(1) Ca-2+/Mg-2+-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase was found in the supernatant fluids of a variety of tissues, including cerebral cortex, cerebellum, kidney, liver, and heart. (2) this enzyme required Ca-2+, Mg-2+, and an activator protein (PAF) for the activity. In the presence of these ingredients the enzyme hydrolyzed cyclic GMP preferentially when incubated with a low concentration (0.4 muM) of substrate. (3) The enzyme devoid of PAF was eluted in fraction II with a molecular weight of approximately 150,000 after Sephadex G-200 gel filtration of the supernatant fluids using medium containing EGTA. PAF thus separated from the enzyme was eluted in a fraction corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 28,000 by gel filtration. Stimulation of the activity of fraction II by Ca-2+ was completely dependent on the addition of PAF. (4) Formation of an active enzyme-PAF complex with an estimated molecular weight of 200,000 was demonstrated by gel filtration of a mixture of the enzyme and PAF in medium containing Ca-2+. It is likely that the activity of the Ca-2+/Mg-2+ in a concentration range of approximately 1 to 10 muM, as shown in the following equation: [Enzyme] inactive + PAF + Ca-2+ in equilibrium [enzyme - PAF - Ca-2+] active. More than one PAF protein may bind to one molecule of enzyme to form an active complex. Equilibrium of the above equation is probably determined mainly by the intracellular concentration of Ca-2+ in vivo. (5) The enzyme-PAF complex was more labile after heat treatment than the free form of enzyme. (6) PAF was isolated from all tissues listed in (1). The levels of PAF and of fraction II did not correspond exactly.


The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a high performance and highly reliable advanced serial cornmunication protocol which effıciently supports distributed real-time control systems at high speed, low cost, and a very high level data security. The CAN was originally developed as an automotive standard for a serial interface between electronic control units, but in a short time, it has become a desirable, cheap solution for networks in industrial environments. The fast growth of the CAN in industrial applications results some potential problems such as the size of the area that the devices, controlled by the CAN, are distributed and the communication between the CAN and the existing network systems (such as Ethernet or ATM). One of the solutions to these problems is to use bridges. However, the characteristics of the CAN creates problems, when CAN segments are connected by a bridge, since CAN frames do not contain any information related to destination address, source address, or LAN number that are used by traditional address-hased bridges for routing decisions. Thus, new bridges (suitable for the CAN protocol features) must be designed to overcome the problems. The objective of this paper is not only to investigate the characteristics of bridged CAN systems and to give a bridge proposal to connect CAN segments, but also to design and implement bridges that connect the CAN and existing LAN s and provide communication between them.


Due to high data volume, massive spatial data requires considerable computing power for real‐time processing. Currently, high performance clusters are the only economically viable solution given the development of multicore technology and computer component cost reduction in recent years. Massive spatial data processing demands heavy I/O operations, however, and should be characterized as a data‐intensive application. Data‐intensive application parallelization strategies, such as decomposition, scheduling and load‐balance, are much different from that of traditional compute‐intensive applications. In this article we introduce a Split‐and‐Merge paradigm for spatial data processing and also propose a robust parallel framework in a cluster environment to support this paradigm. The Split‐and‐Merge paradigm efficiently exploits data parallelism for massive data processing. The proposed framework is based on the open‐source TORQUE project and hosted on a multicore‐enabled Linux cluster. A specific data‐aware scheduling algorithm was designed to exploit data sharing between tasks and decrease the data communication time. Two LiDAR point cloud algorithms, IDW interpolation and Delaunay triangulation, were implemented on the proposed framework to evaluate its efficiency and scalability. Experimental results demonstrate that the system provides efficient performance speedup.


Egeland et al. (1) reported significantly low testosterone and high gonadotropin levels in men exposed to dioxin. Noting that this hormone profile is hypothesized to cause low offspring sex ratios (proportions male), I predicted that if dioxin causes the hormone profile associated with it, then exposed workers should produce an excess of daughters after exposure (2). Mocarelli et al. (3) recently reported a highly significant excess of daughters born to parents following such exposure in the Seveso disaster in 1976.1 infer that dioxin was indeed responsible for the hormone profile of men exposed to it as described by Egeland et al. (1).


Software tools applied to circuit analysis and design are rapidly evolving, enabling students to move beyond the time-consuming, math-intensive methods of traditional circuit instruction. By incorporating MATLAB(r) 7.0 and PSpice(r) 10.0, alongside systematic use of the Laplace transform, Yang and Lee help readers rapidly gain an intuitive understanding of circuit concepts. * Unified scheme using the Laplace transform accelerates comprehension * Focuses on interpreting solutions and evaluating design results, not laborious computation * Most examples illustrated with MATLAB(r) analyses and PSpice(r) simulations * Downloadable programs available for hands-on practice * Over 130 problems to reinforce and extend conceptual understanding * Includes expanded coverage of key areas such as: --Positive feedback OP Amp circuits --Nonlinear resistor circuit analysis --Real world 555 timer circuit examples --Power factor correction programs --Three-phase AC power system analysis --Two-port parameter conversion Based on decades of teaching electrical engineering students, Yang and Lee have written this text for a full course in circuit theory or circuit analysis. Researchers and engineers without extensive electrical engineering backgrounds will also find this book a helpful introduction to circuit systems.


A controlled study of 30 children with recurrent abdominal pain and 30 pain free children failed to show any statistically significant differences between the groups on a variety of psychological variables thought to be associated with psychogenicity. A psychogenic basis has often been assumed as the cause in diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain when clinical examination and laboratory tests show no organic or medical reason. We emphasise that establishing a psychogenic cause is only indicated where there is positive evidence for psychological factors such as family or school stress, extreme personality characteristics, or modelling of family pain behaviour.


A common assumption exists according to which machine learning models improve their performance when they have more data to learn from. In this study, the authors wished to clarify the dilemma by performing an empirical experiment utilizing novel vocational student data. The experiment compared different machine learning algorithms while varying the number of data and feature combinations available for training and testing the models. The experiment revealed that the increase of data records or their sample frequency does not immediately lead to significant increases in the model accuracies or performance, however the variance of accuracies does diminish in the case of ensemble models. Similar phenomenon was witnessed while increasing the number of input features for the models. The study refutes the starting assumption and continues to state that in this case the significance in data lies in the quality of the data instead of the quantity of the data.


The equatorial anomaly is the dominant structure in free electron concentration in the tropical ionosphere. Due
to its edges (crests) which are characterised by steep latitudinal gradients in TEC and are temporally and spatially
variable, it is one of the ionospheric regions most difficult to image with inversion methods. In this paper
we reconstruct an International Reference Ionosphere model of the equatorial ionosphere by employing a grid
of virtual ground GPS receivers and actual GPS satellite positions. The MIDAS algorithm, an inversion method
for reconstructing the ionosphere as a linear composition of given empirical orthogonal functions, is used. Comparing
the true model ionosphere with the resulting images a fine tuning of the basis functions (vertical profile
contraints) in the inversion is realised.


Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage and brain edema is a critical part of stroke pathophysiology. In this mini-review, we briefly survey the potential role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in BBB dysfunction. A large body of data in both experimental models as well as clinical patient populations suggests that MMPs may disrupt BBB permeability and interfere with cell-cell signaling in the neurovascular unit. Hence, ongoing efforts are underway to validate MMPs as potential biomarkers in stroke as well as pursue MMP blockers as therapeutic opportunities. Because BBB perturbations may also occur in neurodegeneration, MMPs and associated neurovascular unit mechanisms may also be potential targets in a broader range of CNS disorders.


Before discussing human genetic technology Blank be- gins with a chapter that places technology within the cultural and political framework of American society. He pays particular attention to problems and issues raised by technology in general, subsequently focusing on the more specific difficulties raised when technology involves genetic manipulation. A discussion of the current "state of the art" in human genetic technology follows, and Blank explains why many see genetic manipulation as a sub-stantial boon to humanity. Some of the topics discussed are genetic screening, artificial insemination, sperm banking, and in vitro fertilization. , After this introduction, Blank's attention shifts to some basic concepts from democratic theory and public policy. These concepts provide a framework for the analysis of the issue of the proper role of government with regard to human genetic technology. A cost-benefit and technology-assessment analysis of several genetic intervention methods follows, as well as some attempt to identify emerging genetic issues in the United States today. Blank thinks that the problems associated with genetic technology will intensify in the coming years and, in turn, will create some difficult problems for politicians, who will be forced to make many "no win" choices. The final argu- ment is that democratic society has a responsibility to encourage the constructive use of human genetic tech- nology-always, however, giving due care to the rights of individuals and exploring as fully as possible the impli- cations of each innovation before it becomes widely uti-lized. I found this book, The Political Implications of Human Genetio Technology by Robert Blank, to be an informative and thorough presentation of the political and societal problems created by the new genetic technology. As a biologist, I have primarily been exposed to these areas from a scientific viewpoint. Consequently, Blank's book, with its emphasis on the political and social implications, represents a new and different viewpoint for me. I found


Superimposition of 125 non-nucleoside inhibitors from human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase structures reveals a novel binding space deeper into the enzyme for some of these inhibitors, allowing access to the polymerase active site. This may enable us to design new inhibitors of this enzyme with better mutation resistance profiles. We have analysed this new binding space and have docked our in-house scaffolds into this region, highlighting the possibility of the formation of new hydrogen bonds with residues of the active site.


A hybrid converter system employing a combination of a load-commutated inverter (LCI), a dc-dc buck converter, and a voltage-source inverter (VSI) is proposed for the large induction motor drives. The VSI ensures the safe commutation of the LCI with active commutation angle control over all speed regions. By replacing capacitor banks and a forced dc-commutation circuit, this system can eliminate all drawbacks related to these circuits in the conventional LCI-based induction motor drives. Sinusoidal motor current and voltage waveforms are achieved with the VSI providing the reactive and harmonic power to the motor, resulting in high-performance drives. The buck converter enables both the VSI and the LCI to be fed from the single-diode rectifier. As a result, the dc-link inductor size can be reduced and the LCI is operated without the controlled rectifier. In addition, faster dynamic response can be obtained through the VSI and the buck converter operation. Finally, the buck converter performs the dc-link current control to ensure minimum VSI rating. The feasibility of the proposed hybrid circuit for the high-power drive systems is verified by computer simulation for a 500-hp induction motor. Experimental results are also included for a 1-hp induction motor laboratory setup controlled by the proposed hybrid system.


Code of project : A60/ 2558 Project name : Website interface design for faculty of architecture and design Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Researcher : YUTTHAPONG YANYOTHIN and CHATCHAWAN INTUSMIT This research aims to find ways of designing the interface for the Faculty of Architecture and Design site. To be able to use the usage behavior of users is targeted at those interested in studying Architecture and Design. A step in the research. Choose a site with teaching in university. In Architecture and Design The institution must be attached Word ranking and have the interface design site that can meet the users fully 10 sites, 10 website were analyzed by analysis interface using the interface table. And provide a trial sample interface on the site and do the interview after use. And questionnaires to a sample for the data to conclude that the need for the user. Then take the results were analyzed The results showed that The Data Link Interface to use interface Menu Page. And Pyramid, and should not take more than three or more interfaces in the form of a paste Layout on the site to use interface Visual Framework, Center Stage, Liquid Layout, and Grid of Equals interface for placing articles on Two panel Selector and One window. Drill Down there needed to be used to manage most articles. Style design elements The size of the thumbnails on the site (Thumbnail photo size) to the right size at an average of 302.6 x 211.5 Pixel fonts: sans-serif and Arial are fonts that are appropriate and necessary. Font size that is suitable for use as a title on the site has an average of 19.3 Point font size suitable for use as a general character. The website has a 13.3 point average is the background color to the Contractor for use in soft colors such as white, light gray in color selection. Used in the website Use color theory in the design. Choose a color contrast Use no more than two colors and a summary of this interface can be used as a guide to design the interface for the site.


Changes of the number and properties of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor occur during liver regeneration and may be of importance in the maintenance of hepatocellular mass in liver cirrhosis. We therefore studied the changes in the number and distribution of EGF receptor in the development of liver cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation. Receptor binding assays demonstrated a marked decrease in the binding capacity of crude plasma membrane fractions from 45 +/- SD 16 to 19 +/- 10 fmol/mg protein (p < 0.001) in control and bile duct ligated livers, respectively while the Kd increased after 3 days of bile duct ligation from 0.5 +/- 0.2 to 1.4 +/- 0.6 nmol/l. Total receptor concentration in the same membrane fractions, as assessed by Western blot analysis, was not changed. The expression of EGF receptor mRNA was reduced to about one third of control levels after 28 days of bile obstruction. Immunohistochemistry, performed using monoclonal antibodies against EGF receptor, showed a strong labeling of cytoplasm (87 +/- 3% positive) and plasma membranes (84 +/- 24%) but no labeling of nuclei in control livers. In bile duct ligated rats, in contrast, cytoplasmic staining was decreased (15 +/- 12%) already after 3 days of bile obstruction; labeling of canalicular membranes and nuclei appeared after 14 days. The shift of EGF receptor from plasma membranes to nuclei supports the notion that EGF receptor is involved in the maintenance of hepatocellular mass in this model of liver cirrhosis. This concept is supported by the finding of decreased mRNA for EGF receptor presumably representing down-regulation as seen in regenerating rat liver.


Location tracking operations in a personal communications service (PCS) network are expensive. A location tracking algorithm called pointer forwarding has been proposed to reduce the location update cost. The key observation behind forwarding is that if users change PCS registration areas (RAs) frequently, but receive calls relatively infrequently, it should be possible to avoid registrations at the home-location register (HLR) database by simply setting up a forwarding pointer from the previous visitor-location register (VLR). Calls to a given user will first query the user's HLR to determine the first VLR, which the user was registered at, and then follow a chain of forwarding pointers to the user's current VLR. To reduce the "find" cost in call delivery, the PCS provider may distribute HLR databases in the network. This paper integrates the concept of distributed HLRs with pointer forwarding, and the new scheme is referred to as the pointer forwarding with distributed HLR (PFDHLR). Since no registration to the HLR is performed in the pointer forwarding scheme when a user moves to the new locations, the cost of updating multiple HLRs is eliminated in PFDHLR. Our study indicates that PFDHLR may significantly reduce the mobility management cost compared with the single HLR approach.


Along with the vast improvements in satellite technologies and thanks to the continuous growth in the Internet, broadband satellite services are likely to form a strong market in the near future. This paper explores the behavior of one of the most dominant protocols in today's Internet, namely TCP, in LEO satellite networks. The paper argues that the TCP rate of each flow should be dynamically adjusted to the available bandwidth when the number of flows changes over tune due to handover occurrence. The basic idea is to match the aggregate window sizes of all active flows to the network pipe. Simultaneously, the proposed scheme provides all active connections with feedbacks proportional with their RTTs so that the system converges to optimal max-min fairness. We refer to the scheme as explicit and fair window adjustment (XFWA).


Reviewed Work(s):1. Leftover women: The resurgence of gender inequality in China by Fincher, L.H.2. Gender and media: Representing, producing, consuming by Krijnen, T. & Van Bauwel, S.3. Feminism and the mastery of nature by Plumwood, V.4. The Malthus factor. Poverty, politics and population in capitalist development by Ross, E.B.


We adapt the partial order state reduction techniques developed for Petri nets and labeled transition systems to the validation of multi-process protocols modeled as communicating finite state machines. We identify two specific partial order reduction methods in this context: (1) maximal partial order reachability analysis, which is a generalization of maximal reachability analysis to protocols with n/spl ges/2 processes; and (2) simultaneous partial order reachability analysis, which is a counterpart of fair reachability analysis for protocols with n/spl ges/2 processes and arbitrary communication topologies. We study the logical error detection capabilities of each method and show that these two methods, when used together, provide complete logical error coverage for bounded multi-process protocols.


Magnetization and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements are reported on superlattices consisting of alternate layers of 20 unit cell (u.c.) thick La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) and n u.c. LaNiO3 (LNO), where n varies from 1 to 10. The saturation field (Hs) and remnant magnetization (Mr) show antiferromagnetic (AF) interlayer coupling for n ≤ 2 followed by an overdamped oscillatory behavior with a period of ≈ 4 u.c. with the increasing n. The low-temperature MR of the AF-coupled superlattices is characterized by a steep increase up to a critical field Hs* ( ≈ Hs) followed by a ~ Hα (α < 1.0) dependence, whereas in the ferromagnetically coupled samples the MR rises monotonically as ~ Hα with no Hs*. We attribute the overdamped oscillations in Mr and Hs, and the dual nature of MR to disorder modified quantum interference in the spacer layers.


In this paper, I explore how different types of computer interviewers and the amount of self-disclosure from the interviewers affect the quantity of socially desirable responses displayed by interviewees. Online surveys were delivered by computer interviewers. The computer interviewers included a text-based interface and an anthropomorphic character interface. The interviewers' self-disclosure presented their social norm violations. Interview questions were in the form of socially desirable response items representing impression management in this study. The experimental design was a 2 (Interviewers' type) x 2 (Interviewers' self-disclosure versus no self-disclosure) factorial between-subjects experiment. The main dependent variable was whether users' socially desirable responses were affected by the type of interviewer and that amount of self-disclosure provided by the interviewer. The preliminary findings present the potential for self-disclosing anthropomorphic characters to reduce the social desirability bias present in interviewees with high public self-consciousness in their self-disclosure.


Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) happens accidently and often leads to motor dysfunction due to a series of biochemical and pathological events and damage, either temporarily or permanently. Translocator protein 18 (TSPO) has been found to be involved in the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids which have multiple effects on neurons, but the internal mechanisms are not clear. N‐benzyl‐N‐ethyl‐2‐(7,8‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐9H‐purin‐9‐yl) acetamide (ZBD‐2), a newly reported ligand of TSPO, shows some neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia in vivo and NMDA‐induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The present study aims to examine the role of ZBD‐2 in SCI mice and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The SCI model was established by crushing spinal cord. ZBD‐2 (10 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the hindlimb locomotor functions after SCI and decreased the tissue damage and conserved the white matter of the spinal cord. High‐dose ZBD‐2 alleviated the oxidative stress induced by SCI and regulated the imbalance between NR2B‐containing NMDA and GABA receptors by increasing the levels of GAD67 in the spinal cord of SCI mice. Additionally, ZBD‐2 (10 mg/kg) increased phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2. These results demonstrate that ZBD‐2 performs neuroprotection against SCI through regulating the synaptic transmission and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.


Transport critical current density () is a limiting factor in the practical application of (BSCCO-2223) high-temperature superconducting materials. The minimum requirement is for a of in long wires and tapes, at 77 K and in a high magnetic field. The issue of current distribution inside Ag-sheathed tapes has been resolved by showing that the region of high critical current density is next to the silver. In this paper we report a value at 77 K in a self-field in superconducting tapes made by the Ag wire-in-tube method, in which a silver wire was introduced into the silver tube. The silver wire extended along the entire length of the tape and reduced the difference between the nominal cross section of the superconductor and its actual current-carrying cross section. At 77 K and self-field, a maximum of (critical current A) was measured after three pressing cycles at in a 7% atmosphere. The average thickness of the superconducting layer between the sides of silver layers was in the order of and the width was 3.6 mm. This study confirms that the current-carrying region in BSCCO tapes is the layer adjacent to the Ag sheath. Previously it was shown that the superconductor core for thicker superconductor layers () does not carry significant current.


Design of a nonlinear adaptive antenna array receiver is a challenging task in wireless communications due to the limited number of antenna elements and the presence of correlated signals, which directly affect the performance of an antenna array. More importantly, a conventional nonlinear array receiver is often associated with a high computational complexity that undermines its applicability in practice. In this paper, we present a new approach to adaptive beamforming receiver that provides superior performance in antenna array overloading and in the presence of correlated signals with a low complexity. In particular, the proposed receiver requires a small data-record size to estimate the beamformer weights, which is beneficial in applications with fast fading channels. Simulation examples illustrate the performance improvement of the proposed array receiver when it is compared to the conventional beamformers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological disorder. Although several drugs have been developed to treat MM, their efficacy is uncertain. In addition, how normal physical activities can decrease inflammatory responses and clinical biomarkers in MM patients needs to be better defined. Therefore, this study evaluated possible clinical and inflammatory markers to determine the early diagnosis of MM during physical activity. This study selected 30 MM patients with normal or no physical activity with ages of >50 years. This study did not require any specific exercise protocols other than noting patients' daily life activities and considering them as physical activity for 17 days. Then, blood samples were collected to assess clinical and inflammatory markers. Regarding clinical markers, daily life activities in MM patients decreased their LDH, calcium, and β2-microglobulin levels significantly compared to other clinical biomarkers such as creatine and total protein. Further, this study observed no significant differences between daily life activities of MM patients and normal MM patients regarding levels of immunoglobulins except IgM. Furthermore, IL-6 level was significantly increased with the daily life activities of MM patients, suggesting the role of physical activities in increasing anti-inflammatory response along with altering the biochemical profiles including LDH, calcium and β2-microglobulin in MM patients.


To determine the chlorogenic acid content in Lycium barbarum L. by HPLC (Reversed Phase Highperformance Liquid Chromatography); and to observe the protective effect of Lycium barbarum L. extract on Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) in rats with ocular hypertension. A rat model of chronic ocular hypertension was established using healthy adult rats. The rats were randomized into the model group and the treatment group. The effects of Lycium barbarum L. extract on Intraocular Pressure (IOP), multifocal Electroretinogram (mfERG), apoptosis of RGCs and retinal Nitric Oxide (NO) content of rats with ocular hypertension were observed. The average recovery of chlorogenic acid was 100.1%, RSD=0.9%. Chlorogenic acid content in Lycium barbarum L. extract was 40.71 mg/g. Lycium barbarum L. extract could effectively prevent the elevation of IOP; improve the rat mfERG; significantly lower the retinal NO content in rats; and reduce the apoptosis of RGCs. Lycium barbarum L. extract has a protective effect on RGCs in rats with ocular hypertension. The proposed HPLC method is simple, accurate and reproducible, which can be used as the mass control standard of Lycium barbarum L. extract.


The diffusion coefficients at zero penetrant concentration, D0, of n-heptane, n-heptane, n-octane, n-decane, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP) in LDPE were obtained in the range of 25–50°C, using the desorption method. The dependence of D0 on the size and shape of the penetrant is reported. It was found that D0 decreases with increasing penetrant molecule size. The activation energies of diffusion in the temperature range of 25–50°C increase with increasing penetrant molecule size and are independent of temperature. The results are interpreted in terms of the free volume theory and semiquantitative estimates of the free volume parameters are reported.


We present a practical implementation of a novel beam shaping technique (based on spatially variable phase retardation plate inscription in fused silica glass by femtosecond pulses) in a high average power picosecond pulse amplifier.


This paper estimates the welfare change arising from the capture of the Republic of Yemen`s capital in 2014, using a multi-themed household survey conducted as the capital was captured. Despite the little violence in this setting, the increase in fragility resulted in a large decline in household welfare driven by both a decline in income and an increase in food prices. Beyond traditional welfare metrics, women were affected by the fragility more so than men, where there was a nearly universal drop in women's decision-making ability that did not differ based on a woman's bargaining position in the household. Furthermore, this decline in decision making was immediate, and did not continue to worsen in the months towards the end of the period when household welfare dropped the most. Lastly, the tumultuous setting had implications for individuals' ability to report their subjective welfare in accordance with their unambiguous decline in traditional welfare metrics.


Social work is experiencing an unprecedented degree of institutional instability, particularly in the advanced industrial nations which, to varying degrees and via differing paths, have abandoned the Keynesian Welfare State. It has been replaced with a fundamentally different workfare regime in which operates on quite different assumptions – all of which pose fundamental challenges to social work. The degree of change is such that it can be understood as institutional change. The profession needs a number of strategies in response the contemporary de-stabilization. Drawing on theoretical and empirical literature about institutional change we show why it is that professional leadership is crucial in the current environment. The paper reviews what in currently know about leadership, both in general and in relation to social work. Referring to the notion of institutional entrepreneurs and on the role played by other non-social work professional associations in situations of change, we articulate what role leadership can play. We conclude with recommendations about how leadership could be promoted, particularly by the professional associations.


The square-array model with infinite chains of contact is proposed to account for the dependence of electrical properties on frequency and fibre volume fraction in unidirectional carbon-fibre/epoxy-resin composites. The longitudinal AC conductivity, E vector parallel to fibre axis, decreases with increasing frequency due to magnetic flux change from neighbouring fibres and increases linearly with fibre volume fraction due to increment of specific fibre cross section within a volume element. A longitudinal permittivity of nearly unity for the frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 10 GHz, irrespective of fibre volume fraction, suggests that the composites can be considered as good conductors even at higher frequency. The three stages of increment and decrement with increasing frequency for transverse conductivity and permittivity, are ascribed to space charge polarisation. The increment of transverse AC conductivity with fibre volume fraction is ascribed to the increase of conducting channels.


Processing of implicatures was examined in 27 right-brain-damaged (RBD) and 31 left-brain-damaged (LBD) stroke patients with focal lesions using a new implicatures battery (IB) as part of an exploration of the neural basis and modularity of natural language pragmatics. Following Grice, we sampled implicatures of Quantity, Quality, Relation, and Manner. Verbal implicatures consisted of two-sentence conversational vignettes which are literally problematic. Nonverbal implicatures consisted mostly of famous paintings that are literally problematic (e.g., Magritte's "Le Domain d'Arnheim"). The patient has to identify and solve the problem. To compare with performance on the IB, patients also received a Hebrew adaptation of Gardner and Brownell's Right Hemisphere Communication Battery, a new test of basic speech acts (verbal and nonverbal assertions, questions, requests, and commands), a Hebrew version of the Western Aphasia Battery, and standardized neuropsychological tests. Both LBD and RBD patients were significantly impaired in implicature processing relative to age-matched normal controls. In general, both patient groups showed weak correlations of implicatures with extents of lesions in left perisylvian language area or its right-hemisphere (RH) homolog. However, performance of LBD and RBD patients on the IB revealed different patterns of correlations with other pragmatic, language, and nonlanguage tests. In LBD patients, there was a greater association between performance on verbal and nonverbal implicatures and between performance on implicatures and basic speech acts than in RBD patients. Given the different modes in which right-and left-hemisphere (LH) damage affect the processing of conversational implicatures, it remains to be discovered how the two hemispheres interact to process natural language pragmatics in the normal brain in real time.


Recent years have seen an explosion in the use of invariant keypoint methods across nearly every area of computer vision research. Since its introduction, the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) has been one of the most effective and widely-used of these methods and has served as a major catalyst in their popularization. In this paper, I present an open-source SIFT library, implemented in C and freely available at http://eecs.oregonstate.edu/~hess/sift.html, and I briefly compare its performance with that of the original SIFT executable released by David Lowe.


With the objective to study the course of absorption of the macronutrients by rape (Brassica napus) in function of the age of the plant, it was installed experiment in the experimental field of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture of Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", USP, in Piracicaba, SP. It was determined the curve of growth of the plant in function of the age, the increase, the concentration and the export of nutrients in the strains 1504 and 1530. The experiment was lead in the agricultural year of 198O, in conditions of field, in Terra Roxa Estruturada soil . After each sample the plants were separated in roots, stalk, leaf, flowers, pods and seeds and analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. The authors concluded: a)  the maximum point of development of the plant and production of dry matter is reached to 142 and 179 days after the emergence, for the strains 1504 and 1530, respectively; b)  the concentrations of the macronutrients reduce with the increase of the amount of dry matter, showing one dilution effect; c)  the increase of the macronutirents maximum increase reached in the end of flowering between 120 and 139 days, for the two strains. The order of absorption of nutrients is the following: K>N>Cu>S>P>Mg. The order of export of the nutrients by the grains is: N > P > K = Ca > S > Mg.


I am excited to announce that our publishers at Wiley Blackwell have notified us that the International Journal of Nursing Knowledge (IJNK) is now indexed by Thomson Reuters in its Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index. The Journal's first impact factor (IF) is .361 (listed under its previous title of International Journal of Nursing Terminologies and Classifications [IJNTC]). The IF captures the 5 previous years of the journal, which is why it is listed as IJNTC. The IF provides us with a ranking of 92/103 in nursing science and 89/101 in nursing/social science. This is great news for the journal, but it is also important to put the IF into perspective. It is prestigious to be ranked. Of the more than 800 nursing journals in existence, only a small percentage (around 8%) are ranked for IFs (Oermann & Shaw-Kokot, 2013). More and more, authors are being directed toward journals that have IFs and are ranked. But unlike peer review, which suggests that the manuscript is read by several peers and deemed worthy of publication, the IF may or may not be a fair indicator of excellence. The IF is a ratio that shows the number of times a journal's manuscripts are cited in other articles in either that same or other journals. This means that the IF could be manipulated. For example, authors could be forced to cite articles from the journal they are writing for even if the material has little relevance to their work. Review articles with their large number of citations could also inflate the IF of a journal. A focus on singularly publishing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) will also bump the ranking because those articles will be cited whether or not the science is necessarily sound or contributing to the advancement of knowledge. An IF may indicate that the journal has noteworthy articles warranting reference; however, only a small percentage of the articles in any one journal may be of this stature. A journal with a high IF does not mean that everything published in that particular journal is reference/ citation worthy. Some have suggested that only a small percentage of articles in any one journal influence the IF (Oermann & Shaw-Kokot, 2013; Polit & Notham, 2011). While one article in a journal may be widely referenced, others may not be, but the IF remains high because of the highly cited article. The IF is not and should not be a determining factor when considering publication. It is more important that an article reach the intended audience. An article should be helpful to the readership. For example, our case study series frequently has few, if any, references, but the case studies help our readers understand how to think critically about accurately using nursing diagnosis in practice. Articles about the electronic health record and the use of and link to standardized nursing languages often are limited in the number of references to articles in our journal because it is an emerging topic. In no way are these unimportant articles to our journal and/or readership. As for the value of an IF ranking, it eases the way for readers to find IJNK articles. It has been suggested that being ranked encourages scholarly publications (Polit & Notham, 2011). So it is important to be ranked if the result is an influx of more scholarly and high-quality publications. In some cases, however, the term scholarly is viewed solely as reports of RCTs, but that is not the only indicator for a scholarly publication. An RCT may not even be of much quality or value in terms of advancing nursing knowledge. A theoretical/philosophical article or a research report using a nonexperimental design may be more thought provoking, stir debate, be worthy of being cited, and do much more to advance the discipline than findings from an RCT. Other factors authors should consider are timeliness in submission turnaround for first decision, which for the IJNK is 33 days. Peer review is also an important consideration for many, if not most articles. All articles in IJNK are subject to at least two peer reviews. It is important to disseminate new knowledge, but a sound critique is essential. Rejection rate is also something to be aware of as it speaks to selectivity. Our acceptance rate is 47%, but it is important to keep in mind that selectivity is important as long as it is done in the spirit of fair and helpful critique. Despite rejection by one journal, authors are encouraged to rewrite based on the peer review suggestions and resubmit to another journal. Hence, many factors influence what it means to be a quality journal. Several years ago, our journal made having an IF a goal. So this is yet another exciting chapter for the journal with many more to come. We have worked hard to get to this point, and having an IF should be celebrated. But I also want readers of this journal to understand what it means to have an IF and to be able to place its meaning in perspective. Please see the references for further reading on this topic, and as always, feel free to email me if you have questions.


We characterized 144 Escherichia coli isolates from severe cellulitis lesions in broiler chickens from South Brazil. Analysis of susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials revealed frequencies of resistance of less than 30% for most antimicrobials except tetracycline (70%) and sulphonamides (60%). The genotyping of 34 virulence-associated genes revealed that all the isolates harbored virulence factors related to adhesion, iron acquisition and serum resistance, which are characteristic of the avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) pathotype. ColV plasmid-associated genes (cvi/cva, iroN, iss, iucD, sitD, traT, tsh) were especially frequent among the isolates (from 66.6% to 89.6%). According to the Clermont method of ECOR phylogenetic typing, isolates belonged to group D (47.2%), to group A (27.8%), to group B2 (17.4%) and to group B1 (7.6%); the group B2 isolates contained the highest number of virulence-associated genes. Clonal relationship analysis using the ARDRA method revealed a similarity level of 57% or higher among isolates, but no endemic clone. The virulence of the isolates was confirmed in vivo in one-day-old chicks. Most isolates (72.9%) killed all infected chicks within 7 days, and 65 isolates (38.1%) killed most of them within 24 hours. In order to analyze differences in virulence among the APEC isolates, we created a pathogenicity score by combining the times of death with the clinical symptoms noted. By looking for significant associations between the presence of virulence-associated genes and the pathogenicity score, we found that the presence of genes for invasins ibeA and gimB and for group II capsule KpsMTII increased virulence, while the presence of pic decreased virulence. The fact that ibeA, gimB and KpsMTII are characteristic of neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) suggests that genes of NMEC in APEC increase virulence of strains.


Heat release characteristics of live fire load are an important parameter for performance oriented fire safety design of a building. While investigations have been carried out on the fire load and its burning behavior in office, residential and commercial buildings and so on, little effort has been paid for the rational treatment of fire load in post office buildings in Japan. In this report, burning behavior of typical combustible objects in post office buildings are studied by measuring heat release rates of plastic palettes with and without postal envelopes or packages and special containers loading numbers of palettes. The test results suggest that dynamic heat release rate is highly dependent on the condition of palettes especially if they load appropriate amount of postal envelopes or not.


Against the backdrop of globalization, international terrorism is becoming a complex threat, which can be countered only by the united efforts of all countries. The level of cooperation of states does not fully correspond to the scale of the world terror challenge. Cooperation in the fight against terrorism at the bilateral level opens up more opportunities because it is based on mutual trust between States, with greater effectiveness, as well as practical impact and benefits, due to the knowledge of the situation and the ability to respond quickly. The inefficiency of the global counterterrorism system can be compensated by the mechanism of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of counter-terrorism, despite all the existing problems such as: sanctions, human rights, the need to promptly equate national laws and legislation in line with international laws, etc. The choice of the Russian Federation and Spain as a case study for this research is not accidental, since the interaction of both countries allows us to trace the development of mechanisms and instruments to counter terrorism on a bilateral basis. As a result of the comparative analysis, it is established that while Russian-Spanish relations began to deteriorate in 2014 as a result of the sanctions policy, the bilateral contexts of cooperation in the field of countering extremism have become comparable in two parameters: the overall level of the threat of terrorism in Russia and Spain, as well as the types of terrorist challenges on their territory.


Implicit social cognition refers to the mental processes that influence social perception and behavior independently of conscious awareness. To date, implicit social processes have been explained by single-system models of associations among concepts that, while addressing questions of information processing, are generally silent regarding the interface of implicit social processes with behavior. In this article, we present a multisystem model of implicit social cognition based on emerging cognitive neuroscience research on systems of learning and memory. This model describes how different underlying memory systems, characterized by different patterns of learning, unlearning, and behavioral expression, may contribute to implicit social processes. We describe how the memory systems model differs from previous theories of implicit social cognition and how it makes new and increasingly refined predictions regarding implicit sociocognitive processes and their influences on behavior.


The in-gas laser ionization and spectroscopy technique has been developed at the Leuven isotope separator on-line facility for the production and in-source laser spectroscopy studies of short-lived radioactive isotopes. In this article, results from a study to identify efficient optical schemes for the two-step resonance laser ionization of 18 elements are presented.


The Star-Spangled Mirror captures the dilemma of America's continuing reliance on an enduring fallacy of foreign policy-the assumption that other people ought to share our view of world order. Dr. Richard Kerry argues that from the time of Woodrow Wilson's aim to organize the world order in accordance with assumptions of democratic universalism, this vision of the world has remained central to U.S. foreign policy. This book will be considered an important addition to the history of American foreign policy and as required reading for current and future policy makers.


Pharmacogenomics is an evolving research discipline in medicine. Within ophthalmology, the earliest candidate gene investigations have studied primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), as well as normal tension glaucoma (NTG). At this time, pharmacogenomics data are not generally used to make clinical decisions. However, as we collect data from clinical trials, the role of pharmacogenomics in the care of patients with glaucoma and allied diseases will become clearer. There are at least two potential future roles for applying pharmacogenomics in the treatment of OAG and allied disorders. First, more targeted therapy may lead to better treatment outcomes, with less exposure to medications in patients unlikely to respond to them. Second, pharmacogenomic research may lead to the development of novel therapies for these diseases.


Mentally retarded (MR) women present a difficult dilemma in medicine because of the vulnerability of this population to unscrupulous people, and their ability to conceive. Sterilization remains the only contraceptive methods that can prevent pregnancy among these women without the additional complications found in temporary methods. There are 3 categories of people who should be included in any discussion of this type: 1) MR with IQ's of 55=70; who have reached the 4th grade; who can get married and lead a semi-normal life within society. This group should not be considered for sterilization; 2) MR with IQ's of 40-55; these can generally adapt themselves to society; however, it's possible that the process of the "normalization" is too great an effort which could aggravate the burdens of pregnancy and childbearing; sterilization is recommended for this group; 3) MR with IQ's under 40; this group is severely retarded, requiring supervision; they are incapable of taking care of themselves, especially their personal hygiene, and require sterilization. 24-26.4% of children will be retarded when 1 parent is retarded, and 44-47% when both parents are retarded. In cases where sterilization is recommended: 1) it must be determined that the patient cannot demonstrate voluntary informed consent and that coercion was not used; 2) that the patient cannot raise a child; 3) that the patient is at risk of getting pregnant; 4) it must be proven, through a multi-disciplinary committee that there are no other alternatives in the cases; 5) the legal consent of the patient's guardians must be obtained; 6) in cases where there aren't any legal guardians, the institution or legal authority must follow all legal procedures before the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare according to Articles 599 and 600 of the National Health Code. (Author's modified).


Introduction In Switzerland, a nationwide Swiss Diagnosis related Groups (Swiss DRG) system for hospital reimbursement was introduced in 2012. However, the impact of DRG systems on primary care is still unclear with respect to number of consultations and costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the implementation of DRG on costs and volumes in the primary care sector, on a nationwide basis in Switzerland. Methods The study retrospectively analysed yearly data, from 2008 to 2014, of almost 60 Swiss health insurers that covered almost all Swiss general practitioners, with a total number of patients which represented approximately 76% of the Swiss population. GP consultations, total numbers and rates, and the relative costs reimbursed (TARMED tariff values) in the Swiss federal states, cantons, which already introduced a DRG-like system before 2012 (AP-DRG), were compared to the GP consultations and costs reimbursed in the other cantons (DRG-naive). Regression discontinuity design analysis and mixed regression models, at cantonal level, were performed to evaluate the effect of the nationwide implementation of the Swiss DRG on health care demand and costs in the primary care setting. Change in outcome level and yearly trend pattern difference between groups (AP-DRG vs. DRG-naive) were examined. Results Overall, the total number of GP consultations and the relative TARMED values increased from 2008 to 2014. In the DRG naive, 15 cantons: in 2008, the number of GP consultations were 13,114,126, with a TARMED value of 1,194,957,157 CHF, and in 2014, the GP consultation were 13,752,511, with a TARMED value of 1,513,861,260 CHF. In the AP-DRG group, 11 cantons, the total number of GP consultations increased from 8,787,646, in 2008, to 9,347,168 in 2014 and the TARMED value increased from 896,673,657 CHF in 2008, to 1,100,203,508 CHF in 2014. The yearly trend pattern of GP consultations and TARMED values, in the AP-DRG group, were not significantly different from the respective trends in the DRG- naive and, overall, no significant change was detected in consultations and costs trends before and after 2012. Discussion/Conclusion This study found no evidence of any effect of the introduction of the SwissDRG on the yearly trend of primary care consultations and costs. Nevertheless, potential negative impacts on vulnerable patients, as chronically ill patients, could not be excluded and further investigation is required.


Background: The studies that assessed proanthocyanidins (PCs) supplementation on lipid profile revealed contradictory results. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the influence of PCs supplementation on lipid profile.Methods: Six databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) were searched to identify for published relevant studies up to June 9, 2021. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding standard deviations (SD) of the total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were calculated to estimate the pooled effect. Results: A total of 1411 articles were identified through database searching, of which, seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that PCs supplementation effectively affected the level of HDL-C (WMD: 2.716, 95% CI: 0.269, 5.163, p = 0.030), but had no significant effect on TC (WMD: -0.201, 95% CI: -6.443, 6.041, p=0.950), LDL-C (WMD: -3.000, 95% CI: -8.254, 2.254, p = 0.263), and TG (WMD: -8.874, 95% CI: -21.009, 3.260, p =0.152). In the subgroup analyses, a significant enhance in HDL-C in people with a shorter intervention duration (duration < 12 weeks) or people with a higher BMI (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2). Conclusion: The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PCs supplementation had no effects on TC, LDL-C or TG, whereas it may contribute to a change on HDL-C. Additional high-quality studies are needed to confirm this result.


A new convective parameterization is introduced that can make use of a large variety of assumptions previously introduced in earlier formulations. The assumptions are chosen so that they will generate a large spread in the solution. We then show two methods in which ensemble and data assimilation techniques may be used to find the best value to feed back to the larger scale model. First, we can use simple statistical methods to find the most probable solution. Second, the ensemble probability density function can be considered as an appropriate "prior" (a'priori density) for Bayesian data assimilation. Using this "prior", and information about observation likelihood, measured meteorological or climatological data can be directly assimilated into model fields. Given proper observations, the application of this technique is not restricted to convective parameterizations, but may be applied to other parameterizations as well.


In order to alleviate the damage of wheat under Cadmium Stress Conditiion, Using simulating actual pollution, the effects of spraying different concentration of 6-BA on protective enzymes system under Cd2+ pollutionwere studied .The result showed that different concentration of 6-BA have the relieving effects on heavy metal injury. SOD、POD and CAT activities can be improved in different degree, and the increase of MDA content and electrolyte leakage become much slower. Various concentration 6-BA by spraying have different effects on wheat under Cd2+ pollution: 2×10-5mol/L is the best dose of 6-BA for the changes of SOD、MDA and electrolyte leakage, on the other hand, CAT and POD are significantly affected under 3×10- 5mol/L 6-BA. This proved that 6-BA can alleviate the injury of wheat caused by cadmium stress and improve the resistance of wheat seedling.


This study deals with a bidirectional interleaved soft switching DC?DC converter for a wide range of input voltages. The proposed converter operates in complementary switching with the purpose of inductor size reduction and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation. The current ripple related to complementary switching is minimized by three-phase interleaved operation. The main characteristics of the proposed topology are its soft-switching method of operation and its simple structure. The soft-switching operation and the system efficiency of the proposed converter are verified by experimental results.


The toxicological findings from 6037 analyses of viscera obtained from victims of traumatic death are used to correlate the relative incidence of carbon monoxide, ethyl alcohol, narcotics, hypnotics, analgesics, and tranquilizers-antidepressants in deaths occurring under the following circumstances: fire related, asphyxia by hanging, by use of plastic bags, from physical obstruction of trachae, and by drowning; traumatic injury from impact of moving train, fall from height, and occupational accident; traumatic injury to pedestrian, driver, and passenger from vehicular accidents; and from violent death by shooting, stabbing, strangulation, and beating. The influence of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and tranquilizers on carbon monoxide can be seen in some of these traumatic deaths. Ethanol alone and in combination with other drugs was present in 42.3% and 19.5% of driver and pedestrian victims, respectively, of vehicular accidents in the year 1974. Comparative analysis is presented for the toxicological data obtained on victims of homicide (shooting, stabbing, strangulation, and beating) in New York City and similar data reported for victims of homicide in Detroit. In New York City 45.9% of such victims died while under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs, or both, with methadone predominating in the latter category. Tissue concentrations of drugs found in victims of traumatic death are presented. Diphenylhydantoin, diazepam, meperidine, and slow-acting barbiturates were found in normal therapeutic levels. Higher concentrations of amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, propoxyphene, short-acting barbiturates, and methadone were observed. The concentration of methadone in blood and brain (0.13 +/- 0.14 mg/100 ml) and in liver (0.53 +/- 0.42 mg/100 ml) in cases of traumatic death are not different from those observed in deaths classified as due to methadone overdose.


Managing and estimating a good software is not an easy task. Because software estimation activities are concerned not only with time and effort scheduling, but also with specifying work activities, skill levels and scheduling of necessary resources. With duration, effort and other factors overlooked, poor reliability and functionality of software may occur. Furthermore, inaccurate estimation will lead to high pressure for the working team, and poor quality of final development. Hence, designing a right software metric is an imp ortant task. Due to these reasons, a software size model is being developed using a sample consisting of 122 student projects. This model takes several advantages: (1) there tends to be fewer counting problems than other software metrics, because this model is based upon simple counts; (2) the predicted software projects were calibrated to specific local environments rather than being based upon industry weights; (3) basic size components can be identified easily at the early stage of the development life cycle; (4) the model provides clues to project designers in planning and scheduling the development of new information systems.


Since the recent incidence of global COVID-19 pandemic, expertise from different domains including scientists, clinicians, and healthcare experts keep on exploring for technologies to manage the COVID-19 data. Updated and accurate data collection is very critical for them to make a more effective and efficient decision on any aspects of the emergency consequences and events. Although some of them are inexpert data scientists, the important skills and knowledges to extract the recent data on COVID-19 is web data extraction and analysis. While tremendous of literature can be referred from the academic databases, it is difficult to find the report that presents the basis and fundamental methods for implementing web data analysis in a simple way with a rapid software platform. This paper demonstrates a simple framework for implementing web data extraction or web scraping to be analyzed in a rapid software platform. Python scripting language is the simple tool to conduct the web scraping method while RapidMiner is the rapid software for implementing the data visualization and analysis. Simple linear regression based on machine learning approach has been implemented with the RapidMiner to predict COVID-19 death based on the collected data. This paper will be useful for academicians and industry practitioners to conduct a more robust data analysis to accommodate a more challenge issue such as big data analytics in any domains.


Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) enable extreme device miniaturization via deeply sub-wavelength electromagnetic field confinements [1]. Conventional coupling techniques typically require phase matching or mode-matching, which is challenging at sub-wavelength dimensions. Here, we introduce and experimentally demonstrate a novel near-field hybrid fiber [2, 3] nanoprobe for the efficient excitation of short-range (SR) SPPs on a metallic nanowire which has a sub-10 nm nanotip at its end. A device schematic is shown in Fig. 1(a): a gold nanowire (NW) (radius: ∼300 nm, length: 80 μm) is incorporated into a (few-mode) step-index fiber with a central nanochannel, and protrudes from the endface forming a nanotip (Fig. 1(a) inset). Finite element calculations (Fig. 1(b)) show that a doughnut-shape mode is transmitted, but only a radially polarized (RP) mode induces an accumulation of energy at the apex of the nanotip via a hybrid mode, which contains energy on the wire surface. The experimental characterization relies on launching broadband azimuthally polarized (AP) [3] or RP (500–750 nm) light into the sample and analysing the far-field scattered and transmitted power. Figure 1(c) shows a typical side-scattered image (perpendicular to the fiber axis), showing the SR-SPPs excited on the tip. For an RP input mode the scattered intensity is maximal, and for an azimuthally polarized (AP) input it is mininal, with the transmitted power being independent on the input polarization. We analysed the scattered power as a function of the angle of a linear polarizer (LP) inserted between sample and camera (Fig. 1(e)) for a RP input, and observed a clear maximum when the LP is parallel to the fiber axis, confirming a longitudinally polarization state of the light emitted by the nanotip, characteristic of a plasmonic mode on a nanotip. This hybrid plasmonic fiber device can both deliver and collect broadband subwavelength radiation to and from the apex of a nanotip; in collection mode, light would efficiently couple from the plasmonic mode into the dielectric core. This device will find applications in near-field microscopy and nanophotonics, and can potentially offer significantly improved resolution compared to current SNOM tips [5].


Context: The stem bark of Cirabilwa (Holoptelea integrifolia Planch.) is used for treating various disease conditions including Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Colic, Helminthiasis, Vomiting, Skin diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Haemorrhoids and Rheumatism in traditional system of medicine since ancient times. As a part of a proposed clinical study, sufficient quantity of the plant drug was required to evaluate the antidyslipidemic effects, which was procured from market. Aim: This study was designed to identify and compare the pharmacognostical features of the genuine hand collected samples and market samples of the stem bark of this medicinal plant, so as to prove the genuinity of the market samples before using it for clinical study. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic methods were applied to determine the diagnostic features of the shade dried samples of the intact stem bark of both samples of the drug and was compared with the available data. Results: The shape, color, thickness, odour, consistency, fracture and surface characteristics were determined. Compound microscope images showed the presence of ray cells, stone cells, starch grains, rhomboidal crystals in both the samples. Conclusion: The study confirmed the identity of both genuine and market samples. Comparable results were obtained which proved the genuinity of the market samples of the stem bark of Cirabilwa (Holoptelea integrifolia Planch).


The possibilities for substitution of several contact pre-deposition procedures by one technological step have been investigated with the aim of improving solar cell performance and reduction of the corresponding production cost. Growth of a low-resistance buffer layer on the surface of a CdTe based solar cell is interesting not only from a practical point of view but also concerning the structural and compositional changes introduced in the CdS-CdTe heterostructures. Information about the electrical properties of the layers involved is presented and discussed with respect to the further extension of this method.


Covering: up to 2010
 Osmolytes are low-molecular-weight organic solutes whose intracellular formation in high concentrations presents a universal biological mechanism through which the cell copes with the hyperosmolality of the extracellular environment. Because macromolecular structure and function is usually not perturbed and many proteins are structurally stabilized at high osmolyte concentration, the term "compatible solute" is often used for osmolytes. The diversity of the known compatible solutes is broad, and includes glycosides as an important structural class. The glycosides, prototypically represented by 2-O-α-D-mannosyl D-glycerate, are widespread among Bacteria and Archaea. They are often associated with microbial life under extremes of salt concentration, temperature and nutrient limitation. Herein, we review salient features of glycosides as compatible solutes, focusing on the enzymology of their biosynthesis. Possible routes for production of glycosidic solutes as industrial fine chemicals are described. Their (potential) use in health-care, cosmetic and food applications is discussed. 2-O-α-D-Glucosyl-sn-glycerol is the first among the glycosidic solutes that has become commercialized at an industrial scale.


Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) establish a mathematical relation between the biological activity of chemical compounds and their molecular structure. They provide quantitative models aimed to accurately predict a certain activity from the structural attributes. This topic has become a well-delimited branch in chemistry and was favored by the progress in computer science. Cluj property indices are used for modeling the ACE inhibition biological activity of a set of 58 dipeptides, taken from the literature. Description of dipeptide molecules is made by using the fragmental property Cluj indices. Four models were taken into consideration: two of them topological (dense topological and rare topological) and two others geometric (dense geometric and rare geometric). In these models, a weak dependence on distance for the potential function (gravitational and Coulombian), in uniform field, and a strong dependence on distance for the potential, that generates a non-uniform field, were considered. The indices are calculated as local descriptors of some fragments of the molecule and, a global index is then obtained by summing the fragmental contributions. The statistics were performed by STATISTICA software package. The results are compared to those reported in some previous works.


The global virome: The viruses have a global distribution, phylogenetic diversity and host specificity. They are obligate intracellular parasites with single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA genomes, and afflict bacteria, plants, animals and human population. The viral infection begins when surface proteins bind to receptor proteins on the host cell surface, followed by internalisation, replication and lysis. Further, trans-species interactions of viruses with bacteria, small eukaryotes and host are associated with various zoonotic viral diseases and disease progression. Virome interface and transmission: The cross-species transmission from their natural reservoir, usually mammalian or avian, hosts to infect human-being is a rare probability, but occurs leading to the zoonotic human viral infection. The factors like increased human settlements and encroachments, expanded travel and trade networks, altered wildlife and livestock practices, modernised and mass-farming practices, compromised ecosystems and habitat destruction, and global climate change have impact on the interactions between virome and its hosts and other species and act as drivers of trans-species viral spill-over and human transmission. Zoonotic viral diseases and epidemics: The zoonotic viruses have caused various deadly pandemics in human history. They can be further characterized as either newly emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases, caused by pathogens that historically have infected the same host species, but continue to appear in new locations or in drug-resistant forms, or reappear after apparent control or elimination. The prevalence of zoonoses underlines importance of the animal–human–ecosystem interface in disease transmission. The present COVID-19 infection has certain distinct features which suppress the host immune response and promote the disease potential. Treatment for epidemics like covid-19: It appears that certain nutraceuticals may provide relief in clinical symptoms to patients infected with encapsulated RNA viruses such as influenza and coronavirus. These nutraceuticals appear to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and help to boost type 1 interferon response to these viral infections. The human intestinal microbiota acting in tandem with the host's defence and immune system, is vital for homeostasis and preservation of health. The integrity and balanced activity of the gut microbes is responsible for the protection from disease states including viral infections. Certain probiotics may help in improving the sensitivity and effectivity of immune system against viral infections. Currently, antiviral therapy is available only for a limited number of zoonotic viral infections. Because viruses are intracellular parasites, antiviral drugs are not able to deactivate or destroy the virus but can reduce the viral load by inhibiting replication and facilitating the host's innate immune mechanisms to neutralize the virus. Conclusion: Lessons from recent viral epidemics - Considering that certain nutraceuticals have demonstrated antiviral effects in both clinical and animal studies, further studies are required to establish their therapeutic efficacy. The components of nutraceuticals such as luteolin, apigenin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid may be useful for developing a combo-therapy. The use of probiotics to enhance immunity and immune response against viral infections is a novel possibility. The available antiviral therapy is inefficient in deactivating or destroying the infecting viruses, may help in reducing the viral load by inhibiting replication. The novel efficient antiviral agents are being explored.


A method has been developed for quantitative measurement of adherence of rabbit platelets to the damaged intimal surface of everted segments of rabbit thoracic aorta. Platelets were labeled with 51Cr, washed, and resuspended in Tyrode solution containing 0.35 per cent albumin and apyrase. This suspending medium contains physiologic concentrations of calcium and magnesium; apyrase degrades any ADP lost from the platelets or from the damaged wall. Everted aorta segments were rotated in the platelet suspensions. Neither platelet aggregation nor lysis occurred and the platelets adhered to the subendothelium either as individual platelets or as a single layer. Damage caused by scraping the everted segments with a scalpel blade increased adherence 50-fold. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in vitro, or administered orally to the rabbits from which platelet suspensions were prepared, significantly reduced the number of platelets adherent to the damaged aorta wall. ASA affected only the platelets, and did not affect the damaged wall. Platelet adherence to the damaged wall was also reduced by the use of 4 per cent albumin in the suspending medium, or by the addition of citrate. Adherence of platelets resuspended in citrated plasma was low and further inhibition by ASA was not demonstrable. ASA may affect two aspects of thrombus formation: platelet adherence to subendothelial structures and the platelet release reaction induced by collagen (and possibly by other subendothelial structures). These studies show that ASA has a marked effect on adherence of platelets to subendothelium under conditions in which aggregation and thrombus formation are prevented.


The consideration of aeromechanics plays a vital role in the design of machines that operate under aerodynamic forces, such as turbomachinery, and aircraft. The structure of those machines is subject to aeromechanical dynamics, including forced response and flutter. The strength of aeromechanical interaction depends on the level of coupling between flow and structure. One effect that can lead to strong coupling is the interaction between eigenmodes of the structure and eigenmodes of the flow near coincidence. This paper examines the impact of modal coincidence on the linear dynamic stability of aeromechanical systems for two illustrative canonical examples, one governed by inviscid acoustics, and one by the eigenmode of a wake. Three commonly used analysis techniques are applied and ranked for various levels of coupling: The 1-way coupled work-per-cycle method, a 2-way coupled non-linear modal FSI analysis in time, and an eigenanalysis of the 2-way coupled linear system, based on a state-space representation. It is demonstrated that all three methods agree for low to moderate levels of 2-way coupling, typical in turbomachinery applications. At higher levels, the work-per-cycle assessment is insufficient, whereas the FSI and eigenvalue analysis agree well.


The limit of metastability, the so-called spinodal, is calculated for pure carbon dioxide by molecular dynamics simulation. The determination of the spinodal is based on properties of the liquid vapor interface using a recently developed method. This method relates the tangential pressure component through the vapor-liquid interface to the van der Waals loop in the two-phase region of the phase diagram. By application of the thermodynamic stability criteria, the location of the spinodal can be determined. The spinodal determined in this way is called interface spinodal here. Furthermore, the simulation provides equation of state properties in the complete metastable region of the phase diagram. The performance of different correlation equations for the density and the pressure tensor profiles with respect to the estimation of the spinodal is compared. It has been found that the interface spinodal coincides with the thermodynamic mean field spinodal within some reasonable deviation. Finally the influence of the size of the simulation box on the spinodal properties is investigated showing that the temperature-density spinodal data are independent of the interface thickness. Additional simulations using a Lennard-Jones fluid confirm these results over a range of 1.5 orders of magnitude for the systems size. A further result is that interface systems require a very long simulation time in order to obtain reliable results.


Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, including KPC-2 producers, have become a major clinical problem. During an outbreak in Quebec City, Canada, KPC-2-producing Klebsiella michiganensis and Citrobacter farmeri were isolated from a patient six weeks apart. We determined their complete genome sequences. Both isolates carried nearly identical IncN2 plasmids with blaKPC-2 on a Tn4401b element. Both strains also carried IncP1 plasmids, but that of C. farmeri did not carry a Beta-lactamase gene, whereas that of K. michiganensis carried a second copy of blaKPC-2 on Tn4401b. These results suggest recent plasmid transfer between the two species and a recent transposition event.


This paper will look at converted Christian communities on the Indian subcontinent and the emergent rich bricolage of religious traditions. A narrative of Indian Christianity takes us almost imperceptibly into the realm of cultural convergence and communication. While the concepts of 'syncretism' or 'composite culture' have framed many discussions regarding this interaction, newer perspectives have begun to emerge. Syncretism sometimes implies the harmonious interaction of different religious traditions, while ethnographies bring up a far more complicated picture of contestation and struggle. We also need to look closely at patterns of religious interaction and engagement. Christianity may take from Hinduism, but this is not always the case. Sometimes both Christianity and Hinduism simultaneously engage with a different religious and cultural environment. Processes are more complex than they at first sight appear and, as this paper will attempt to show, some amount of historicisation is essential when understanding the ways in which they work.


Measurements of transport parameters of pulsed electron swarms moving through a low-pressure gas by observation of the photon flux resulting from electron-molecule collisions have been recently reported (Blevin et al., 1976). One of the possible sources of error in this kind of experiment is the variation of mean electron energy through the swarm. This effect is considered here along with the resulting variation of ionisation and excitation frequency through the swarm. The validity of the experimental method is considered in the light of the above factors.


Leaf extract of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) has been reported to promote wound healing in traditional medicine but there is paucity of information in literature regarding similar activity of fruit extract. Therefore, the present study was planned to investigate the influence of leaf and fruit extract of Psidium guajava Linn. on re-sutured incision, excision, and dead space wounds in male Wistar rats. Wounds were inflicted under light ether anesthesia aseptically. Control animals received vehicle and other groups received aqueous extract of either leaf or fruit orally in the dose of 500mg/kg/day for a period of 10 days in the incision and dead space wounds, whereas treatment continued till complete wound closure in excision wound model. On the 10 th day after estimation of breaking strength of the resutured incision wounds, animals were sacrificed and granulation tissue from dead space wounds were used to estimate the breaking strength and hydroxyproline content. Quantification of granulation tissue and histopathological slides were also carried out. Wound closure rate, epithelization time and scar features were studied in the excision wounds from the day of extract administration till complete closure of wounds. Only aqueous fruit extract significantly (P<0.01) promoted the healing process in all three wound models studied. Histopathological slides revealed increased collagen content and granulation tissue in fruit extract treated group as compared to that of control. In contrast, the leaf extract delayed excision wound healing and had no effect on incision and dead space wounds. These findings merit, clinical evaluation of Psidium gaujava fruit.


Which recommendations family doctors and travel health practitioners can provide to their patients, to reduce their environmental footprint when travelling? Avoiding flying is the biggest action a traveler can take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Staying at eco-lodges, or carbon offsetting, may help, but one must be aware of false or exaggerated claims on their impact. Using UV light, filters, halogens or boiling water, are effective ways to disinfect water and reduce the waste created from plastic water bottles. Given the large carbon footprint of medications and laboratory exams, limiting prescription of antibiotics or antimalarials in pre-travel consultations, or limiting unnecessary laboratory exams in returning travelers by following the latest recommendations, could reduce greenhouse emissions of the medical practice.


Au/TiO2 catalysts prepared by a deposition-precipitation process and used for CO oxidation without previous calcination exhibited high, largely temperature-independent conversions at low temperatures, with apparent activation energies of about zero. Thermal treatments, such as He at 623 K, changed the conversion-temperature characteristics to the well-known S-shape, with activation energies slightly below 30 kJ mol(-1). Sample characterization by XAFS and electron microscopy and a low-temperature IR study of CO adsorption and oxidation showed that CO can be oxidized by gas-phase O2 at 90 K already over the freeze-dried catalyst in the initial state that contained Au exclusively in the +3 oxidation state. CO conversion after activation in the feed at 303 K is due to Au(III)-containing sites at low temperatures, while Au(0) dominates conversion at higher temperatures. After thermal treatments, CO conversion in the whole investigated temperature range results from sites containing exclusively Au(0).


Lithium-salt-based deep eutectic solvents, where the only cation is Li+, are promising candidates as electrolytes in electrochemical energy-storage devices, such as batteries. We have performed broadband dielectric spectroscopy on three such systems, covering a broad temperature and dynamic range that extends from the low-viscosity liquid around room temperature down to the glassy state approaching the glass-transition temperature. We detect a relaxational process that can be ascribed to dipolar reorientational dynamics and exhibits the clear signatures of glassy freezing. We find that the temperature dependence of the ionic dc conductivity and its room-temperature value also are governed by the glassy dynamics of these systems, depending, e.g., on the glass-transition temperature and fragility. Compared to the previously investigated corresponding systems, containing choline chloride instead of a lithium salt, both the reorientational and ionic dynamics are significantly reduced due to variations in the glass-transition temperature and the higher ionic potential of the lithium ions. These lithium-based deep eutectic solvents partly exhibit significant decoupling of the dipolar reorientational and the ionic translational dynamics and approximately follow a fractional Debye-Stokes-Einstein relation, leading to an enhancement of the dc conductivity, especially at low temperatures. The presented results clearly reveal the importance of decoupling effects and of the typical glass-forming properties of these systems for the technically relevant room-temperature conductivity.


The formal theory of the first paper of this series is extended here to include the binding of several different species of ions or molecules on a protein, aggregation in a protein solution, and solutions containing more than one type of protein molecule.


The article analyses the legal nature of the employee's obligation for monetary payment under Art. 232, para. 3 of the Labour Code. It is reasonable to conclude that by establishing the possibility of fulfilling this obligation, which represents an optional remuneration, the legislator grants the employee the right to terminate the employment relationship unilaterally, both during the training and after its successful completion. The concept of "non-justified reasons" used in legislation, is thoroughly researched and a de lege ferenda proposal is formulated to overcome the current ambiguity. The rules set out in the law are discussed, both for contracting and for the final calculation of the amount of the employee's monetary payment.


Wings are a very important part of aircraft. In that section, most of the lift forces are generated on the airplanes. The aerodynamic performance produced by the wing greatly determines how optimal the cruising range of an aircraft. To improve the performance of the wings, researchers have been competing to make wing modifications of an aircraft. One modification that is used at this time is by adding end wall which is often referred to as a winglet. Winglets function as a barrier to fluid flow jumps from the lower surface to the upper surface. This fluid flow jumps is often called as a tip vortex. One type of winglet discussed in this study is the wingtip fence. This study took wing objects on unmanned aerial vehicle with numerical simulation using Ansys 19.0 software with turbulent model k-ω SST. The freestream flow rate to be used are 10 m/s (Re = 2,34 x 104) and 45 m/s (Re = 1 x 105). The angle of attack used are (α) = 0°, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°,12°,15°, 17°, and 19°. The wing model is an Eppler 562 (E562) airfoil with and without a winglet. From this study, it was found that wing aerodynamic performance with Eppler 562 (E562) airfoil was higher at Re = 2,34 x 104 Delay of the stall is more effective at Re = 1 x 105 compared to the Re = 2,34 x 104 But, the aerodynamic performance Re = 2,34 x 104 better than Re = 1 x 105.


For many years, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been described as "plastic antibodies", yet even some modern examples cannot approach the true binding affinity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies. This project sought to include within the imprinted site a short peptide sequence isolated from a phage display library with high affinity and specificity. A system is hypothesised in which synergism between the robust nature of the polymer and the binding affinity and specificity of the peptide may be exploited. Peptide phage display is a technique that can rapidly enrich binding peptides from a combinatorial library of over 109 unique moieties. Initial studies attempted to isolate peptides with high affinity and specificity to propranolol from this library. However, when several methodologies failed to demonstrate any binding effect, a peptide was selected from the literature that had been found to bind the fluorophore Texas Red. The peptide was immobilised to a Merrifield Resin support, its binding properties thoroughly assessed, and a polymerisation protocol was developed using living radical polymerisation. Preliminary studies suggested that when peptide-functionalised resin was washed in ethanol, no binding to Texas Red was evident, whereas once a protective polymer shell was formed, the peptide retained a binding conformation and affinity for Texas Red was slightly increased. This was, however, at the expense of binding capacity, which fell dramatically. Whilst the evidence presented here is by no means complete, it provides proof-of-principle for a functional peptide- molecularly-imprinted polymer. Further work in this area may lead to the development of a truly biomimetic artificial antibody: the plastibody.


To the Editor. —The presentation of an upper-respiratory tract complaint protocol by Greenfield et al ( Arch Intern Med 133:294-299) and the result achieved with the use of this protocol were impressive from the standpoint of the organization of the data collection form and the decision-making algorithm; however, two additional interpretations of their results deserve mention. Although the statement is made that the protocol manifested equal or better judgement compared to the physicians, an examination of their results showed that, under the protocol's disposition, 22 patients would have received penicillin, seven of whom were shown to have positive throat cultures for group A β-hemolytic streptococci. This is a treatment accuracy of 32% as compared to the physicians' 25% accuracy, probably an insignificant difference. More important however, is the fact that the accuracy was only 32% and, taking into account that an additional four patients who did not receive penicillin under the


Recently, the western world has witnessed among young cohorts a significant rise in both cohabitation and out of wedlock births as well as an increasingly complex relationship between marriage and childbirth. This study follows previous investigations conducted by Blossfeld and colleagues (1) on the experience of pregnancy within cohabiting unions and how it conditions the likelihood of transition to formal marriage with the same partners. A hazard model with time-varying covariates is specified explicitly as time-dependent, with entry into first marriage as the dependent process and first pregnancy/birth as the explaining process. Our conceptual framework relies on the rational actor theory, which proposes that norm-guided and rational self-centred behaviour co-exist in the case when a pregnancy occurs in a consensual union and a decision is to be made by the couple with respect to marriage or non-marriage. Our test of this interrelated process is based on the experiences of Canada, Latvia, and the Netherlands. Findings suggest that the interdependencies of cohabitation, pregnancy, and marriage fit the model and are generally uniform processes across these societies. Slight country differences are attributed to attitudes and policies regarding cohabitation versus marriage and the acceptability of out of wedlock births.


Background: Artificial intelligence, like any science, must rely on reproducible experiments to validate results. Objective: To give practical and pragmatic recommendations for how to document AI research so that results are reproducible. Method: Our analysis of the literature shows that AI publications currently fall short of providing enough documentation to facilitate reproducibility. Our suggested best practices are based on a framework for reproducibility and recommendations for best practices given by scientific organizations, scholars, and publishers. Results: We have made a reproducibility checklist based on our investigation and described how every item in the checklist can be documented by authors and examined by reviewers. Conclusion: We encourage authors and reviewers to use the suggested best practices and author checklist when considering submissions for AAAI publications and conferences.


: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, known to be associated with an increased risk of symptomatic urinary tract infection is on the increase. The prevalence differs with respect to age, gender, environment and the presence/absence of genitourinary disorder. This work investigated the burden of asymptomatic bacteriuria and antibiotics sensitivity profile of isolates from University students in Ogun State. Urine samples were collected from asymptomatic students aged 16 to 30 years, culture and antibiotic susceptibility test was done using standard procedure. Pre-tested questionnaire was administered to get vital information about the subjects. All the samples were cultured in different selective media and the plates were incubated accordingly. The isolates were characterized and identified based on the conventional microbiological techniques. Of the 122 students, seventy-two (59.01%) were females and fifty (40. 98%) were males. 54.9% of the subjects had asymptomatic bacteriuria (62.5 and 44% for females and males respectively) while 45.1% of the samples had no sign of growth. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was higher (48.9 %) in the age group 20-23 years followed by 37.2% in 16-19 years old. Escherichia coli thirty-two (33%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa thirty (31.9%) were the most common bacteria isolated. 52% of the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is high among the students studied. University authorities need to include the assessments of bacteria in urine as part of their medical examination for students, and routine evaluation of adolescents for bacteriuria is thereby recommended.


Tomographic reconstruction is used to process the signals from a distributed optical-fiber measurement network. The network consists of series-connected optical-fiber interference sensors. The requirements which this network must meet are discussed. It is shown experimentally that it is possible to reconstruct the intensity distribution of the surface vibrations of a circular plate with forced central vibrations at frequencies of 300 and 1000 Hz. It is possible to develop networks of this type for real-time multidimensional signal processing using optical processors in systems for processing the output data from the network.


Quantitative analysis of experimental metabolic data is frequently challenged by non-intuitive, complex patterns which emerge from regulatory networks. Quantitative output of metabolic regulation can be summarised by metabolic functions which comprise information about dynamics of metabolite concentrations. They reflect the sum of biochemical reactions which affect a metabolite concentration. Derivatives of metabolic functions provide essential information about system dynamics. The Jacobian matrix of a reaction network summarises first-order partial derivatives of metabolic functions with respect to metabolite concentrations while Hessian matrices summarise second-order partial derivatives. Here, a simple model of invertase-driven sucrose hydrolysis is simulated and both Jacobian and Hessian matrices of metabolic functions are derived for quantitative analysis of kinetic regulation of sucrose metabolism. Based on previous experimental observations, metabolite dynamics are quantitatively explained in context of underlying metabolic functions. Their potential regulatory role during plant cold acclimation is derived from Jacobian and Hessian matrices.


Abstract Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize uniform-sized and regularly shaped magnetic nanoparticles in their organelles termed magnetosomes. Homeostasis of the magnetosome lumen must be maintained for its role accomplishment. Here, we developed a method to estimate the pH of a single living cell of the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 using a pH-sensitive fluorescent protein E2GFP. Using the pH measurement, we estimated that the cytoplasmic pH was approximately 7.6 and periplasmic pH was approximately 7.2. Moreover, we estimated pH in the magnetosome lumen and cytoplasmic surface using fusion proteins of E2GFP and magnetosome-associated proteins. The pH in the magnetosome lumen increased during the exponential growth phase when magnetotactic bacteria actively synthesize magnetite crystals, whereas pH at the magnetosome surface was not affected by the growth stage. This live-cell pH measurement method will help for understanding magnetosome pH homeostasis to reveal molecular mechanisms of magnetite biomineralization in the bacterial organelle. We succeeded in measuring pH in the magnetosomes within living magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 cells using the pH-sensitive fluorescent protein.


For the prediction of acoustic waves from rocket plume, over-expansion effects on Mach 3.0 supersonic jet acoustics are investigated with monotonically integrated large eddy simulation. In this study, ideally-expanded Mach number and designed Mach number are used to express the jet conditions. Three designed Mach number 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 are chosen, while ideally-expanded Mach number is constant 3.0. Reynolds number is 100000 and coldjet condition is adopted to reduce computational costs. With regard to computation, the seventh order weighted compact non-linear scheme and the tenth order compact scheme are used for solving the jet-flow and near fields acoustics propagation, respectively. Computational results of Mach wave emissions of these three conditions are almost same. This result corresponds to that of relatively low Mach number supersonic which is reported by Tam(AIAA paper 2005-2938). Present results show that it can be applied to high Mach number supersonic jet. For the the prediction of acoustic waves from rocket plume, this results imply that rocket parameters could be reduced.


The transcription factor SOX10 is essential for proper survival and differentiation of neural crest cell lineages, and plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of melanocytes. SOX10 is also highly expressed in melanoma tumors, however its role in the progression of the disease is not yet understood. Here, we report that melanoma tumor cell lines require wild-type SOX10 expression for proliferation, and detail the rescue of melanoma in the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (Grm1Tg) transgenic mouse by Sox10 haploinsufficiency. Stable SOX10 knockdown in human melanoma cells results in arrested growth, altered cellular morphology, and senescence. Cells with a stable loss of SOX10 are arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle with elevated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and 1B (p21 and p27) expression. SOX10 loss also results in hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (RB) and a reduction in the expression of its binding partner E2F1. Previously, the RB-E2F1 pathway has been shown to play a central role in cell cycle regulation, and here we demonstrate that SOX10 expression is required for the maintenance of the RB-E2F1 pathway to promote melanoma cell growth. One of the main events driving cellular transformation is the dysregulation of the cell cycle, therefore the role that SOX10 has in maintaining this process provides great promise for targeted interventions. Citation Format: Julia C. Cronin, Dawn E. Watkins-Chow, Art Incao, Joanne H. Hasskamp, Nicola Schonewolf, Nicholas K. Hayward, Boris C. Bastian, Reinhard Dummer, Stacie K. Loftus, William J. Pavan. SOX10 is required for cell cycle regulation and melanomagenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1743. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1743