficient variant was the one with barley + peas which yielded 36.1 t ha of herbage; and with cruciferous crops, the variant oat + oil radish which yielded 82.0 t ha of herbage. The application of Rizoagrin biological product in mixed sowings of annual crops worked efficiently and the gains of herbage yield made 1.4-70.1 t ha. Of the studied variants, the ones with cereal and legume mixes revealed the greatest nutritional value and balance in terms of chemical composition.


A recent wave of research in political science examines the past using statistical methods for causal inference and formal theory—a field widely known as historical political economy (HPE). We examine the development of this field. Our survey reveals three common uses of history in HPE: understanding the past for its own sake, using history as a way to understand the present, and using history as a setting to explore theoretical conjectures. We present important work in each area and discuss trade-offs of each approach. We further identify key practical and analytical challenges for scholars of HPE, including the accessibility of data that do exist and obstacles to inference when they do not. Looking to the future, we see improved training for scholars entering the field, a heightened focus on the accumulation of knowledge, and greater attention to underexplored topics such as race, gender, ethnicity, and climate change. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Political Science, Volume 26 is June 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


— Forecasting the values of the indicators, which characterize the effectiveness of performance of organizations is of great importance for their successful development. Such forecasting is necessary in order to assess the current state and to foresee future developments, so that measures to improve the organization's activity could be undertaken in time. The article presents an overview of the applied mathematical and statistical methods for developing forecasts. Special attention is paid to artificial neural networks as a forecasting tool. Their strengths and weaknesses are analyzed and a synopsis is made of the application of artificial neural networks in the field of forecasting of the values of different education efficiency indicators. A method of evaluation of the activity of universities using the Balanced Scorecard is proposed and Key Performance Indicators for assessment of e-learning are selected. Resulting indicators for the evaluation of efficiency of the activity are proposed. An artificial neural network is constructed and applied in the forecasting of the values of indicators for e-learning efficiency on the basis of the KPI values.


In our previous studies we have considered a possible use of a manipulator for biomedical applications guided by the so-called tilting-collimator (TC) scintillation gamma-ray camera. The imaged gamma-ray emitting object is localized exploiting our patented method to determine the camera-to-object distance using a TC camera (patent No RM 2006 A 000216, UIBM Roma). Thus the three coordinates of the object are obtained without moving either the camera or the object.


Abstract This study identifies ethno‐political factors as the major contributor to the Christian‐Muslim conflict in Nigeria, while indicating the secondary role of socio‐economic considerations and religious fundamentalism, as exemplified in the Zangon Katafriot of 1992 and the Tafawa Balewa and Bauchi disturbances of 1991 and 1995 respectively. The study reveals that the tension that erupted from these episodes merely ignited the bomb of ethno‐political rivalry between the minority and majority ethnic groups. The eruption of violence on each occasion was the manifestation of the collective anger of minorities that had been incubating over a long period against the domination of the Hausa/Fulani hegemony. Religious and socio‐economic considerations were only incidental factors. It is stressed that, even though the disturbances started as ethnic conflicts, they spread rapidly to other towns in the wake of rumours of their religious connotations. The Christian‐Muslim conflict, which is traced back to the 19...


Abstract RECENTLY there has been rather wide-spread interest among commercial breeders in the use of artificial breeding to improve the reproductive efficiency of many low-fertility strains of turkeys. In order to make artificial breeding as efficient as possible for commercial application, it is important to be able to provide sound recommendations concerning the frequency of mating by artificial insemination with various levels of semen. Generally, it is recommended that poult producers inseminate their breeders with either 0.05 or 0.025 ml. of undiluted semen at intervals of either two or three weeks. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to relate frequency of mating and semen dosage to reproductive performance. McCartney (1952) has previously reviewed the literature concerning the relationship between frequency of mating by artificial insemination and semen dosage and resultant fertility in turkeys. He also reported results from mating turkeys with successive insemination of 0.05 ml. of semen at intervals of …


Recently, optimization technologies are commonly applied in logistics scheduling owing to significantly advanced computing technologies. In this paper, a new system applied for scheduling of crane handling in a slab yard was presented. The proposed method consisted of scheduling optimization and logistics simulation. Computational simulation was conducted with operation data in JFE Steel, allowing a comparison to be made between actual and theoretical crane handling operations. The resulting data showed that this paper' s proposal can reduce the number of handlings by 30%. The effective transportation of slabs contributes to an increase of the customer satisfaction.


The present study aimed to assess the physico-chemical quality of wastewater(s) in order to better control the flow of various pollutants generated by the industries from the industrial zone of Cotonou. Water samples were collected in triplicate in each collector and analyzed for their nutrient and metal content (Cu2+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Al3+ and Pb2+) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) and a five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) were carried out by spectrophotometry. The results revealed highly mineralized waters, indicated by average pH (6.97± 0.34), dissolved oxygen (5.16 ± 0.29 mg/L), electrical conductivity (2280.58 ± 263.97 µS/cm) and total dissolved solids (1076.04 ± 51.01 mg/L). The values of COD (482.05± 1.18 mg/L) and BOD5 (291.67 ±2.19 mg/L) were very high, exceeding the standard for industrial wastewater discharge in Benin respectively by 5 and 11 which is indicative of the presence of very poor biodegradable materials coming essentially from industrial discharge in the study area. The concentration of Cd2+, Pb2+ and nutrient salts indicative of eutrophication were relatively low in the collectors. However, the concentration of Al3+ (2.65±0.03 mg/L) and Cu2+ (10.20 ± 0.14 mg/L) were very high with the later cation being four times higher than the wastewater standard in Benin (2.5 mg/L) for the most heavily loaded collectors. In conclusion, the results of this study provide useful insights for implementation of purification system and efficient management of wastewater from industries.


Abstract 1. The most prominent polymerization of pure butadiene in the absence of peroxides is dimerization. This reaction is thermally activated, and does not appear to be catalyzed by peroxides or by steel surfaces. 2. Butadiene is also capable of independent polymerization to high-molecular-weight polymer, but in the absence of peroxides this reaction is insignificant compared to dimerization. The effect of temperature on the rates of each of these reactions has been determined. 3. In the presence of appreciable amounts of peroxides, polymerization to high-molecular-weight polymer becomes prominent, and is superimposed additively on the thermal dimerization reaction. 4. The addition of suitable antioxidant inhibits the formation of high-molecular-weight polymer, but has no appreciable effect on the rate of dimer formation. 5. The rate of high-molecular-weight polymerization is directly proportional to the square root of the concentration of peroxides (active oxygen). 6. Butadiene is readily peroxidized...


Background Hydrocephalus is a debilitating disorder, affecting all age groups. Evaluation of its global epidemiology is required for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Objectives To define age-specific global prevalence and incidence of hydrocephalus. Methods Population-based studies reporting prevalence of hydrocephalus were identified (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (1985–2017)). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two authors reviewed abstracts, full text articles and abstracted data. Metanalysis and meta-regressions were used to assess associations between key variables. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Main outcome of interest was hydrocephalus prevalence among pediatric (≤ 18 years), adults (19–64 years), and elderly (≥ 65) patients. Annual hydrocephalus incidence stratified by country income level and folate fortification requirements were obtained (2003–2014) from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR). Results Of 2,460 abstracts, 52 met review eligibility criteria (aggregate population 171,558,651). Mean hydrocephalus prevalence was 85/100,000 [95% CI 62, 116]. The prevalence was 88/100,000 [95% CI 72, 107] in pediatrics; 11/100,000 [95% CI 5, 25] in adults; and 175/100,000 [95% CI 67, 458] in the elderly. The ICBDSR-based incidence of hydrocephalus diagnosed at birth remained stable over 11 years: 81/100,000 [95% CI 69, 96]. A significantly lower incidence was identified in high-income countries. Conclusion This systematic review established age-specific global hydrocephalus prevalence. While high-income countries had a lower hydrocephalus incidence according to the ICBDSR registry, folate fortification status was not associated with incidence. Our findings may inform future healthcare resource allocation and study.


Purpose Incineration of plant biomass and refusing lignin rich effluent from paper industry to water bodies were seen as usual practice. This product-oriented research had a promising solution for recycling agro waste. Likewise, high quality handmade papers from dead-dry leaves of Ficus citrifolia, Swietenia mahagoni, Pinus roxburgii and Musa acuminate were obtained. Lignin was found to improve soil fertility and nutrient reservoir for microbial growth. So, this research managed and utilized lignin as liquid carriers to phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizers (PSBs)- Meyerozyma gullerimondi and Providencia rettgeri.
Method Handmade papers made were checked for quality by determining breaking length, burst factor, and gram per square meter (GSM). The essential nutrients in lignin waste were analyzed using FESEM-EDX (Field emission scanning electron microscope- energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). This confirmed suitability of lignin as fermenting carrier media for phosphate solubilizing biofertilizer (PSBs). After fermentation, nutrients were quantified using Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Sulphur (CHNS analyzer), Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The nutritional uptake studies of lignin PSBs were done on Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.
Results Musa acuminate produced handmade papers with the highest breaking length and burst factor (1160 m, 10.43 kg/cm2) followed by Ficus citrifolia (960 m, 7.2 kg/cm2), Swietenia mahagoni (480 m, 13.75 kg/cm2) and Pinus roxburgii (546 m, 4.0 kg/cm2) leaves. This lignin PSBs increased the growth of Vigna unguiculata (L) plant.
Conclusion High quality handmade papers were made from waste leaves. The lignin spent from pulping industry could be utilized as carriers to phosphate solubilizers.


Recent histories of twentieth-century heterosexual behaviour have tended to place the practices of young people centre-stage in accounts of social change. Trends in premarital intercourse have been presented as evidence of changing sexual mores: the varied experiences of married people, beyond the realm of fertility, have less often been interrogated. Yet in the years after the Second World War, extended access to fault-based divorce, a state-sponsored determination to remake family life and an increasing emphasis upon the relational aspects of marriage ensured that marital infidelity was prominent in public discussions of sexual and emotional life. This article therefore investigates illegitimate sexual and emotional intimacies involving married rather than single heterosexuals, unpacking the social meanings and significance of adultery in post-war England. It explains why attitudes towards adultery hardened across the period, even as the practice became apparently more common, by exploring the growing centrality of love and sex to discursive constructions of marriage. In so doing this article offers an account which destabilizes a 'golden age' characterization of post-war marriage and challenges linear models of sexual and emotional change.


Telegram from Arthur W. Crawford to Amon Carter expressing sympathy at the news that his son, Amon, Jr., had been reported missing in action in North Africa.


Every year, there are more than 600 deaths of large truck occupants in fatal motor vehicle crashes. Restraint use by large truck occupants is of concern. In this research note, restraint use of large truck drivers and passengers involved in fatal crashes is examined.


Previous computations of the potential landscape with the shapes parametrized in terms of Cassini ovaloids are extended to collective dynamics at finite excitations. Taking fission as the most demanding example of large scale collective motion, transport coefficients are evaluated along a fission path. We concentrate on those for average motion, namely, stiffness C, friction {gamma}, and inertia M. Their expressions are formulated within a locally harmonic approximation and with the help of linear response theory. Different approximations are examined and comparisons are made with both previous studies, which involved different descriptions of single-particle dynamics, and macroscopic models. Special attention is paid to an appropriate definition of the deformation of the nuclear density and its relation to that of the single-particle potential. For temperatures above 3 MeV the inertia agrees with that of irrotational flow to less than a factor of 2, but shows larger deviations below, in particular in its dependence on the shape. Also, friction exhibits large fluctuations along the fission path for small excitations. They get smoothed out above 3{endash}4 MeV where {gamma} attains values in the range of the wall formula. For T{ge}2 MeV the inverse relaxation time {beta}={gamma}/M turns out to be rather insensitive to the more » shape and increases with T. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society} « less


Artificial nickel thin films, potentially useful as magnetic materials and electrocatalysts, have been prepared by electrodeposition on noble transition metal electrodes. This study employed scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and cyclic voltammetry to study electrodeposition of Ni on Pt(111) from 0.1 M KClO4 + 1 mM HCl + 0.06 M NiCl2. Deposition of Ni was noted at potentials more positive than its Nernst potential, as proton discharge and hydrogen evolution occurred concomitantly. Bulk deposition of Ni commenced at potentials more negative than −0.6 V (vs Ag/AgCl), where reduction of water to hydrogen was imminent. The reduction reaction of Ni2+ ion to Ni metal was a slow process under the present experimental conditions, and not all Ni deposit was removed from the Pt electrode, as indicated by irreversible changes in the voltammetric profiles. In-situ STM provided direct views of the growth process and the atomic structures of the Ni thin film. The first Ni adlayer deposited at E > −0.525 V or the under...


Studying the Party constitution carefully,observing and implementing and maintaining it is a big task of the whole Party.So the sense of Party Constitution must be strenghthened,the education of Party Constitution must be done well and Party Constitution must be carried out carefully. [WTHZ]


Received: 24 May 2017 Final Accepted: 26 June 2017 Published: July 2017 Edentulism is a major health problem that not only affects the oral functions but also the social life, day to day activities, thereby, demeaning the overall quality of life. Therefore, all preventive measures possible should be taken to preserve any remaining tooth and efforts should be directed to return an individual to an idealized state of oral being. In this article, two such case reports are discussed where special technique sensitive denture fabrication is done to conserve the remaining teeth and surrounding alveolar bone, thereby increasing patient satisfaction.


Dear Editor, we would like to share ideas on the publication "Delayed exacerbation of COVID-19 pneumonia in vaccinated kidney transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressants: a case series." McMillan et al describe a case of post-Moderna COVID-19 immunization arterial infarction exacerbated by intractable cerebral hypertension. McMillan et al stated that, while correlational, her medical team suspected that the mRNA vaccine played a role in this presentation. The negative effects of COVID-19 infection and immunization are largely unknown. McMillan et al stated that, while problems are uncommon, doctors should be aware of cases like these. We note the possibility of thrombohemostatic problems following the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination, like natural infection, can elicit an immune response. The immune reaction to COVID-19 has previously been demonstrated to generate increased blood viscosity and thrombohemostatic problems. Before concluding that it is due to the vaccine, it is vital to consider the possibility of a problem arising prior to inoculation. A noteworthy case study is the prior report on thrombotic incident few minutes after vaccination. In that report, a patient who was waiting for COVID-19 vaccination at a vaccination site encountered an unexpected clinical issue. The medical workers at the immunization unit saw the clinical problem and referred the patient to the emergency unit, where he was eventually diagnosed with a thrombotic problem. If the case presented in the McMillan's article is proven to be a true adverse event caused by the immunization, the underlying process could be similar to that seen in the COVID-19-related thrombohemostatic issue.


The European Council on Foreign Relations recently launched a Scorecard that evaluates the EU's influence and role in over eighty foreign policy areas, which then boil down into six key themes. Karen E.Smith finds the exercise useful in highlighting issues for concern, and in perhaps persuading European leaders to engage with foreign policy failings.


Finding the place of accommodation is one of the most crucial issues during a journey. This study aims to support the decision-making of tourists for choosing the optimal accommodation by combining fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The adopted criteria are the cost per room, the distance from the center, the level of security, the place rating, and the availability of free cancellation and breakfast. Due to some uncertainty and diversity of criteria, the FAHP approach is applied to consolidate tourists' decisions by applying criteria weighting, while the GIS is used to overlay the weighted criteria and to visualize the ranked places of accommodation on a map. The combined technique is applied on a case study in Budapest City, where the analysis is conducted on 364 places of accommodation. The results show that half of the places are recommended for tourists, and more than fifth of the accommodations are highly recommended. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the cost per room was the highest influential criterion with 0.233 importance weight, followed by the security level with 0.205. The lowest factor affecting the choice of accommodation was the free cancellation service. It was demonstrated that the rating weight importance was 0.182, while the breakfast and the distance from the center had approximately the same importance. As a recommendation, some improvements on the accommodation, such as decreasing the cost per room, enhancing the services, or developing the quality of the places, would increase their attractiveness for tourists.


Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was first described in 1672 by Thomas Willis (1621–1675), a brilliant English physician who lived during the Baroque. The Baroque is often defined as the art or culture of the Counter-Reformation, an expression of specific values that were inherent to the conflicted state of the human soul during that time. The cardinal symptom of RLS is an imperious, compulsive, irresistible urge to move one's legs. It is an inner disposition towards disquiet, which is also present in all artistic manifestations of the Baroque. The symptoms of RLS express the antitheses of rest and motion, calm and storm, stability and imbalance, surface and depths. We believe that the Baroque was an important contributor to the description of RLS and that RLS is a condition expressed similarly to that of Baroque art (e.g., writings, paintings, etc). During the time when Willis lived, all cultural manifestations were of the Baroque. These included move ment, asymmetry, contrast, lurid color, and harmony displaced by imbalance. Furthermore, the period of Baroque was necessary for RLS to come to be.


With the development of 3D sensors, 3D point cloud data can now be obtained conveniently. Therefore, it is crucial to process point cloud data automatically. Region growing is a commonly used algorithm to segment point clouds, which greatly depends on the accuracy of points' normals and requires tuning two thresholds; i.e., the increment of curvature ( $\sigma _{th}$ ) and normal angles ( $\theta _{th}$ ). In this paper, we improve the region growing algorithm in two ways: Accurate normal estimation and strengthening the region growing criteria. For the first aspect, principal component analysis (PCA) is utilized to estimate the initial normals of the point cloud. Then, the points are divided into regular points (RP) and sharp feature points (SFP), according to their initial normals. A robust estimator-based PCA is then applied to refine the SFP normals. For the latter aspect, non-connected and non-coplanar points are detected and ignored when region grows. Finally, the segmentation performance of the proposed method is evaluated using internal and external indices. The results indicate that the proposed method can accurately estimate the point normals within an acceptable time, and obtain a better result than the classic PCA-based region growing algorithm and advanced DetMM-based methods.


Information diffusion and social influence are more and more present in today's Web ecosystem. Having algorithms that optimize the presence and message diffusion on social media is indeed crucial to all actors (media companies, political parties, corporations, etc.) who advertise on the Web. Motivated by the need for effective viral marketing strategies, influence estimation and influence maximization have therefore become important research problems, leading to a plethora of methods. However, the majority of these methods are non-adaptive, and therefore not appropriate for scenarios in which influence campaigns may be ran and observed over multiple rounds, nor for scenarios which cannot assume full knowledge over the diffusion networks and the ways information spreads in them. In this tutorial we intend to present the recent research on adaptive influence maximization,which aims to address these limitations. This can be seen as a particular case of the influence maximization problem (seeds in a social graph are selected to maximize information spread), one in which the decisions are taken as the influence campaign unfolds, over multiple rounds, and where knowledge about the graph topology and the influence process may be partial or even entirely missing. This setting, depending on the underlying assumptions, leads to variate and original approaches and algorithmic techniques, as we have witnessed in recent literature. We will review the most relevant research in this area, by organizing it along several key dimensions, and by discussing the methods' advantages and shortcomings, along with open research questions and the practical aspects of their implementation. Tutorial slides will become publicly available on https://sites.google.com/view/aim-tutorial/home.


AGENCY OR OFFICIAL TO WHOM THE COMMITTEE REPORTS The PCPID shall make an annual report to the President concerning intellectual disabilities through the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Such additional reports may be made as the President may direct or as the PCPID may deem appropriate. Discussions regarding the development of the annual report to the President should be aligned with the appointments of new members at the first full PCPID Committee meeting. If members are not being appointed and there is no quorum until the third quarter of a fiscal year, the annual report should be submitted to the President during the following fiscal year.


The x‐ray absorption coefficients of the metals Al, Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn have been measured for radiations in the 1.5–3‐keV range. Monochromatic x rays were obtained by diffracting characteristic x‐ray lines with a crystal. Freedom from fluorescent radiation was ensured by using crystals of low‐Z material. The absorber thicknesses as well as the time distributions between measuring I and I0 were optimized. The average of nine transmission measurements taken with the absorber in nine different positions was used in computing the absorption coefficients for each element. Comparison of absorption coefficients obtained with different absorbers of the same element indicates an experimental uncertainty of 1–4%.


Emerging from the cosmic web, galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the universe. Thought to have begun their assembly at 2 1.5 where major assembly is in progress. The search for galaxy clusters at high redshift, so far, has been mildly successful and only a handful of clusters at z > 1.5 have been confirmed. Because this redshift range was essentially unreachable with previous instrumentation, it was dubbed a 'redshift desert'.
The work presented in this thesis has made a major contribution to this field. The Clusters Around Radio- Loud AGN (CARLA) survey, a 400 hr targeted Warm Spitzer program, observed 420 radio-loud AGN (active galactic nuclei) at 1.3 1.5. We also showed that radio-loud AGN reside in denser environments than similarly massive galaxies. This makes high-redshift clusters around radio-loud AGN particularly interesting as they can reveal how galaxies in the most massive dark matter halos assembled.
A complementary project, HERGE (Herschel Radio Galaxy Evolution Project) observed a sample of 71 radio galaxies at 1 < z < 5 at far-IR wavelengths with the Herschel Space Observatory. Supporting data in the mid-IR, partially in the near-IR and at sub-mm wave- lengths allow to study cluster fields in more detail. A pilot project on a single field showed that we can identify cluster members and constrain their star-formation properties.
These projects laid the foundation for future work, which will make a significant impact on understanding the formation of the most massive structures over several billion years.


Insurance is a protection against financial hammering arising on the happening of an unexpected event. Insurance policy helps in not only mitigating risks but also provides a financial militate against adverse financial loads suffered. Insurance is a contract between two parties, the insurer or the insurance company, and the insured, the person seeking the cover. Within this contract, the insurer agrees to pay the insurer for financial losses arising out of any unforeseen events or risk in return for a regular payment of premium. Therefore, these insurance plans are also called as a Risk Cover Plans, which means to financially compensate for losses that occur uncertainly through accident, illness, theft, natural disaster.


Gravity measurements with different kind of absolute gravimeters and spring gravimeters were started at the Marine Experimental Observatory Shults Cape of Il'ichev Oceanological Institute, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences from 2010 year. Simultaneously, on the polygone, located in the South of Primorie, started the geodetic measurements by GNSS methods for determination of the coordinates and study of gravimetric points' displacements. Gravimetric measurements are used to solve structural and monitoring tasks. Planned and high-altitude geodetic measurements are necessary for the correct interpretation of gravimetric results and obtaining reduced gravity values. Complex measurements with absolute and relative gravimeters are used to test the metrological characteristics of relative gravimeters such as SCINTREX and GPhone. As a result of the analysis of tidal variations of gravity, corrections to the absolute data were obtained. Carrying out measurements at different altitudes using absolute gravimeters of the GABLM-M type made it possible to reduce the values of gravity and compare experimental and theoretical estimates. The results are used in structural geological studies in Primorie. The second task of the research was to determine the level of time variations of gravity, 3D displacements of the earth's surface and determine their nature. According to measure-ments in the period 2010–2020, the effects associated with the Japanese earthquake of 11.03.2011 with a magnitude of M = 9,0 were investigated. At a distance of 1000 km from the epicenter, the mag-nitude of post-seismic subsidence for the period 2012–2020 was 22 m, gravity increased by 6 microgal. According to the shape of the attenuation curve of vertical displacements, a model was selected and an estimate of Maxwell's time (T = 3 years) was obtained. Within the framework of a two-layer model, the viscosity of the earth's crust lower part – the asthenosphere on the edge of the continent – was determined.


While cloud computing provides lower Infrastructure cost, higher agility and faster delivery, it also presents higher operational and security risks for business critical assets, but a well-designed solution and security architecture will keep businesses safe during and after migrating their assets to the cloud. This paper has researched and identified best security practices and how to improve a security architecture in a cloud environment.


AN ARTICLE POLYMERIC Hydrophilic (10) has metal oxide particles dispersed in a polymeric binder MATERIAL (12). THIS IS A GREAT surface (18) of the polymeric material (12) to remove polymeric binder and thus provide a ratio of more of the atoms of metal to the carbon atoms at the surface (18) of polymeric article REGARDING YOUR INTERIOR. The polymeric article (10) PROVIDES EXTRAORDINARY EFFECTS OF WATER DISPERSION SURFACE (18), making ARTICLE (19) is especially useful for their use as coating a retroreflective SHEET (16).


The paper presents some preliminary train of thought as to construction principles,equipment,teachers and practical implementation in the light of the status quo of the physical experiment centre of Henan University of Technology in combination with the construction practice administration experience.


We review and discuss higher derivative and nonlocal theories of quantum gravity focusing on their UV and unitarity properties. We first consider the general fourth-order gravitational action, then actions containing derivatives up to any given fixed order, and discuss their UV divergences, fixed points and concomitant unitarity issues. This leads to a more general discussion of "asymptotic safety" and unitarity, which motivates the introduction of nonlocal theories containing derivatives to all orders arising from the expansion of entire functions. For such theories good UV behavior is visible at any finite truncation, but unitarity emerges only when derivatives to all orders are included.


The main factors affecting the texture of a fondant are its formulation, related to the presence of other ingredients besides sucrose, the crystallization temperature, beater design and beater speed. This investigation evaluated the influence of process parameters on the textural characteristics and water activity of fondants produced with glucose syrup obtained by hydrolyzing manioc starch. A small-scale prototype of an industrial beater with a capacity for 1 to 2 kg.h-1 was designed and tested. It consisted of a double jacketed cylinder containing a screw conveyor. The screw size (diameter, length and path), gap between the screw and the external tube and the range of screw rotation (a frequency inverter was coupled to the motor to allow for speed changes) were used as design criteria. Samples of fondant formulated with sucrose and 42DE manioc starch syrup were produced, and the influence of the crystallization temperature and rotation speed on the texture and water activity evaluated by a central composite design based on the fit to a second-order polynomial model, using response surface methodology. The results indicated that, considering the responses for water activity and texture, the use of the fondant beater equipped with a 250 mm length screw with a 27.2 mm diameter, allowed one to obtain an appropriate texture and microbiological stability using manioc starch syrup levels of at least 20% (minimum water activity), rotation speed between 105 and 110 rpm and an initial beating temperature of 60 °C.


Solid-state diffusion bonding of tungsten to tungsten was investigated at temperatures ranging from 1700 to 2600 nif- C, under surface contact pressures up to 3000 psi, while under high vacuum or hydrogen atmosphere. Various interface coatings were employed to promote diffusion, including graphite, oxide, metal slurries, electroplates, direct surface oxidation, and Mo - -W deposits from carbonyl decompositions. Thorough metallurgical bonding was achieved, particularly with the latter two surface coatings, after 2 hours at 2350 nif- C in H/sub 2/ under 1400 psi. Corresponding tensile strengths of 30,000 psi were obtained. Powder-compacted tungsten sheet containing 50 vo1% UO/sub 2/, spray-coated with an outer layer of tungsten, was effectively bonded to itself and to tungsten metal under 2 hour diffusion treatments at 2000 nif- C and moderate pressures of the order of 1000 psi. (auth)


The difficulty to detect cold H2 in metal-poor galaxies ([1]) has led to the hypothesis that atomic gas could contribute to the star-forming gas reservoir ([2]). However, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of the molecular gas may not be detectable in CO transitions ([3]). This is especially true in low-metallicity environments where the low dust abundance results in enhanced far-UV photon penetration and CO photodissociation within a zone where H2 is self-shielded and where IR/sub-mm tracers such as [CI] and [CII] may emit. Therefore, the total amount of H2 in metal-poor galaxies and the fraction that lies in a cold dense phase is largely unknown. I will present two new results that shed a new light on the tracers of the CO-dark molecular gas and on the distribution of dense clouds in lowmetallicity galaxies.


ABSTRACT Although managerial ability is important for credit risk assessment, it is unclear whether local credit rating agencies consider it an independent risk factor. We examine how Korean agencies evaluate the impact of managerial ability on bond rating depending on controlling shareholders' ownership structure. We identify controlling shareholders using family-owned businesses (chaebols). The results show that the positive effect of managerial ability on bond rating is diminished in chaebol firms, especially those with a high control–ownership wedge, compared to non-chaebol firms. These findings suggest that managerial ability carries higher weight in the rating process for firms with better ownership structure.


Operation control device for operating a lighting means (11), with an alternating voltage source (23) connectable input circuit (20) and an output circuit (13) to which the bulb (11) can be connected, existing with the input circuit (20) controllable supply voltage source (22) for a supply voltage (UV) is available, with an inverter circuit (18) which is connected to the supply voltage source (22) and an AC voltage (UAC) for the output circuit (13) makes available to and (with a control device (30) which is connected for driving with both the supply voltage source (22) and to the inverter circuit (18) and for setting a target operating state of the luminous means (11) both the supply voltage (UV) of the supply voltage source 22) and, adapted thereto, the voltage frequency (f) for the AC voltage (UAC) purports wherein the output circuit (13) in the equivalent circuit of a linear current source (34) with an internal resistance (Ri) corresponds to the amount of which depends on the voltage frequency (f) of the AC voltage (UAC), wherein the control device (30) matched the voltage frequency (f) the supply voltage (UV) is adjusted such that a predetermined relationship between the lamp resistance (RL) and the internal resistance (Ri) is obtained.


In this paper, various types of defects (both threading dislocation and misfit dislocations) in strained Si (sSi) have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Germanium upper-diffusion has been studied by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for strained Si on SiGe/SOI. SGOI-devices processed using an optimized thermal budget show minimal Ge diffusion and minimal process related defects. Correlation between the device performance (such as leakage current and reliability) and structural information found in TEM has been established.


Based on our earlier work on partial logics and extended logic programs Wag91, Wag94, HJW96], and on the possibilistic logic of DLP94], we deene a compositional possibilistic rst-order logic with two kinds of negation as the logical basis of semi-possibilistic and possibilis-tic logic programs. We show that in the same way as the minimal model semantics of relational databases can be reened to the stable model semantics for normal logic programs (see GL88]), the minimal model semantics of fuzzy databases can be reened to the stable semantics for semi-possibilistic logic programs. We also show that while normal logic programs under the stable model semantics can be embedded in semi-possibilistic logic programs under our stable semantics, extended logic programs under the answer set semantics of GL90] can be embedded in possibilistic logic programs under our stable semantics.


As conference interpreters we all understand what we mean when we refer to interpreting as a "profession":  a field of work that requires specialized knowledge and training on the one hand, and the bo


To determine whether super‐activation of PPARγ can reprogram human myoblasts into brown‐like adipocytes and to establish a new cell model for browning research.


Parallel training can speed up the convergence of machine learning models via splitting the workload into multiple accelerators by the wide array of possible parallel paradigms (e.g., data parallelism, model parallelism, attribute parallelism, and pipelining parallelism). However, most machine learning frameworks lack sufficient support for these flexible and sometimes complex parallel training schemes (e.g., TensorFlow does not provide convenient APIs for any paradigm other than data parallelism), and the engineering effort to support all parallelisms in all machine learning frameworks seems gigantic. In this paper, we demonstrate that most parallel training designs/paradigms can be abstracted as a computation graph transformation problem, so that they are realized via computation graph duplication, splitting, augmentation, and assignment to different accelerators, which are then connected by send/recv channels for tensor communications. Furthermore, conducting such computation graph transformations in a por table I R allows the engineering efforts of parallel training to be widely applied across machine learning frameworks. We propose an extensible parallel training search space which describes parallel training schemes in a declarative fashion. We then implement a computation graph transformation compiler that can instantiate the parallel schemes into explicit execution plans, which are readily executable on modern machine learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow). We maximize code reuse by handling parallel configurations and computation graph transformations in extended ONNX, which can be ported to machine learning frameworks by adapting their existing ONNX frontend/backend implementations. Our design reflects a few good themes in machine learning frameworks, including code reuse via powerful IR (as in MLIR) and separation of declaration and realization (as in Halide/TVM).


Abstract : During this contract thin-film GaAs solar cells using semitransparent Pt layers as the barrier contact have been made and investigated to improve their photovoltaic characteristics. Studies of the GaAs film, grown by the close-spaced oxide transport process, and the barrier contact structure, consisting of the Pt film, gridding and antireflection coating, led to the fabrication of cells with the following maximum efficiencies: 5.1% for 0.2 cc, 4.5% for 2.0 cc and 3% for 4.0 cc. It was shown that degradation of these cells in room ambient is due to the post-evaporation etching used during the fabrication process. Stable cells were made with efficiencies of 2.8% for areas of 2.0 cc. Tests were made to evaluate the effects of temperature, vacuum, moisture, ultraviolet light, and proton radiation on the Pt-GaAs structure. (Author)


An implicit time integration is presented for solving the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations spatially discretized by a high-order Discontinuous Galerkin Spectral Element Method (DGSEM). In particular, we consider implicit Runge-Kutta methods as Explicit step Singly Diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta (ESDIRK) schemes and a xed preconditioned matrix-free Newton-Krylov solver for the appearing non-linear systems. We investigate and compare the e ciency of di erent preconditioners, which are based on the analytically computed block Jacobi, exploiting the tensor product structure of DGSEM. For this study we also consider the e ects of CFL number, polynomial degree, space dimension and Reynolds number. To evaluate the performance we compare the computing time of the implicit scheme to an explicit Runge-Kutta time integration. Depending on the setup and the choice of parameters we show that the computational e ciency of the implicit solver can be increased and outperform the explicit solver in terms of CPU time.


We present experimental results on the first computer-generated waveguide hologram based on an InGaAsP-InP waveguide for 1550-nm optical wavelength. The potential of waveguide holograms as optical interfaces at fiber optical communication wavelengths is demonstrated by the successful operation of a waveguide-to-free-space fan-out element producing a 4/spl times/4 spot array.


Background: This study aimed to build a prognostic score model based on ferroptosis- and pyroptosis-related genes to predict overall survival (OS) and optimize the treatment of the hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patient.Methods: The gene expression data and clinical information of HCC patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Using data mining approach, this predictive signature was constructed and validated. The performance of predictive signature was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC).Results: A total of 4 genes (ABCC1, G6PD, GSDME, HMOX1) were utilized to construct a prognosis model. The prognosis model exhibited good performance based on the AUC (AUC: 0.826 at 1 years, 0.796 at 3 years, 0.867 at 5 years). The calibration plots showed excellent calibration. Functional analysis revealed that significant enrichment of immune related processes.Conclusion: A prognostic risk model was developed from ferroptosis- and pyroptosis-related genes for HCC. The model could help clinicians more accurately and convenient predict the OS of individual HCC patients.


Simple Summary LPS is one of the main virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria. In the breeding process of geese, due to the influence of environmental factors, harmful bacteria easily breed in the water body, resulting in an increase in the concentration of LPS in the goose. The liver has an important function of clearing LPS, but excess LPS can induce liver damage, resulting in a reduced production performance for the goose. In our study, we found that LPS induces inflammatory damage in the liver. Further, through transcriptome sequencing analysis, we screened 727 differentially expressed genes for LPS-induced liver injury, and we performed enrichment analysis. The results showed that LPS-induced liver injury in geese may be the result of the joint action of Toll-like receptor, MAPK, NOD-like receptor, FoxO, and PPAR signaling pathway. Among them, the TLR7-mediated MAPK signaling pathway plays a major role. Abstract Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is one of the main virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria. In the process of waterfowl breeding, an inflammatory reaction due to LPS infection is easily produced, which leads to a decline in waterfowl performance. The liver plays a vital role in the immune response and the removal of toxic components. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of liver injury induced by LPS in goose. In this study, a total of 100 1-day-old goslings were randomly divided into a control group and LPS group after 3 days of pre-feeding. On days 21, 23, and 25 of the formal experiment, the control group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mL normal saline, and the LPS group was intraperitoneally injected with LPS 2 mg/(kg body weight) once a day. On day 25 of the experiment, liver samples were collected 3 h after the injection of saline and LPS. The results of histopathology and biochemical indexes showed that the livers of the LPS group had liver morphological structure destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the levels of ALT and AST were increased. Next, RNA sequencing analysis was used to determine the abundances and characteristics of the transcripts, as well as the associated somatic mutations and alternative splicing. We screened 727 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with p < 0.05 and |log2(Fold Change)| ≥ 1, as the thresholds; GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that LPS-induced liver injury may be involved in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, FoxO, and PPAR signaling pathway. Finally, we intersected the genes enriched in the key pathway of LPS-induced liver injury with the top 50 key genes in protein–protein interaction networks to obtain 28 more critical genes. Among them, 17 genes were enriched in Toll-like signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, these results suggest that LPS-induced liver injury in geese may be the result of the joint action of Toll-like receptor, MAPK, NOD-like receptor, FoxO, and PPAR signaling pathway. Among them, the TLR7-mediated MAPK signaling pathway plays a major role.


Addresses the problem of stabilizing a class of imperfectly known nonlinear time-delay systems of the neutral type; that is the time-delays occur in the state velocity vector. The imperfections are modelled as nonlinear perturbations influencing a known nominal time-delay system and may be time, state, delayed-state and/or input-dependent. Adopting a deterministic methodology based on Lyapunov stabilization theory and Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, a delay independent stability criterion is proposed that is sufficient to ensure global uniform asymptotic stability for the prescribed class of time-delay systems.


BACKGROUND
 Psychological problems among children and adolescents have become a public health issue.

 OBJECTIVE
 This study aimed to investigate associations between screen time (ST), outdoor activity (OA), and emotional and behavioural health problems (EBHPs) among South Chinese children and adolescents

 METHODS
 Purposive sampling has been adopted from April to May 2019 to conduct a questionnaire survey among 30,188 children and adolescents in grade 1 to 12 from 14 schools in 6 streets in Baoan District of Shenzhen according to the three stages of street - school type - school. EBHPs were measured with the strengths and difficulties questionnaire; OA and ST data were obtained through self-reporting. Descriptive analyses, chi-squared tests, and logistic regressions were performed using SPSS 23.0

 RESULTS
 In our study, 42.4% students had insufficient OA, 24.2% students had excessive ST, the abnormal of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, hyperactivity problems, prosocial behaviour, and total difficulties scales were 18.5%, 6.9%, 6.4%, 13.1%, 10.7% and 8.8%. There were significant associations between ST/PA, independently and through interaction, and EBHPs among children and adolescents. Participants with high exposure to ST were more likely to have EBHPs than those with low exposure; participants with low exposure to PA were also more likely to have EBHPs than those with high exposure. The interactive associations of ST and PA on EBHPs were stronger than those of ST or PA individually.

 CONCLUSIONS
 Our results show positive associations between ST, OA, and EBHPs. They indicate that interventions should be considered for decreasing ST and increasing OA in children and adolescents.


One major objective of the distributed architecture of the Internet is precisely that of insulating the networks as a whole from any particular failure. Indeed, as seen, the Internet responded to the 9/11 events very robustly, particularly in the United States and Europe, the loss of a major telecommunications facility adjoining the WTC notwithstanding. But this may not have been the case in more peripheral parts of the Internet; South Africa reported a significant and prolonged outage at the time.


This communication presents an approach to design a beam-steerable dipole array with low radar cross section (RCS). A 2-D periodical array of dipole antennas is colocated with absorptive frequency-selective reflection (AFSR) structures to effectively reduce the out-of-band RCS and maintain high gain at the in-band frequencies. The AFSR structures consist of 3-D bandstop frequency-selective structure (FSS) and pyramidal-shaped absorbers to provide a reflection band for the dipole array with enhanced front-to-back ratio. Compared with the reference array, the radiation performance of the proposed array is maintained with an aperture efficiency of 70% and a measured peak gain of 21.5 dBi. The beam-steering angle is up to ±45°. Meanwhile, more than 10 dB two-sided out-of-band RCS reduction is achieved with a bandwidth of 96.5% and 30% for copolarization and 142% for cross polarization, and the in-band RCS is unchanged.


Significance: Reported is the synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted azetidines through the ring opening and subsequent ring closing of an epoxide. This reaction is proposed to proceed through intermediate A, which is formed due to steric demands in preference to the products of tosylate displacement or attack at the alternate epoxide site. Two alternate pathways for the subsequent transformation of intermediate A into azetidines are proposed; proton transfer followed by 4-exo-tet cyclization, or tosylate displacement to form another epoxide followed by a 4-endo-tet cyclization. Although the former is favored, isolation of intermediates was not achieved and therefore the mechanism remains unproven. Comment: Azetidines are important molecules both as synthetic intermediates and as part of biologically active entities (F. Couty, G. Evano Synlett 2009, 3053). The present method could be a useful way of synthesizing azetidines from commercial or easily available amines, although the use of three equivalents of the amine would probably prove prohibitive for valuable amines. The substrate scope was intelligently examined with a small subset of amines and showed that although the yields were usually good they dropped considerably when anilines were used (4-fluoroaniline 43%, 2-methoxyaniline failed), potentially due to lower nucleophilicity. Secondary amines were examined and resulted in bis-addition of the amines. Variation of the epoxide was not attempted. N OH TBSO


Crack is a general defect in the manufacture and operation of the pipeline,and it is harm to the pipeline.In order to raise the inspection accuracy of this type of defect,ultrasonic testing method was used with two methods such as echo amplitude and ADDT method to evaluate the crack quantitatively.The experiments showed that the echo amplitude method was suitable to evaluate the crack with depth less than 1.5 mm,and the ADDT method was suitable to evaluate the crack with depth more than 1.5 mm.With the increase of radial depth of the cracks,the errors increased for both method,but the error of the echo amplitude was larger.There were many factors related with the inspection accuracy,such as equipment,level of inspector and crack characteristics,and all the factors should be considered.


Summary. The aim of the study was to present an argument for treatment algorithm of patients with extremity gunshot injuries complicated by suppurative inflammation.
Materials and research methods. Examination and treatment of 163 patients with gunshot wounds of the extremities were performed. All the wounded were divided into 3 study groups. The patients of group 1 underwent conventional treatment of gunshot wounds. In group 2, negative pressure wound therapy was used. Wounded patients of group 3 received vacuum-assisted therapy supplemented by the proposed scheme of counter-drainage and flow-through flushing irrigation of wounds with antiseptic solutions of 0.02 % decamethoxine and 3 % hydrogen peroxide. Bacteriological study of wound exudate was carried out, and sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics was determined.
Results and its discussion. Wound microbiology analysis in victims of blast and mine-blast injuries demonstrated predominance of gram-negative bacteria in wound microbiocenosis — Acinetobacter spp. (53 % of cases) and Pseudomonas spp. (15 % of cases). Gram-positive cocci were isolated in 22.2 % of cases. Sensitivity study of nonfermentative gram-negative rods demonstrated them to have high level of resistance to most antibacterial agents. All strains of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas spp. were sensitive to polymyxin B and colistin but resistant to inhibitor-protected and -unprotected amino penicillin.
Beneficial effect of vacuum therapy in patients of groups 2 and 3 was evidenced by significantly reduced time of wound healing and hospital stay. The use of suggested mixture of antiseptics resulted in decrease of inflammation in 94.45 % and 88.89 % of patients in groups 3 and 2, respectively. Besides, in group 3, duration of hydration phase in wound healing process decreased to 5.7 days. The period of complete wound healing was shorter by 2.5 days, and hospital stay decreased from 14.97 to 10.8 days.
Conclusions. Thus, predominance of gram-negative microorganisms in gunshot wounds as well as their high resistance to antibiotics should be considered when undertaking empirical antibiotic therapy in wounded patients. The proposed treatment algorithm involving negative pressure wound therapy supplemented with counter-drainage and flow-through flushing irrigation with a mixture of suggested antiseptics proved to be highly efficient in patients with extremity gunshot injuries complicated by suppurative inflammation.


A tag-release study is illustrated using radio-tagged chinook ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) smolts to concur- rently estimate passage rates and survival probabilities through the spillway and turbines of a hydroelectric project. The radio antennas at the forebays of the dam were arranged in double arrays allowing the estimation of route-specific detec - tion probabilities and converting smolt detections to estimates of absolute passage. A maximum likelihood model is pre- sented using the downstream detection histories to jointly estimate the route-specific passage and survival probabilities. In turn, these estimates were combined to estimate smolt survival through the dam, pool, and the entire hydroelectric project. The detailed migration information derived by these techniques can be used to evaluate mitigation programs focused on improving downstream passage of migrating salmonid smolts. At a mid-Columbia River hydroproject, the average spillbay survival calculated across replicate releases of hatchery and run-of-river yearling chinook salmon smolts was 1.000 (estimated standard error, = 0.0144). Average survivals through the two different powerhouses at the hydroproject were estimated to be 0.9409 ( = 0.0294) and 0.9841 ( = 0.0119). Project survival after combining the route-specific survival and passage probabilities was estimated across stocks to be 0.9461 ( = 0.0016). Resume : Des saumoneaux du saumon quinnat (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) ont ete munis de radio-emetteurs et relâ- ches dans le but d'estimer leur taux de passage et leur probabilite de survie a travers le canal de fuite et les turbines d'un complexe hydroelectrique. Les antennes radio dans les biefs d'aval du barrage etaient placees en rangees doubles pour permettre l'estimation de probabilites de detection specifiques a la route choisie et la conversion des detections de saumoneaux en estimations de passage absolues. On trouvera ici un modele de vraisemblance maximale qui utilise les donnees de detection d'aval pour estimer a la fois le passage en fonction de la route et les probabilites de survie. Ensuite, ces estimations ont ete combinees pour evaluer la survie des saumoneaux a travers le barrage, le bassin et tout le complexe hydroelectrique. L'information detaillee sur la migration fournie par ces techniques peut servir a evaluer les programmes de mitigation qui visent a ameliorer le passage vers l'aval des saumoneaux migrateurs. A une installa- tion hydroelectrique du cours moyen du Columbia, la survie moyenne dans le canal de fuite calculee d'apres une


Abstract Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cv. Bragg and its supernodulating mutant nts 1007 were grown in pots containing vermiculite with a N-free nutrient solution in order to examine the effect of elevated CO2 concentration (100+20 Pa CO2 ) on biomass production, photosynthesis, and biological nitrogen fixation. The whole plant weight increase in Bragg was higher than in the mutant at a high CO2 concentration. Apparent photosynthetic activities of the upper leaves in both Bragg and the mutant increased up to 14 d after treatment initiation by the CO2 enrichment and thereafter decreased to some extent. Both leaf area and leaf thickness of Bragg increased more than in nts 1007. With the elevated CO2 concentration, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) also responded in the same manner as biomass production in both Bragg and nts 1007. The increase of BNF in Bragg was largely due to an increase in nodule weight. Starch contents in the leaves of both Bragg and the mutant increased significantly by CO2 enrichment...


INTRODUCTION For many digital games, a player is able to construct their digital identity with an avatar. Digital games often prescribe character customization interfaces (CCIs) which allow the player to create or customize their avatar. Yet, the range of possibilities given to a player is restricted by the design choices placed by the game's interface, ultimately limiting the "possibilities a certain [avatar] has to interact with the game mechanics" (Tronstad 2008, 253). This means that while avatars can aesthetically represent the player and offer them a virtual existence, mechanics can hinder the ways in which the player plays and performs in the virtual space. In these cases, there is very little negotiation accessible to the player, as the restrictions are unidirectional with no reciprocity between user and the hard-coded user interface affordances.


The theoretical model for the polarization-based tunable birefringence fiber filter is presented by using principal states of polarization.The tuning mechanism resulting from the polarization state has been theoretically discussed,and the characteristics of the tunable filter have been studied with this model.The results show that the tunable characteristics of filter are determined by phase difference between horizontal and vertical components of input signals.The polarizer and amplification of the input signal vectors have no effects on the tunability.Linearly tuning with the maximum transmittance can be realized by changing the phase difference if appropriate polarizer and directional angle of the input signal vectors are selected.


A series of bisindolylalkane derivatives in yield of 64%~95% were synthesized by electrophonic substitution reaction of indoles with various carbonyl compounds using binaphthol-derived phosphoric acid as the catalyst.The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR,13C NMR and HR-MS.


There is no gainsaying that the Niger Delta is like a beautiful damsel raped severally with her supposed protector pretending to be defending her while collaborating with the rapists exposing her to more violations. The advent of oil extraction in the region has left it more despoiled than one can imagine. The ungodly and poorly regulated romance of the Multinational Oil Corporations, the Nigerian State and the oilbearing/ producing communities can best be described as dangerous Mosquitoes perching on the very testicle of an old man, and any attempt to kill it spells trouble. Leaving it will equally mean exposing the man to acute malaria. This paper examines the precarious situation of poverty in the Niger Delta induced by the very activities of MNOCs operating without respect to international environmental best practices. Attempts at checking the situation seem to have fallen on deaf ears and in most cases military repression on the part of the government that should protect her citizens whose livelihoods have been bastardized with reckless abandon and impunity. Using the Economic Penetration and Integration Theory, the paper draws a glaring link between environmental terrorism and poverty in the Niger Delta.


Nobody could accuse the Royal Statistical Society's President Andy Grieve of looking for a quiet life. As well as being a consultant statistician for pharmaceuticals company Pfizer, he has for many years been heavily involved with the Society and Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry. However, he claims to Helen Joyce that his early career was shaped by a fondness for "taking the easy option".


Although a number of studies in animal models have shown changes in hemoglobin content and blood cell counts after lead administration during gestation and lactation, lead induced hematological changes are not well established. In the present study, hemoglobin content and blood cells of normal and lead exposed pregnant and lactating Swiss mice were compared in which selected pregnant females were treated with lead acetate by gavages (266.66, 533.33, 1066.66 mg/kg BW) during gestation and lactation. Animals were exposed to heavy metal lead orally from day 10 of gestation to 3 rd weeks of lactation. Hemoglobin content and blood cell counts were examined on 17 th day of gestation and on 1 st , 7 th , 14 th and 21 st day after birth. The results indicated that in lead intoxicated pregnant females, hemoglobin content and red blood cell (RBC) counts decreased and white blood cell (WBC) counts increased. From the results of above study it can be concluded that high levels of lead exposure during gestation and lactation can severely damage heme synthesis and alter the number of RBC and WBC.


Two-dimensional magnetoplasmons are studied in a classical gas of electrons bound to a liquid-helium surface. A new and unpredicted resonant mode has been observed. The density and magnetic field dependences of this new mode differ strikingly from normal magnetoplasmons. These new resonant modes are interpreted as edge magnetoplasmons of the two-dimensional charge sheet.


This study evaluated the effects of social interaction training on the social interactions directed by high school students without disabilities toward peers with severe disabilities. Eight high school students who were peer tutors in a classroom for students with severe disabilities were matched in pairs and then randomly assigned to interact with and serve as partners for four classmates with severe disabilities. Only one participant in each peer tutor pair received the social interaction training. A statistical analysis indicated that the training increased the frequency of initiations of interactions directed from the students without disabilities toward their partners with severe disabilities. There was also an increase in the proportion of interactions that were social in nature, with a resulting decrease in the frequency of task-related interactions, as well as a significant increase in targeted social behaviors of the participants with severe disabilities.


The article uses the model of classical, non-classical and post-non-classical rationality. Post-non-classics is defined in the perspective of increasing the dependence of the object of Science on its method; the paper also analyzes the subjectivity of a new type in the modern theory of knowledge. On the basis of the undertaken analysis, the conclusion is made about the adequacy of phenomenological sociology of a new type of paradigmality — both its General worldview principles and transformations of the social theory itself. Thus, it is shown that phenomenological sociology makes a significant contribution to overcoming the extremes of mentalism and behaviorism in the explanation of human actions by social theory; from the point of view of the General ideological orientation, phenomenology outlines a new vector of relations between natural science and humanitarian knowledge.


I used to occupy a studio in the Montparnasse section of Paris. In 1962 the razing of buildings began in my neighborhood to make way for the construction of a huge complex of modern buildings that now includes the new Montparnasse Railroad Station and the skyscraper called 'Tour Montparnasse'. Many artists occupying studios in that area were upset, as I was, about the prospect of having to move away. After resisting vacating my studio for eight troublesome years, I finally yielded in 1972 and the building was leveled. Fig. 1 shows the building in 1971.


Activation of pro‐caspase‐3 is a central event in the execution phase of apoptosis and appears to serve as the convergence point of different apoptotic signaling pathways. Recently, mitochondria were found to play a central role in apoptosis through release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. Moreover, a sub‐population of pro‐caspase‐3 has been found to be localized to this organelle. In the present study, we demonstrate that pro‐caspase‐3 is present in the mitochondrial fraction of Jurkat T cells in a complex with the chaperone proteins Hsp60 and Hsp10. Induction of apoptosis with staurosporine led to the activation of mitochondrial pro‐caspase‐3 and its dissociation from the Hsps which were released from mitochondria. The release of Hsps occurred simultaneously with the release of other mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins including cytochrome c and adenylate kinase, prior to a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In in vitro systems, recombinant Hsp60 and Hsp10 accelerated the activation of pro‐caspase‐3 by cytochrome c and dATP in an ATP‐dependent manner, consistent with their function as chaperones. This finding suggests that the release of mitochondrial Hsps may also accelerate caspase activation in the cytoplasm of intact cells.


This study was conducted to assess the factors that affect women's participation in two trade union groups in Cabuyao and Binan, Laguna, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to (a) characterize the respondents; (b) determine the motivations of women in joining trade unions; (c) discuss the roles women have assumed in their organization; and (d) propose recommendations in further increasing women's participation based on the trade union's suggestions. The data collection involved personal observation, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and survey interviews. The data obtained from the focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were incorporated in the discussions, along with the notes on personal observation. The data gathered from the interviews which employed complete enumeration were analyzed in terms of frequencies and presented in percentages as the research is descriptive in nature. Results showed that the top motivation of women for joining the trade union is to advocate for workers' rights. The trade unions have high regards towards women unionists because even if they are not seated in leadership positions, they serve multiple functions in the organization and this helps the organization attain their goals. The top factor limiting their participation in the union is domestic responsibilities, specifically child-rearing as the majority of them already have their own families. The most frequently-mentioned suggestion of both the respondents and the trade union officers to further increase women's participation in the trade union is to maintain the regular conduct of educational discussions.


Taking Kunshan City for an example,the workflow and the architecture of the emergency response system for urban public security was offered.The role and realization of the WebGIS in the system was analysed,and,real-time and visual posioning based on different ways and related buffer analysis was realized.


Problems are discussed of the combined action of phenols and metals on luminous bacteria. It is shown that the toxic effect of a mixture was not always equal to the expected additive action. An assumption is made that during a combined action phenols and metals act on the principle of competing inhibition.


An episode of pulsed emission of ultrahigh energy radiation from the eclipsing binary millisecond pulsar, PSR 1957+20, lasting 57 minutes has been detected on January 30, 1987 using the EAS array at Ooty. Arrival times for showers observed during this burst, when folded with the 1.607 millisecond period of the pulsar, show evidence for pulsation of the episodic flux. The transient flux and the luminosity coresponding to these observations are estimated. The episode occured near the orbital phase of Lagrange point L 4 .


The purpose of this study was to assess secondary agriscience teachers' perceptions, expertise, and importance of agriculture content areas in the curriculum. To accomplish this study the following objectives framed the investigation: describe Alabama secondary agriscience teachers by personal characteristics including teacher certification pathway, describe Alabama secondary agriscience teachers by professional development needs, and explore the relationships between Alabama secondary agriscience teachers by professional development needs and personal characteristics. The population was representative of agriculture teachers in Alabama teaching agriscience education in grades 9-12. The data collection instrument included four thematic units: FFA/Leadership Development/SAE, Technical Agriculture, Program Management, and Teaching and Learning. Findings were evaluated using analytical triangulation between statements and individual item analysis. The areas of professional development needs were determined by the mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS) in the four thematic categories. Alabama agriscience teachers identified competency areas with the highest MWDS as: FFA/Supervised Agricultural/Leadership Development (MWDS = 3.04), Technical Agriculture (MWDS = 2.48), Program Management (MWDS = 2.17), and Teaching and Learning (MWDS = 2.00).


In this study, a new accurate hand biometric modality for person authentication is proposed. This modality consists in the basis of the finger, which is located below the proximal knuckle and above the metacarpo knuckle of the finger, and which was not investigated yet in the literature. A multimodal biometric system which uses a new combination of metacarpo and distal phalanx is also designed and tested. Additionally, an improved features extraction method called Average Line Local Binary Pattern (ALLBP), is introduced to improve features extraction of this region of the inner print of the finger. Experimental tests on a standard database show very good performance of the basic Inner ‐ knuckle print for biometric recognition using ALLBP, and the high accuracy of the proposed hand bimodal system.


The apparent emptiness of Lower Nubias archaeological map between the end of the Twentieth Dynasty and the eighth century BC (and beyond), combined with the negative connotations of the unfortunate term Third Intermediate Period, resulted in the view that with the end of the viceregal administration all political and social institutions disintegrated between the First and Third Cataracts, the more so that, after a gradual population decline starting in the Nineteenth Dynasty, by the end of the New Kingdom the region became almost completely uninhabited and it remained so for the next millennium or even longer. The monument of Kadimalo displays the kind of dualism encountered in earlier monuments employing Egyptian writing and/or iconography but created in periods of relative isolation from contemporary Egypt. Egyptian mortuary religion offered an elementary view of political continuity even if it was only incompletely perceived and accepted in Kush.Keywords: Egyptian writing; Kush; Lower Nubia; Queen Kadimalo; Third Intermediate Period; viceregal administration


This thesis reconstructs historically the "debate on fatalism" which originated with the publication of the "Essay on man" by Alexander Pope in France between the years 1730 and 1760. Translated for the first time in France in 1736, Pope's poem caused a long "querelle" as to the presumed fatalism of which his optimistic theodicy was accused within the ambience of French apologetics. The orthodoxy of "tout est bien" was soon the object of attacks aiming to put in the spotlight its incompatiblity with Christian doctrine : according to the apologists involved in the debate. , Pope was rehabiliting human nature, denying the dogma of original sin ; was celebrating self love and concupiscence and was inviting the belief in freely enjoying earthly pleasures.


The stability of esophagojejunal anastomosis after total gastrectomy is one of the most complex issues for gastrointestinal surgeons. Because esophagojejunal leakage (EJL) can result in mortality due to pleural and peritoneal abscesses, many centers have their own routine screening protocols for the early detection of EJLs. The treatment of EJL varies from conservative care to re-operation. A few case reports have recently tried endoscopic His-toacryl injection (EHI) to the EJL site during several endoscopic


A model is presented that yields optimal production rates for a firm producing a contracted order. The model is unique in that it considers the influence of production rate and learning on total program cost. An application to the specific characteristics of two military production programs is presented. As demonstrated by the application, models of this type may be used as decision-making tools when negotiating the cost impact of contract modifications.


This paper focuses on scientific analysis of roman tesserae from Palencia and Leon. Almost all the analysed materials resulted to be performed in variscite mineral. During roman times there are two different moments of use of this semiprecious stone: high roman period, when it was used to perform body ornamentation, and late roman period, when it use was reduced to tesserae production. We have also performed source analysis by comparing the obtained compositional data with Iberian ancient mines data.


By the reaction between polycarbosilane and tetrabutoxititanium,polytitanocarbosilane PTC-Ⅰ containing Ti(atom ratio Ti/Si=0.02—0.04)weresynthesized.The spinnability and the melting point of PTC-Ⅰ are changed regularly withincreasing the content of Ti.By the reaction between diphenylsilanediol andtetrabutoxititanium,a oligomer of polytitansiloxane was obtained.Polymer PTC-Ⅱ con-taining higher Ti content(atom ratio Ti/Si=0.10)was synthesized by the reaction be-tween polycarbosilane and polytitansiloxane.SiC fibers containing Ti have been obtainedfrom PTC-Ⅰ and PTC-Ⅱ having good spinnability as their precursors.


This paper presents the issues involved in selecting an appropriate file declustering method to serve various access patterns on distributed parallel computing environments. A good file declustering method for multiple access patterns must (1) maximize the overall local access ratio, (2) minimize the performance variance between the access patterns, and (3) balance disk loads. The variable striping file declustering (VSFD) method is proposed for optimizing the file allocation in the I/O nodes with multiple access patterns and can increase the local access ratio. In addition, VSFD can provide uniform and consistent performance across different access patterns, because it is able to induce the smallest variance in local disk access ratios for different access patterns.


The electrical explosion of metal wire can be used to prepare the ultra fined powder.In usual wire explosion process,a metal wire is connected with two electrodes,through which the large current flows,therefore the electrodes are ablated easily.For solving above problem,an experimental setup of electrical explosion of segmented metal wire,which isn't contacted with electrodes of the high voltage field,was developed.With variations of the distance between electrodes,length of the segmented metal wire,and voltage of electrical field,a series of explosion experiments of segmented metal wire were carried out in the high voltage field.It was observed that the breakdown between electrodes and tips of the segmented wire provided the channels through which the current flowed in the segmented wire for explosion to occur,so that ablation of the electrodes could be alleviated.The end tips of the segmented metal wire,around the point of air breakdown which is known as the shunting arc,did not explode in the same way as the rest of the wire,the length of the non-exploding tip was about 0.5~2 mm.In order to suit the powder preparation,the processing conditions of wire electrical explosion in the high voltage field are as follows,for the given field voltages of 6,7,8 kV,the corresponding ranges of difference between electrode span and wire length are 1.8~4 mm,2.2~5.8 mm and 3.2~8 mm,respectively.


Patient compliance is a widely used but often ill-defi ned term. It is also a signifi cant challenge for the global healthcare market and all of its major stakeholders, with serious economic and societal implications. In the USA alone it is estimated that patient non- compliance costs the economy around US$100 billion annually, including US$8 billion in lost pharmacy revenues. Beyond this, patient non-compliance is proving to be a persistent thorn in the side of a growing global focus on improving health outcomes. The ramifi cations for the pharmaceutical industry are huge. Many companies are seeking to develop alternative dosing and formulation strategies to tackle the problem. Studies have shown that once-daily and twice-daily treatments are most commonly associated with good compliance, while injectable medicines are considered the most respected among many patients. But pharma companies appear very slow to adopt and embrace new interactive technologies to tackle compliance, despite growing evidence that they can help improve performance. Standard communications technologies such as email and SMS (Short Message Service) can now be deployed to deliver timely reminders to patients in routine care settings to take their medicines. But industry uptake is sluggish, perhaps because the escalating costs of traditional drug development are such that the sector appears cautious to invest further in another aspect of the R&D process, uncertain of the value it may provide. Greater work, therefore, needs to be done to highlight the true value of new technologies in compliance programmes within pharma. But before that battle can be won, a thorough understanding of patient non-compliance and the factors that are central to it is essential. This Expert Review, Patient Compliance and the Need for Technologies, explains the background to patient compliance issues and sets the scene for an exploration of how technology can be harnessed to improve this signifi cant but widely under-acknowledged challenge.


[Objective] The aim was to study the coupling relationship between economic development and ecological environment.[Method] Firstly,the evaluation index system for the coupling system of economic development and ecological environment in Xi'an City was established,then the dynamic variation of coupling relationship between economic development and ecological environment in Xi'an City from 2001 to 2010 was analyzed by using entropy method,finally some corresponding suggestions were put forward according to the problems in the current development model.[Result] The economic development and ecological environment of Xi'an have made a significant upgrading and improvement from 2001 to 2010,namely showing a stable upward trend on the whole,and were in a well-coordinated development state in 2010.However,the development level of ecological environment obviously lagged behind economic development level after 2005.In addition,there were obvious differences in the development rate of sub-systems,that is,economic efficiency and economic level developed rapidly,while the carrying capacity of ecological environment and economic vitality grew slowly and unstably.[Conclusion] The research could provide theoretical bases for the establishment of strategies for the coordinated development economy and environment in Xi'an City.


Over the past five years we have been involved in the design of projection display products based on LCD panels. We have specialized in a particular application, where the panel is placed on the stage of a standard overhead projector and electrically connected to the video output of a personal computer. The LCD panel thus provides a low cost and portable method for projecting a computer screen large enough for group viewing. Our designs have been paced by the available LCD technology. As we refined our designs, we accumulated a ''wish list'' of LCD panel features. To our great satisfaction, most of our wish list desires have been met by the first generation of commercially available active matrix LCD panels. To set the stage for a discussion of active matrix technology, we first describe the technical characteristics of the predecessor technology, now known as ''passive matrix''. Then we explain the particular advantages of active matrix technology in our designs.


A new online streaming video and multi‐media application called eTEACH, http:eTEACH.engr.wisc.edu was used to reform a large, lecture‐based computer science course for engineering majors. In‐class lectures were replaced with videotaped lectures and other materials that students viewed on the Internet on their own schedule, making it possible to use the live class periods for small, team problem‐solving sessions facilitated by the professors and a teaching assistant. By using the eTEACH application to transform course lectures into "homework" and free up the face‐to‐face class time for working on problems that were similar to homework assignments, the professors effectively reversed the lecture and homework paradigm of a typical large lecture course. A thorough course evaluation over two semesters showed that students who took the online lecture version of the course gave significantly higher ratings to all aspects of the course, including lecture usefulness, professor responsiveness, the course overall, and the instructor. Although a few students missed having the opportunity to ask questions during lectures, about two‐thirds of the 531 students surveyed felt it was easier to take notes and understand the lectures presented via eTEACH than it would have been while attending the same lecture live, and 78% of students appreciated the ability to view and review course lectures on their own schedule.


Previous studies have suggested that insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) deficiency may lead to cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between cognitive function and concentration of IGF‐I or amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in serum in Alzheimer's patients.


Post globalization and liberalization era it is essential for an organization to survive and excel in the competitive environment and in the process Human Resource Management in an organization plays a pivotal role. To evolve winning HRM strategies in the organization, it becomes imperative to understand the need to build a committed workforce which is conflict free and whose expectations are well met by the organization. The modem corporate practice is to source their valuable leadership oriented managerial resources from leading Business schools in the country and the present day young generations who step in to the organization in managerial cadre are mostly confronted with intergenerational issues at workplace. This study explored the work place expectations on Gen Y employee's value dimensions and related it to see its impact on levels of commitment and found that age and siblings have a role in shaping up work place preferences among generation 'Y'. They also value to be close to their co-workers and look forward to social environment of working together.


Clinical environments are high cognitive load environment that are fraught with errors. Introduction of technological artefacts can often disrupt clinical workflow causing unnecessary interruptions and increasing risk for errors. There is hence a need for systems that have high usability and behave in a veridical manner. This requirement renders ambient monitoring and evaluation as attractive solutions for clinical environments. Ambient systems employ devices that are seamlessly integrated in a userpsilas environment, providing unobtrusive and interactive access to digital media. These devices, when networked in systems of sensors, actuators, and computational units, can support intelligent, adaptive machine behavior. Haptics as a modality has an important and indispensable role to play in the evolution of user-centered ambient interfaces. The haptic modality is largely untapped, while the vision and auditory modalities are often saturated. The advent of sophisticated haptic interfaces and tangible interfaces makes it possible to employ haptics in ubiquitous and veridical interactions between people and technology, providing supplementary and/or complementary information from a separate information channel. This talk will present challenges and opportunities of employing ambient haptic systems in clinical environments. The talk will lay down a broad theoretical framework to employ such systems successfully in clinical environments while avoiding pitfalls. The proposed theoretical framework is aimed to provide design, development and evaluation guidelines for ambient haptic systems in clinical environment. The application of the framework will be presented through examples of ambient haptic systems for clinicians, patients and hospital administrators.


1. Pieces of secondary phloem of lilac planted on an agar medium inhibit the growth of Cytospora sp. Inhibition is weakest at the cambial, strongest at the oldest, face of the tissue. 2. Ether is a suitable solvent for extraction of the active substance; ethanol is less satisfactory, and none is obtained by cold aqueous extraction. Activity of the extracts is retained through autoclaving but not through dialysis. 3. Antifungal activity is located chiefly in extracts of the phloem of lilac; extracts of leaves and xylem are only slightly inhibitory to fungal growth. Phloem extracts from five other species of trees are less active than that of lilac. 4. Lilac-phloem extracts inhibit seed germination and root growth of cucumber. Lilac-phloem tissue explants which contain a high proportion of old cells proliferate less extensively in sterile culture than those consisting of young cells only. This parallels the distribution of antifungal activity in the tissue.


Globin gene transfer in autologous hematopoietic stem cells is a promising therapeutic option for subjects with β-thalassemia major. In this approach, high level, erythroid specific transgene expression is needed to correct ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolytic anemia following the delivery of few copies of therapeutic vector per cell. Several groups have successfully treated mouse models of severe hemoglobinopathies utilizing lentiviral vectors encoding β- or γ-globin genes placed under the transcriptional control of the human β-globin promoter and the HS2, HS3 and HS4 elements of the β-globin locus control region. The HS2 and HS3 elements are the most powerful and the best characterized single elements within the LCR. The relative importance of HS1 and HS4 is less well defined. We show here the major roles played by HS1 and HS4, which although not seen in MEL cells, are striking in β-thalassemic mice. The effect of HS1 element was tested in vectors, derived from the previously published TNS9 vector, that harbor different globin promoters (either 265, 615 or 1555bp in length). Addition of HS1 to vectors containing the 615bp or 1555bp promoters had no effect on average transgene expression per vector copy (VC) and even decreased average transgene expression from 38±3% (n=32 MEL cell pools) to 26±2% (n=23) of endogenous β-globin levels (p


A series of laboratory tests were performed to investigate the variation of the unconfined compression strength according to the temperature change of weathered granite soil and clayey soil. The temperatures were low down below zero. During the tests, the variations of unfrozen water contents and ultrasonic wave velocities were also tested and the interrelationship of these three factors were analyzed. Test results are summarized as follows : 1)As the temperatures were lowered, the unconfined compressive strength was increased rapidly in weathered granite soil, but the unconfined compressive strength was increased relatively slow in clayey soil compared with weathered granite soil. 2)At the same temperature blow zero, the unconfined compressive strength was higher in weathered granite soil than in clayey soil. 3)As the temperatures were lowered, Young's modulus was increased in both weathered granite soil and clayey soil, but Poisson's ratio was decreased slightly in both soils. 4)Ultrasonic wave velocity and Young's modulus were increased with increasing strength in both weathered granite soil and clayey soil. 5) The unconfined compressive strength was decreased with increasing unfrozen water contents in both weathered granite soil and clayey soil.