This paper investigates the extent and patterns of compliance with the federal minimum wage. Using a profit-maximizing model of compliance, predictions about compliance with weak or random government enforcement are made. Such enforcement is not random, however, and our measures of compliance suggest that government enforcement, while not inducing anything near complete compliance, does have an impact. Overall compliance in 1973 is estimated to be about 65 percent, while it is about 10 percentage points lower after the new minimum was established in 1975. Compliance appears highest among regional/racial/sex (but not age) groups where market incentives for violation are strongest.


There are high requirements and demands to be able to provide sustainable and energy efficient buildings. Initially factors that influence the energy demand in buildings are presented to be continued by the study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of occupancy and attendance of the energy use in an office building in Stockholm. In energy simulation models an assumption of occupancy of 70 percent is the most common, which is also the case for the reference model in this study. In the reference model the disposable office locations were 1230 which corresponds to 861 attendances with the assumption of the 70 percent occupancy. In the study the referensmodell were modified by 300, 600, 900, 1500 and 2000 disposable office locations including the equipment of the attendances.The obtained results were that the occupancy and attendance did not have a significant influence of the energy demand in the office building for the first four cases due to a constant volume air flow. The reason was that the reduced energy demand of heating was cancelled out by the increased energy demand for cooling and vice versa. However, for the case with disposable office locations of 2000 the cooling demand did increase rapidly at the same time as the heating demand did not decrease at the same rate which resulted in an increased energy demand for the office building.The conclusion of this study, based on the results obtained for the specific office building, thus became that the assumed occupancy rate of 70 percent can be considered reasonable because a constant energy demand was obtained when the occupancy was between 17 and 85 percent. However, this conclusion requires a constant air volume flow in the ventilation system. Furthermore, the number of coated office locations could be increased from the current 861 to 1050 without affecting the total energy demand for the office building. If the occupancy rate would be higher than 85 percent, then the office space per worker would not be in accordance to the benchmark. Hence, it is not beneficial to have more covered office locations than 1050 in the specific office building.


Traumatic injury of the central nervous system is accompanied by various functional and morphological changes. Animal models of traumatic brain injury are commonly used to investigate changes in behaviour, morphology, in the expression of various proteins around the site of the injury, or the expression of diagnostically important biomarkers. Excitability of a single neuron at, or close to, the site of injury was rarely investigated. Several in vitro models were developed which allow such investigation. In the present work, we employed a fibrotic scar model according to Kimura‐Kuroda and coauthors to analyse altered excitability of rat hippocampal neurons under the conditions mimicking traumatic brain injury. Hippocampal neurons from newborn rats were cultured either on a fibrotic scar model or in the presence of TGF‐β1, a cytokine secreted at a brain injury site that may have both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative function. Fibrotic scar facilitated ability of neonatal hippocampal neurons to fire action potential series by increasing the density of voltage activated sodium and potassium currents. Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans played substantial role in these effects, as proven by their full reversion after administration of Chondroitinase ABC. In contrast, TGF‐β1 did not contribute to them. An application of TGF‐β1 itself attenuated generation of action potentials, inhibited sodium current and potentiated potassium currents. Main alteration of electrophysiological parameters of neonatal hippocampal neurons caused by a fibrotic scar model is enhanced excitability. TGF‐β1 may have predominantly neuroprotective role in injured rat hippocampus.


YibianAYibianB and YouAYouB both can emphasize juxtaposition,i.e.,emphasize parallel action,facts and case.They can sometimes substitute with each other,but sometimes they can not.This article mainly discusses the difference between them and the conditions of substitution.


This is standard: "get a subject-limit it->formulate your thesis->begin." At best, this advice will spark the sort of canned essay Roger Sale, in his book On Writing, finds so offensive; more often it will lead to the sort of arguable proposition he finds even more reprehensible. Most often, though, it will lead to nothing at all. For such "you've got to know what you want to say before you begin to say it" advice is meaningless to the student who doesn't know, and can't discover, what it is he wants to say. In Aspects of the Novel Forster alludes to the anecdote of the lady who, admonished to think before speaking, exclaimed, "What rubbish! How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?" The increasing frequency with which this dicta has been cropping up in recently published composition texts may indicate that an approach quite different from Baker's is gaining wide acceptance. Emboldened by such an endorsement of leaping before looking, and armed with theories of "writing as discovery," the instructor may, with an easy conscience, tell his apparently traumatized student, "No matter. Just start writing." And f even such Rogerian non-directiveness proves inadequate to start the pen scratching, it may be augmented by an app o riate stimulus in the form of the "suggestive" photograph, drawing, painting, or poster. Voila! Ejaculation at last! Th cure positive for scribal impotence. To my mind, both of these approaches are cop-outs. The first evades the hard questions of how one goes about limitg his subject and how one goes about discovering what he wants to say about it. The second approach implies that writing demands no discipline or forethought and begs the issue of the writer's responsibility to his audience and his subject. What the composition student needs is knowledge of specific prewriting strategies which he can use to explore his subject, which he can use to discover limited aspects of his subject about which he is sufficiently knowledgeable to write responsibly, which he can use to order and structure his argument. Gordon Rohman and Albert Wlecke


Objective To research the antibacterial and cleaning function of maggot therapeutics for repairing foot ulcer of diabetes mellitus. Methods Using staphylococcus aureus as the indicator organisms which from the infective wound, the hemolymph secretion of the larvae was collected, the antibacterial activity was tested with disc method, recorded the antibacterial effect, cefoperazone sodium as the contrast groups. 6 cases suffered from foot ulcer of diabetes mellitus were treated with maggot therapeutics, and the exchanges of wound surface were observed. Results The secretion of the larvae had the stronger antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus. Average cure period was 12 days, fresh tissue developed, necrosis tissue cleaned, no bacterium existed on the ulcer surface after bacterium culture. Conclusion maggot therapeutics has effective antibacterial and wound cleaning function on foot ulcer of diabetes mellitus.


The Council of Europe has achieved two important milestones in the promotion of patients' self-determination regarding medical care to be implemented in the event of future decisional incapacity: the Biomedicine Convention and the Recommendation (2009)11. This chapter outlines strengths and shortcomings of Article 9 of the Biomedicine Convention, which deals with living wills. It analyzes the Council of Europe's Recommendation (2009)11 on continuing powers of attorney and advance directives for incapacity. The Council of Europe is indisputably the leading intergovernmental organization in the development of common European norms relating to bioethics. The proper role of the proxy in the decision-making process can differ depending upon which modality of surrogate decision is adopted. The definition of "continuing power of attorney" given by the Recommendation (2009)11 is somehow confusing, and needs a clarification. The recommendation leaves to the states to determine other formal requirements for the validity of the power of attorney. Keywords:advance directives; Biomedicine Convention; Council of Europe; power of attorney; Recommendation (2009)11


The neurohaemal part of the median eminence of the rat hypothalamus is characterized by numerous nerve terminals which end near a rich network of fenestrated capillaries. An attempt was made to isolate different types of nerve terminals by means of sucrose density-gradient centrifugation. The subcellular fractions obtained were assayed for dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine. In addition FSHand GH-releasing activities were determined. A sample of each fraction obtained was taken for electron microscopical observations. Dopamine, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, GHand FSH-releasing factors were present in higher concentration in the nerve endings. A further fractionation showed that noradrenaline was present in the lightest synaptosomal band, dopamine in the middle one, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the heaviest. GH-RF and FSH-RF were recovered mainly from the band containing dopamine. The relevance of this localization to the physiological role of the median eminence is discussed.


Energy consumption is one of the most critical issue tbroughout the world in these days in terms of sustainable environment and economy. Thus, many countries including Korea have been making every efforts to overcome the possible future energy crisis. The purpose of this study is to provide policy guidelines for reducing energy consumption of korean cities where about 75% of total energy is consumed. As the analytical tools two statistical methods were used ; factor analysis and cluster analysis. From the factor analysis four factors such as urban, industry, transportation and income factor showing more than 1.0 of Eigen Value were revealed to be meaningful. Using factor values of each city, cluster analysis was carried out. As the result 8 clusters out of 84 cities were seemed to be most effective for providing policy guidelines. Finally, the characteristics of each cluster were investigated in relation with the national energy policy of Korea and based on this the policy guidelines for each cluster of cities were established.


Mathematical reasoning skills are a desired outcome of introductory physics courses, particularly calculusbased courses. Signed quantities are ubiquitous in physics, and sign carries important and varied meanings. Unlike physics experts, novices struggle with the many roles signed numbers can play in physics contexts; recent evidence shows that unresolved struggle carries over to subsequent physics courses. Mathematics education research literature documents cognitive challenges of conceptualizing negative numbers as mathematical objects—for experts, historically, and for novices as they learn. We add to the small but growing body of physics education research that focuses on student reasoning about signed quantities and the role of the negative sign in models. This paper contributes a framework for categorizing the various natures of the negative sign in physics contexts, modeled on the established natures of negativity in algebra from the mathematics education research community. We hope such a framework can facilitate innovation in methods and curricular activities to catalyze a deeper mathematical conceptualization of signed quantities in the introductory courses and beyond.


This article summarizes research progress of non-mercury catalyst in the liquid phase for acetylene hydrochlorination reaction at home and abord,prospects for the future,and puts forward the main development direction of non-mercury catalyst in the liquid phase.


We present detailed studies of the onset of strain relaxation in InAs∕InGaAs quantum dots. We show that the ground-state photoluminescence (PL) emission redshifts with increasing the InAs coverage before relaxation and blueshifts when relaxation occurs. PL spectra of the relaxed samples show two predominant families of dots with very different temperature-dependent efficiency. By comparison we show that the dots emitting at long wavelength are degraded by relaxation while the dots emitting at short wavelength remain coherently strained. Consequently, the PL spectra are dominated by the dots emitting at short wavelength, leading to the observed blueshift. This result suggests that the relaxation does not occur uniformly. In addition, we show that the relaxation occurs in the dot bottom interface.


Human attention behavior relies notonlyonthe natural contrastive information butalsomuch top-down information inthemind. Theintention represents preference or repugnance forspecific imageproperty undoubtedly affects the visual attention. Byintroducing theintentional features andthe fuzzyinference systemintothecomputational model, the Intention-oriented Computational Visual Attention (ICVA)is developed andshownabletocombine theintention withthe optical excitation tofind theattentive spots. Anintention about favorite colors, adesired object orevenmultiple desired objects isexpressed asa combination ofpreference vectors and topological relationships. Referring tothepreference vectors, theintentional features areextracted. According to the topological relationships, thelinguistic rulesofthefuzzy inference systemarebuiltto infertheresults. Several experiments havebeenconducted andtheresults verify the feasibility oftheproposed design. I.INTRODUCTION Visual attention isanimportant perception andanessential ability oftheearly humanvisual system. Itcanautomatically filter outthecareless information anddetect rapidly the salient parts inthescene. Humanvision always relies upon this mechanism tofocus ontheinteresting target instead of examining every detail intheview. Thisallows high-level vision, suchasrecognition andunderstanding, toproceed simply with thesalient parts soastorelieve theburden inthe brain process. Inspired bytheautonomous perceptibility of humanvision, Computational Visual Attention (CVA)has beendeveloped atechnological practice ofthis ability. The CVAneeds image processing andfeature extraction toderive somehabitual features suchas intensity, red-green, blue-yellow andorientations fromtheoriginal image. Then, thecenter-surround mechanism, which isthemostimportant technique behind theCVA (1)isapplied tohighlight the differences offeatures ofacenter point withrespect toits surroundings. Consequently, afeature mapistransformed intoa conspicuity map.Ingeneral, thecenter-surround mechanism isimplemented withaclass ofDifference of Gaussian filters indifferent sizes (2). Numerical practice of thecenter-surround mechanism iseasybutsuffering from serious timelagduetotheheavy computation burden (3). To find outthesalient parts, theconspicuity mapsareusually weighted andsummedtogenerate asingle salience mapin


MoSe2 was fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method, and a simple device based on it was prepared to investigate the low temperature electrical and photo-responsive (PR) properties. PR current of MoSe2 under 650 nm red illumination is 2.55 × 10−5 A and remains approximately at low temperatures, which demonstrates its fine PR property. As the temperature became lower, electrical conductivity of MoSe2 first decreased from 300 to 43 K and then increased at temperatures from 43 to 13 K. Mechanisms of such electrical and PR phenomenon were proposed. Our findings revealed potential method to adjust band gap of transition metal dichalcogenides and demonstrated their potential applications under special environment.


Multidimensional modeling of Cycle-to-Cycle Variability (CCV) has become a crucial support for the development and optimization of modern direct-injection turbocharged engines. In that sense, the only viable modeling options is represented by scale-resolving approaches such as Large Eddy Simulation (LES) or hybrid URANS/LES methods.
Among other hybrid approaches, Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) has the longest development story and is therefore commonly regarded as the most reliable choice for engineering-grade simulation. As such, in the last decade DESbased methods have found their way through the engine modeling community, showing a good potential in describing turbulence-related CCV in realistic engine configurations and at reasonable computational costs.
In the present work we investigate the in-cylinder modeling capabilites of a standard two-equation DES formulation, compared to a more recent one which we call DESx. The DESx form differs from standard DES in the turbulent viscosity switch from URANS to LES-like behavior, which for DESx is fully consistent with Yoshizawa's one-equation sub-grid scale model. The two formulations are part of a more general Zonal-DES (ZDES) methodology, developed and validated by the authors in a series of previous publications. Both variants are applied to the multi-cycle simulation of the TCC-III experimental engine setup, using sub-optimal grid refinement levels in order to stress the model limitations in URANS-like numerical resolution scenarios. Outcomes from this study show that, although both alternatives are able to ouperform URANS even in coarse grid arrangements, DESx emerges as sligthly superior and thus it can be recommended as the default option for in-cylinder flow simulation.


The paper presents study that revealed the association among atrium fibrillation and polymorphism of NO-synthase gene on clinical and genetic material.


Ultrasound (US) needle tracking with a real-time, portable imaging system is common for biopsies and therapeutic injections. However, proper US probe-needle orientation is required or tracking precision is lost because of poor US contrast and additional artifacts. In contrast, the strong photoacoustic (PA) signal from a needle is relatively independent of light orientation. Unfortunately, a bulky, slow (10s of Hz) laser is usually required for sufficient pulse energy at centimeters depth inside the body, hindering PA integration into a real-time US scanner. We employ a compact, low-cost, low pulse energy (1 mJ/pulse) laser that can operate at 10s of kHz to construct an integrated US/PA system with frame rates higher than 30 Hz. A scanning approach with a rotating galvo mirror was used by combining multiple laser shots covering a large scan region to form an integrated image. Multiple pulse-echo US focused beams were formed between laser firings. Insertion of an 18-gauge needle in a piece of chicken breast tissue, and subsequent injection of an absorptive agent through the needle, was imaged. The PA image displays the needle at higher contrast (> 30 dB) than the US image, even at a depth of 12 mm where light energy has largely decayed, demonstrating the potential of the current scanning system for real-time needle guidance. An improved frame rate is envisioned with an optimized scan scheme.


Atmospheric residue heated in the presence of cumene hydroperoxide showed quantitative and qualitative changes. These changes are probably the result of the following chemical reactions, dehydrogenation, condensation, polymerization, oxidation, and inner alkylation. Simultaneously, these changes lead to improving and to increasing the amount of the feed for catalytic cracking by the lowering of the heavy metals contents.


For improving the structure of the gasket inside the flow path by reducing the four sections of the flow path and, water and ion exchange resin contact time increased electrodeionization to that at the same time improving the ion exchange performance over the independent arrangement of the ion exchange resin of the inner gasket and of the the gasket assembly is disclosed. Electrodeionization gasket assembly of the present invention, between the inlet and the gasket body flowing out portion is formed of water (用水), formed in the gasket body and inlet and outlet intestine (Intestine) or staggered (Zigzag) the shape of the and the flow path forming portion that is the ion exchange material is filled in a flow path having a flow path, having at least one flow path in the flow path forming portion to partition into a plurality of areas and the separation member which is a through-hole at least one formation to water is passed through the through hole It provided on the separating member to cover, and may include a shielding member to block the movement of the ion exchange material in the boundary area between the different flow path separation member. Electrodeionization (ELECTRODEIONIZATION), gasket (GASKET), ion exchange resin, the mesh (MESH), intestine (INTESTINE)


Abstract In connection with the establishment of computer studies courses in Zambia, a study was conducted in late 1986 of computer utilization and staffing in the country. This article summarizes the findings of the survey. The picture which emerged was one of a small number of 'traditional' computer users having been joined since 1985 by a growing number of microcomputer users. Already, by 1986, the typical computer user was one who had acquired one or more microcomputers in the previous year or two, and was beginning to explore the potential of the technology. In response to questions about plans for the future, the respondents showed a high level of expectation of expanded use of computers. Plans generally involved the addition of micros to existing mainframe centres, of central mainframes or minis to existing micro users, and of telecommunications and networks in many cases. They suggested a strong trend towards distributed processing in the future. Shortage of computer staff and expertise was a prob...


Poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-based hydrogels containing thiol reactive maleimide functional groups have been synthesized using a novel Diels−Alder cycloaddition/cycloreversion-based strategy. Masked maleimide groups are directly incorporated into the hydrogel matrix during the gelation process by utilization of a furan protected maleimide containing methacrylate monomer. During the polymerization, the thermal deprotection of the maleimide groups in some of the monomer results in the formation of an in situ cross-linker that results in gelation. After gelation, the protected maleimide groups can be activated to their reactive forms via a thermal cycloreversion step. The efficiency of the gel formation, maleimide incorporation, and functionalization of the hydrogel were investigated. These reactive maleimide group embedded hydrogels can be efficiently derivatized with thiol containing molecules such as a fluorescent dye, BodipyC10SH. Thiolated biotin derivatives were covalently attached to these hydro...


A new dynamic fuzzy neural network(DFNN) was proposed based on neural network and fuzzy engineering according to the mathematical expression of cost estimation.To resolve the problem of little information provided and the big grain degree of cost estimation in the product conception design process.DFNN is dynamic in the learning process due to the continual shift of the number of recessive layers and dimensions based on the fuzzy knowledge.After analyzing the learning process and fuzzy knowledge of DFNN,DFNN dynamic arithmetic methods of DFNN were presented including layer dynamic,dimension dynamics and function dynamics. DFNN was used to estabish the framework of cost estimation and the cost model for product conception design were established.The developed corresponding software based on DFNN was proved to has more powerful information dealing ability through examples of an excavator boom an oil crock.The DFNN also improves the flexibility of the cost estimation model.


Abstract : Progress has been achieved in the study of inherent errors in asynchronous digital flight controls. The research involves model development, software development, and parametric analysis of representative flight control systems. (Author)


Subjects were 118 students in Human Behavior and Development classes at State University College at Buffalo. Two lectures, which represented part of the course content, were recorded by the Ss'regular professor. Ss were divided into three groups. Lecture number one was presented to Group A (control) at normal word speed (21 minutes duration). The same lecture was presented to Group B (experimental), but at increased word speed (14 minutes duration). Group C (non-treatment) was not exposed to the tape recorded lecture. Rotational design was used for the second lecture presentation to adjust for possible inter-group differences. A thirty item recall test was administered to groups A and B immediately after presentation, and to the non-treatment group. Two to three weeks after each lecture a twenty item retention test was administered to groups A and B. Analysis of variance was computed on the raw test scores of control, experimental, and non-treatment groups for Recall Test I and II. A significant F-ratio (p <.001) was found for group comparisons on both tests. T-tests were calculated on the raw test scores of control and experimental groups for Recall Test I, Recall Test II, Retention Test I and Retention Test II. The results of these calculations did not demonstrate any significant differences between control and experimental groups for any of the four tests. It appears that lecture presentations, on a college level, can be increased in word rate, with a reduction in presentation time by one-third without any significant loss in recall or retention.


In this study, we develop an asymptotic theory of nonparametric regression for locally stationary random fields (LSRFs) $\{{\bf X}_{{\bf s}, A_{n}}: {\bf s} \in R_{n} \}$ in $\mathbb{R}^{p}$ observed at irregularly spaced locations in $R_{n} =[0,A_{n}]^{d} \subset \mathbb{R}^{d}$. We first derive the uniform convergence rate of general kernel estimators, followed by the asymptotic normality of an estimator for the mean function of the model. Moreover, we consider additive models to avoid the curse of dimensionality arising from the dependence of the convergence rate of estimators on the number of covariates. Subsequently, we derive the uniform convergence rate and joint asymptotic normality of the estimators for additive functions. We also introduce approximately $m_{n}$-dependent RFs to provide examples of LSRFs. We find that these RFs include a wide class of Levy-driven moving average RFs.


A 77-year-old male, with a known history of diabetes mellitus for 10 years on alternative medication, known case of chronic constipation with hemorrhoids, and chronic lower urinary tract symptoms for many years, presented to the emergency with fever and chills for 2 days followed by acute urinary retention, which was relieved by insertion of Foley's catheter. Eventually, he developed pain in the perianal region along with perianal discharge. On clinical examination, fistula-in-ano was evident. Magnetic resonance imaging was done for further evaluation which revealed fistula-in-ano communicating into a large abscess of corpus spongiosum of penis.


OBJECTIVE
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a prevalent cell-mediated autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Disruption in the Th1/Th2 equilibrium has been suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of OLP. In this study, we aimed at exploring, in OLP, the interactions between Th1/Th2 cytokines and Golli-MBP, a regulator of autogenic T cells.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Thirty-six OLP patients aged 18-79 and nineteen control subjects aged 20-69 were enrolled in the dental clinics of Nanjing Medical University. OLP was diagnosed clinically and verified by histopathological examination. All subjects were free of other autoimmune diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum were collected from all subjects. Gene expression and protein levels of Golli-MBP, IFN-γ and IL-4 were measured, respectively, by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULT
When compared with control, PBMC and serum from OLP patients exhibited a significantly higher expression and concentration of Golli-MBP and IL-4 and lower levels of IFN-γ. A strong negative correlation (r = -0.838, P < 0.000) was detected between the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 and Golli-MBP gene expression in PBMCs of OLP patients.

CONCLUSION
These data support a potential link between Golli-MBP and the dysregulation of the Th1/Th2 equilibrium in OLP.


Objective:To compare the contents of ginsenoside Rg1 and Re in ginseng with tea soak. Methods:Separation was performed on ODS column (250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm) with gradient elution by the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-water. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 203 nm. Results:The content of ginsenoside Re was increased,and that of Re reduced in the ginseng with green tea soak,but with black tea and oolong the contents of ginsenoside Re and Rg1 were decreased. Conclusion:Ginseng and tea should not be used together.


A solar module for a greenhouse comprising a roof (12) is provided. Multiple solar panels (21) are arranged on the top of the greenhouse (1) in both vertical and horizontal lines, and are modularized to form the roof (12) slanting to a particular light-reception direction. Also there is a cultivation region (10) for growing plants inside the greenhouse (1). The roof (12) is spaced between the cultivation region (10) and the ambient atmosphere. Those solar panels (21) form an integrated structure with the greenhouse (1), thereby saving the cost of constructing solar panels (21) and the greenhouse (1), and improving the efficiency of receiving the solar thermal radiation energy by the solar panels (21).


Cross-strait relations are in the process of long-term history,in the process of interaction and game,created by people on both sides bound by a rule of conduct. This article is on social capital theory in the application of Cross-strait relations. Starting point is the relationship between social capital and the peaceful development of cross-strait relations to build the institution. To achieve the peaceful development of cross-strait relations,depend on the shape of social capital of Cross-strait relations. The peaceful development of cross-strait relations as well as the reshaping of social capital provides a good mechanism. A comprehensive nurturing framework of social capital is the government authority to cultivate associations between the upper and lower combination of positive interaction. Cooperation and interaction of Government and community organizations have making Cross-strait relations in the rising stock of social capital.


Aim. We aimed to determine possible interrelation between fecal calprotectin (FC) level, that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and ileum mucosal inflammation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods. Based on Rome III criteria, 495 IBS patients (376 female, mean age 36,6±0,4 years) were included. All patients underwent FC levels, ileocolonoscopy with biopsies of the terminal ileum and H2 lactulose breath test to evaluate the presence of SIBO. Results. Among the 495 IBS patients 57% had reproducibly elevated calprotectin, including 17% with levels higher than 100 µg/g. SIBO was more frequent among IBS patients with elevated FC levels (>100 μg/g) than in those with normal FC levels (0-50μg/g) (77,1% vs 64,8%, р=0,011). We found a correlation between abnormal levels of FC and the presence of SIBO (Spearman r=0,153, p=0,001). Faecal calprotectin greater than 100 µg/g was predictive of ileum mucosal inflammation in IBS patients (OR6,19, 95%CI 3,99-9,61, р 100μg/g) were associated with low-grade ileum mucosal inflammation in IBS patients (OR6,19, 95%CI 3,99-9,61, р<0,0001).


The utility model discloses a novel plate heat exchanger which comprises a water supply tank of a heat exchanging machine, a secondary net backwater main pipeline, a circulating pump, a second fluid inlet pipe, a second fluid outlet pipe, a second fluid inlet valve and a second fluid outlet valve. The circulating pump is communicated with the secondary net backwater main pipeline. The second fluid inlet pipe and the second fluid outlet pipe are connected to a fixed pressing plate. The second fluid inlet valve and the second fluid outlet valve are connected to the second fluid inlet pipe and the second fluid outlet pipe respectively. A connecting pipe is communicated between the inlet end of the circulating pump and the secondary net backwater main pipeline. The connecting pipe is an eccentric reducer pipe. The two ends of a by-pass pipe are communicated with the second fluid inlet pipe and the second fluid outlet pipe respectively. A control valve is arranged on the by-pass pipe. A water draining pipeline is communicated with the tail of the secondary net backwater main pipeline. A water outlet of the water draining pipeline is communicated to the upper portion of the water supply tank. An automatic pressure relief device is installed on the water draining pipeline. According to the novel plate heat exchanger, the cavitation phenomenon inside a pipeline of the circulating pump can be greatly reduced, gas inside the pipeline is prevented from being accumulated at an opening of the pump to enter a cavity of the pump and damage a pump body, second fluid can be repeatedly filtered so as not to block a corrugated plate, automatic water draining is achieved, the water resupplying difficulty can not be caused, the daily maintenance cost of the heat exchanging machine is saved, and the heat exchanging efficiency is improved.


I the most recent editions of Cynthia we discussed how the CBMS helps to reveal the general trends operating within the biodiversity of Catalonia and Andorra. Based on the construction of multi-species bioindicators, data from the CBMS have shown how diversity has fallen in grasslands in contrast to the much more healthy situation found in our forests. These results coincide to a large extent with results from the Catalan Common Bird Survey. Diversity indices are useful because they can synthesise in a reasonably understandable way a large amount of complex information obtained from the study of animal populations. This ability to generate and interpret data has led to butterflies being chosen by the European Union as a tool for evaluating the state of the continent's environment. During the last three years work has been in progress to combine data from the different European BMS networks to develop a single indicator that reflects the situation of butterflies in grasslands throughout Europe. The results reveal a generalised decline in butterflies – and possibly in other groups of insects – in this type of habitat and are discussed in the article on habitat management and conservation in this Cynthia. This conclusion should thus act as a launching pad for new environmental policies in the European Union. In this number ofCynthia you will find all the habitual sections. The importance of the BMS itineraries outside of Catalonia is emphasised by the description of two itineraries from Andorra and Menorca. The gradual development of itineraries in the Pyrenees has encouraged us to devote one of the identification guides to the genus Erebia, the most characteristic group of high-altitude butterflies. The remaining species of this group will be described in future numbers of Cynthia. We also devote a whole article to the two species of the genusGonepteryx that most of you who walk BMS itineraries will know and love. We hope that you enjoy this new number of Cynthia and all the fascinating material it contains. The CBMS network Current situation (2008) of the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme in Catalonia, Andorra and the Balearic Islands


Student Programs in the Office of the Arts at MIT includes the Freshman Arts Seminar Advising Program (FASAP), Arts Scholars (a program endowed by the Council for the Arts at MIT [CAMIT]), the Graduate Arts Forum, and the Student Art Association (SAA), which offers noncredit arts instruction to students, staff, and MIT affiliates. The coordinator of Student Programs oversees these programs as well as exhibitions in the Wiesner Student Gallery, the Student Mural Competition, and (in support of the director of the Council for the Arts) arts awards, prizes, and grants.


An accurate map is essential to autonomous mobile robots. Two of the most popular map types are Occupancy Grid Map (OGM) and Topological Map (TM). However, the OGM is inefficient since it requires a large amount of memory to represent the environment. The TM, on the other hand, is difficult to apply to accurate navigation and location because it lacks environmental information. In this paper, a self-adjusted mapping method is proposed with integrating the two map types. It navigates the robot more efficiently than an OGM, and more accurately than a TM. With this new map type, a reliable path could be obtained in real-time. Simulation experiments validate its efficiency and reliability.


Abstract The dynamics of longitudinal spin fluctuations in the S = 1/2 Ising model in a transverse field is studied. Exploiting the mode-coupling approximation for the relaxation function we show that the width of the central peak which appears just above Tc is determined by the nonlinear coupling of fluctuations to the hydrodynamic energy-density mode. The results for the central peak are compared to those obtained within the usual three-pole approximation.


In today's technology, techniques for anthropometry in human engineering have been vastly developed. The present report, accordingly, outlines some of what is known of anthropometric technique.The reports will be distributioned over seven phases:1. measuring device2. the advantage of photographic instrumentation3. recent photographic method4. advanced photographic instrumentation5. a personalized mathematical model of human body6. the man-amplifier concept7. a system of notation for mobility evaluation


Abstract A simple synthetic protocol was developed for the efficient synthesis of functionalized 3-{1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-3-yl}indolin-2-ones in high yield via three-component reaction of tryptamine, dimedone, and 3-phenacylideneoxindoles in refluxing acetonitrile with p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst.


The weak law of large lumbers,L_p convergence and complete convergence for maximal weighted sums of ■ mixing random matrix sequences are discussed.The discussion generalizes corresponding limit results for independent random matrix sequences to ■ mixing random matrix sequences.


Coupled oscillators are used to model systems such as arrays of lasers or detectors whose response is combined to increase signal strength. I investigated systems of two and three coupled nonlinear oscillators, focusing on two different models: One model includes only the phases of the oscillators, and the other includes both phases and amplitudes. The second model also incorporates features such as reactive (non-dissipative) force couplings and amplitude-dependent frequencies. I studied both models analytically to determine regions of synchronization, a phenomenon in which many oscillators lock their phase or frequency to a common equilibrium value, and then employed careful numerical simulations to verify the analytical calculations and extend the results to cases that were not analytically tractable. The result of the investigation of the amplitude model can be used to motivate the choice of parameter values (such as spread of intrinsic frequencies or coupling strength) of small systems of nanomechanical oscillators currently being designed in the M. Roukes laboratory at Caltech.


Background: Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract is seen as an essential diagnostic tool because it can provide an in-depth visual assessment of gastrointestinal mucosa and allows for tissue sampling. This study aims to find out the histological diagnosis of various tissues biopsied from the lower GIT endoscopically.
Materials and methods: It is a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Fewa City Hospital and Research Center, Pokhara, Nepal from March 2021 to February 2022.
Results: Total number of samples taken into the study was 174. Nonspecific inflammation was the commonest lesion in ileal, colon, and rectal biopsies.
Conclusions: Lower GI tract is targeted to a wide range of diseases, ranging from inflammatory to malignant entities. Endoscopy and biopsy for suspected lesions is a trusted approach for investigating and managing GI tract pathologies.


There is provided herein regulation target gene, the especially compositions of expression, method and the test kit of heat shock protein 47 (hsp47).Described compositions, method and test kit can include the gene of regulation coding hsp47, the nucleic acid molecules (such as, short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering rna (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), microRNA (miRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA)) of the such as gene of encoding human hsp47.Described compositions disclosed herein can also be used for method treating the condition of illness relevant to hsp47 and disease, such as hepatic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis and renal fibrosis.


Calculations using a Monte Carlo radiation transport code and a model for cell inactivation have been carried out to estimate the spatial distributions of the absorbed dose, LET spectra, and the cell survival, RBE, and OER for T-1 human kidney cells produced by a beam of negatively charged pions incident on a slab of tissue.


School plays major role in our society of Economics, Education and Environment. A School infrastructure represents good School. Good school infrastructure includes with building in good shape including an adequate number of well-organized classrooms, sufficient blackboards, access to adequate clean drinking water, common toilets, girl's toilets etc. The School which has got sophisticated and produces the good result then it's attracted many students. The schools were analyzed with reference to staff, infrastructure, amenities and achievements. The data was analyzed by using WEKA software. Educational officers to take appropriate steps to improve the quality of education in Gujarat State. An attempt has been made for broad mapping and analysis of existing infrastructures in the context of planning scheme in Gujarat State district wise, and to delineate the development zones of educational infrastructure facilities. The thematic layers considered in this study are infrastructure accessibility, type and condition of classroom and number of classroom allocated for the educational system at primary and upper primary level. Data mining has emerged as one of the major research domain in the recent decades in order to extract implicit and useful knowledge. Data Mining is an emerging technique with the help of this one can efficiently learn with historical data and use that knowledge for predicting future behavior of concern areas. The work aims to use data mining techniques which mines required information, so that the present education system may adopt this as a strategic management tool.


The 2008 Cardiostim Congress was a celebration of its 30th anniversary. Over 5,300 attendees shared the emotion of this momentous European happening in the field of cardiac pacing, electrophysiology, and device-based management of heart failure. Since 2008 was also the 50th anniversary of cardiac pacing, an exhibit was held of implantable cardiac devices, from the early to the most recent days. CARDIOSTIM posters created for each edition were displayed, reminding many participants of the good old days, and highlight-


Ferrous chelate absorption is deemed a promising method for NO removal from flue gas, but the key problem is the difficulty to regenerate the absorption solution, i.e. the complexes of Fe^Ⅱ(EDTA)NO and Fe^Ⅲ(EDTA) in the solution.Two bacterial strains isolated recently from the sludge of the denitrification step of a municipal wastewater treatment plant could be applied effectively to regenerate the absorbent were Pseudomonas sp. and klebsiella trevisan sp. Pseudomonas sp.exhibited high reduction ability on Fe^Ⅱ(EDTA)NO and the klebsiella trevisan sp. was more suitable for Fen^Ⅲ(EDTA) reduction.


The detection of carious lesions is a key point to apply appropriate preventive measures or operative treatment of dental caries. A laser fluorescence device DIAGNODent ® (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) has also been shown to be of additional clinical value in the detection of initial caries. This report focus on the DIAGNODent ® for caries detection. DIAGNODent ® irradiate visible red light at a wavelength of 655 nm to elicit near-infrared fluorescence from caries lesion. This device is known as a reproducible method for caries detection, with good sensitivity and specificity especially for caries detection on occlusal and accessible smooth surfaces. DIAGNODent ® tended to be more sensitive method of detecting occlusal dentinal caries, however, showed more false-positive diagnoses than the visual inspection. So Clinician should not use the device as a clinician's primary diagnostic method and it is recommended that the device should be used in the decision-making process in relation to the diagnosis of caries as a second opinion in cases of doubt after visual inspection. The trend of modern dentistry would be a preventive approach rather than invasive treatment of the disease. This is possible only with early detection and respective preventive measures, DIAGNODent ® can help the changes.


Abstract Background Invasive Mold Infections (IMI) cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Although the risk has significantly decreased with the use of triazole agents as primary prophylaxis, breakthrough infections still occur. Risk factors for IMI have been well-described. Limited data exist on factors predicting mortality. Methods We identified cases using the Cancer registry and Microbiology data at Mayo Clinic Minnesota from 11/19/2011–8/6/2021 and Mayo Clinic Arizona and Florida from 09/13/2017–11/19/2021. We conducted a retrospective review to identify cases of proven/probable IMI per EORTC/MSG criteria. Patients who received at least 7 days of anti-mold prophylaxis were considered having breakthrough infection (Br-IMI). Survival function was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. We evaluated predictors of mortality using Cox regression analysis. Results 401 cases of IMI were included (80.2% aspergillosis, 10.2% fusariosis, 8.4% mucormycosis, 1.2% scedosporiosis). 189 patients had proven/probable and 212 had possible disease. 12-week mortality for the entire cohort was 33%. There were 87 cases of Br-IMI (21.6%) on mold-active prophylaxis (posaconazole n=54, voriconazole n=26, isavuconazole n=5, itraconazole n=1, liposomal amphotericin B n=1). A comparison between patients not receiving prophylaxis and those with Br-IMI is shown in Table 1. Higher proportion of patients with Br-IMI had prolonged neutropenia/lymphopenia and graft-versus-host disease involving the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. Positive Aspergillus galactomannan (index ≥ 1.0) was seen more in patients who were not on mold-active prophylaxis. Mortality was 31.5% in patients not receiving prophylaxis and 41.3% with Br-IMI (Figure 1). In multivariate analysis, age, prolonged neutropenia, active HM, Br-IMI and HSCT were associated with increased mortality (Table 2).Table Kaplan-Meier Survival Estimate.Figure 1 Cox Regression Analysis. Conclusion In this cohort, the rate of Br-IMI was significant despite the use of primary prophylaxis (mainly posaconazole). Mortality was higher in patients with Br-IMI compared to those not receiving mold-active prophylaxis. Therefore, clinicians should remain alert to the possibility of Br-IMI. Disclosures Paschalis Vergidis, MD, AbbVie: DSMB|Cidara: Grant/Research Support|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support.


The actuality of this research is the comparative analysis of political discourse translation of Donald Trump and Barack Obama from the point of view
of the application of linguistic and stylistic features of the translation political
speeches of both presidents. Political discourse is a phenomenon that we face
every day. Taking into account the realities of our time, the wide spread of democracy, the openness of society, more and more attention is paid to the political
language. The study of translations of the speeches of the US presidents allows, on
the one hand, to predict further actions and intentions of a politician, and on the
other, to highlight the most effective ways of influencing the audience. That is why
the translation of political speeches is increasingly becoming an object of interest
for scholars in various fields, especially in translation studies.
The purpose of the proposed article is to identify the linguistic and stylistic features of the reproduction of US political discourse on the material of the
speeches of the last two presidents of this country — Obama and Trump.
The thematic, cultural and linguistic peculiarities of translation of the inaugural speeches of D. Trump and B. Obama are investigated.
A comparative analysis of the linguistic units used by both presidents and
their Ukrainian translations revealed that the preservation of the content during
translation is possible due to the restoration of all relevant components of the utterance, and the translation of lexical units, including the evaluative component,
is carried out in most cases with the help of regular correspondences.
It is proved that during translating political speeches, linguo-stylistic features
are actualized by combining regular correspondences and various transformations, which make it possible to preserve or modify the variant characteristics of
a particular linguistic unit.


Based on the theory of non-linear vibration and conception of uni-molecular reaction, we suggest in this article a physical model to describe the phenomena of instantaneous dissociation of polyatomic molecules interacting with an intense ir laser field. It is shown that there exists close and internal relationship between the dissociation threshold usually observed and the "jumping" processes occured inherently in nonlinear vibration. Taking the SFσ molecule as an example, the dissociation threshold, frequency "red shift" and the rotational compansation etc. are analyzed and evaluated. Good quantitative agreement between theoretical results and experimental observations is found.


The status of all type specimens of crows, raven, jays, magpies, treepies, and choughs (Corvidae) housed in the Museum fur Naturkunde at the Humboldt-University of Berlin (ZMB) is discussed, including those specimens considered to be paralectotypes and paratypes. Each entry includes the history of the specimen, and, when necessary, its nomenclature and taxonomy. A brief overview is given of the impact of World War II on the bird collections of ZMB. Nomenclatural changes were instituted in two species groups: Lophocitta ardesiaca Bonaparte, 1850, is synonymized with Platylophus galericulatus galericulatus (Cuvier, 1816), and Platylophus galericulatus malaccensis Cabanis, 1866, becomes the valid name for the birds from the Malayan Peninsula formerly known as Platylophus galericulatus ardesiacus (Bonaparte, 1850). The holotype of Crypsirhina pallida Blyth, 1846, formerly believed lost, was located and identified as a senior synonym of Dendrocitta vagabunda vernayi and must replace the latter for birds from south-eastern and eastern Central India. This leaves the West and western Central Indian population of D. vagabunda unnamed for which a new subspecies name is proposed.


We show that certain large, multiproduct problems can be well approximated by smaller models of the same form, representing only one aggregate product or a few such products. This reduction follows from a new technique to approximate the minimal cost of a special allocation or "disaggregation" problem, by a simple, closed-form aggregate cost function. This function, moreover, has the same form as the cost functions for the original, individual products. For special cases the "approximation" is exact. This latter result is related to economic-theoretic research on aggregation with homothetic preferences. The results are applied to a one-stage, multiperiod, multi-item production smoothing model, and then to a similar model of a two-stage system, yielding a reduction in the number of items to one or to relatively few.


The Dead Sea sect denied the sanctity of the Temple of their time, perceiving the "Council of the Community," as a spiritual substitute for the Temple in Jerusalem. The discovery of a Diasporan notion among a group living in Judea in Second Temple period makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the historical continuity of the manner in which the reality of the absence of the Temple was confronted. This chapter presents the development of this historical continuity, from its biblical beginnings to its later manifestations in rabbinic literature. According to the author, this perception must also be examined diachronically, namely as an inner progression of Diasporan Judaism. He focuses on two witnesses representing such a stance: one appearing in Hellenistic Jewish literature, and the other in rabbinic literature, and examines the content and meaning of the testimony within this continuity. Keywords:Christianity; Dead Sea sect; Diaspora Judaism; Hellenistic Jewish literature; rabbinic literature; Shekhinah; Temple


The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS®) system at Sandia National Laboratories, a laser-based direct metal deposition process, was recently used for the fabrication of a complex prototype. The LENS process involved the challenges of adjacent areas of thick and thin cross section, overhanging unsupported features, high aspect ratios, and a hemispherical substrate. These challenges were overcome through the use of closed-loop weld pool control, height monitoring, a strong understanding of build parameters, and unique process planning strategies. The near-net shape LENS part was completed with annealing and conventional machining to produce the complex components in a reduced timeframe.


Spherical Zinc sulphide nanoparticles with good photoluminescence have been successfully fabricated using a simple chemical precipitation method doped with Mn2+ at low temperature. An emission peak at around 590nm confirms the presence of Mn2+. TEM picture reveals the formation of spherical nano particles. This low cost fabrication process for spherical Zinc sulphide nanoparticles with good photoluminescence can be applied to optoelectronic devices.


The Xiaoxinancha gold-copper deposit in Hunchun,Jilin Province is of a large-sized epithermal gold-copper associating type,jointly controlled by intrusive rocks,strata and structures,with superimposed enrichment.The orefield consists of southern section and northern section.The mineralization is developed mainly in the NNW-trending fault belt and the contact zone of intrusive rock in diorite and plagiogranite,as Au-Cu-bearing quartz sulfide veins and closely spaced veinlets.The stream sediment anomalous elements are Au,Cu,Ag,Bi,Zn,Mo and/or W,Sb,As.Soil anomalous elements include Cu,Mo,Au,Ag and Bi.The lithogeochemical anomalies involve the elements of Au,Cu,Ag,Bi,Ta,Ba,Sr and/or As,Sb,Zn,Co,Ni,W,Mo.The vertical zonation series of primary halo are presented as(Bs,Sr)-As-Ag-Pb-Sn-W-Au-Bi-Cu-Sb-Co-Te-Ni-Zn-Mo.The horizontal zonation series of primary halo in the southern section are shown as Au-Cu-Bi-Te-Ag-Pb-Zn-As-Co-Ni-W-Sb-Mo-Sn;while those in the northern section,Au-Cu-Bi-Te-Ag-As-Sb-Mo-Pb-Zn-Co-W-Ni-Sn.The geochemical characteristics of the deposit and the zonation of anomalies indicate that the denudation in the northern section is greater than that in the south.The orebodies in the northwest of the orefield is more greatly denudated than in the southeast,suggesting a prospecting potential in the south of the orefield.


A case of a hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) with severe medical complications that had been reported as nonprogressive HSAN type II has been followed and treated for a period of 10 years, and is now considered to be progressive HSAN type III, is presented. Current difficulties in the present form of the classification of HSAN, the necessity to observe these cases for longer periods and possible prolongation of survival with appropriate supportive treatment are emphasized.


POLYMERS Lewis, A.L., Z.L. Cumming, H.H. Goreish, L.C. Kirkwood, L.A. Tolhurst, and P.W. Stratford. 2001. Crosslinkable coatings from (75) Inventor: Dale Hauenstein, Gurnee, IL (US) phosphorylcholine-based polymers. Biomaterials. 22:99-111. Lewis, A.L., P.D. Hughes, L.C. Kirkwood, S.W. Leppard, R.P. Red (73) Assignee: Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL man, L.A. Tolhurst, and P.W. Stratford. 2000. Synthesis and characterisation of phosphorylcholine-based polymers useful for US coating blood filtration devices. Biomaterials. 21:1847-59. ional Search Report for PCT/US06f 62066, filed Dec. 14 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Internationa p patent is extended or adjusted under 35 2006, mailed Oct. 17, 2007, 7 pgs. U.S.C. 154(b) by 831 days. * cited by examiner


Specific drying conditions for control of discoloration in pitch pine were analyzed and evaluated to determine best drying temperature and moisture content (MC) to maximize high value-added uses. High-temperature kiln-drying with restraint effectively reduced twist but also caused an excessive darkening stain. Further experiments showed that this stain generation is controlled by drying at conditions exceeding 100 °C dry-bulb only until before wood core temperature reached 100 °C. Results also showed accurate control of MC and finishing the drying process at the most suitable time to be important. Boards of excellent color were produced by applying a newly developed reducing temperature drying schedule for stain control. It is anticipated that higher additional value can be obtained from pitch pine, with continued studies on stain control, resin exudation, and twist restraint.


The Lotus House in the 2018 Solar Decathlon Competition not only demonstrated the ability of 3D printing technology to produce an innovative, attractive, and sustainably-designed structure but, more importantly, contributes to the knowledge for implementing customized architecture in the prefabricated housing industry. Led by a trans-disciplinary group of faculty members in the disciplines of Architecture, Construction Management, Computer Science, and Engineering, the Lotus House project was developed with oversight by and in partnership with companies at the forefront of the construction market and composite materials industries in both the U.S. and China.


The invention relates to synthesis of high specific surface area hydroxy resin, which comprises the following steps of: 1, dissolving polyvinyl alcohol and sodium chloride into water to obtain an aqueous phase; 2, mixing divinylbenzene and toluene and then uniformly mixing the obtained mixture and an initiator to obtain an oil phase; 3, adding the oil phase into the aqueous phase to perform the reaction to obtain a resin precursor; 4, mixing the resin precursor and toluene and adding vinyl acetate and azodiisobutyronitrile to obtain mixed solution; 5, adding the aqueous phase into the mixed solution to perform the reaction to obtain resin with ester groups; and 6, mixing the resin with the ester groups and aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide to perform the reaction to obtain the high specific surface area hydroxy resin which is used for extracting stevioside from stevia crude extract. The synthesis of the high specific surface area hydroxy resin has the advantages that the existing stevioside extraction process is not changed; the advantages that an adsorption resin extraction process is simple, and convenient, a low boiling point and toxic organic solvent does not need to be used, the resin can be repeatedly used and the like are kept; the performance of the adsorption resin is greatly improved; the production efficiency is greatly improved; the production cost is reduced; and the synthesis of the high specific surface area hydroxy resin has excellent actual application prospect.


Since the nineties, it has become clear that in most western industrialized countries girls tend to outperform boys on educational parameters. Masculinities theory proposes that cultural conventions concerning typical masculinity and femininity inform gendered study cultures, which lead to the observed gender-differential achievement patterns. When investigated in a qualitative fashion, the results often are group-based and lack generalizability. When researched in a quantitative fashion, however, gender is frequently reduced to boy-girl differences. In this study, we aim to solve these issues by adopting a thorough gender-focus while using a quantitative method. We do this by investigating the influence of gendered peer cultures on an individual level by employing the concept of pressure for gender conformity. Hence, the central research focus is the gender differential impact of pressure for gender conformity on educational parameters, more specifically academic self-efficacy. We examine these inter- and intrasexual differences in a sample of 6380 7th grade students in Flanders (the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium). The data have been collected at the start and the end of the school year 2012-2013. Results from multilevel regression analysis of two time-points show that boys' academic self-efficacy is lower when experiencing more pressure for gender conformity. Girls' academic self-efficacy, however, does not tend to decline when experiencing similar levels of pressure. Moreover, this impact of pressure for gender conformity only appears in the course of the first year of secondary education. The results are discussed in light of gendered expectations for boys and girls.


Mapping of PET images with CT or MR has a very high potential for clinical applications. A crucial step in the mapping process is the registration of two sets of 3D image data. This work demonstrates a technique for real-time alignment of a 3D image set based on parallel processors and a high bandwidth data transporter. The rapid response afforded by this hardware makes it feasible to visually align two image sets by adjusting the angle and depth of cutting planes along a tilted axis in a trial and error manner.


This paper analyses the US volatility term structure and identified the common factors. This research also examines different estimates depending on the selected dataset with a specific model used to estimate the term structure of interest rates. Our analysis finds that three principal components approximately explained 96% of the changes in volatility term structure. These components are related to the level, slope and curvature of the term structure of volatilities. Finally, these principal components are quite similar in mean among our datasets. On the other hand, our research finds significant differences in median and variance between some datasets mainly with historical volatility in case of the first and third principal component.


The present invention, the silanol functional organopolysiloxane to form a mixture of a boron compound and an emulsifier, it is then directed to a method of mixed water to the mixture producing the emulsion composition to form an emulsion. The resulting emulsion is useful for providing a high viscosity or expandable silicone coating.


1. It is well known that soil moisture impacts and is impacted by vegetation activity, but the linear model somehow implies that NDVI is the explanatory variable for soil moisture. This would be appropriate when trying to capture, e.g., the effect of leaf ïňĆushing and shedding on soil moisture within a drought deciduous ecosystem or crop emergence and harvest in an agricultural system. While clearly any variable can be regressed against any other, I wonder how the proposed approach is superior to others, maybe still based on regressions, but with a more solid physical motivation. . ..


Voltage Impasse Region (VIR) is a phenomenon in power systemswhose dynamics are describe by a set of Differential AlgebraicEquations (DAE). VIR denotes a state-space area where voltagecausality is ...


AIM: To explore the effects of aloe emodin( AE) on endoplasmic reticulum stress( ERS) of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease( NAFLD) cellular model,and to determine the possible mechanism of AE action on NAFLD. METHODS: Normal liver cells were cultured with RPMI1640 medium containing long chain fat emulsion to induce NAFLD cellular model. Cells were co-cultured with different concentrations of AE, which were used to intervene the cellular model. Accumulation of triglyceride( TG) in cells was assayed by oil red staining,and its content was detected. Changes in levels of superoxide dismutase( SOD),malondialdehyde( MDA) in cell culture media were tested. The proliferation of liver cells were determined by MTT cell proliferation and cytotoxic assay. The expression of GRP78 and CHOP,two hallmark proteins of endoplasmic reticulum stress were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The SOD level of cell culture media in the NAFLD cellular model was decreased( P 0. 05),and the level of MDA was increased( P 0. 05). Liver cell proliferation was impaired and the elevated expression of ERS iconic protein GRP78 and CHOP were detected( P 0. 05). AE can effectively reduce lipid droplets and TG in cytoplasm of liver cell( P 0. 05),decrease lipid peroxidation level( P 0. 05),reduce the inhibition of cell proliferation( P 0. 05),and downregulate the expressions of GRP78 and CHOP( P 0. 05). CONCLUSION: AE can effectively relieve the steatosis degree of fatty liver cells and improve the liver cell growth inhibition of lipotoxicity. The mechanism underlying may be related to the ease of lipid peroxidation level and the suppression of lipid metabolic disorder and apoptosis induced by ERS.


Modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been widely used in high-voltage dc (HVDC) transmission and other high-power applications, due to its superior performance. However, sub-/super-synchronous oscillation and high-frequency resonance phenomena frequently occurred in practical MMC-HVDC systems in recent years. Many researchers have recently made efforts to reveal and suppress the oscillations in specific frequency ranges. The impedance-based analysis method has been widely applied. Nonetheless, there is still lack of detailed analysis of impacts of different control links on the wideband impedance characteristics of MMC, which will be the focus of this paper. First, the detailed wideband impedance model of MMC including all control links and internal harmonic dynamics is established by using harmonic state-space (HSS) modelling method, which is validated by frequency scanning in simulation. Based on this, how each control link affects the wideband impedance characteristics of MMC is elaborated. The results can be a reference for the MMC control system design and simplifying the wideband impedance model for a specific oscillation analysis.


Objective To understand the pathogenesis and the clinical features of the bladder soft calculi. Methods A case of bladder soft calculi with emphysematous cystitis was reported.The patient,who had underwent partial cystectomy for bladder cancer,was 53 years old with diabetes and prostate hyperplasia. E.coli was found in his urine.KUB showed negative result.B-us and cystoscopy showed bladder mass.Some of other cases were also reviewed. Results The patient underwent surgical operation,and during the procedure a multilamellar yellow/brown internal structure of the calculi was observed.It presented as something like cellulose in the pathological study.The patient received antibiotic therapy after operation for two weeks,and recovered very well. Conclusions The formation of soft calculi is typically associated with urinary infection caused by proteus species.Diabetes mellitus is believed to be the most important predisposing factor for the formation of soft calculi.In most cases, surgical manipulation is required for their removal because they are not dissolved by any means yet known, and the antibiotic therapy is necessary too.


AIM To examine the effects of cognitive remediation therapies on brain functioning through neuroimaging procedures in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS A systematic, computerised literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline and PsychInfo databases. The search was performed through February 2016 without any restrictions on language or publication date. The search was performed using the following search terms: [("cogniti*" and "remediation" or "training" or "enhancement") and ("fMRI" or "MRI" or "PET" or "SPECT") and (schizophrenia or schiz*)]. The search was accompanied by a manual online search and a review of the references from each of the papers selected, and those papers fulfilling our inclusion criteria were also included. RESULTS A total of 101 studies were found, but only 18 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies indicated that cognitive remediation improves brain activation in neuroimaging studies. The most commonly reported changes were those that involved the prefrontal and thalamic regions. Those findings are in agreement with the hypofrontality hypothesis, which proposes that frontal hypoactivation is the underlying mechanism of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Nonetheless, great heterogeneity among the studies was found. They presented different hypotheses, different results and different findings. The results of more recent studies interpreted cognitive recovery within broader frameworks, namely, as amelioration of the efficiency of different networks. Furthermore, advances in neuroimaging methodologies, such as the use of whole-brain analysis, tractography, graph analysis, and other sophisticated methodologies of data processing, might be conditioning the interpretation of results and generating new theoretical frameworks. Additionally, structural changes were described in both the grey and white matter, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of cognitive remediation. Cognitive, functional and structural improvements tended to be positively correlated. CONCLUSION Neuroimaging studies of cognitive remediation in patients with schizophrenia suggest a positive effect on brain functioning in terms of the functional reorganisation of neural networks.


Abstract. The paper is a presentation of two new phenomena which have been recently revealed and investigated by authors in well-known shape memory alloys such as Cu-Al-Ni and Ni-Fe-Ga. The first is a strong decrease of the martensitic transfornation heat evolved (absorbed) in single crystals of Cu-13.5 wt. % Al - 4.0 wt. % Ni alloy in the course of their in-situ calorimetric study under constrained shape memory deformation conditions. The second is a burst character of emerg-ing shape memory strain in the course of heating single crystals of Ni49Fe27Ga18CoSubscript text6 ferromagnetic alloy. The crystals were preliminary compressed along [110] crystallographic axis for the purpose of giving them a shape memory deformation. As a result of burst martensitic transition, the monocrystalline samples standing on a hard base and loaded additional weight of 400 g threw up this weight on 66 mm height .


With the advantages of small size, low cost, and moderate accuracy, an open-loop fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) has a wide range of applications around control and automation. For the most cost-sensitive applications, a simple and stable digital algorithm with a reduced control-circuit volume and cost is highly desirable to realize high-precision control of a FOG. In this work, a new algorithm for an open-loop FOG is proposed based on the discrete multi-point demodulation in the sinusoidal modulation period. Utilizing this algorithm, stable control and angular velocity calculation of a gyro are realized with effectively suppressed gyro error. The use of this algorithm greatly reduces the requirements for processing power and simplifies the gyro circuit. Based on this algorithm, a digital FOG with a volume of only 25 × 20 × 40 mm3 achieves a bias instability of less than 0.15°/h, an angle random walk (ARW) of less than 0.015°/√h, a start-up time of less than 1 s, and a 3 dB bandwidth beyond 160 Hz. This low-cost, compact, and high-performance gyro is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of applications in the navigation and control fields such as unmanned driving.


The invention relates to the technical field of nylon materials for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), in particular to low-melting-point and low-crystallinity nylon 6 powder for SLS and a preparation method of the nylon 6 powder. The nylon 6 powder is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 93-98 parts of nylon 6 granules, 7-2 parts of metal ion salt and 0.4-1 part of aids. The preparation method comprises steps as follows: step one, the nylon 6 granules and the metal ion salt powder are weighed in parts by weight, dried, mixed uniformly and extruded and granulated with a double-screw extruder, the rotating speed of screws is 150-170 r/min, and the temperature is controlled to be 200-250 DEG C; step two, the granules obtained in the step one are smashed and sieved, and powdery granules with diameter being 20-120 mu m are obtained; step three, the powdery granules obtained in the step two and the aids are uniformly mixed in proportion and sieved , and the nylon 6 powder with diameter being 20-120 mu m is obtained. The nylon 6 powder has lower melting point and lower crystallinity, and a product obtained through SLS has a good overall forming effect and high size precision.


Engaging patients as partners in the design and execution of early-phase clinical trials offers a unique opportunity to ensure patient perspectives are considered. Here we describe our experience partnering with four individuals with lived experience of blood cancer to co-develop documents and services to support participants of an early-phase trial. Through regular team meetings, patient partners co-developed a visual informed consent document and a non-technical summary of the informed consent document to facilitate participant understanding of trial procedures. Overall, patient partners highlighted important trial components that would not have been identified without their input.


A novel theoretical framework is presented for quantifying all types of regulation-line, load and cross regulation-in any N-port DC-DC power converter, under a linear approximation. The equations have been embodied in a SPICE macromodel, which has been verified experimentally. This is believed to be the first general theory of cross regulation in DC-DC power converters.<<ETX>>


In this paper, the relevant knowledge involved in scheme design of automobile power and transmission system is systematically studied in AI's view. The Automobile Power and Transmission System Scheme Design—Expert System (APTSSD-ES) prototype is constructed successfully by Prolog with an instance exemplifing its correctness. The key technologies of developing knowledge-base and intelligence engine are detailedly discussed, as well as the evaluating system.


Waterfowl are one of our Nation's most precious and abundant natural resources, and preserving habitat well suited to their needs has long been a goal of private and public entities alike. In this study, I focused on the American Black Duck (Anas rubripes), a species seeing a large decline in numbers since the mid 20 th century. Using a satellite telemetry dataset collected by Ducks Unlimited during 2008 and 2009 in the context of the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD), I addressed the land use habits of A. rubripes to assess the efficacy of costly conservation efforts implemented through conservation easements and the maintenance of wildlife refuges and management areas. Most analyses were conducted at the stopover level, grouping telemetry points within a 0.5 decimal degree diameter. By creating distributions and studying correlations, this study finds that during wintering months A. rubripes registered more telemetry points in PAD lands where hunting is allowed in-season; during migration, lands outside of the PAD were more frequently used. This could be attributed to waterfowl specific management practices creating prime habitat during wintering and food needs being fulfilled by residual agricultural products during migration. This suggests an increased importance of management efforts in wintering habitats. Climate variables were also assessed to test reported influences of temperature and precipitation on distribution and stopover behaviors, but study data did not demonstrate a correlation between stopover length and temperature or precipitation at arrival and departure. A finer scale geospatial analysis using more detailed information about hunting status and protection level is recommended to further interpret available data.


A step-by-step numerical procedure is used to compute the inelastic response of single-bay braced and unbraced steel frame structures. The dynamic response is computed by assuming an elasto-plastic type hysteresis behavior in tension only for the diagonal bracing members, in bending for the girders, and in bending with axial force effect on the plastic moment and the P-Δ effect included for the columns. The N-S component of the 1940 El Centro earthquake with the accelerations multiplied by 1.5 is used. The responses of several 10-story frames having varying arrangements of bracing members are proportioned by two different design philosophies. The first series is designed by using current code procedures, and the second series is a class of period-controlled structures. The results indicate that even light diagonal bracing members can significantly reduce lateral displacement and inelastic activity in the columns and girders. The axial force in the columns and floor accelerations can be substantially increased.


Networks are required to allocate network resources so as to satisfy the requirements of services and accommodate the generated traffic. One approach to accommodating services with different requirements is to use network slicing technologies. By constructing a network slice for each service, network operators flexibly configure their network slices as as to satisfy their requirement. Resource allocation to each network slice is important for network operators. The amount of traffic changes in time. If a slice does not have a sufficient amount of resources to accommodate current traffic, the quality of the communication within the slice degrades and does not satisfy the requirement. Resource allocation based on prediction is one approach to handling traffic changes. In this approach, the resources are proactively allocated so as to accommodate the predicted future traffic. Prediction accuracy is important for resource allocation based on prediction. There are many method to predict future traffic demands. Most of them predict future traffic by the time series of the monitored traffic. However, it is difficult to predict future demands accurately from only on previously monitored traffic if the signs of the traffic changes are not included in the previously monitored traffic. Real-world information may include the signs of traffic changes that are not included in previously monitored demands, and is useful for the prediction of future traffic. However, it is difficult to accurately model the relationship between the real-world information and future traffic demands information may include the signs of traffic changes that are not included in previously monitored demands, and is useful for the prediction of future


We consider a modification of the Reitzinger-Schoberl algebraic multigrid method for the iterative solution of the curl-curl boundary value problem discretized with edge elements. The Reitzinger-Schoberl method is attractive for its low memory requirements and moderate cost per iteration, but the number of iterations typically tends to increase with the problem size. Here we propose several modifications to the method that aim at curing the size-dependent convergence behavior without significantly affecting the attractive features of the original method. The comparison with an auxiliary space preconditioner, a state-of-the-art solver for the considered problems, further indicates that both methods typically require a comparable amount of work to solve a given discretized problem but that the proposed approach requires less memory.


When analyzing physiological signals, the problem of setting data processing parameters arises due to the blurring of the boundary between signal and noise properties, as well as the fundamental lack of objective criteria for the quality of data processing in psychophysiology. This paper describes an approach to optimizing processing parameters on the example of galvanic skin response (GSR) and photoplethysmogram (PPG), based on the use of stimuli that are significant for a person, selected on the basis of biographical data, which can be considered as criteria validation. As a metric for the optimization, we used the frequency of coincidence of the stimuli identified as a result of the analysis with the a priori given ones (human names, including the name of the volunteer, and also visit cards selected by the volunteer). GSR and PPG signals were recorded using an MRI-compatible polygraph under conditions of functional magnetic resonance imaging (N=46 volunteers). In the first part of the work, optimization of frequency filters and analysis intervals (epochs) was performed. It has been established that the following processing parameters are optimal for analyzing the amplitude properties of the GSR signal: first-order Butterworth filters, frequency range is 0.025-0.25 Hz, interval of analysisis1-7 s from a stimulus. To analyze the PPG signal using the length of the curve, the following processing parameters are optimal: second-order Butterworth filters, frequency range is 1.25—12.5 Hz, interval of analysis is 3—10 s from a stimulus. Using the same criterion, several alternative signal processing methods were tested: change in the amplitude of the GSR signal over the analysis interval compared to the classical method by the amplitude maximum relative to the baseline; several types of ranking of reactions within a block of stimuli compared to simple averaging of all responses. The parameters and methods of processing of the GSR and PPG signals obtained in the work demonstrate universality in relation to the variety of initial data and could be applicable in applied and fundamental research. The general approach described in the work can also be used to optimize the processing parameters of other physiological signals including fMRI.


Within recent times, health educators have been recognizing the need for professional in-service training. This has resulted in various attempts by relevant institutions to design suitable training programmes. This paper highlights the global and local context that has contributed to the perceived need for training. The universal issue of professional training and the current roles, qualifications, and experiences of the health educator in Trinidad and Tobago are discussed. A typical training approach utilized by one institution in Trinidad is also examined, in relation to theories of design methodology. The paper concludes by drawing attention to the operational and theoretical issues that must be addressed in designing suitable, in-service professional training programmes for health educators in Trinidad and Tobago.


Various advantages of Information System technology in Universities encourage the use of Information Systems in Universities, until now it has become a necessity no longer a necessity or compulsion for an institution. Utilization of Information Systems in Universities as information centers can be one of the strategies to develop the level of education. This research aims to find out the picture of the successful application of Information System technology in universities as an information center based on user evaluation in the campus environment of ASMI Citra Nusantara Banjarmasin. Evaluation can predict the level of utilization of technology in the future. The method used in the study was a survey with 158 research samples with the Theory of Acceptance Model approach analyzed using the Partial Least Square technique. The results showed that all proposed hypotheses were acceptable so that the variables in the Theory of Acceptance Model could describe user attitudes in information system evaluation. This research can be one of the reviews that shows that the Theory of Acceptance Model as the right model for quantitative-based Information System evaluation research and case studies. This study concludes that the Theory of Acceptance Model is relevant in determining and assessing user behavior regarding the use of technology


Abstract Introduction The majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are associated with mutations in two genes, breast cancer type 1 and 2 susceptibility genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2). Here, we describe for the first time analysis of BRCA1 exon 11 in 48 Libyan breast cancer patients with a family history of cancer. Methods All patients had a family history of cancer and were included in the study only if they have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, or triple negative tumors. PCR was performed using specific primer pairs spanning BRCA1 exon 11 followed by Sanger sequencing. Genetic analysis was done using Sequencher 5.1. Results We identified 12 genetic variants in BRCA1 exon 11. Three variants were novel (c.1019T>C, c.2363T>G, and c.3192T>C). c.2363T>G was predicted by SIFT as damaging. Six variants were of unknown significance (c.918T>C, c.1853G>C, c.1886G>A, c.2215A>G, c.2612C>T, c.3113A>C and c.3784T>C), and 3 were classified as benign in ClinVar database (c.918T>C, c.2082C>T and c.2311T>C). Conclusions Scanning of the entire BRCA1 is needed to identify any associated deleterious mutations. Although the clinical importance of unclassified variants is unknown, the association of certain variants with deleterious mutations and contralateral breast cancer warrants genetic testing and counseling in the Libyan population.


The utility model relates to filter equipment, in particular to a filter bottle component which is used for placing a filter core. The filter bottle component comprises a filter bottle body, a filter cover, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring, wherein the filter bottle body is used for installing the filter core and the filter cover is matched with the filter bottle body. An upper end of the filter bottle body is a round bottle opening, and an outer rectangular thread is arranged on the outer side wall of the upper end portion of the filter bottle body. A water inlet is arranged on one side of the upper portion of the filter cover, and a water outlet is arranged on the other side of the filter cover. An inner rectangular thread is arranged on the inner side wall of the lower portion of the filter cover, and the filter cover and the filter bottle body are connected by a rectangular thread. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are arranged between the filter bottle body and the filter cover, wherein the first sealing ring is arranged on the end face position of an opening portion of the round bottle opening above the rectangular thread, and the second sealing ring is arranged on the filter bottle body below the outer rectangular thread. The filter bottle component has the advantages of being novel in structure, high in connecting intensity of the filter bottle body and the filter cover, good in sealing and anti-leakage effect, and long in service life.


A plaster for treating hyperosteogeny, rheumatalgia and periomethritis is prepared from 12 Chinese-medicinal materials including futokadsura stem, clementis root, ledebouriella root, pubescent angelica root, etc. and features high curative effect.


Being the second largest economy and the host of the largest population in the world, China, with its unique success, has challenged traditional economic wisdom in many ways. For a long time, researchers have been pondering questions such as: What are the fundamental driving forces that have fueled China's fast economic growth? Why do Chinese households save so much compared to their Western counterparts? How do Chinese people behave differently across regions within such a vast country featured with huge social and cultural differences? Due to unavailability of data, especially from the micro-level, many of these questions have so far remained unanswered. To provide a possible solution to data unavailability, the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS; Survey and Research Center for China Household Finance n.d.), compiled by the Survey and Research Center for China Household Finance since its inception in 2010, launched the first-ever nationwide survey specializing in household-level financial information in the summer of 2011. The first wave of the CHFS survey covered 8438 households and 29,500 individuals across China. It collected detailed information including household income and wealth, assets and liabilities, expenditures, social and commercial insurance, and many other types of firsthand raw data which are nationally representative. The results of this survey have instantly drawn enormous attention from the government, worldwide media, and academia. It serves as a unique data source to help to answer many policy relevant questions. Following the first survey, the second and third waves, conducted in 2013 and 2015, respectively, have significantly larger sample sizes and been both provincially representative. This symposium section collects four papers using this CHFS data to study frontier issues in China. It covers a broad scope of topics, ranging from housing, income, saving decisions, labor decisions to insurance. These studies provide new perspectives on understanding what is happening in China, and show some interesting results that can potentially lead to reconciliation or reconsideration of the existing knowledge based on macro-level research. China has a very high percentage of house ownership relative to most other major economies across the world. The data in the CHFS survey show that around 87% of urban households own one or more properties. The high housing demand and ownership level combined with fast rising house prices has caused severe economic and social problems. The typical price-to-income ratio in China is so high that it has raised severe concerns over housing affordability. Despite government policies that have been trying to suppress the "overheated" housing market by increasing land supply, limiting access to mortgage loans, and restricting multi-house purchases, house prices have still remained high in major cities due to the continuing booming housing demand. It is therefore imperative to study the clear conflict between poor housing affordability and rising housing demands.


Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited Pediatric Critical Care Medicine www.pccmjournal.org 789 We are surprised that a controversy persists regarding the use of cuffed versus uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in children. In this issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Mizuguchi et al (1) provide more evidence that children's upper airway anatomy is not consistent with previous perception and that the use of cuffed ETTs is preferable over uncuffed ETTs for pediatric intubation. The mounting evidence favoring the use of cuffed ETTs has led to changes in clinical practice in pediatric operating rooms (ORs) and PICUs. Last week it was announced at our institution that equipment carts would no longer be stocked with uncuffed ETTs in the pediatric ORs due to space limitations. In their study, Mizuguchi et al (1) evaluated tracheal dimensions at the infraglottic and cricoid levels in nonintubated, sedated, children who were undergoing cervical spine computerized tomography for trauma evaluation. The authors confirmed previous observations that the pediatric airway is elliptical at the infraglottic level and circular at the cricoid ring (2). They also found that the use of typical formulas to predict ETT size produced a significant risk of selecting an oversized ETT (60% vs 23.8%; p < 0.05) with the potential to cause pressure ulcerations and scarring at the infraglottic level (3). The authors suggest the use of a smaller ETT than calculated by formula and use of cuff inflation to obtain a proper tracheal seal. In the early days of intubation and mechanical ventilation, ETTs were red rubber with low volume and low compliance cuffs. The high pressure required to inflate red rubber cuffs could compromise the perfusion of the tracheal mucosa. Reports of airway damage in adults, combined with the misperceptions of pediatric airway anatomy at the time, helped shape the practice of uncuffed ETT selection in children. Several studies since the original work by Eckenhoff (4) in cadaver airways in 1951 have demonstrated the pediatric airway is primarily cylindrical with a slight amount of elliptical shape at the most rostral part (1, 2, 4, 5). These findings, similar to Mizuguchi et al (1), that demonstrated the cricoid ring to be greater in diameter as compared with the infraglottic area led to changes in the perceptions about airway anatomy in children under 8 years old and laid the ground work for investigations that show that cuffed ETTs can be used safely both in the pediatric OR and ICU and are preferred by pediatric anesthesiologists (6–9). The benefits of cuffed ETTs for children include the decreased need for tube exchanges (in the OR, the PICU, and on transport), increased effectiveness of delivering positive pressure ventilation when pulmonary compliance worsens, increased protection from microaspiration, less gas pollution in the OR, accurate capnography, and reliable tidal volumes (10–13). However, there are some potential pitfalls to the acceptance of cuffed endotracheal for pediatric intubations. First, we suggest attention to manufacturer's age recommendations for cuffed ETTs. The manufacturer of MicroCuff ETT (Avanos Medical Incorporated, Alpharetta, GA) recommends their use in full-term babies greater than 3.0 kg. Studies are needed to compare mucous plugging and resistance to air flow in cuffed and uncuffed ETTs in babies less than 3.0 kg. Pressure support and tube compensation may be ventilator strategies with the potential to overcome the airway resistance issues in small ETTs (13). The MicroCuff ETT has age recommendations on the package that indicate the 3.0 mm ETT is recommended until 8 months old, and a 3.5 mm size from 8 months to 2 years. This is a smaller ETT size for age than most formula suggest and smaller than most practitioners typically use. These age recommendations can be easily over looked, and the use of oversized MicroCuff ETTs may be associated with postextubation stridor (14). Second, we suggest attention to the manufacturer's recommendation for placement of cuffed ETT. The MicroCuff ETT has a distally placed cuff to avoid subglottic placement and injury. Failure to place the intubation depth mark (on the cuffed ETT) at the level of the vocal cords during laryngoscopy could negate the benefit of the ETTs distal cuff location. Third, we recommend attention to cuff inflation, which includes cuff volume, cuff pressure, and air leak around the cuff. An important finding is that an undersized cuffed ETT with overfilling of the cuff to occlude the leak can result in excessive cuff pressure (15). Studies are needed to compare safety and effectiveness of recommendations for cuff inflation; comparisons include inflation the cuff until an airway pressure of 20 cm H 2 O no longer produces a leak versus deflation of the cuff until an airway pressure of 25 cm H 2 O produces a leak versus the use a cuff inflation pressure at 15 cm H 2 O. Head position, patient temperature, depth of anesthesia, and use of paralytics are factors that affect leak tests and cuff pressure and their impact on the safe use of cuffed ETTs needs to be evaluated. Overall, our progress in the understanding of pediatric airway anatomy and the advantages of cuffed ETTs in children has resulted in much more than a reduction in the stocking of unnecessary ETTs at intubation locations. However, to fully *See also p. e366.


Over the last forty years, racial minorities in the United States have made substantial progress in achieving greater representation in legislatures. However, there is surprisingly little empirical evidence as to whether this has had any direct impact on policy outcomes. Exploiting two instances of 'exogenous shocks' that led to large increases in the number of African American legislators, this paper empirically tests the relationship between descriptive representation of minorities and substantive representation of their interests. By examining the school district-level data from the 1970s through the late 1990s across the United States, the paper finds statistically robust evidence that the political representation of African Americans is associated with a more equitable allocation of state aid to school districts, which suggests that representation of traditionally underrepresented groups can lead to tangible changes in public policy. The results are robust to controls for the effects of other political and demographic factors.