Nitric oxide(NO) play an important role in normal and pathophysiological cells including as a messenger molecule, neurotransmitter, microbiocidal agent, or dilator of blood vessels and artheriosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, respectively. To investigate that Ondamtang in the potential contribution of the levels of nitric oxide generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the mechanisms of protection against L-NAME, human ECV304 cells, which normally do not express eNOS, were expressed by L-NAME. L-NAME stimulated rat or cells were found to be resistant to injury and delayed death following the Ondam-tang. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis abolished the protective effect against L-NAME, thrombin and collagen exposure. Interestingly, such effects have bee observed during stimulation with agents such as KCl on L-NAME mediate rats, were damaged by the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Cardiovascular diseases is one of the blood vessels and renin-angiotensin system dynfunction. So we studied on herbal medicine that have a relation of vessels endothelium necrosis. In Oriental Medicine, Ondam-tang has been used for disease in relation to cardiovascular system. We studied on the protection and inhibitory effects of cardiovascular diseases in L-NAME induced rat or ECV304 cell lines through the Cell morphological pattern, Tunel assay, LDH activity, heart rate, blood pressure and immunohistochemistric analysis by Ondam-tang. As the result of this study, In group, the anti-apoptosis and necrosis in the cardiovascular system have a potential capacity for prevented, protected and treating the diseases of cardiovascular system, against the necrosis of rat and ECV304 cells with eNOS and calpain expression by L-NAME is promoted.


Craniofacial abnormalities refer to malformations or anomalies of the face or head. When a child is born with a craniofacial abnormality, various aspects of growth and development can be affected. Among these are malformations and dysfunctions of the auditory system. Among children with both syndromic and non-syndromic craniofacial diagnoses, various forms of hearing loss are present. Due to these congenital malformations, this patient population is at a higher risk for conductive, sensorineural and mixed hearing losses. For this reason, it is imperative that the auditory system of these children be monitored closely by an audiologist as part of a larger craniofacial interdisciplinary pediatric team.


3D-IC integration realized by using through-silicon via (TSV) technology is the key trend of electronic device and packaging industry. In this paper, atomic force microscope (AFM) moiré method with pseudo-phase-shifting technique was adapted for the thermally induced deformation measurement of TSV structure to assess its reliability. To enhance the sensitivity of AFM moiré method suitable for sub-micro-scale deformations of TSV structure, the fine pitch and zero thickness grating fabricated by using focused ion beam (FIB) milling was used as the specimen grating. At an elevated temperature, the deformations of TSV structure was measured and analyzed. From the experimental result, global deformations induced by the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) mismatch between the chip and the ceramic substrate were dominant than the local deformations under the elevated temperature.


This research project realizes the reality of childhood cancer as an issue beyond generating a physical impairment for the child who has it, has implications at the individual, family and society, which come to affect their quality of life and welfare. Thus, from the interest of social work, the


This paper examines the relationship between board characteristics and earnings management in Iranian firms. The results show that when the CEO is the board chair and if the board size grows, the level of earnings management would increase. However, when there are more non-executive and institutional directors on the board, the level of earnings management will be lower. Even holding more board meetings does not decrease the extent of earnings management and the presence of an audit committee does not have any significant influence on earnings management.


The article is devoted to the consideration of the issue of determining the parameters of the modulation of signals of unmanned aerial vehicles using artificial neural networks by recognizing the types of digital modulation and is performed by a system that automatically classifies the type of digital modulation of the received signal. Recognition of digital modulation types is used, which automatically classifies the type of digital modulation of the received signal. The following issues are covered in the article: the analysis of existing approaches in the task of automatic recognition of types of digital modulation is carried out; the analysis and classification of informative features in the task of automatic recognition is carried out the following types of digital modulation: 2-PSK, 4-PSK, 8-PSK, 2-FSK, 8-QAM, 16-QAM, 64-QAM and OFDM. This article uses a neural network approach based on cumulative characteristics. To solve these problems, the methods of calculation and selection of informative cumulative features described in the developed model of the system of automatic recognition of digital modulation types by means of a neural network on cumulative features at a known value of carrier frequency are described. A model of the system of automatic recognition of digital modulation types at a known value is constructed carrier frequency. An algorithm for automatic recognition of digital modulation types has been developed using a multilayer neural network. The influence of noise in the communication channel on the probability of recognizing the types of digital modulation at a known value of the carrier frequency is investigated. It was found that regardless of the type of noise in the communication channel, the law of error distribution in IQ data becomes close to normal. This fact is one important argument for the use of cumulative features in the task of automatic recognition of types of digital modulation. Therefore, the task of automatic recognition of digital modulation types is quite relevant. Further research may be aimed at expanding the range of high-order cumulative features used, due to which it is possible to increase the probability of correct recognition of types of digital modulation, and solving the recognition problem at an unknown value of the frequency and initial phase of the carrier signal.


Objective To compare the dosimetric difference of RapidArc and fixed gantry angle dynamic IMRT (dIMRT) for loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods Ten previously treated patients with loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were replanned with RapidArc and dIMRT, respectively.The prescription dose was GTV 70 Gy/33 f and PTV 60 Gy/33 f.All plans met the requirement:95% of PTV was covered by 60 Gy.Dose-volume histogram data, isodose distribution, monitor units,and treatment time were compared.Results Dose distribution has no significant difference between the two techniques.RapidArc reduced the dose of the brainstem, mandible, and other normal tissues compared with dIMRT.Mean monitor units were 589.5 and 1381.0 for RapidArc and dIMRT (reduced by 57% relatively).Mean treatment time was 2.33 min and 7.82 min for RapidArc and dIMRT (reduced by 70% relatively).Conclusions Compared with dIMRT, RapidArc achieves equal target coverage and OAR sparing while using fewer monitor units and less time during radiotherapy for patient with loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Key words:
Radiotherapy, rapidArc;  Radiotherapy, dynamic intensity modulated; Nasopharyngeal neoplasms;  Dosimetry


We report a systematic study of the resistive superconducting transition in the electron-doped cuprates Pr$_{2-x}$Ce$_{x}$CuO$_{4-\delta}$ down to 1.5 K for magnetic field up to 58 T applied parallel to the conducting ab-planes. We find that the zero temperature parallel critical field (H$_{c2\parallel ab}$(0)) exceeds 58 T for the underdoped and optimally-doped films. For the overdoped films, 58 T is sufficient to suppress the superconductivity. We also find that the Zeeman energy $\mu_B$H$_{c2\parallel ab}$(0) reaches the superconducting gap ($\triangle_0$), i.e. $\mu_B$H$_{c2\parallel ab}(0)\simeq \triangle_0$, for all the dopings, strongly suggesting that the parallel critical field is determined by the Pauli paramagnetic limit in electron-doped cuprates.


A mining complex is composed of mines, mineral processing streams, stockpiles, and waste facilities, which culminate with generated products that are delivered to customers. The supply uncertainty and variability of materials extracted from the mines, which flow through a mining complex to generate products, can be quantified through geostatistical simulations and can be used as inputs to the simultaneous optimization of mining complexes. A critical aspect to consider is that mineral deposits are characterized by spatially complex, non-Gaussian geological properties and multiple-point connectivity of high-grades, features that are not captured by conventional second-order simulation methods. This paper investigates the benefits of simultaneously optimizing a mining complex where the simulations of the mineral deposit are generated by a high-order, direct-block simulation approach. The optimized life-of-mine (LOM) production schedule is compared to a case in which the same setting is optimized by having the related simulations generated using a second-order simulation method. The comparison shows that the incorporation of simulations that reproduce the spatial connectivity of high-grades results in a more informed LOM production schedule. The sequence of extraction is driven by the spatial connectivity of high-grades, resulting in a mill throughput with better material quality and reduced waste extraction. Furthermore, the discounted cash-flow increases by more than 5% as compared to the case in which the second-order simulations are used.


In the Armenian SSR the new style of the Roman calendar has been in effect since 1920, the year of the establishment of Soviet power in the country. This was followed by a decree issued in 1924 by the Supreme Patriarch of all Armenians (the katholikos) that recognized the new style of the Roman calendar as the official calendar of the Armenian church. Tables of correspondence between the Armenian and Roman calendars are included in the book under review. History 0/ chronology by the Armenian scholar B. E. Tumanian is a significant contribution to scientific chronology. It will not only prove of interest to the specialists of the history of calendars but will also be referred to by scholars in other fields who need to establish the exact date of one historical event or another.


Professor Nobuyoshi Wakabayashi passed away on May 12, 2017, at the age of 79. He was a leading scientist in neutron scattering on condensed-matter physics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), ...


Familial hypercholesterolemia, which arises as a result of a mutation in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene, is characterized by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), regardless of dietary and lifestyle modifications. Pharmacological therapy is often required to adequately control the elevated LDL-C levels associated with familial hypercholesterolemia. However, children with this genetic condition present many challenges for physicians, who must weigh the benefits of lipid-lowering therapy against the risks associated with the various treatment options. Furthermore, because familial hypercholesterolemia is a chronic condition, children will likely require long-term lipid-lowering therapy. As such, the potential effect of pharmacological treatment on development is of paramount importance in this population. Bile acid sequestrants represent a unique treatment option for children with familial hypercholesterolemia in that these agents are not systemically absorbed but rather exert their lipid-lowering effects via binding to bile acids within the gastrointestinal tract. A literature search was performed to identify clinical data related to the use of bile acid sequestrant therapy in children (,18 years of age) with familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies published in English between 1990 and December 2010 that were retrieved from MEDLINE and EMBASE were included in this systematic review. In total, five clinical studies were identified that evaluated bile acid sequestrant monotherapy, whereas two studies were identified that evaluated combination therapy with a bile acid sequestrant and low-dose statin. This review summarizes the clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of bile acid sequestrants in this specialized population. 2. Efficacy offibratesforcardiovascularriskreductioninpersonswithatherogenic dyslipidemia: Ameta-analysis by Meng Lee a,b, JeffreyL.Savera,b, AmytisTowfighic, JessicaChowd, BruceOvbiagelee. Atherosclerosis (2011), doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.04.020 Background: Recent datasuggestthatnon-targetedtreatmentwithfibratesmodestlyreducestheriskof incident cardiovascular events. However, the effect of fibrate treatment maybe particularly beneficial in patients with guideline-endorsed indications for therapy due to evidence of atherogenic dyslipidemia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the influence of fibrates on vascular risk reduction in persons with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Methods: Systematic search of Pub med, CENTRAL and recent reviews was conducted to identify atherogenic dyslipidemia (serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]<40mg/dl or triglycerides >200mg/dl) cohorts from randomized controlled trials. RR with 95%CI was used as a measure of the association between fibrate therapy and risk of cardiovascular diseases, after pooling data across trials in a random-effects model. Results: Six trials met selection criteria. Compared to placebo, the greatest benefit with fibrate treatment was seen in 7,389 subjects with high triglycerides, fibrate therapy reduced risk of vascular events (RR 0.75, 95%CI0.65to0.86, P < 0.001); and in 5,068 subjects with both high triglycerides and low HDL-C (RR 0.71, 95%CI 0.62to0.82, P < 0.001). Less benefit was noted in 15,303 subjects selected for low HDL-C (RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.77to0.91, P < 23 Author: BingBing Liang, Pharm.D. 0.001). Among 9872 subjects with neither high triglycerides nor low HDL-C, fibrate therapy did not reduce subsequent vascular events (RR0.96, 95%CI 0.85to1.09, P = 0.53). Conclusions: Fibrate treatment directed at markers of atherogenic dyslipidemia substantially reduce subsequent vascular event risk. 3. Fibrates Effect on Cardiovascular Risk Is Greater in Patients With High Triglyceride Levels or Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Eric Bruckert, MD, PhD, Julien Labreuche, BS, Dominique Deplanque, MD, PhD, Pierre-Jean Touboul, MD, and Pierre Amarenco, MD. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 57, no. 2 (February 2011): 267–272. Abstract: According to recently published data, fibrates may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Whether patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglyceride levels, or both may have additional benefits remains under debate. We performed a meta-analysis of the 5 large trials assessing the impact of fibrates on cardiovascular end points and providing information on low HDL-C and high triglyceride levels. Subgroups were determined according to values closest to predetermined cut-offs for both HDL-C and triglycerides (35 and 200 mg/dL, respectively). Overall, 4,671 patients (2,401 in fibrate group and 2,270 in placebo group) were classified as having an atherogenic dyslipidemia featuring low HDLC combined with high triglyceride levels. Across trials, the proportion of patients classified in this subgroup ranged from 11% to 33%. We found a significant difference in the magnitude of fibrate effect across dyslipidemia subgroups (P for between-group heterogeneity = 0.0002). A greater effect size was found in patients with high triglyceride levels or atherogenic dyslipidemia phenotype where fibrates were estimated to reduce the cardiovascular risk by 28% [95% confidence interval (CI), 15% to 39%; P , 0.001] or 30% (95% CI, 19% to 40%, P , 0.0001), respectively, but only by 6% (95% CI, 22% to 13%, P = 0.13) in nonatherogenic dyslipidemia patients. Targeting patients with high triglyceride levels or atherogenic dyslipidemia with fibrates may help reduce residual vascular risk. According to recently published data, fibrates may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Whether patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglyceride levels, or both may have additional benefits remains under debate. We performed a meta-analysis of the 5 large trials assessing the impact of fibrates on cardiovascular end points and providing information on low HDL-C and high triglyceride levels. Subgroups were determined according to values closest to predetermined cut-offs for both HDL-C and triglycerides (35 and 200 mg/dL, respectively). Overall, 4,671 patients (2,401 in fibrate group and 2,270 in placebo group) were classified as having an atherogenic dyslipidemia featuring low HDLC combined with high triglyceride levels. Across trials, the proportion of patients classified in this subgroup ranged from 11% to 33%. We found a significant difference in the magnitude of fibrate effect across dyslipidemia subgroups (P for between-group heterogeneity = 0.0002). A greater effect size was found in patients with high triglyceride levels or atherogenic dyslipidemia phenotype where fibrates were estimated to reduce the cardiovascular risk by 28% [95% confidence interval (CI), 15% to 39%; P , 0.001] or 30% (95% CI, 19% to 40%, P , 0.0001), respectively, but only by 6% (95% CI, 22% to 13%, P = 0.13) in nonatherogenic dyslipidemia patients. Targeting patients with high triglyceride levels or atherogenic dyslipidemia with fibrates may help reduce residual vascular risk. 4. Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis by Eric Bruckerta, Julien Labreucheb,c, Pierre Amarenco. Atherosclerosis 210, no. 2 (June 2010): 353–361. Objective: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in both naïve and statin-treated patients. Nicotinic acid is an attractive option for decreasing residual risk in statin-treated or statin-intolerant patients since it increases HDL-C by up to 20% and decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations. Methods: We performed a computerized Pub Med literature search that focused on clinical trials evaluating niacin, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs, published between January 1966 and August 2008. Results: Among 587 citations, 29 full articles were read and 14 were eligible for inclusion. Overall 11 randomized controlled trials enrolled 2682 patients in the active group and 3934 in the control group. In primary analysis, niacin significantly reduced major coronary events (relative odds reduction = 25%,


Dajjal appearance discussion in the last decade has been the trending among Muslim. There are massive search for religious doctrines text on Dajjal in digital media. This is oriented towards certain views about the world, social and cultural conditions, political project, political subjectivity, attitudes, and practice or competence. The behavior affects social-political life through the contextualization of hadith about Dajjal. This study aims to obtain a complete picture of digital media behavior in understanding religious doctrines related to  Fitna of Dajjal among Muslims. This article combines Muslim theory of Cosmopolitanism Khairuddin Aljunied and living hadith approach, supported by data from google trend search throughout 2019. The results showed that there were four digital behaviors of Indonesian Muslim related to Dajjal hadith, first, searching instantaneously; second, reviewing from internet; third, joining the contextualisation discussion; and fourth, liking the personalization and illustration. The most frequently sought topic is about the prayer to be protected from Fitna of Dajjal. In addition, the study also tried to prove that this digital behavior is formed massively because of supply and demand pattern. It means that there are groups producing Dajjal hadith in public sphere regularly since they are supported by the many interests of consumers.


One of the primary responsibilities of government is to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizenry. To this end, governments criminalizes certain conducts that are seen to be obnoxious to the general public good. Such conducts includes the way and manner of creating wealth as well as the interrogation of the purpose for which monies earned legitimately are utilized. The Nigeria's Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, (as amended) prohibits illicit earnings and criminally induced investments in and out of Nigeria. However, the law in defining the scope of conducts that constitute offences ended up criminalizing all unlawful conducts, whether or not it has anything to do with money or property or the financial institutions. The Act also seems silence on the investment of legitimate earnings on illegal and criminal purpose, such as terrorism and cultism. It is the position of this paper that the definitional scope of the Act is not ambiguous but lopsided. The paper recommends that the Act be amended to focus on the original purpose for global anti- money laundering regimes


The flow properties of rod-like micellar (surfactant) solutions passing through circular orifices with an inner diameter of 100 µm to 1.0 mm were investigated in this study. Rod-like micellar solutions comprising a cationic surfactant [oleyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride; Lipothoquad O/12] and a counterion (sodium salicylate; NaSal) were used. The molar concentration ratio was varied from 0.10 to 100 to change the rheological properties of the test fluid, which were evaluated using a strain-controlled rheometer and a capillary viscometer. All the rod-like micellar solutions exhibited non-Newtonian viscosity except those with molar concentration ratios of 0.10 and 0.15, which instead exhibited Newtonian viscosity consistent with that of water. In the dynamic viscoelasticity measurements, the relaxation times of the rod-like micellar solutions with molar concentration ratios other than 0.10, 0.15, and 100 were calculated by extrapolating slopes 1 and 2. For each orifice, the experimental results with water alone agreed with theoretical predictions within the experimental errors (thereby demonstrating the validity of the experimental setup). In dimensionless graphs arranged by generalized Reynolds number, the dimensionless pressure drops for the molar concentration ratios of 0.10, 0.15, 50, and 100 agreed well with the experimental (predicted) values for water. For the other rod-like-micellar solutions, the dimensionless pressure drop was larger than that for water. In other words, the rheological and flow properties were found to change with the molar concentration ratio. To discuss the experimental results in depth, the flow resistivity was calculated and was largest for the molar concentration ratio of 1.0. The increase in pressure drop was also largest for molar concentration ratio of 1.0. The Weissenberg number was used to summarize the experimental results in terms of elastic properties, and the characteristic increase in pressure drop was found to occur at a Weissenberg number on the order of 10 0 , at which elasticity was strongly expressed.


There has been an increasing trend toward the use of "push-over" analysis as a tool for evaluation of the safety of structures during earthquakes. A variety of existing push-over analysis procedures are currently being consolidated under programs such as ATC40 and FEMA273. This paper is a critical review of the currently proposed push-over analysis procedure, and a case study in which the proposed methodology is evaluated.


Parameter estimation for biological systems is an important topic and considered as an inverse problem. In this paper, we provide a general computational technique for parameter estimations of biological systems described by delay differential equations, using least squares approach. Sensitivity analysis is an important tool for understanding a particular model, which is considered as an issue of stability with respect to structural perturbations in the model. We introduce a variational method to evaluate sensitivity of the state variables to small perturbations in the initial conditions and parameters appear in the model. The consistency of neutral delay differential equations with bacterial cell growth is shown, as a numerical example, by fitting the model to real observations.


In 2006 the University of Cape Town (UCT) introduced a policy of 'internationalisation', a term widely used in Higher Education, which established the International Academic Programmes Office (lAPO) as the body responsible for coordinating the policy throughout the university. This study identifies the challenges to both staff and students in the implementation of that policy, particularly, but not only, in the departments of Historical Studies, Political Studies and Religious Studies, in the Humanities Faculty. The thesis examines the role of lAP a as well as the role of semester study abroad (SSA) students one category among non-South African students in the internationalisation process. Some of the problematic aspects of both the policy and its implementation are exposed for example, the definition of 'internationalisation' used in the policy document as well as the ambiguity of certain terms/concepts; the ambiguity ofIAPO's status whether administrative or academic; the lack of adequate resources to achieve some of the policy's stated aims; and tensions between IAPO and academic staff, among others. The study found that the presence of SSA students is received positively, in the main, by local students but elicits a mixed response from staff. The thesis argues that notwithstanding the ongoing and increasing popularity ofUCT as a study destination for SSA students, the aims of the policy would be better achieved if particular aspects were critically reviewed. 111 Un ive rsi ty of Ca pe To wn


This paper is a survey on recent results on spectral geometry for the Sublaplacian on certain compact nilmanifolds. We determine the spectrum of the Sublaplacian on compact quotients of 2-step Carnot groups by a lattice and focus on a class of generalized H-type groups. We prove a Poisson summation formula relating the spectrum of the Sublaplacian and lengths of closed Subriemannian geodesics.


Since the Warnock (DES, 1978) and Progress Reports (SED, 1978) policy and legislation in Scotland has been enacted in a bid to create a more inclusive educational system. Despite an evolving legal and policy framework, or indeed perhaps because of it, tensions exist in the system and the deficit nature of language and practice remains. In this context where do more able learners find themselves? This paper will examine the concept of inclusion and the legal and policy framework that currently exists in Scotland for evidence that the education of more able learners is encompassed by this inclusive approach.


The main mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, as well as the ore potential of titanium-bearing placers spatially and genetically associated with the Ariadne intrusion of ultrabasites (Primorye), were determined. The composition of ilmenite, gold and platinum was studied, and a complex of associated strategic metals was identified. The possibilities of industrial development of ilmenite placers applying environmentally safe methods of pyro-hydrometallurgy were evaluated. The proposed technical solutions will expand the prospects of the raw material base in the South of the Russian Far East.


Foreword by Victor H. Vroom Preface Human Resource Innovation The Organizations, Innovations, and Research Strategy The History of Adoption of the Innovations Human Resource Innovation Survey Results Toward a Theory of Acceptance of Human Resource Innovation: The Effects of Hierarchical Level, Organizational Unit and Innovations Lessons for Managers of Human Resource Innovations Conclusions Appendix: Human Resource Programs Questionnaire Bibliography Index


In response to the ongoing debate as to the appropriateness of incorporating antimicrobial,agents into fibrous air filter media, ASHRAE funded research project 909-RP, Determine the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Treatments of Fibrous Air Filters. This article summarizes the project and results.


We focus on scenarios in which multiple rational, non-communicating agents navigate in close proximity, such as unsignalized street intersections. In these situations, decentralized coordination to achieve safe and efficient motion demands nuanced implicit communication between the agents. Often, the spatial structure of such environments constrains multi-agent trajectories to belong to a finite set of modes, each corresponding to a distinct spatiotemporal topology. Our key insight is that empowering agents with a model of this structure can enable effective coordination through implicit communication, realized via intent signals encoded in agents' actions. In this paper, we do so by representing modes of joint behavior as topological braids. We design a decentralized planning framework that incorporates a mechanism for inferring the emerging braid in the decision-making process. By executing actions that minimize the uncertainty over the upcoming braid, agents converge rapidly to a consensus over a joint collision avoidance strategy despite lacking knowledge of the destinations of others and accurate models of their behaviors. We validate our approach with a case study in a four-way unsignalized intersection involving a series of challenging multi-agent scenarios. Our findings show that our model reduces frequency of collisions by at least 65% over a set of explicit trajectory prediction baselines, while maintaining comparable efficiency.


Twenty‐five patients with glioblastoma multiforme were autopsied at our institution in 7 years. Spinal cords were examined in 20 and 5 were found to have spinal leptomeningeal metastases. Clinical and neuropathological findings of these 5 patients are presented and factors possibly influencing such spread are analyzed. Review of previous studies of intracranical glioblastomas discloses only 14 reported cases with spinal leptomeningeal metastases confirmed at autopsy since 1931. We conclude that spinal leptomeningeal metastases in glioblastoma multiforme are a common occurrence. These findings are of little significance at present with our poor success at control of the primary lesion. Frequency of involvement of the spinal subarachnoid space will be significant, when we are able to better treat the primary tumor. Knowledge of the significant possibility of this phenomenon will allow earlier and more frequent clinical diagnosis. Cancer 42:2854–2864, 1978.


Recently COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world quite seriously. The number of new infectious cases and death cases are rapidly increasing over time. In this study, a theoretical linguistic fuzzy rule-based Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Isolated-Recovered (SEIIsR) compartmental model has been proposed to predict the dynamics of the transmission of COVID-19 over time considering population immunity and infectiousness heterogeneity based on viral load in the model. The model's equilibrium points have been calculated and stability analysis of the model's equilibrium points has been conducted. Consequently, the fuzzy basic reproduction number, R0f of the fuzzy model has been formulated. Finally, the temporal dynamics of different compartmental populations with immunity and infectiousness heterogeneity using the fuzzy Mamdani model are delineated and some disease control policies have been suggested to get over the infection in no time.


Based on studying the map matching algorithms home and abroad, the paper introduced the map matching of typical region based on the topological analysis. The results of simulation on real driving data show that the map matching algorithm has the higher accuracy and can better solve the matching problem for complex road network in cities.


Even though several experiments have confirmed the promotional effect of girdling, application of morphactin or a combination of both on flower induction in mango trees, little is known about the physiological and hormonal changes induced by these treatments, which might be responsible for the transition from vegetative to generative bud development. Therefore, we mechanically girdled young, potted mango trees. Part of the girdled trees were additionally chemically girdled with two auxin transport inhibitors, viz. morphactin and naphthyl-phthalamic acid. Although none of the treatments induced flowering in the young trees, all treatments reduced photosynthesis, transpiration and stomata conductance for at least 14 days. Furthermore, a considerable increase in leaf polar IAA export could be measured, which, because of the restriction imposed by the mechanical / chemical girdle, could not reach the roots of the trees. Possibly as a result of this, cytokinins (CKs) in the xylem sap of the treated trees increased significantly. A hypothesis is presented trying to explain how IAA export from leaves and CKs from roots could induce mango trees to flower even under non-inductive temperatures.


Currently, science and technology together can change the body of the speaker – gender –producing creatures capable of object choices in Freud or enjoyment modalities in Lacan, impeded by their biology before.The drive, trying to outline the object a, will tangle the plot of the subject, turning the malaise symptom into a particular sinthome. The author presents the case of a twelve-year-old girl who says she "does not feel like a girl and wants to be a boy". It also presents, in counterpoint, the case of the first Brazilian transman, who in a loop reinvents a place for himself in the world, with the expression of his sinthome. keywords: Psychoanalysis; transexuality; symptom; sinthome. Recebido: 24/05/2017 Aprovado: 02/07/2017


In 2014, the Northern Territory (NT) Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) received over $59M in grant funding and government loans from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the NT Government to deploy renewable energy systems into 25 remote communities that previously relied solely on diesel to generate electricity. The deployment of SETuP occurred in two separate tranches, with all works completed by Power and Water Corporation (PWC) in 2019. The program has successfully deployed a total of 10 MW of solar PV, as well as a 2MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Daly River site. The 22 solar/diesel communities analysed in this paper (Daly River, Milingimbi, and Ngukurr have not been included in the analysis) have achieved a combined renewable energy fraction (REF) of 14.3%. With projects underway to increase REFs at several communities, the program is expected to exceed its original target of 15.0%. The paper also examines some of the barriers to increased renewable fractions in these communities, and as well as the causes – and potential mitigation strategies – for renewable energy spill caused by operating constraints.


Comparative characteristics of clinical effect of systemic monotherapy in severe cases of in-patients with genital herpes were done. Valaciclovir was administered 0.5 g twice a day for five days in 46 patients and immunomodulator Heponum 0.002 g daily for 5 days in 71 patients. The bindings show good clinical effect: full regress of subjective and objective symptoms within the episode of genital herpes in five days in 93.48% and 94.37% of patients in two groups. Unlike Valaciclovir (21.74% cases), Hepon in 46.48% of cases prevents the formation of vesicles in the affected foci, enables to prolong the period of remission up to 54.81±5.35 days, reducing the following relapses, making them less severe (17.36% have an abortive form). The following therapeutic courses with Hepon should be done after 2 months break.


Design and realization of microstrip antennas in S-band at 2.4 GHz is reported in this research paper. It is shown that the design adopted for circular microstrip antenna is quite accurate. By using the conventional MIC fabrication technology compact light weight microstrip antenna can be realized. The desired narrow band achieved the circular microstrip antenna. Antennas are designed and fabricated on the substrate of dielectric constant 4.22 and thickness of 1.6 mm. Simulation is done using the microwave software to achieve the desired results. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to the challenges of designing an antenna integrated into modern handset. It provides the reader with insight into all the details associated with handset antenna design and the type of measurements used to characterize handset antennas.


The multiuse data acquisition system based on USB is characterized by hot plug-in and pull-out,being plugged and applied at any time,saving system resources,small volume,low power consumption,reliable performance;good compatibility,low cost and flexible use,as well as convenient for secondary development and applicable for field investigation.The paper describes the development and application of multiplex and quasi-synchronous seismic data acquisition system by means of USB.


This research aims to describe the management of recruitment of educators in MTs Darussalam Muara Tembesi. This study uses qualitative methods. Data collection techniques using observations, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the procurement of well-managed education personnel includes several activities, first, establishing the number of teachers needed. Second, the determination of quality and placement of teachers according to the needs based on job description and job specification. Third, determine the number of teachers received according to the needs of madrasah based on the right man in the right place and the right man in the right job. Fourth, establish teacher welfare and career development so that teachers are always motivated to improve their skills in academic and non-academic fields. A well-managed recruitment process can produce qualified human resources in MTs Darussalam Muara Tembesi.


The variation of the sea surface sensible heat flux is investigated using data from the Gulf of Tehuantepec Experiment (GOTEX) and from eight additional aircraft datasets representing a variety of surface conditions. This analysis focuses on near-neutral conditions because these conditions are common over the sea and are normally neglected, partly because of uncertain reliability of measurements of the small air‐sea temperature difference. For all of the datasets, upward heat flux is observed for slightly stable conditions. The frequency of this ''countergradient'' heat flux increases with increasing wind speed and is possibly related to sea spray or microscale variations of surface temperature on the wave scale. Upward area-averaged sensible heat flux for slightly stable conditions can also be generated by mesoscale heterogeneity of the sea surface temperature (SST). Significant measurement errors cannot be ruled out. Thecountergradientheatfluxforweaklystableconditionsisleastsystematicforweakerwinds,eventhough itoccurswithweakwindsinallofthedatasets.InanefforttoreduceoffseterrorsanddifferentSSTprocessing and calibration procedures among field programs, the authors adjusted the SST in each field program to minimize the countergradient flux for weak winds. With or without this adjustment for the combined dataset, the extent of the upward heat flux for weakly stable conditions increases with increasing wind speed.


Objective: There is room for improvement in the algorithms used in closed-loop insulin therapy during the prandial period. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Diabeloop algorithm (model predictive control type) during the postprandial period. Methods: This 2-center clinical trial compared interstitial glucose levels over two 5-hour periods (with/without the algorithm) following a calibrated lunch. On the control day, the amount of insulin delivered by the pump was determined according to the patient's usual parameters. On the test day, 50% or 75% of the theoretical bolus required was delivered, while the algorithm, informed of carbohydrate intake, proposed changes to insulin delivery every 15 minutes using modeling to forecast glucose levels. The primary endpoint was percentage of time spent at near normoglycemia (70-180 mg/dl). Results: Twelve patients with type 1 diabetes (9 men, age 35.6 ± 12.7 years, HbA1c 7.3 ± 0.8%) were included. The percentage of time spent in the target range was 84.5 ± 20.8 (test day) versus 69.2 ± 33.9% (control day, P = .11). The percentage of time spent in hypoglycemia < 70 mg/dl was 0.2 ± 0.8 (test) versus 4.4 ± 8.2% (control, P = .18). Interstitial glucose at the end of the test (5 hours) was 127.5 ± 40.1 (test) versus 146 ± 53.5 mg/dl (control, P = .25). The insulin doses did not differ, and no differences were observed between the 50% and 75% boluses. Conclusion: In a semi-closed-loop configuration with manual priming boluses (25% or 50% reduction), the Diabeloop v1 algorithm was as successful as the manual method in determining the prandial bolus, without any exposure to excessive hypoglycemic risk.


Visualization tools facilitate exploratory data analysis, but fall short at supporting hypothesis-based reasoning. We conducted an exploratory study to investigate how visualizations might support a concept-driven analysis style, where users can optionally share their hypotheses and conceptual models in natural language, and receive customized plots depicting the fit of their models to the data. We report on how participants leveraged these unique affordances for visual analysis. We found that a majority of participants articulated meaningful models and predictions, utilizing them as entry points to sensemaking. We contribute an abstract typology representing the types of models participants held and externalized as data expectations. Our findings suggest ways for rearchitecting visual analytics tools to better support hypothesis- and model-based reasoning, in addition to their traditional role in exploratory analysis. We discuss the design implications and reflect on the potential benefits and challenges involved.


BACKGROUND: Support services are a very important element for all educational institutions. The aims of this study were to explore the components of the student support system in blended learning for universities of medical sciences in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was performed qualitative with exploratory approach. The tool used to collect data was a semi-structured interview, after conducting interviews with 17 e-learning experts and specialists of universities of medical sciences, we reached information saturation. The study was conducted at Aja University of Medical Sciences in Tehran in 2020. Data analysis was performed as Thematic Content Analysis by Attride-Stirling method. RESULTS: From the content analysis of the interviews, 6 main themes and 19 sub-themes were obtained. Main themes included "Scientific- cognitive Support", "Systematic Support", "Human Resource Support", "Emotional Support", "Technical Support" and "Financial- economic Support". CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, 6 basic components and its subcomponents of the student support system were obtained. It is suggested that the educational officials of medical universities with blended learning use the results of this study in setting up their student support system for academic success in e-learning and medical students.


This beautiful little book is filled with wisdom and inspiration. The Way of the Teacher consists of 96 "Threads" divided into five sections: Teaching, Learning, Students, Problem Solving, and Master Teachers.


A bend suction type internal hemorrhoids circumferential wiring device comprising an arc sucker inner pipe, an arc sleeve releasing a silica gel ring, a cylinder push sleeve and a negative pressure needle cylinder; the arc sucker can easily suck the internal hemorrhoids tissue and blood vessel rectum mucosa on an L-shape rectum wall above an anal tube tooth trace, and circumferential wiring can be conveniently carried out; single hand operation is easy, so operation time can be saved; the negative needle cylinder can generate negative pressure and serves as a circumferential wiring device handle, thus simplifying circumferential wiring device structure; a push sleeve track, a track guide rod and a wedge can ensure the arc sleeve of the silica gel ring to smoothly move in the arc sucker inner pipe, and disengagement is hard; the cylinder push sleeve and the release silica gel ring arc sleeve can use a semicircle wheel to curve steering, thus generation rolling contact, and transferring power directly on the silica gel ring, so the silica gel ring can be lightly and smoothly released for circumferential wiring effect; the circumferential wiring device is reasonable in design, simple and easy in usage, low in cost, and suitable for disposable usage.


Sustainable actions against mould and odour in buildings

Many reports on the increasing incidence of allergies and hyper sensitivities among both adults and children - together with reports on poo ...


The present invention discloses a method and a system for generating licenses. In the case of a network failure, clients can use the obtained digital media files normally. The method includes the following procedures: Digital media files are obtained. When a network failure occurs, an off-line payment request is generated and a license is applied for the obtained digital media file, and a licensefor the digital media file is generated based upon the off-line payment request. The system consists of a client license applying unit and a client license generating and storing unit. In the method and the system, a client license generating and storing unit is arranged at the client-side, so in the event that the client-side fails to gain access to the network, the client off-line payment record is recorded and a license is generated, thereby enabling the client-side to use the obtained digital media file normally.


The asymptotic stage of vapor bubble growth around heated particle in liquid is con-sidered. This problem is connected with vapor explosions which occur particularly in the cooling systems of nuclear-power stations, when, as result of some accident, the heated particles of the nuclear fuel settle in the water. This leads to the explosive boiling of the liquid and to a rapid increase of the pressure. In the present work the simple formula for the asymptotic stage of bubble growth rate around heated particle is obtained. AMS Subject Classification: 76T10


The primary thesis of this article is that the rights and powers of corporations--to collect, recombine, and resell personal data--have accrued in such a way as to fundamentally circumvent traditional and conventional conceptions of privacy, especially with respect to the sphere of informational privacy. In so doing, informational capitalism has also altered in fundamental ways the public and social sphere itself, the sphere through which one might expect these corporate forces and uses of technology to be controlled .


The existence of blood-brain barrier(BBB) makes it impossible for 98% medicines to enter the brain.This is an important restrictive factor for the development of central nervous drugs.By nanoparticle delivery system,drugs can cross the BBB and increase the drug concentration in brain.This system is a better carrier for drugs to target brain,but the mechanism how it permeate the BBB is not completely understood.Since Kreuter proposed six plausible mechanisms for nanoparticles(NP) across the BBB in 2001,it has become a hot spot to investigate these mechanisms in order to enhance the drug-loaded NP permeability across the BBB.This article mainly reviewed the present research progress in mechanisms of NP across the BBB.


A total of 110 common eider ducks from six localities in Newfoundland and Labrador were examined for parasites. Twenty-seven species of parasites were recovered, eight being new host records and eighteen new host records for the common eider in North America. Ninety-five percent of the ducks were infected. -- The percentage of infection, range of numbers, and mean number of parasites is given for each age group and each sex of bird examined. Parasite species are discussed individually with regard to topics such as location within the host, other host records, the authority used in specific determination, minor variations, if any, from the original description, and comparison of results obtained by other authors who recorded the same species from common eiders. -- Two species of parasites were observed to cause damage to the host but none were lethal.


A presettable cartridge valve (1), particularly for hot water heaters, having a housing (2), with a part, in particular a valve rod (9), for holding a with a valve seat cooperating (8) the valve closing piece, which is spring-loaded in the opening direction by a restoring spring arrangement , to provide with a device for presetting the flow rate, which has a high reliability and is simplified in terms of production, it is proposed that the device for presetting the flow rate substantially comprises two parts, namely a rotatable and axially displaceable operating element (3) that is integrally formed with the valve closure member holder part (9), and a control part (14) which is coupled to the actuator member (3), so that it follows the rotary movement of the actuating part (3), but the actuating part (3) is independent of the control part (14) towards the latter and axially displaced therefrom.


Abstract : RAPIDbus: Architecture and Realization describes a synchronous multiprocessor designed to support sensory processing, image understanding, and control applications. Up to eight board level masters interact with up to eight slaves along a time-multiplexed implementation of a crossbar switch. Two implementations are considered, one based on an Advanced Shottky logic with a bus bandwidth of 16 Mhz and a Versabus host interface. The second implementation, based on an ECL/TTL gate array, permits an estimated 64 Mhz of bus bandwidth and a Versus/Multibus host interface. Segmented memory management a multicast capability between one master and multiple destinations, and a standardized host interface aid in making RAPIDbus an appropriate architecture for robotic applications. (Author)


The spatial infrared and imaging telescope (SPIRIT III) was flown aboard the Mid-Course Space Experiment (MSX), a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization sponsored program. SPIRIT III is a long-wave infrared instrument package consisting of a high off-axis rejection telescope, a five- color radiometer, and a six-channel interferometer. End-of- life temperature requirements for the radiometer, interferometer, telescope, and baffle are less than 12 K, less than 11.5 K, less than 20 K, and less than 70 K, respectively. Cooling for the instrument is provided by a single-stage, 9 K solid-hydrogen-filled cryostat. In November 1994, just prior to launch, the cryostat suffered a loss of vacuum in the insulation space, which resulted in extensive damage to it and the instrument. After months of investigation and analysis, it was determined that the primary cause of the vacuum loss was a stress corrosion failure in the cryogenic plumbing. A decision was made to rebuild portions of the cryostat and instrument, but because of time constraints and the way parts of the cryostat parts were bonded, many sections of multilayered (MLI) insulation were not replaced during the rebuild. To measure what impact, if any, the degraded insulation might have on thermal performance, a test using liquid helium was carried out prior to the MSX satellites' launch in April 1996. Once on orbit, temperatures inside the cryostat equilibriated, but the instrument temperatures ran warmer than expected despite the cryogen being near the predicted 9 Kelvin. The cryostat eventually ran out of cryogen one month short of the initial, on-orbit predictions. This paper describes the cryogenic system, illustrates the pre- launch thermal performance predictions, and discuses the on- orbit thermal performance.


Knowledge organizations have their own more confined and particular understandings on the meaning of human capital. In knowledge organizations, human capital can be counted as the integration of explicit human capital and tacit human capital, and the value of it increases with the inter-transition between them. Human capital is paid back by non-economic payment being emphasized in knowledge organizations, and the balance between human capital investment and its payback is established through the bargaining between the organization and the personnel.


Chloroquine [7-chloro-4-(4-diethylamino-1-methylbutylamino)quinoline] is both fluorescent and photochemically unstable. The primary photoproduct was also found to be both photoactive and fluorescent. Three fluorimetric methods for measurement of original chloroquine concentration were evaluated: (1) digital integration of the fluorescence decay signal from chloroquine (380 nm); (2) digital integration of the fluorescence increase due to the photoproduct (480 nm); (3) analog recording of product fluorescence as a function of exposure time. The digital methods gave better precision (0.6%) and limit of detection (0.1 ppb) by one and two orders of magnitude, respectively. Sensitivity using integration of native chloroquine fluorescence was better by an order of magnitude than that for integration of photoproduct signal and is therefore the method of choice. The analog method was much less sensitive than either digital procedure. The photochemical conversion of chloroquine to intermediate (fluorescent) and final (nonfluorescent) products was studied. Oxygen increases the photochemical quantum yields and decreases fluorescence quantum yields, but satisfactory analytical data are obtained with air-saturated solutions. Speed of analysis and limits of detection exceed previously reported methods.


The lubricating layer located between the rolling bodies plays a crucial role in ensuring the service life of the bearings. Calculating the contact of rolling bodies with each other taking into account their compliance and lubrication parameters is a complex elastic-hydrodynamic problem, for the solution of which complex computer programs are usually used. The paper proposes a hybrid approach based on a separate solution of elastic and hydrodynamic problems with subsequent coordination of the complete solution. The semi-analytical approach of the created method allows solving a large range of problems, and was used in this work to assess the effect of temperature on the stress state of rolling bodies in a roller bearing. The results of calculations show the operability of the procedure and made it possible to establish the dependence of contact stresses on oil viscosity and temperature. The proposed approach is applicable for solving elastic-hydrodynamic problems for any bearings.


The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) released its first model curriculum in 1981. AITP jointly sponsored IS'90, IS'97 and IS2002 model curricula. The AIS and ACM are involved in developing a next generation curriculum. This AITP response represents a synergistic approach utilizing the IS2002 Model curriculum to offer a strategy to upgrade the performance of graduates. We will implement a web-based learning community to make available learning enhancement techniques developed through shared assessment observations. The thrust of this initiative suggests this is a good time, given a very stable and highly effective curriculum model, IS2002, to embrace the newer idea of learner-centered vs. teaching concepts. We are proposing to use the zeal of faculty associated with the AITP to tackle this problem as a community. We plan to use learning units of IS2002 to map course outcome statements. We ask faculty to volunteer data for courses they are teaching. At the conclusion of the course those faculty will see what other faculty have entered for each of the required fields, as well as their CCER score for this learning unit. Thus, this curriculum enhancement product will be to focus as a community on an assessment model as a basis for improvement. We will implement a group model that will utilize sharable group outcomes related to the curriculum structure to map outcomes to skills, program outcomes, and program objectives and share the results of the process with the community in web-delivered materials as well as annual meetings.


Many studies have been conducted on deformations in wood and pulp fibres, and a large number of terms (e.g. dislocations, microcompressions, slip planes, nodes, misaligned zones, crimps, kinks) have been used to describe these structures in the literature. The true structure of deformations however, remains unclear because most observations are based on light microscopical studies. In the present work, the nature and structure of fibre deformations are discussed from an ultrastructural perspective in the light of old and new observations. In several cases, previous studies appear to have described similar types of deformations but with varying extent resulting in confusion regarding definition. Evidence for the occurrence of deformations in wood cells of living trees is also reviewed.


Diabetic complications are known to be associated with activation of the protein kinase C pathway through the de novo synthesis of diacylglycerol. Multiple studies have reported that the activation of protein kinase C leads to increased production of extracellular matrix and cytokines and enhances contractility, permeability, and vascular cell proliferation. Specific protein kinase C isoforms, mainly the &bgr; and &dgr; isoforms, have been shown to be persistently activated in diabetes mellitus. The gene for selective protein kinase C inhibition, LY333531, has been shown to prevent or reverse various vascular dysfunctions in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials are now ongoing to evaluate the effect of LY333531 on pathologic changes in cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease.


Beyond Black and Red: African–Native Relations in Colonial Latin America. Matthew Restall, ed. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2005. 303 pp.


In a solid, readable monograph, Barbara Voorhies has presented us with a detailed analysis of one of the best documented Archaic period societies in Mesoamerica. While the study is directed to a Mesoamerican audience, it has clear value to all those interested in Archaic and/or coastal adaptations. In essence this is the report of excavations conducted at three shell middens along the Chiapas coast in 1973. However, in the first chapter Voorhies quickly sets the tone for her work by placing their significance within broader regional and theoretical contexts. As these contexts provide much of the orientation for the field and laboratory analysis that follows, they are worth repeating here. First the author presents a concise "state of the art" for our knowledge of contemporary Archaic peoples in southern Mesoamerica. This is followed by a review of the known cultural history of this portion of coastal Chiapas, the ethnohistoric province of Soccnusco. Given the temporal and spatial frameworks, Voorhies turns to the ecological context of these coastal middens. It is within this sphere that the author poses the major hypotheses that oriented the research. Most significant is that describing the relationship between ecological niches, procurement systems, and residence patterns. It is proposed that all coastal populations rely to some extent on nonaquatic resources. These nonaquatic resources can be acquired by local populations in various ways, ranging from total movement of the group through a series of habitats (nomadism) to total movement of the resources among stationary groups (sedentism with economic exchange). In addition, it is proposed that the earlier the population, the more likely it will opt for the first system (nomadism) and vice versa. Reviewing available data from Mesoamerica allows the author to suggest that research strategies have produced an overemphasis on animal, rather than plant, resources, that all coastal populations have utilized some terrestrial zones, and that most groups have relied at least partially on agriculture. Moreover, residence is generally viewed as permanent, with some evidence of regional exchange.


We provide evidence that the uncertainty in detection of small and deterministic phase-shift deviations from a working point can be lower than the Heisenberg bound, for a fixed finite mean number of photons. We achieve that by exploiting nonlinearity of estimators and coherence with the vacuum.


Boundary layer transition along the leeward symmetry plane of axisymmetric bodies at nonzero angle of incidence in supersonic flow was investigated numerically as part of joint research between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Stability of the boundary layer over five axisymmetric bodies (namely, the Sears-Haack body, the semi-Sears-Haack body, two straight cones and the flared cone) was analyzed in order to investigate the effects of axial pressure gradients, freestream Mach number and angle of incidence on the boundary layer transition. Moreover, the transition location over four bodies was detected experimentally. The strong effects of axial pressure gradients on the boundary layer profiles along the leeward ray, including an earlier transition under adverse axial pressure gradients, were indicated in both numerical predictions and experimental measurements. The destabilizing effect of the pressure gradient on the boundary layer flow within the leeward symmetry plane is shown to be related to the three-dimensional dynamics involving an increasing build-up of secondary flow along the leeward symmetry plane under an adverse axial pressure gradient. A detailed description of the mean flow computation, which forms the basis for the present linear stability analysis, is provided in an accompanying report that forms part 1 of this document.


The 18th Annual Meeting of the Canadian College of Neuropsychophannacology was highlighted by its association, for the first time, with the Japanese Society of Neuropsychopharmacology. The meeting was attended by 162 persons from Canada, the US, and other countries, in-cluding 39 individuals from Japan. Participants included clinician-researchers, basic neuroscientists, and repre-sentatives of the phannaceutical industry. Presentations con-sisted of 4 plenary lectures, 2 awards lectures, 8 symposia, and 87 posters. Major themes of the meeting were recent advances in the neurobiology of schizophrenia, affective disorders, substance abuse, Alzheimer's disease, and the molecular mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs.


Arnold J. Auerbach, Ph.D., is Professor of So ciology and Social Welfare, San Fernando Val ley State College, Northridge, California. He has been developing affirmative action seminars and fair employment practices programs for in dustry and public agencies in southern Califor nia as director of the Enki Research and Train ing Institutes, a private nonprofit management consultant and research organization.


The calling of the synod by Pope Francis which is going to take place this year with the theme "The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization" necessitates theological and pastoral reflections on family life; especially forms of marriages in Africa. This essay articulates the complexity of the sacrament of marriage in Christianity in Africa, in the light of cultural diversities and emerging horizons in human relations; such as same sex unions. Focusing on the understanding of the sacrament of marriage from the Christian perspective, the essay attempts to highlight that one perspective framework, in matters of marriage, is inadequate to holistically capture and animate it. Instead, local, contextual, anthropological, historical and socio-economic paradigms enormously animate the understanding and practice of marriage in Africa. The essay also shows that while Christianity insists on monogamy as the acceptable marriage form in its circle, this has not to any extent prevented the existence and contracting of polygamous marriages, even among its practitioners. This fact illustrates the pressure faced by many African Christians in mediating between the demands of their new faith and the demands of their cultural heritages, in matters pertaining to marriage.


Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools (APACS) is a national professional association for school psychologists, school counsellors and guidance officers. APACS has over a thousand members across Australia who work in school settings as school psychologists, guidance officers and school counsellors. APACS provides leadership and support to its members in educational guidance and counselling in schools.


Historically quantum mechanics began with two quite different mathematical formulations: the wave equation of Schrödinger, and the matrix algebra of Heisenberg, Born and Jordan. While these approaches are well suited to the time-independent non-relativistic bound state problems of atomic and molecular physics, many problems in condensed matter, statistical physics and particle physics are better suited to a more intuitive formulation of quantum mechanics based on the ideas of Dirac and Feynman, namely the the path integral or sum over histories approach. In this course we begin with a review of the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics; we introduce the path integral for a non-relativistic point particle, and we use it to derive time-dependent perturbation theory, the Born series for nonrelativistic scattering, and Feynman perturbation theory. The course concludes with an introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and some of the basic ideas of quantum field theory. Preamble Formulations of Quantum Mechanics Quantum Mechanics started with two ostensibly-different formulations, both based on the Hamiltonian: (1925) Heisenberg, Born and Jordan: Matrix Mechanics (1925) Schrödinger: Wave Mechanics These were shown to be equivalent by Dirac and Schrödinger (and Born?) in 1926, and later generalised by Dirac's transformation theory. Wave Mechanics and Matrix Mechanics are well-suited to the study of non-relativistic bound states and other time-independent systems, and also to scattering and time-dependent problems. (1942) Feynman: Path Integral or Sum over Histories Feynman's formulation is based on the Lagrangian and is ideal for scattering and time-dependent problems, and (especially) for relativistic and many-particle systems. Unfortunately, bound-state problems are generally harder to solve using path integrals, as we shall see. Structure of the course: (1) Elements of quantum mechanics; (2) Path integrals for single particles; (3) Perturbation theory and scattering; (4) Relativistic quantum theory – mostly wave mechanics, plus a hint of field theory. Acknowledgements These notes are based on the Quantum Theory lectures written by Richard Ball and typeset by Friedmar Schütze. Many thanks to both for providing copies of their work. Any mistakes are of course my responsibility please send error reports to email@example.com Brian Pendleton Edinburgh, September 2015 1. Quantum Kinematics 1 1. Quantum Kinematics We begin by revisiting one of the classic experiments that led to quantum theory. The setup of the two-slit experiment is summarised in the diagram. Particles (electrons, photons, . . .) are fired from a source towards a screen or "grating" which contains two slits, 1 and 2. They are then detected, or "observed", on a second screen. The classical expectation is a count profile P1 + P2, which is the sum of the count profiles P1 and P2 for the individual slits (red and blue curves). However, the observed interference pattern in the count profile P12 of particles (purple curve) suggests that such particles behave like waves, so we must add amplitudes (called φ1 and φ2 in the figure); the number of particles (intensity) at any point is given by |∑ amplitude |2. Interference means that we observe no particles at all in some places entirely contrary to classical expectation! Furthermore, there is no way to predict where any given particle will be detected we deal only in probabilities. The results of this experiment (and many, many more!) are encoded in the basic axioms of Quantum Mechanics. 1.1. Fundamental principles (or postulates, axioms) States and linearity: In quantum mechanics, every possible physical state of a given system is in one-to-one correspondence with a one-dimensional subspace of a complex linear vector space, H, with a complex inner product a Hilbert space. So, if |ψ〉 ∈ H, the physical state corresponds to all vectors c |ψ〉 with c ∈ C \ {0}. There is no physical state corresponding to zero. Since the vector space is linear, given two states |ψ1〉 , |ψ2〉 ∈ H, we can construct a third state |ψ3〉 = c1 |ψ1〉+ c2 |ψ2〉 ∈ H, with c1, c2 ∈ C. (1.1) This is called linear superposition of states. Dual space: To every |ψ〉 ∈ H we associate a dual or adjoint vector 〈ψ| ∈ H⋆. The duality is antilinear: 〈ψ3| = c1 〈ψ1|+ c2 〈ψ2| We then have an inner product mapping H⊗H⋆ → C. If |ψ〉 ∈ H and 〈φ| ∈ H⋆, then 〈φ ψ〉 = 〈ψ φ〉 ∈ C. (1.2) (This is like the usual dot-product a · b for real vectors a, b, but the result is in general complex.) Since |ψ〉 and c |ψ〉 correspond to the same physical state, we usually normalise |ψ〉 to unity: we choose: ‖ |ψ〉 ‖ = 〈ψ ψ〉 = 1. (1.3) This fixes |c|2 = 1, so c = eiα. The phase α is often ignored: we say "the system is in the state |ψ〉". 2 1. Quantum Kinematics Example: In the two-slit experiment, the Hilbert space has two states: |1〉 (the particle goes through slit 1) |2〉 (the particle goes through slit 2) The state |f〉 observed in the detector will in general be some linear combination of these: |f〉 = c1 |1〉+ c2 |2〉 Examples of two-state systems in nature: electron spin, double-well potential, neutral-kaon mixing. . . Probability: the probability that a system observed initially in state |ψ〉 will be observed finally in state |φ〉 is P (ψ → φ) = | 〈φ ψ〉 | The complex numbers 〈φ ψ〉 are called probability amplitudes because they add and multiply just like classical probabilities. For example: • The amplitude for ψ → φ and then φ→ χ is 〈χ φ〉 〈φ ψ〉. • The amplitude for ψ → φ or χ is 〈φ ψ〉+ 〈χ ψ〉; (indistinguishable φ, χ) • This means that P (ψ → φ→ χ) = |〈χ φ〉 〈φ ψ〉| = P (ψ → φ)P (φ→ χ) but P (ψ → φ or χ) 6= P (ψ → φ) + P (ψ → χ) because | 〈φ ψ〉+ 〈χ ψ〉 | = | 〈φ ψ〉 | + | 〈χ ψ〉 | + 2Re 〈φ ψ〉 〈χ ψ〉 The last term is the interference term. In particular, P (ψ → φ or χ) can be zero even if P (ψ → φ) and P (ψ → χ) are both non-zero. In general amplitudes can interfere! An excellent example is the two slit experiment. A theorist's sketch of the experimental setup of this experiment is shown in figure 1.1. |i〉 (source) grating |f〉 (screen) |1〉


Objective To observe the effects of Epimedin C and Icariin on uterus of ovariectomized mice.Methods Female mice from Kunming with both ovaries removal,were divided into 8 groups: model group;diethylstilbestrol group;Epimedin C high,middle,low doses groups;Icariin high,middle,low doses groups and a sham-operated group.The uterine coefficient(UC),endometrial thickness(ET) and uterine gland diameter(UGD) were observed after the mice were given the drugs for 60 days.Results Compared with sham-operated groups,the UC,ET,UGD in model groups obviously reduced.Compared with model group,the UC,ET and UGD in Icariin high,middle and low groups,were significantly increased;the UC and UGD in Epimedin C high,middle and low groups were markedly increased,while the ET were not increased.Conclusion Icariin and Epimedin C have pseudo-estrogen effect and the former is more effective.


A troubleshooting expert system has been designed to provide repair and diagnostic information for aircraft inertial navigation systems (INS). The inertial navigation system intelligent diagnostic expert (INSIDE) is used to diagnose faults in an INS system, and to train new operators on the troubleshooting of an INS system, thus freeing up the experienced engineer for other projects. INSIDE leads a new engineer through the conventional fault paths and step-by-step through repairs, thus alleviating the primary training and greatly diminishing the part-time training. The IN intelligent diagnostic expert uses a fault path algorithm. The fault tree is traversed by a rules-based inference engine written in the Level 5 expert system shell. It is comprised of one main, executive knowledge base and five more detailed knowledge bases. The system supports graphics, and interfaces with a BASIC program to perform simple, pertinent computations on the request of the operator.<<ETX>>


Microgrids that use distributed renewable energy sources have received great attention in recent years. In this study the microgrid incorporates a photovoltaic and a biomass generator, uses lead-acid batteries as storage in order to supply the loads of a vegetable greenhouse. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the performance of a three phase induction generator that supplies a single phase AC microgrid when converting the biomass energy to electrical energy. The generator is coupled directly to the microgrid single phase AC bus. The main purpose of using an induction generator for energy conversion is to reduce cost of the microgrid and to increase its reliability. The present study demonstrates that a three phase induction generator can be used successfully to produce power from the biogas generator and inject it in a single phase AC microgrid using a proper balancing network.


Micro-Macro thinking is students' ability to understand concepts and models at the microscopic (typically unseen) level, and link them to their corresponding manipulable variables at the 'macroscopic' (mostly tangible and measurable) level. For example, in the domain of basic analog electronics, learners are expected to relate the microscopic structure of atoms and scientific models of electron motion to describe and predict the outcomes of current and voltage in a macroscopic circuit in the lab. Development of this skill is crucial as it helps students apply their theoretical knowledge to solve real world problems as well as do design and troubleshooting. Existing solutions have attempted developing micro-macro thinking skill in the context of inquiry learning and system thinking, however, these have primarily addressed school level topics and have been implemented in the presence of a facilitator and other elements such as peer learning and doubt-solving sessions. We have designed, developed and evaluated MIC-O-MAP (MICroscopic Observations MAcroscopic Predictions), a TEL environment to develop students' micro-macro thinking in the domain of basic analog electronics at the undergraduate level, in the context of self-regulated learning. Key features of MIC-O-MAP include dynamically linked multiple representations, conceptual scaffolding questions and customized feedback by a pedagogical agent, which help establish the micro-macro link. In this paper, we describe the development of MIC-O-MAP, the design of learning modules for various topics in basic analog electronics, and present the findings from studies to evaluate student learning of micro-macro thinking in the chosen topics.


In the social sciences, there is a great deal of talk about the importance of " theory " in constructing causal explanations of bodies of data.... In many of these cases the necessity of theory is badly exaggerated. It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment. —Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's (1887) A Study in Scarlet. Users of structural equation modeling (SEM), a method that has also been known as causal modeling, have learned to tread lightly around the subject of causality. After all, the empirical raw material of SEM is typically a covariance matrix derived from nonexperimental data, and research dogma indicates that this is insufficient for making statements about cause-and-effect relations. At least as far back as Robert Ling's (1982) scathing review of David A. Kenny's (1979) book, Correlation and Causality (a classic text that is still well worth reading), users of SEM methods have found themselves on the defensive, careful not to claim too much. This, however, has produced something of a paradox. The models estimated with SEM clearly depict variable A as having an effect on variable B and distinguish between covariance relations and directional paths—that is, causal effects. Thus, SEM users propose structures that are causal but tend to disavow the causal element when they evaluate their results. Especially for the practitioner, the causal component is likely to be the point of the whole exercise: What a manager wants to know is, " If I do X, how will that change Y? " Furthermore, reasonable people use causal language and reach causal conclusions all the time. The government releases economic statistics, the stock market subsequently moves, and the observer concludes that the new information moved the market. Rain falls, water drips through a hole in the roof, and an observer makes the connection. People do this without the aid of either experiments or sophisticated data analysis. True, sometimes the observers are wrong—for example, at one point medical researchers thought exposure to aluminum was a cause of Alzheimer's syndrome, but now they consider the linkage spurious. Nevertheless, people proceed through life making causal inferences from nonex-perimental data. (2d ed.) urge researchers to resolve the paradox by dropping the pretense and acknowledging the causal content of their models. A → B means more than that A is correlated with B. It means that B changes in …


Alkyl tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers are selectively deprotected to
 the corresponding alcohols in high yields for the first time by
 indium(III) chloride in refluxing aqueous acetonitrile. Several functional groups like OBn, Boc, CBz, OBz, O-allyl, OTBDPS, OAc, OMe, ethers, esters and olefins present in the substrate are unaffected.


Little work has explored the effect of weight‐related terms on treatment initiation; only one study has investigated weight‐related terms and the psychological constructs associated with treatment uptake. The present study examines the effects of four common weight‐related terms on treatment initiation and the moderating effect of weight bias internalization.


List of Tables Acknowledgements Underwriters General Notice and Disclaimer Introduction Learning Objectives Herb Chapters: Clinical Overviews, Patient Sheets and Single Herb Monographs Bilberry / Black Cohosh / Cat's Claw / Cayenne / Chamomile / Chaste Tree / Cranberry Echinacea / Eleuthero / Ephedra / Evening Primrose Oil / Feverfew / Flaxseed / Garlic Ginger / Ginkgo / Ginseng, American / Ginseng, Asian / Goldenseal / Hawthorn / Horse Chestnut Kava Kava / Licorice / Milk Thistle / Peppermint / Saw Palmetto / St. John's Wort / Tea, Black/Green Valerian Proprietary Products Introduction Monopreparations Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract) Multi-herb Products Alluna / Enteroplant / Esberitox / Euvegal forte / Hochu-ekki-to / Hova / Liv. 52 / Nutrilite Padma Basic, 28 / Phytodolor / Prostagutt forte / Resistan / Sinupret Appendices: -Contributors -General Reference List -Cross References --Primary Uses --Contraindications --Pregnancy and Lactation --Adverse Effects --Herb Drug Interactions -Table of Clinically Tested Brands by Herb -Table of Company Contact Information for Commercial Products Used in Clinical Studies Interpreting Product Labels Market Report Abbreviations and Symbols Glossary Test Instructions and Forms For Receiving Credit General Index


This article uses Marxian class theory to examine the state's role in disciplining the modern corporation. Over the past decade, the Canadian government has enacted laws extending corporate criminal liability to safety crimes and stock market fraud, and considered, but ultimately decided against, legislation that would have made Canadian mining, oil and gas companies operating in developing countries liable under Canadian law. Using empirical data from Canadian parliamentary hearings, the author argues that efforts to punish corporations through law represent an important struggle over who should have the power to control the conditions for appropriating and distributing surplus value. At the same time, however, these struggles fail to address the fundamental exploitation that Marx identified in his surplus labour theory of class. The author concludes that we need to transcend the state's law reform efforts to transform the manner in which surplus values are generated, appropriated and distributed.


We discuss different variants of Newton's method for computing the pth root of a given matrix. A suitable implementation is presented for solving the Sylvester equation, that appears at every Newton's iteration, via Kronecker products. This approach is quadratically convergent and stable, but too expensive in computational cost. In contrast we propose and analyze some specialized versions that exploit the commutation of the iterates with the given matrix. These versions are relatively inexpensive but have either stability problems or stagnation problems when good precision is required. Hybrid versions are presented to take advantage of the best features in both approaches. Preliminary and encouraging numerical results are presented for p = 3 and p = 5.


【A technique is described for producing high resolution G- and R-banded chromosomes in human peripheral lymphocyte cultures. Cultured lymphocyte cells were exposed to ethidium bromide ( $10{\mu}g/ml$ ) and colcemid ( $0.02{\mu}g/ml$ ) each for 2.5h and 0.5h prior to harvest for high resolution G-banded chromosomes. High resolution R-band patterns were obtained by BrdU substitution which was revealed by the fluorochrome-photolysis-Giemsa staining technique. These methods are easy to perform and highly reliable. The data on relative length of chromosomes at the four mitotic stages are presented in units of percentage of haploid autosome length. The characteristic patterns of GTG-bands (G-bands after trypsin and Giemsa) and RBG bands (R-bands after BrdU and Giemsa) were analyzed.】


Health visitors have given a mixed response to calls for new child growth charts to be used in an effort to encourage more mothers to breastfeed.


In 1996, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) launched Project 1-37A to develop a new design guide for pavement structures. The design guide recommended by the project team in 2004 is based on mechanistic-empirical (M-E) principles and is accompanied by software that handles the execution of the design and performance prediction. The mechanistic empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) software has gone through various version upgrades and improvements to the incorporated models and user interface, the latest being DarwinME. The design inputs needed for the MEPDG software are classified according to a hierarchy system where the designer can select the level of data accuracy and sophistication based on the economic impact of the project. The selection is also a function of the state-of-knowledge and availability of the data. The levels vary from Level 1, for which design inputs are generally site specific and are determined from material testing and/or in-situ measurement to Level 2 and 3, where default or user-selected values obtained from national and regional experiences such as LTTP sites are used. The performance prediction models incorporated in the MEPDG were validated and calibrated using field performance of selected pavement sections throughout the United States. Coefficients incorporated in the models can thus be regarded as national averages derived from the performance measured from the sites selected for the calibration. While the State Highway Agencies (SHAs) can use those models with the "default" coefficients, a higher level of reliability can be achieved in predicting the distresses if the agencies adjust the coefficients to better suit the conditions prevalent in their states. It is widely recognized that local calibration of the models should thus be performed to take full advantage of the MEPDG. The main goal of this research was to offer the New England and New York state highway agencies guidelines for the implementation of the MEPDG for designing flexible pavements and AC overlays. This report documents the current design practices of the six New England States and New York as well as progress of MEPDG implementation initiatives undertaken by other states. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the MEPDG Level 2 and 3 inputs for each of the seven states involved in this study was conducted. The extensive software runs conducted allow for an evaluation of the MEPDG functionality and accuracy for the level of inputs used by comparing predicted distresses with field-measured distresses, and provide individual states with an idea on adequacy of their input database and accuracy that the embedded distress models with nationally calibrated coefficients provide. The findings can be used by the state agencies in their decision on whether to start implementing the MEPDG with current models and coefficients and for what level of analysis, and in prioritizing implementation activities.


Inflammatory caspases are homologous between each other, becoming research hotpot once found. Caspase-11 is one of the main inflammatory caspases. Caspase-11, together with inflammatory host pattern recognition receptors (PRR), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) constitutes caspase-11 inflammasome. Most gram-negative bacterium lipid A have six acyl chains, herafter termed 'hexa-acylated' lipid A. These lipids can activate innate immune response. Lipopolysaccharide enters cell cytoplasm by endocytosis. However, the organelles in which caspase-11 is activated are not clear. This makes it difficult for targeted treatment. The activation of caspase-11 by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) leads to IL-1β/IL-18 related inflammatory reaction and pannexin-1/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis. The exploration of the signaling pathways of caspase-11, is a novel research point in the diseases, such as colon cancer and GSDMD mediated alopecia.

Key words:
Caspase-11; Lipopolysaccharide; Inflammatory cytokines; Pyroptosis


THE EFFECTS OF RESPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAI NING ON VO2 MAX, THE VENTILATORY THRESHOLD AND PULMONARY FUNCTION. William E. Amonette, Terry L. Dupler. JEPonline. 2002;5(2):29-35. This study evaluated the effect of inspiratory and expiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and maximal exercise performance in competitive triathletes and marathon runners. The participants in this study (N=12) had a mean weekly aerobic training time of 7.5 hours per week of swimming, cycling, or running. Eight subjects were assigned to a pulmonary resistance treatm ent group and four control subjects were given a sham device that allowed no greater than 15% resistance on inspiration or expiration. The subjects performed 30 maximal inhalation/exhalation maneuvers on their respective devices two times per day for four weeks. The subjects were tested for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Each subject was also tested for peak exhalation force (P EF) as well as a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), tidal volume (VT), ventilation (VE), ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiration rate (RR). The data revealed that trai ning using the pulmonary resistance device produced significant increases in maximal VE and maximal VT while decreasing RR (although not statistically significant) at maximum exercise. However, no significant changes were seen in VO 2 or any pulmonary function variables measured.


Background: COVID-19 pandemic is a serious ongoing global public health crisis. It significantly impacted healthcare systems ability to deliver effective and timely cancer treatment. Cancer patients are at increased risk of death from corona virus. It is essential to continue the healthcare of cancer-patients who reside in a lockdown-zone. Therefore, redeployment of healthcare resources and strategies is vital. Objective: To highlight JHAH efforts in initiating a remote cancer-therapy infusion center in a lockdown-zone located in Qatif governorate, Saudi Arabia, during March to April 2020, to ensure the continuation of quality evidence-based oncology treatment to eligible patients in a timely manner. Methods: JHAH medical staff residing in Qatif, already under lockdown as precautionary measures, was redeployed to work in a contracted private hospital (Al Zahra General Hospital; ZGH). To provide the required treatment for JHAH cancer patient who were banned from exiting the lockdown-zone and receiving cancer-treatment at the oncology centre in Dhahran. Oncology treatment team reviewed treatment protocols for all scheduled cancer patients. Patients had the required laboratory tests in ZGH, ahead of treatment date. If the results were acceptable, treatment orders were released, and pharmacy prepared the medications for next day appointments. Medications were delivered to ZGH in Qatif governorate, where JHAH medical team administered them and provided the appropriate care. Results: 116 JHAH cancer patients received various treatments safely as planned in ZGH. Despite an ongoing global pandemic, the care delivery efforts of the oncology team at JHAH resulted in a patient satisfaction rate above 92%. Conclusions: Our experience showed that delivering quality care for cancer patients under lockdown was feasible and successful. A well-established healthcare system with supportive leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork and a passion to provide quality and effective service to cancer patients are essential for continuity of care during a pandemic event.


Objective: The ABC/2 equation is commonly applied to measure the volume of intracranial hematoma. However, the precision of ABC/2 equation in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas is less addressed. The study is to evaluate the accuracy of the ABC/2 formula by comparing with planimetry method for estimating the tumor volumes. Methods: Thirty-two patients diagnosed with acoustic neuroma received contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of brain were recruited. The volume was calculated by the ABC/2 equation and planimetry method (defined as exact volume) at the same time. The 32 patients were divided into three coustic neuromas estibular schwannomas umor volume BC xact volume lanimetry groups by tumor volume to avoid volume-dependent overestimation (<3 ml, 3–6 ml and >6 ml). Results: The tumor volume by ABC/2 method was highly correlated to that calculated by planimetry method using linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.985). Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.993, p < 0.001) demonstrates nearly perfect association between two methods. Conclusions: The ABC/2 formula is an easy method in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas that is not inferior to planimetry method.


Sward characteristics have a major effect on intake and performance of dairy cows at pasture. Milk production from grazing cows however can be restricted by herbage intake, and concentrate supplementation can allow them to perform closer to their production potential. This study investigates effects of sward characteristics and concentrate supplementation on intake and performance of grazing dairy cows. Grazing cows yielding on average 36.8 kg milk day (d)-1 were offered high levels of concentrates in late summer. Milk yield response was 1.01 kg milk kg-1 concentrate dry matter (DM) d-1 when concentrate was increased from 5.2 to 7.7 kg DM d-1. Milk yield response declined to 0.83 kg milk kg-1 DM when concentrate was increased from 7.7 to 10.2 kg DM d-1. Grazing time and herbage intake were reduced at higher levels of supplementation. Increasing concentrate level by 1.7 kg DM d-1 when cows were housed overnight had no effect on animal performance. In another experiment, there was no significant difference in animal performance between cows offered either a high starch or high fibre concentrate at a rate of 5.3 kg concentrate DM d-1. Supplementation with an additive formulated to reduce dietary protein degradability however had a positive effect on milk yield, which was on average 34.4 and 32.9 kg d-1 for additive and control treatments respectively. Inclusion of the additive also increased milk protein yield and herbage intake. Interactions between sward characteristics and intake were examined. Bite mass was predicted from estimates of bite dimensions and measurements of vertical distribution of herbage mass in cut swards. A general relationship observed between sward height and vertical distribution of mass could be used to predict bite mass from sward height and total herbage mass. Methods to make detailed measurements of intake and grazing activity within patches of a sward using grazing cows were developed and demonstrated an effect of time of day on bite mass. Research to quantify interactions between sward structure, supplementation and grazing activity, focusing on bite mass, should enable development of strategies to exploit the potential of grazed grass and provide appropriate supplementation, which will ultimately contribute to improved profitability of milk production.


We read with interest the recent article 'Randomised controlled trial of high concentration versus titrated oxygen therapy in severe exacerbations of asthma' by Perrin et al 1 and the accompanying editorial. We note that data presented in the online supplement suggest, unsurprisingly, response to treatment at 60 min in terms of respiratory rate and forced expiratory volume …


To investigate the role of grain boundaries and other growth related microstructure in manganite films, a scanning tunneling microscope is used to simultaneously probe surface topography and local potential distribution under current flow at nanometer level in films of epitaxial thin films of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 deposited on single crystal SrTiO3 and NdGaO3 substrate by laser ablation. We have studied two types of films strained and strain relaxed. Thin (50nm) films (strained due to lattice mismatch between substrate and the film) show step growth (unit cell steps) and have very smooth surfaces. Relatively thicker films (strain relaxed, thickness 200nm) do not have these step growths and show rather smooth well connected grains. Charge transport in these films is not uniform on the nanometer level and is accompanied by potential jumps at the internal surfaces. In particular scattering from grain boundaries results in large variations in the local potential resulting in fields as high as 104-105V/cm located near the grain boundaries. We discuss the role of local strain and strain inhomogeneties in determining the current transport in these films and their resistance and magnetoresistivity. In this paper we attempt to correlate between bulk electronic properties with microscopic electronic conduction using scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling potentiometry.


A consecutive k-out-of-n: G system consists of n linearly ordered components functions if and only if at least k consecutive components function. In this article we investigate the consecutive k-out-of-n: G system in a setup of multicomponent stress-strength model. Under this setup, a system consists of n components functions if and only if there are at least k consecutive components survive a common random stress. We consider reliability and its estimation of such a system whenever there is a change and no change in strength. We provide minimum variance unbiased estimation of system reliability when the stress and strength distributions are exponential with unknown scale parameters. A nonparametric minimum variance unbiased estimator is also provided.