The invention discloses a Chinese medicinal composition for dispelling scars. The composition is prepared from oral administration medicaments and externally-applied medicaments, wherein the oral administration medicaments comprise but are not limited to the following raw material medicaments: angelica dahurica, peach seed, largehead atractylodes rhizome, job stears, Chinese angelica, Szechuan lovage rhizome, dipsacus asperoides, glabrous sarcandra herb, achyranthes root, earthworm, ground beetle, codonopsis pilosula, rhizoma drynariae, williams elder twig and white paeony root; and the externally-applied medicaments comprise but are not limited to the following raw material medicaments: dragon's blood, myrrh, safflower, Chinese angelica, suberect spatholobus stem, rose mallow root, pseudoginseng root, dipsacus asperoides, spreading hedyotis herb, frank incense, angelica dahurica, pearl, root of red-rooted salvia, williams elder twig, loofah sponge, rose and cortex moutan. The Chinese medicinal composition is used for treating various burn scares and various scars formed after surgery and trauma and has the effects of activating blood and dissolving stasis, relaxing tendons and activating collaterals, detoxicating and diminishing swelling, softening hardness to dissipate stagnation, inhibiting scar hyperplasia, relieving scar itching, and softening the scars.


This paper introduces the definition and the structure of classified word and classified lexicon, and expounds the general method of the formation of the words in the classified lexicon and some usages of the classified lexicon.


This research discusses path analysis as statistics mean to define path between variables and compare it with analysis of regression using three methods and data specialized in measuring blood pressure and other group of variables define the relationship between them .


Despite the vast array of criticisms leveled at so-called bureaucracies by politicians, industrial leaders, and those mistreated and inconvenienced persons, the bureaus have, are, and will continue to exist. Bureaucracy as an institution is perhaps our lifeline and only social structure for survival in our present technically-oriented society. This essay argues that bureaus emerged from individual and collective needs of the growing industrialized society. It further argues that these same needs, in essence, exist today and that the bureaucracy, while possessing limitations, remains essential for survival in today's highly technological society. Writing in the early 20th century, Max Weber, the eminent German sociologist, contended that bureaucracy grew out of a variety of needs in an emerging industrial setting.' Before the days of bureaucracies authoritarian industrialists exercised their powers arbitrarily and capriciously with scant concern for efficiency or for those in the organization.2 Many decisions early managers rested on personal, emotional factors. To those in the organization, such decisions appeared as partial and unfair. Little in the organization seemed predictable. Promotions and advancements in the organizations did not result from functional competency. "Wheel and deal managers, for example, provided special favors to certain clients as well as to employees. Prior to the days of bureaucracies, individuals in organizations typically performed a variety of functions. Obviously, some employees were more proficient than others at specific skills. Weber concluded that organizational efficiency was minimized resulting from lack of specialized functions.


In this article, an attempt has been made to predict and minimize the delamination in drilling of medium density fiberboard (MDF). The experiments are carried out on LAMIPAN PB panel based on orthogonal array with feed rate and cutting speed as process parameters. The second order delamination factor models at entry and exit of the holes have been developed using response surface methodology. The parametric analysis has been carried out to study the interaction effects of the machining parameters. Taguchi's quality loss function approach has been employed to simultaneously minimize the delamination factor at entry and exit of the holes. From the analysis of means and analysis of variance, the optimal combination level and the significant parameters on delamination factor are obtained. The optimization results showed that the combination of low feed rate with high cutting speed is necessary to minimize delamination in drilling of MDF.


[Objective] The aim of the research was to provide basis for mutation breeding of edible fungi by ultraviolet radiation.[Method] Mycelia of Hericium erinaceus were treated by ultraviolet radiation to study the effects of different radiation time on the mycelial growth rate,mycelial growth vigor,colony diameter and the quantity of mycelium clamp connection.[Result] Ultraviolet rays had promotion effects on the growth of mycelia with 1~3 min radiation to different degree and the effect of 3 min irradiation was most obviously(P0.01).The mycelial growth in the treatment with 5 min irradiation was inhibited,but the difference was not significant.[Conclusion] Under the experimental conditions,the optimum irradiation time for the mutation breeding of H.erinaceus by ultraviolet radiation was 3 min.And the relativity between different time of ultraviolet radiation and yield and quality of H.erinaceus needed further research.


This study has proposed and empirically tested a social network (SN) Web site acceptance model that incorporates social influence, social motives and technology acceptance factors. The three processes of social influence: compliance, identification and internalization are used to explain the causal antecedents of social motives, technology acceptance factors and intention. An online survey generates 274 usable responses. The results indicate that social influence has positive effects on intention, social motives, and perceived usefulness and enjoyment through compliance, identification and internalization respectively. The two social motives: sociability and status play a significant role in the proposed model.


This report describes disposal of liquids and, in some cases, suitable solids and/or entrapped gases, through: (1) well injection into deep permeable strata, bounded by impermeable layers; (2) grout injection into an impermeable host rock, forming fractures in which the waste solidifies; and (3) slurrying into excavated subsurface cavities. Radioactive materials are presently being disposed of worldwide using all three techniques. However, it would appear that if the techniques were verified as posing minimum hazards to the environment and suitable site-specific host rock were identified, these disposal techniques could be more widely used.


To date no reliable diagnostic method exists to predict, among the very large and clinically heterogeneous group of Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients, the extremely small group at risk for developing low‐grade gastric MALT lymphoma (LG‐MALT). Search of proteomic biomarkers holds promise for the classification of the H. pylori strains with regard to this severe clinical outcome. In the present study 69 H. pylori strains isolated from patients with two different H. pylori‐associated diseases, duodenal ulcer (DU, n=29) and LG‐MALT (n=40) were used. Protein expression patterns of the strains were analyzed by using the high‐throughput methodology SELDI. Selected proteins were purified by means of chromatographic and electrophoretic methods in view of further sequencing by LC‐MS/MS. Univariate analysis (Mann–Whitney test) of the protein expression patterns generated nine significant biomarkers that can discriminate between H. pylori strains from patients with DU and LG‐MALT. These biomarkers are of low molecular weight, ranging from 6 to 26.6 kDa. Among them, two are overexpressed in LG‐MALT strains and seven – in DU strains. Two biomarker proteins, one overexpressed in LG‐MALT strains (13.2 kDa) and another one – overexpressed in DU strains (26.6 kDa), were purified to homogeneity and identified by using LC‐MS/MS as a 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 and a urease subunit, respectively. These biomarkers can be included in novel protein arrays for the differential diagnosis of H. pylori‐associated clinical outcomes.


In this work, the singular behavior of the charges at corners and edges of the 3D electrodes-bus system are investigated. These considerations are then used for the definition of a hybrid element model of SAW transducers


This thesis presents the results of work on the optical properties and design optimisation of the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). The optical properties of a range of fluorophores were measured and it was found that the Lumogen F Rot 305 organic dye exhibited properties which make it ideal for use in LSCs, namely a wide absorption range (300-650 nm), 100 % quantum yield at concentrations up to 1700 ppm, and the highest photostability of all the Lumogen F dyes, although the overlap of the absorption and emission spectra results in reabsorption (RA) losses. Despite these optimum properties, a detailed analysis showed that LSCs based on Rot 305 cannot compete with conventional glass/glass laminate modules on grounds of either cost or embodied energy. Since Rot 305 represents an optimum dye, this suggests it is unlikely that LSCs based on organic dyes will ever be competitive with conventional technologies. The only solution is the use of a fluorophore with greatly reduced RA losses, for example a rare-earth (RE) complex. The RA losses of a europium-containing complex were found to be less than those of the Rot 305 dye, despite the lower quantum yield of the complex (86 %). The solar-to-electric conversion efficiencies of several LSC modules based on Rot 305 were measured. Modules with dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm and 60 cm x 60 cm had efficiencies of 2.7 % and 1.84 % respectively, both measured without a back reflector. In addition, the technique of current-matching the edge cells was successfully demonstrated, resulting in a 15 % increase in power output from an edge using matched cells relative to an edge using unmatched cells.


A novel modification of the ratio techniques in on-line data processing in the analytical mapping mode of the scanning microscope of microprobe is suggested which is suitable mainly for surface-senstive imaging.


The article is devoted to the topical problems of civil law concerning the legal status of the personality. Special attention is paid to scientific discussions on the system of the personal nonproperty rights of the individual; the author comes to the conclusion that all of them are conditioned by the autonomy of the person. According to the correlation of personal nonmaterial welfare and personal nonproperty rights the possibility of the independent protection of both personal nonmaterial welfare and personal nonproperty right based on it, and also the presence of the integral connection of nonproperty rights with property rights are proved.


The present article focuses on minimum guidelines and criteria that can be applied to not only filter high-quality scholarly research from the "scholarly junk" but also provide insight regarding various policies and guidelines for conducting and subsequent reporting of scholarly manuscript. Before conducting the research and clinical studies, review of literature should be assessed from journals recognized by empowered national and international statutory bodies and societies. Second, relevant recommended guidelines as per the design of epidemiological study should be adhered when conducting till manuscript preparation. Once the manuscript is prepared, professional plagiarism detection software must be used to rule out any accidental similarity index and subsequent consequences. Finally, before submitting the manuscript and drawing conclusion out from published literature, ruling out dubious predatory junks should be carried out. The endeavor of the present article is to highlight the key information and references in regard to the above–mentioned guidelines as systematically as possible.


Introduction: This study aimed to assess the midterm outcomes and safety of prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A single-center, retrospective review of PAE performed for BPH was performed. Validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) index, and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaires were completed at baseline and at least 12 months post-procedure. Prostate imaging was performed preprocedure as well as 3 months and 12 months post-procedure to assess prostate volume (PV). Uroflowmetry was also performed at baseline and 12 months post-procedure to assess urine flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) volume. Adverse events were graded according to Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) guidelines. Results: Eighty male patients underwent the PAE procedure (mean age 69 years). Prostate volume decreased significantly from a mean volume 156 to 107 mL after 12 months post-procedure, commensurate with a mean reduction of 27.5% (P < .05). Significant improvements were seen in IPSS (21.8 vs 10.5) and QoL (4.5 vs 2.0) from baseline to 12 months post-procedure (P < .05). There was no significant change in IIEF-5 score. There was a significant reduction in PVR (202 vs 105 mL) and improvement in Qmax (5.9 vs 10.0 mL/s) between baseline and 12 months post-procedure (P < .05). No major complications occurred; 4 minor complications occurred (SIR grade A or B). Conclusion: Prostate artery embolization achieved a clinically and statistically significant prostate volume reduction, symptom and QoL improvement, and enhanced uroflowmetry parameters in patients with BPH.


Optical microscopy has long been used to characterize particulates present in biotherapeutic formulations, providing their size, shape, and transparency characteristics, which can then be used to group particulates into distinct classes (i.e. aggregates, silicone oil, sundry contaminants). However, the ability of a microscope to provide explicit identification is limited to the two-dimensional images it collects. The addition of Raman spectroscopy to an automated microscopy system provides a robust primary identification method for the verification of particle chemistry, and together the techniques offer the potential to enumerate, characterize, and identify particulates in native formulations, as well as those immobilized on a filter substrate. This range of capabilities directly addresses FDA quality requirements for drugs administered by injection, in terms of particulate count per unit volume. These regulations are put into practice through USP <788>, which calls for enumeration of particulates in two size categories: larger than 10 μm and larger than 25 μm. The more recent release of USP <787> (and <1787>) has extended recommendations to include sizes below 10 μm. This lower size range has drawn considerable attention from the FDA due to concerns about immunogenic response related to proteinaceous aggregates, reduced product efficacy, and general safety. Formulation stability can be affected by many factors that lead to the formation of aggregated material.


[From the Introduction]. This paper aims to examine whether institutional arrangements and the division of powers affects the policy responses to the pressures of "capital flight"; and whether the outcome is "capital blight". It will compare the regulation of financial institutions in the European Community, with a particular emphasis on Italy, and in Canada. There are a number of reasons for choosing financial institutions. As one observer notes, "There is no sector of the economy that has become more liberalized more global in its orientation, and less constrained by national borders than this one".(3) Few industries are as sensitive to regulatory changes in different markets, and are as flexible and mobile to exploit the most favourable conditions. This is the result of technical and product innovations that began to make their mark in the 1960s and 1970s and which have constrained the ability of the state to control the flow of capital in and out of its borders.


We report the treatment for proximal humeral fractures of elderly patients using the intramedullary nail. From January 1997 to September 2002, we treated 29 cases by intramedullary fixation using the Ace humeral nail and TARGONPH. The patients consisted of 6 males and 23 females with a mean age of 77.9 years (range:65 to 97 years). According to the Neer's classification, all fractures were classified as 2-part fracture (20 cases) or 3-part fracture (9 cases).Their pain decreased early and they could start rehabilitation one day after operation. All achieved bone union and showed good results.Intramedullary nail is considered a useful operative method for proximal humeral fracture in elderly patients because it provides sufficient fixation.


(57) [summary] a) reacting a compound of formula I: [However, the M At least one compound represented by]; and b) Formula II: [However, R At least one valinamide represented by, harmful fungi controlling composition containing the solid carrier or liquid carrier, and a method for controlling harmful fungi using these compositions.


This paper describes an ANSI FORTRAN 77 code, VLUGR2, vectorized for the Cray YMP, that is based on an adaptive-grid nite-diierence method to solve time-dependent two-dimensional systems of partial diierential equations.


Working as an interdisciplinary team, from the departments of Education and Biology we organized a short experiential learning seminar followed by a hands-on workshop for the promotion of citizen scientific literacy. Participants were adult lifelong learners enrolled in University programs, and others were adults interested in scientific activities without a motivation towards continuous learning. Through a teaching dynamic based on learning science by doing science, they could make close contact with the research procedures in scientific laboratories and learn about the use of DNA to identify unknown fish species. The data collected about their learning gains in this science literacy experience showed that elder lifelong learners found the basic scientific concepts more difficult to understand than the non-lifelong learners, but were more motivated to engage in science education activities than the latter, which makes them a very interesting potential group to recruit for citizen science initiatives..


We study computationally the passive, nonlinear targeted energy transfers induced by resonant interactions between a single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear energy sink and a uniform-plate model of a flexible, swept aircraft wing. We show that the nonlinear energy sink can be designed to quickly and efficiently absorb energy from one or more wing modes in a completely passive manner. Results indicate that it is feasible to use such a device to suppress or prevent aeroelastic instabilities like limit-cycle oscillations. The design of a compact nonlinear energy sink is introduced and the parameters of the device are examined. Simulations performed using a finite-element model of the wing coupled to discrete equations governing the energy sink indicate that targeted energy transfer is achievable, resulting, for example, in a rapid and significant reduction in the second bending mode response of the wing. Finally, the finite element model is used to simulate the effects of increased nonlinear energy sink stiffness, and to show the conditions under which the nonlinear energy sink will resonantly interact with higher-frequency wing modes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME


The paper examined procedure of establishing of the Estonian community and their self-determination in the South of Russia. This period was related to the First World War and the Civil War in which the Estonian population was unwillingly involved. They experienced many severe trials of until the Soviet power had been finally established. During the Civil War the Estonians showed themselves brave people capable of forming their own opinion in that period of history.


Using the cosmological perturbation theory in terms of the δN formalism, we find the simple formulation of the evolution of the curvature perturbation in generalized gravity theories. Compared with the standard gravity theory, a crucial difference appears in the end-boundary of the inflationary stage, which is due to the non-ideal form of the energy–momentum tensor that depends explicitly on the curvature scalar. Recent study shows that ultraviolet-complete quantum theory of gravity (Hořava–Lifshitz gravity) can be approximated by using a generalized gravity action. Our paper may give an important step in understanding the evolution of the curvature perturbation during inflation, where the energy–momentum tensor may not be given by the ideal form due to the corrections from the fundamental theory.


The development of bioadhesives has become an emerging research field for tissue sealants, wound dressings, and hemostatic agents. However, assembling hydrogels using bioadhesive‐mediated attachment remains a challenging task. Significantly high water content (>90%) in hydrogels compared to that of biological tissues is the main cause of failure. Considering that hydrogels are primary testing scaffolds mimicking in vivo environments, developing strategies to assemble hydrogels that exhibit diverse properties is important. Self‐healing gels have been reported, but such gels often lack biocompatibility, and two gel pieces should be identical in chemistry for assembly, thus not allowing co‐existence of diverse biological environments. Herein, a mussel‐mimetic cis‐diol‐based adhesive, alginate‐boronic acid, that exhibits pH‐responsive curing from a viscoelastic solution to soft gels is developed. Associated mechanisms are that 1) polymeric diffusion occurs at interfaces utilizing intrinsic high water content; 2) the conjugated cis‐diols strongly interact/entangle with hydrogel chains; 3) curing processes begin by a slight increase in pH, resulting in robust attachment of diverse types of hydrogel building blocks for assembly. The findings obtained with alginate‐boronic acid glues suggest a rational design principle to attach diverse hydrogel building blocks to provide platforms mimicking in vivo environments.


The intensity-dependent response of nonlinear Bragg-periodic epitaxially-grown InGaAs-InAlGaAs-based optical elements is reported over a broad spectral range 1.3-1.6 /spl mu/m. Large changes in the transmittance and reflectance are observed as a function of incident power. Over most of this spectral region, the nonlinear response is dominated by the saturation of absorption. In the vicinity of 1.5 /spl mu/m, the optical elements exhibit fluence-dependent Bragg diffraction. For low incident powers, the indices of refraction of structures are uniform and no coherent scattering takes place. With increased incident power a Bragg grating appears, resulting in the emergence of a fluence-dependent stopband in the transmittance and reflectance spectra.


This study examines the relationship between the proportion of family members in corporate boards and earnings management of 236 sample companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 2009. Emerging literature supports the notion that family control would constrain earnings management and positively influence corporate performance. Consistent with previous studies, we use discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management. The regression result shows that proportion of family members on the board is positively associated with discretionary accruals. This reflects that the effort to mitigate earnings management is significantly reduced when family members are present on corporate boards, especially when family members dominate the corporate board. The findings also provide evidence on board size, audit committee size, number of audit committee meeting and company size influence on discretionary accruals. The rest of explanatory variables; board independence, audit committee with financial expertise, auditor type and leverage were not significant.


The present article reflects the life and activity of the distinguished Professor, Habilitated Doctor, Dumitru Patrascu, reputable personality in the field of education sciences, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary, 51 years of didactic activity and 41 years of scientific activity. Dumitru Patrascu is the author of 11 monographs, co-author of 18 monographs, 14 collective works, 46 methodological-didactic works, specialized works and articles, 1 article in international magazines, 19 articles in magazines included in the National Register of profile magazines, 1 article in magazines in the process of accreditation, author of 12 manuals, 3 guides, 18 methodological recommendations – a total of more than 250 publications in the field, being one of the most prolific authors at institutional and national level. Professor Dumitru Patrascu's area of scientific interests' extends to an imposing series of actual topics in the field of education sciences: Scientific organization of students and academic staff work, Handicrafts and skills for life, Educational technologies, Pupils', students' and academic staff creativity, Educational management, Organizational culture in school, Anti-crisis management, Education quality management, Mentality change, Conflict management in educational system, Creation and development of new types of schools, Pedagogy of training new engineering staff (security field), Educational leadership, Mental health, Time management, Managerial delegation etc. Professor's Patrascu personal scientific contribution is revealed in the development of research through the elaboration of new conceptions, hypotheses, theories; through opening new scientific directions, therefore enhancing the significance of his works for science, culture and practice.


In January 1997, a pilot-scale project to assess the feasibility of in silu aerobic bioreduction of municipal solid waste was initiated at the Live Oak Landfill, located near Atlanta, Georgia The high costs (money, regulatory hurdles, societal objections) of developing new landfills are making fccovery and reuse of existing landfill space an increasingly attractive alternative. Onc bf the first exampler of landfill mining in tbe U.S. was the Collier County, FL landfill that began mining operations in 1986 (von Stein and Savage, 1993). The Collier County demonstration did not include aerobic bioreduction before mining. Some benefits of aerobic bioreduction of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills include: reduced emissions of methane and reduced mctbane recovery costs; extended life of currently operating landfills: potential minimization of leachate and landfill gas contamination of ground water; stabilization and/or complete removal of old. unlined landfills.


The specific activity of plant NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (NADH- GOGAT) in root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris L., is over three-fold higher than the specific activity of ferredoxin-dependent GOGAT. NADH-GOGAT is composed of two distinct isoenzymes which can be separated from crude nodule extracts by ion-exchange chromatography.
Both NADH-GOGAT isoenzymes have been purified to apparent homogeneity and an anti-NADH-GOGAT antibody has been raised against purified NADH-GOGAT eluted from a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. They both have been shown to be monomeric proteins with similar MfS of about 200,000 and are both specific for NADH as reductant. An investigation of their kinetic characteristics has shown slight differences in their Kms for L-glutamine, 2-oxoglutarate and NADH, and they have different pH optima, with NADH-GOGAT I exhibiting a broad pH optimum of 8.0 whereas NADH-GOGAT II has a much narrower pH optimum of 8.5.
Subcellular localization studies have shown that both isoenzymes are located in plastids but in different cell types: NADH-GOGAT I is mainly prerent in the plastids of outercortex cells whilst NADH-GOGAT II is found to be located in the plastids of inner central cells of root nodules of P.vulgaris. NADH-GOGAT II has been found to be only present in root nodules and not other organs of P.vulgaris. During nodulation both isoenzymes increase in activity but the major increase is due to NADH-GOGAT II which increases over a time course similar to the increase in nitrogenase activity. The results suggest that the two isoenzymes of NADH-GOGAT play different physiological roles in nodule cells: NADH-GOGAT II is mainly responsible for assimilating ammonium produced during dinitrogen fixation whilst NADH-GOGAT I could assimilate ammonium from other metabolic pathways.
In nodules grown under Ar : 02and nodules formed with Rhizobium Fix- mutan* CE108, both NADH-GOGAT isoenzymes, especially NADH-GOGAT II, have been observed to be expressed at early stages of nodulation but the specific activities of the two isoenzymes are low and remain constant at later stages of nodulation. However, exogenous NH4+ supplied to nodulated root systems has no effect on increasing the activities of the two NADH-GOGATsbut can induce the senescence of the nodules. It could be proposed that the initial expression of NADH-GOGAT is independent of nitrogen fixation but the level of the two NADH-GOGAT isoenzymes, especially NADH-GOGAT II is affected by nitrogen fixation.


Device models for GaAs devices and GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures are much less advanced than those for silicon devices. The author critically reviews recent advances in the modeling of GaAs/AlGaAs devices. The review is based on an examination of five selected device models that contain features common to the majority of device models for heterostructure bipolar and field effect transistors. Areas requiring improved measurement techniques on processed GaAs and improved physical concepts for GaAs/AlGaAs devise models are identified.


Abstract Seedling maize roots were immersed one hour in a copper solution (0.13 mM CuSO4). Following treatment they were allowed to grow in saturated air, the shoots in contact with a wet cloth. Growth almost completely stopped during the copper treatment. In the next six to eight hours growth resumed if the roots were rinsed one‐half hour with 0.16 mM EDTA. During this period of reversible growth inhibition the effectiveness of a rinse was gradually lost. Growth would also resume if roots were placed in half‐strength Hoagland's solution for several hours. After removal, the growth rate declined, which did not normally occur with chelate rinses. Exposure to cold temperatures (15°‐20°C) following copper treatment did not prolong the reversible phase, rather it reduced effectiveness of a rinse. Warm temperatures (30–32° C), even before a rinse, resulted in a gradually increasing growth rate. It is postulated that the growth inhibition during the reversible phase is directly caused by copper ions. Copper rem...


The authors thank STFC for the award of beam time at ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source. A.E.P. is grateful to EPSRC for
funding (EP/L024977/1)


Objective To evaluate the 2 years clinical effect of using porcelain laminate veneer to close the anterior tooth space.Methods Porcelain laminate veneer was applied to 78 teeth of 32 patients.The restorative reasons included congenital tooth missing,malformation tooth,tooth defect,and the anterior tooth space caused by other reasons.The 75 teeth were evaluated before and after luting in 2 weeks and 6 to 24 months.Results 75 porcelain laminate veneers were intact.little wane existed in 2 veneers at the incisal area.During the follow up examination,obvious inflammation was found in 2 teeth.1tooth with veneers showed inconsistent colour match with their adjacent teeth.No secondary caries and unsatisfactory scores were recorded for marginal adaptation.Conclusion The two years research shows that applying porcelain laminate veneer to repair anterior teeth space has an excellent clinical performance and it can be easily accepted by patients.


The design of negabinary adder-subtracter using the principle of minuend complementation is presented. This is compared with the existing designs and found to be faster.


A simple prediction method for chip-level electromigration lifetime based on the segment lifetime is proposed herein. The competing risk model, which consists of the lognormal distribution of the segment lifetime and a trend of the power law of current density distribution, is approximated by the generalized gamma distribution (GENG). The second shape parameter of the GENG, $\kappa$, can indicate whether the chip-level distribution is close to the lognormal or Weibull distribution. The proposed method, derived through Monte Carlo simulations, can provide an easy estimation of the chip-level electromigration using a competing risk level and parameters of the lognormal distribution.


THIS paper describes the courtship and agonistic behavior of the Common Grackle. The probable derivation, biological significance, and, in some cases, motivation and function of displays are discussed. Basic information on life history is available in Petersen and Young (1950) and Bent (1958). The Common Grackle has a complex display repertory. This, when fully understood, will greatly contribute to our knowledge of social behavior in general. These observations can also be compared with similar studies of other icterids, thus furthering our understanding of evolution in this group. This study was conducted from August 1957 to May 1960. Most observations were made at two colonies of about 15 and 20 pairs, at Ithaca, New York. In addition, birds were observed in captivity. The Common Grackles of the Ithaca area are intergrades between Quiscalus quiscula versicolor and Q. q. quiscula (see Huntington, 1957).


Due to the rapid increase of internet users, internet shopping malls in Korea are growing at a very rapid rate, though a structural vulnerability is also being revealed. About 55.8% of internet users in Korea use internet shopping malls. Therefore, to enlarge the sizes of internet shopping markets, it is paramount to attract shoppers who do not currently shop on the internet. In this regard, this study analysed the characteristics of internet shoppers and non-internet shoppers from diverse aspects based on surveys conducted on 4298 subjects residing across Korea, using 28 consumer lifestyle measurement items. The results of the analysis indicated that non-internet shoppers are married, earning relatively high incomes, and have little experience in accessing the internet. A Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) analysis was conducted, and the result indicated that internet shoppers pursued the product/service information from internet shopping, but non-internet shoppers did not want to use credit cards during internet shopping. Based on the above mentioned study results, it was attempted to present detail strategies for internet shopping mall businesses to attract non-internet shoppers to internet shopping markets.


This thesis explores the technological issues of optically interconnecting electronics by integrating optoelectronic devices with digital electronic circuitry and optical polymer waveguides on a common substrate, utilising direct-laser writing and polymer flip-chip bonding. The work is presented in the context of an optoelectronic crosspoint switch demonstrator, which will combine high-speed logic circuitry with vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), photodetectors and multimode waveguides. A study of "surface-normal" optoelectronic devices is presented. This work encompasses characterisation and modelling of multiple-quantum well modulators (MQWMs) by curve-fitting experimental data to a semi-empirical device model. For VCSELs, an analysis of the dynamic lasing behaviour under various pre-bias conditions is presented. Waveguide fabrication based on photopolymerisation of mulifunctional acrylate polymers utilising direct laser-writing is described. An experimental setup based on a 325 nm HeCd laser and a mechanical translation stage is presented, and the writing process is modelled. Experimental results for multimode waveguides written in a PMMA/diacrylate-based polymer are presented. Tapered direct writing onto fibre-ends and direct writing of 45◦-turning mirrors are explored as methods for interfacing waveguides to external components. A novel low-temperature compliant polymer flip-chip bonding process is presented. In this process, both fabrication of bumps and metallisation-masking are accomplished utilising the same direct laser-writing setup used for waveguide writing. The bump-formation process is characterised and experimental results of bumps written in a commercial photopolymer (Norland NOA-61) are presented. A process for integrating flip-chip bumping/metallisation and polymer waveguide fabrication is discussed.


SUMMARY The transactional perspective is mainly a metatheory in Communication Science. The perspective exists of a number of coherent concepts with a central focus on communication as dialogue. The transactional perspective emphasises relationships in transactions and is an attempt to limit the extent of the communication phenomenon to symbolic acts. Although it is not a well developed theory, the transactional perspective can be used to understand and explain the phenomenon of communication and to point out broad trends of what can be expected in certain situations. This transactional perspective highlights human communication as a complex and multidimensional event. Its main advantage is its compatability with other theoretical perspectives such as the systems perspective.


The synthesis of the carbocyclic adenosine analogue (I), which demonstrates significant activity against wild-type as well as drug-resistant HBV-mutants, is given.


IN presenting some of the facts, theories and hypotheses in reference to immunity and the tubercle bacillus, one is struck by the many contradictory conclusions different investigators have come to in the past in interpreting the same phenomenon. The subject is full of pitfalls and while a few facts are apparently well established, no one can as yet be dogmatic on the subject. Natural Immunity-No mammal is, as far as is knowni, absolutely immune to tuberculosis. Some are ,more susceptible than others, e.g. cows and pigs are much more susceptible than horses and goats, but all can be infected with the tubercle bacillus if introduced in sufficient dosage. It has been tried at different times to transfer this natural immunity by injecting serum of relatively immune animals into animals less immune. So far this has never proved successful, that is, immunity cannot be transferred from one animal to another in this way. Racial Immunity-Aboriginal tribes are, as is well known, more susceptible to tuberculosis than the white races. The question here is, of course, one of early exposure to infection versus no exposure and will be discussed under "acquired immunity," but various white races seem to show varying degrees of susceptibility. Italians and Jews are less susceptible than Irish or Swedes. The Framingham survey showed that wvhile the incidence of tuberculous disease, either active or arrested, was about 2%e in the general population, the Italians showed an incidenceof 0.5%o and the Irish about 5%. Is it because of the prolonged exposure to tuberculosis that this immunity has developed among the Italians? If this were so one would think that the children with a family history of tuberculosis would be more immune than those with none. Yet Raymond Pearl has shown that the person with a family history of tuberculosis is six times more likely to develop tuberculosis than the average population. With regard to racial immunity the figures of Cummings in regard to the incidence of tuberculosis among native troops in France in contrast to its incidence among the British soldiers are most interesting and instructive. Cumminos' statistics show in a very striking manner that individuals from countries where tuberculosis is rare, exhibit, when exposed to infection, a susceptibility incomparably greater than that of individuals from countries where the disease has long been widely prevalent. The British troops in France in 1917 and 1918 had an average strength of over 1,500,000.


We argue for the physics reach of a program in open charm physics at BES III, and for new opportunities afforded by an expanded US participation. These opportunities are based on the proponents' experience in such physics with the CLEO and CLEO-c experiments at CESR. Specific contributions of this US group are based on a framework of physicists with a long track record of a coherent, mutually beneficial working relationship. Key aspects include Monte Carlo simulations using the Minnesota computing farm; analysis tools developed specifically for D and Ds production near threshold; long experience with reduction of systematic error in such measurements; and physics interests that are largely complementary to those of the current BES III collaboration membership. Future upgrade opportunities are also outlined. We further argue that we can pursue these opportunities by naturally transferring existing resources from CLEO to BES III, insofar as the operating expenses of the individual groups are involved.


Background and study aim: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) constitutes one of the greatest challenges of clinical practice. It's defined as fever more than three weeks with fever above 38.3oC on several occasions which remains undiagnosed after 3 days of investigations in the hospital or after three outpatient visits. Measurement of ferritin in serum is unfortunately an underutilized diagnostic test in patients with FUO. Highly elevated serum ferritin levels in patients with FUO should prompt further testing to arrive at a specific diagnosis.The aim of this study is to verify the role of serum ferritin levels in differentiation between fever of  unknown origin (FUO) caused by infectious and noninfectious diseases.
Patients and methods: This study included 40 patients with FUO were hospitalized at Menouf Fever Hospital between July 2013 and June 2014, and 20 volunteers of matched age and gender as a control group. According to the final diagnoses, four causes were identified, including infectious diseases, malignant diseases, collagen diseases and miscellaneous diseases. Laboratory tests, radiological examination and invasive procedures as bone marrow biopsy and lymph node biopsy were done according to cases. Serum ferritin was measured by Human Ferritin ELISA Kit.
Results: Of the 40 patients, 20 were caused by infectious diseases, 10 were caused by malignant diseases, 7 were caused by collagen diseases and 3 by miscellaneous diseases (two cases of FMF and one case of drug fever). Serum ferritin levels in infectious diseases was lower than that in noninfectious diseases,where it was 457.6 ng/mL (±248.01) for the  infectious disease group and1241.5ng/mL (±1163.80) forthe noninfectious diseases group. Statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: An optimal cutoff value of serum ferritin level >555 ng/mL can predict FUO caused by a noninfectious disease.


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special joint meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati and the Board of Directors of the Cotati Community Redevelopment Agency will be held on Saturday April 30, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chamber in Cotati City Hall, which is located at 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, California. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct the: Economic Development Leadership Forum hosted by the City of Cotati and the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED). The purpose of the forum is to provide information on economic development, to take public comment, and to establish a road map for an economic development plan. No action will be taken by the City Council. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3(a), members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so at the beginning of the special meeting, and such comments shall be limited to the closed session meeting topic.


"Science as inquiry" is a key component of the National Science Education Standards. A deep conceptual understanding of chemistry is critical to the successful implementation of inquiry-based lessons. In this paper we report the results of a study to assess alternate conceptions of teachers in a large urban district—many of whom are teaching out-of-discipline—to further inform professional development activities related to the adoption of a reform-based chemistry curriculum. Teacher responses to the Chemistry Concepts Inventory were analyzed to assess alternate conceptions, and correlations were made to previously reported alternate conceptions of entering college students. The teachers scored higher than students on all items, however, the teachers' answers generally demonstrated a distribution similar to students of most commonly incorrect items and alternate conceptions, most of which involved translating between macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic representations. Potential origins and impacts of t...


The S matrix for photon and graviton processes is studied in perturbation theory, under the restriction that the only creation and annihilation operators for massless particles of spin j allowed in the interaction are those for the physical states with helicity ±j. The most general covariant fields that can be constructed from such operators cannot represent real photon and graviton interactions, because they give amplitudes for emission or absorption of massless particles which vanish as pj for momentum p→0. In order to obtain long-range forces it is necessary to introduce noncovariant "potentials" in the interaction, and the Lorentz invariance of the S matrix requires that these potentials be coupled to conserved tensor currents, and also that there appear in the interaction direct current-current couplings, like the Coulomb interaction. We then find that the potentials for j=1 and j=2 must inevitably satisfy Maxwell's and Einstein's equations in the Heisenberg representation. We also show that although the existence of magnetic monopoles is consistent with parity and time-reversal invariance [provided that P and T are defined to take a monopole into its antiparticle], it is nevertheless impossible to construct a Lorentz-invariant S matrix for magnetic monopoles and charges in perturbation theory.


In code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular mobile communications systems, the teletraffic carrying capabilities and service quality depend on system parameters which can vary considerably with time and environment. In studying the variability in the teletraffic performance of CDMA systems, the authors employ a measure of service quality, called CDMA quality measure (CQM), a weighted sum of degradations due to blocking and speech impairments. Then, for a required CQM value, teletraffic capability is defined as that value of offered traffic for which the CQM value can be maintained. This teletraffic capability is a more meaningful measure of CDMA teletraffic performance than is the concept of capacity as used in frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) systems. The reverse (mobile to cell-site) path is simulated in non-uniform CDMA networks and teletraffic capability is evaluated for finite CDMA cellular networks to show how traffic capability is suitable for quantifying the performance variations under various operational conditions.


This study aims to investigate whether high-achieving sixth, seventh and eighth graders can exhibit strategy flexibility while they are solving non-routine problems. In this context, four students from each grade level participated in the study. Four non routine problems were represented to the students one by one in separate papers. Students worked in pairs and all interviews were videotaped. These records, pupils' scripts, and notes taken by the researchers were used in data analysis. Four criteria (selection and use of the most appropriate strategy, changing strategies when it does not work for the solution of a problem, using multiple strategies for the solution of a problem and changing strategies between problems) were established to determine students' flexibility levels. Each answer given by pairs was evaluated based on these criteria and scored as 0, 1 or 2. Results showed that students usually can select the most appropriate strategy, and use multiple strategies in one problem. Students were comfortable in using "look for a pattern" and "make a drawing" strategies. On the other hand, the most unfavorable strategy for them was "simplify the problem". Additionally, there were enterprises to use "write an equation" strategy. Besides, it was observed that students did not need to make a significant change in their thinking ways when their first attempts were wrong and they rarely change their strategies between problems. A longitudinal study including more students at different achievement levels and different kind of non-routine problems will give in-depth information about this subject.


Abstract : The need to accurately determine the mechanical properties of thin foil materials has grown in recent years as the emphasis on hypersonic vehicles and access to space has also increased. In order to meet this need, two separate test systems have been developed in-house as part of a comprehensive program to advance state-of-the-art testing capabilities for thin foils. The first test system, developed using a conventional MTS hydraulic load frame outfitted with specialized capabilities, was designed for determining materials properties on a macro-scale, with specimen sizes on the order of 75-150 mm. The second system was designed to evaluate properties on a micro-scale, with corresponding specimen sizes on the order of 3 mm. This paper outlines the developmental process of each system, including unique challenges, preliminary data, and future considerations.


Over the past several years, short-submillimeter observations of carbon monoxide's (CO) mid-J rotational levels have revealed the presence of a large amount of excited molecular gas in luminous giant molecular clouds in our Galaxy. Submillimeter lines are specific probes of excited material: collisional excitation of the level energy of 116 K above ground, and 6-5 transition's critical density is approximately 10(exp 6) cm(exp -3) in optically thin gas. Radiative trapping effects reduce the excitation requirements to some extent, but detection of the CO J=6-5 line is nearly indisputable proof of the existence of gas that is both warm and dense. The excitation conditions also imply that cool (T less than 20 K) molecular clouds within the beam neither emit nor absorb in the short-submillimeter lines; in our Galaxy, clouds with active massive star formation emit the strongest short-submillimeter CO rotational lines. We used these properties to explore the distribution of excited molecular material and physical conditions within the star formation regions of several classical starburst nuclei: NGC253, M82, and IC342. We have used the 6-5 transition as a thermometer of warm molecular gas in starburst nuclei, unambiguously finding that the nuclear molecular gas in starburst galaxies is substantially warmer than in typical disk clouds.


Ground Vegetation Production (GVP) was estimated during a Castanea sativa coppice cycle in south-eastern England. At 1, 2, 5, 9 and 15 years after coppicing GVP was 135, 2160, 956, 279 and 16 kg ha. After the initial establishment period GVP decreased logarithmically in relation to increase in tree amount (total biomass, basal area or leaf biomass) and this despite large fluctuations in the relative and absolute production by different component species as the cycle progressed. Species number (14, 23, 30, 23 and 8) did not show a similar trend to GVP.


The accuracy of waveguide normalized photocurrent spectroscopy is quantified and used to assess the accuracy of the parabolic band Franz-Keldysh model of electroabsorption and refraction in the band tail of bulk InGaAsP


Phradis Förster, 1869 is one of the most species-rich tersilochine genera, with a predominantly Holarctic distribution and 59 described species. Twenty four species of Phradis occur in Europe (Khalaim et al., 2009), and about 38 species in the entire Palaearctic region (Khalaim, 2007b; Khalaim et al., 2009). Eighteen species were recently revised in the Nearctic fauna by Horstmann (2013). Beyond the Holarctic region, two species were described from South Africa (Khalaim, 2007a), one species was found in the mountainous part of Peruvian Amazonia (Khalaim & Bordera, 2012), and Gauld (1984) mentioned five undescribed species from Australia. In Europe, some species of Phradis were reared from species of the genus Meligethes Stephens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) on rape (Horstmann, 1971; Khalaim et al., 2009), but no host record is known from North America (Horstmann, 2013). Most species have a flight period in spring or early summer. Only two species, P. kyushuensis Khalaim, 2007 and P. nikishenae Khalaim, 2007, were known from Japan hitherto (Khalaim, 2007b). Both these species were recently recorded from South Korea (Balueva et al., 2013). In this paper, a third rare Japanese species is described and illustrated, and an identification key to Japanese species of Phradis is provided.


151 Background: Discussions concerning patients' (pts) preferences regarding end-of-life (EOL) care can improve the quality of care in non-curable-cancer-pts. Nevertheless having such discussions is difficult for health care providers and discrepancies exist regarding the frequency of such discussions.

METHODS
We conducted a single center qualitative study exploring oncologists' attitudes and practices toward EOL discussions and the feasibility of an intervention designed to explore and collect pts' preferences regarding EOL care. For oncologists, the intervention consisted in a semi structured interview and in a questionnaire concerning pts included. For pts, semi-structured-in-depth-interviews were conducted to assess their opinion about EOL discussions and the feasibility of exploring and collecting their preferences regarding EOL care in our practice setting. Resulting anxiety was measured.

RESULTS
Oncologists' interviews (n=5), revealed that EOL discussions were rare, more likely to be initiated by pts and to arise lately in the evolution of the disease. Main barriers invoked were the difficulty of having such conversation, the limited time available, the risks of maleficence (mainly anxiety and loss of hope) and the uncertainty concerning expected benefits. Pts' interviews (n=10) revealed that most of them were willing to be part of medical decisions concerning their EOL care. Few preferences regarding EOL-care were actually collected but the resulting in-depth discussions help mentioning a great variety of unusual topics as well as emotional, cultural and spiritual issues. Anxiety as a side effect was uncommon. Interviewers and oncologists often overestimated pts' anxiety which is consistent with a projection of their own anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS
Discussions concerning EOL care are uncommon in the setting studied and four main barriers were identified. Having these conversations was feasible and led to unexpected in-depth interviews concerning topics rarely addressed in our current practice. This intervention could help clarifying pts' preferences and identifying psychosocial issues that could trigger palliative care team referral.


The work of the Russian composer Sergei Ivanovich Sirotin (1941–2014) occupies a unique niche in modern music. However, there is not much information either about the composer or about his choral work. The article focuses on Sirotin's poem "The Death of Ivan the Terrible" written for a mixed choir. The essay chosen for research clarifies the degree of reflection of the aesthetic categories of the tragic and the comic. The author analyzes the artistic images through the prism of these categories. Special attention is paid both to the identification of the tragic beginning in plot collisions of the work and its images, and to the comic in its various forms. The choral poem presents elements of folk laughter culture (parody, grotesque), as well as a character that performs a carnival and ritual function. In conclusion, the author states that the images embodied in the poem are the bearers of both tragic and satirical tragic elements, and indicates the features of musical characteristics that contribute to their expression in artistic images. It is argued that at the conceptual level of the work, the tragic and satirical tragic beginnings are opposed to each other.


The effects of selected alkylperoxycyclohexadienones and derivatives of 1,4-benzoquinone on the oxidation of atactic polypropylene, cetane, and tetralin at 120°C were compared. Considerable differences have been found in the ways of influencing the oxidation of the first two hydrocarbons which under certain given conditions absorb oxygen much more slowly than tetralin in previous investigations (Buben and Pospisil, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun., 40, 977, 987 (1975)).


Municipalities play an important role in fostering sustainable development at the local level. Yet, they still face significant challenges in comprehensively integrating sustainability aspects into administrative action. In order to overcome real or perceived barriers to implementing sustainability into administrative practices comprehensively, this article presents a structured set of 19 fields of sustainability-orientation in local administrations derived from a literature review, considering international scientific and German practical perspectives. Our findings indicate that the resulting fields of sustainability-orientation differ in their potential to foster change towards sustainability in a complex administrative system. Furthermore, there is evidence that the reviewed scientific documents in particular insufficiently illustrate comprehensive approaches for ingraining sustainability-orientation in local administrations. Based on the findings, we outline implications for further research in order to better meet the challenges of enhancing sustainable practice in local administrations.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor C (MrgC) agonist bovine adrenal medulla 8-22 (BAM8-22) on bone cancer pain and mirror-image pain.

METHODS
Bone cancer pain was induced by intramedullary injection of NC2472 fibrosarcoma cells in the mice. BAM8-22 and/or anti-MrgC antibody were injected intrathecally at day 14 after bone cancer induction and their effects on pain behaviors were detected. The pain behaviours were assessed by the number of spontaneous foot lifts and paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) tests. MrgC expression was detected using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS
There were increased bone cancer pain and mirror-image pain in the tumor-bearing mice while not in the sham-treated mice. BAM8-22 attenuated bone cancer pain in mice dose dependently with the highest effects at 2 hr after BAM8-22 administration, and anti-MrgC antibody reversed the effects of BAM8-22. However, intrathecal administration of BAM8-22 did not affect the mirror-image pain. Furthermore, BAM8-22 stimulated the expression of MrgC in the spinal dorsal horn.

CONCLUSIONS
MrgC agonist BAM8-22 could attenuate bone cancer pain in mice. This study may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of bone cancer pain.


Lecturers at universities in Indonesia have a work culture based on performance on Tri Dharma, namely teaching; research; and community service. Teaching is a performance that is often done by lecturers because it has become a pattern of routines every semester. However, the lecturer research performance in a ratio between the number of lecturers and the number of publications is still not optimal. This is based on the observation of the Indonesian Minister of Research and Technology (Menristekdikti) in July 2018, that recently Indonesia only recorded 13,250 titles of published journals from the previous record of 5,499 titles in 2015. Likewise, the performance of community services is still not optimal just like the assessment of research performance. The application of the I-Performance is one of the strategies to increase the productivity of lecturer performance in a university in Indonesia and will help change the work culture in increasing the amount of research and community service. The application of I-Performance will be the controller for the lecturers in taking responsibility for their work program. In addition to being able to plan and implement its own work program, this application can also see the progress of the activities in real time which can automatically be monitored by both the lecturer and the leader.


Background: Mobile phones are becoming one of the necessities now a day. Divided attention leads to affected performance in one or both tasks. Effects of such dual tasking using mobile while walking needs to be explored as the use of mobile phones during walking/stair climbing etc. are very common.
Methods: 132 female students of age 18 yrs to 21 yrs were made for walking under three conditions (walking, walking and reading on mobile, walking and texting). Gait indices (step and stride length, toe out angle) were compared in all conditions using the paired t-test.
Results: Step length, stride length reduced and angle of toe out increased significantly in reading during walking and texting during walking as compared to only walking (p<0.0001). Parameters during texting while walking showed maximum affection.
Conclusion: Reading or texting during walking can affect walking performance adversely. You are texting while walking is most deleterious in the above three conditions.


Due to the limited resources available in the wireless ad hoc networking nodes, the scalability is crucial for network operations. One effective approach is to maintain only a sparse spanner of a linear number of links while still preseving the power-efficient route for any pair of nodes. For any spanner G, its power stretch factor is defined as the maximum ratio of the minimum power needed to support any link in this spanner to the least necessary. In this paper, we first consider several well-known proximity graphs including the relative neighborhood graph, Gabriel graph and Yao graph. These graphs are sparse and can be constructed locally in an efficient way. We show that the power stretch factor of the Gabriel graph is always one, and the power stretch factor of the Yao graph is bounded by a constant while the power stretch factor of the relative neighborhood graph could be as large as the network size minus one. Notice that all of these graphs do not have constant degrees. We further propose another sparse spanner that has both constant degree and constant power stretch factor. An efficient local algorithm is presented for the construction of this spanner.


The invention relates to a coffee machine (1) comprising functional units (1, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19) which are movable to perform service activities in a service position, the operating positions of the functional units (at 1, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19) differs, where the coffee machine (1) comprises an actuator with a service demand the affected function unit (1, 7, 9, 11, 17, transported 19) from an operating position to the service position.


AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has a various role in tumor progression such as proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance and immune tolerance. Although targeting AXL exhibits an anti-cancer effects partially depending on the immune system, their molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. To search the roles of AXL in immune tolerance of tumor, we generated AXL knockout (KO) mice. These AXL KO mice showed the reduced tumor growth in syngeneic LLC-1 model compared to wild type mice. To validate the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of AXL KO-derived tumor growth, we examined tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Compared with tumor-bearing wild type mouse, CD45-positive cells were significantly enhanced in tumor-bearing AXL KO mouse. Especially, these results were dominant in CD8-positive cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Tumor-infiltrating DCs showed the reduction of PD-L1 and Tim3 expression. In addition, the inhibition of AXL led to induce the DCs migration. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that targeting AXL may inhibit tumor growth through the activation of DCs including the enhancement of migration and reduced expression of immune check point proteins.
 Citation Format: Da-Som Kim, Cha Won Lee, Kyungtaek Im, Yun Jung Choi, Dong Ha Kim, Chang-Min Choi, Wonjun Ji, Jae Cheol Lee, Jin Kyung Rho. Suppression of AXL inhibits tumor growth through promotion of dendritic cell migration in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3416.


Submitted for the MAR10 Meeting of The American Physical Society Voltage induced control and magnetoresistance of magnetically frustrated systems A. KALITSOV, M. CHSHIEV, SPINTEC, UMR 8191 CEA/CNRS/UJF, Grenoble, France, B. CANALS, C. LACROIX, Institut Néel, CNRS/UJF, Grenoble, France — The discovery of giant magnetoresistance [1] (GMR) in magnetic nanostructures has generated a new field of spin-based electronics (spintronics) [2]. This advent has considerably increased an interest in related phenomenon in bulk materials, colossal magnetoresistance [3] (CMR), which is several orders higher than GMR, and can be viewed as an "intrinsic" property of material. The CMR is typically observed in certain manganite compounds with characteristic magnetic fields of several Tesla. Such fields make them inappropriate for use in spintronic applications where appropriate scale should be about Oersteds. Here we promote magnetically frustrated (MF) bulk materials [4] as a possible alternative for spintronic applications with high magnetoresistance (MR) which can be controlled with relatively small voltages. We demonstrate that MR of MF systems may reach extremely high values and their magnetic configuration may be controlled by applied voltage. The proposed phenomenon is the bulk material analog of spin transfer torque [5] used in spin-valve structures. This work was supported by Nanosciences Foundation (France). [1] M. Baibich et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 2472 (1988); [2] S. Wolf, Science, 294, 1488 (2001); [3] S. Jin et al, Science, 264, 413 (1994); [4] J. Gardner et al, arXiv:0906.3661; [5] J. Slonczewski, JMMM 159, L1 (1996). Mairbek Chshiev SPINTEC, UMR 8191 CEA/CNRS/UJF, Grenoble, France; MINT Center, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA Date submitted: 01 Dec 2009 Electronic form version 1.4


The temperature distribution in the tractional-motor windings of a diesel locomotive moving over a real section of track with a passenger train is modeled. It is shown that the temperature in the frontal section of the armature winding on the drive side is limiting throughout. In creating automatic temperature control systems for the windings of tractional motors, it is expedient to regulate primarily the temperature of the lower half of the frontal section of the armature winding, in order to ensure specified motor life.


Though many rational theories have been advanced on the subject, it is not known whether nervous, chemical or glandular agents operate to start the flow of milk. Even seemingly convincing experimental evidences are contradictory concerning the causes of the hypertrophy of the mammary glands during pregnancy and their secretory activity immediately after parturition. There is a general opinion that nervous shock, certain psychic states caused by the presence or absence of the suckling reflex and the emotional status and environment of the mother affect the flow of milk. The perturbation accompanying these factors is evidently not a direct nervous mechanism, since it has been shown experimentally that the severance of the spinal cord in woman1and in other mammals2and of the nerves supplying the mammary glands3causes no untoward influence on the secretory activity of the glands. This evidence is further substantiated by the results of


In this work, machine learning algorithms are applied to explore the relation between significant flares and their associated CMEs. The NGDC flares catalogue and the SOHO/LASCO CMEs catalogue are processed to associate X and M-class flares with CMEs based on timing information. Automated systems are created to process and associate years of flares and CMEs data, which are later arranged in numerical training vectors and fed to machine learning algorithms to extract the embedded knowledge and provide learning rules that can be used for the automated prediction of CMEs. Different properties are extracted from all the associated (A) and not-associated (NA) flares representing the intensity, flare duration, duration of decline and duration of growth. Cascade Correlation Neural Networks (CCNN) are used in our work. The flare properties are converted to numerical formats that are suitable for CCNN. The CCNN will predict if a certain flare is likely to initiate a CME after input of its properties. Intensive experiments using the Jack-knife techniques are carried out and it is concluded that our system provides an accurate prediction rate of 65.3%. The prediction performance is analysed and recommendation for enhancing the performance are provided.


The ∠100mm×63mm unequal angle steel was development on Φ650mm×1/Φ650mm×1/Φ400mm×2/Φ400mm×2/Φ500mm×2 mills in Lianyuan Iron and Steel Co.,Ltd.Some problems,such as longer and thicker of long leg,shorter and thiner of short leg,and roll-over of tip angle,can be resolved by adjusting parameters of pass system.


Antenna device including a radiation electrode, which is connected to a Einspeiseschaltkreis and is formed on a support, and a frequency adjustment circuit is provided in a central portion of the radiation electrode, wherein a first input / output terminal of the frequency setting circuit to an einspeiseschaltkreisseitigen open end portion the radiation electrode is connected and a second input / output terminal thereof connected to a leading edge side open end portion of the radiation electrode, wherein said frequency adjustment circuit comprises a substrate, a plurality of parts which are assembled to form the circuit on a surface of the substrate, and the first and second input / output terminal provided on the surface of the substrate, wherein, in a part in which the frequency adjustment circuit is provided on the support, is provided a recess, the recess capable of receiving the plurality of parts in said frequency setting circuit and having a bore diameter which is smaller than that of the substrate of the frequency adjustment circuit, and wherein the substrate of the frequency setting circuit is provided at the recess, the ...


Cold spraying has shown unique advantages in preparing coatings of metal, composite and ceramic. However, the deposition mechanism of magnesium and magnesium-based composite coatings fabricated using cold spraying was not researched although magnesium and metallic matrix composites based magnesium have drawn more and more attention due to their excellent specific strength. Therefore, the deposition mechanism of magnesium and magnesium-based composite coating has been studied in this study. The research carried out in this study involves several fields:Effect of the particle velocity of magnesium particles on the deposition efficiency, microstructure, microhardness and bonding strength of coatings; Effect of the particle size of magnesium particles on the deposition efficiency and microstructure of coatings;Effect of the substrate preheating on the microstructure, microhardness and bonding strength of coatings;Effect of the particle velocity of magnesium alloy (AZ91D) particles on the deposition efficiency, microstructure, and frictional behavior of coatings;Effect of the particle size of strengthening phrase (SiC) on the microstructure, bonding strength and frictional behavior of coatings;Effect of the particle content (15 vol.% - 60 vol.%) of strengthening phrase (SiC) on the microstructure, bonding strength and frictional behavior of coatings.The results show that cold spraying can be used to fabricate magnesium and magnesium-based coatings without any oxidation or phase transformation. The critical velocity of magnesium particles is 653 m•s-1- 677 m•s-1. Magnesium particles with a size too large or too small are not suitable to the deposition. The maximum of deposition efficiency of magnesium particles are obtained using the powder with a size range of 22-64 μm. The maximum of bonding strength between magnesium coatings and substrates is 11.6 ± 0.5 MPa as the substrate is preheated at 200oC. The deposition of AZ91D coatings is due to the effect of mechanical interlocking. And the friction type of AZ91D coatings is adhesive wear. The friction type of AZ91D – SiC composite coatings turn to be abrasive wear. The SiC content in composite coatings decreases as the SiC particle size decreases due to the effect of bow shock. The deposition efficiency of AZ91D and SiC mixed powder increases as the SiC content increases from 15 vol.% to 30 vol.%, and then decreases as the SiC content increases from 30 vol% to 60 vol.%.


In poultry processing plants, disinfectants are often added to pre-chilling water tanks to reduce microbial contamination. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of five disinfectants (acidified sodium chlorite, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite) on the populations of food quality indicator microorganisms and on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in the presence and absence of organic matter. The results showed that chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite did not reduce microbial carcass counts. On the other hand, acidified sodium chlorite, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and peracetic acid reduced total and fecal coliform counts. Peracetic acid reduced the number of psychrotrophic microorganisms. All products were effective in reducing SE counts only in the absence of organic matter. Acidified sodium chlorite, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and peracetic acid could be candidates for the replacement of sodium hypochlorite (commonly used in Brazil) in pre-chilling tanks.


Corruption which means the abuse of the authority for the sake of self interest, even has different descriptions in different countries, affects all countries' balance of public revenue and public expenditure, tax system and also tax policies. One of the types of tax which has important place in tax system is corporate tax. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the effect of corruption on corporate tax


Nα‐Boc‐Nim‐(4‐toluenesulfonyl‐l‐histidylbenzotriazole) enables convenient acylation of N‐, O‐, S‐, and C‐nucleophiles with no detectable racemization. We report efficient syntheses of novel histidine‐containing di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐peptides and models for the preparation of potentially biologically active histidine N‐, O‐, S‐, and C‐conjugates. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The committee would like to acknowledge the support of Dr. Christophe Blaison, Humboldt-Universitat Berlin, Germany, in translating the summary of this Technical Report to French.


Based on the conprehensive consideration of wildlife resources eco-tourism value,scientific research,conservation significance and other aspects,it is attempted to establish eco-tourism wildlife resource evaluation index system for national parks.Choosing the Pudacuo national park in Shangri-La as study objective,following the principles of scientific,objectivity,comprehensiveness,universality,maneuverability and stability,combination of quantitative and qualitative,using combination of logical framework approach and AHP method,the initial structure of wildlife resources evaluation index system for national parks eco-tourism was established.This system consists of three indicators,including 4 level 1 index,10 level 2 index and 3 level 3 index.Through literature collection,collation and analysis,combined with field survey,verification and expert advice for the Pudacuo national park in Shangri-La,the initial development of the evaluation index system for national parks was trial applied in Pudacuo.A final evaluation index system was sorted out and formed 4 level 1 index,6 level 2 index and 18 level 3 index.


Plasma-induced roughness development of photoresist (PR) can be due to synergistic interactions of surface modifications introduced by ions, bulk material modifications by ultraviolet (UV)/vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, and increased temperature. While previous work identified the individual contributions of energetic ions and UV/VUV radiation, the dynamics of the concurrent modifications remained unclear. The authors studied the interactions of plasma radiation and ions with 193 nm PR and 248 nm PR in Ar plasma by in situ ellipsometry. Ellipsometry provides valuable information on changes in film thickness and material optical properties in real-time during plasma processing. MgF2, sapphire, and glass optical filters were used to reduce the plasma-material interactions to the radiation component of a selected wavelength range in the UV/VUV spectral region. Ar plasma radiation and its transmission through different optical filters were characterized by VUV spectroscopy. This characterization allowed ...


SOM network is one of the unsupervised learning methods, which is widely applied in various fields.The performance of the SOM network is affected by many factors such as the sample selection, network structure, initial weight and so on.In order to solve the uncertain problem of the initial weight selection, a covering initialization theory is proposed, which is employed to optimize the initial weight of the SOM network.The method starts with training samples and acquires the initial weights by the way of overlay.Experiment results show that the overlay initialization theory can improve the discernment rate and stability of the SOM network effectively.


Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), a capillary electrophoresis method, has been performed for quantitative determination of ibuprofen tablets. The method condition was found to be a borate buffer of 40 mM boric acid at pH 10 with the addition of 40 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an electric field strength of 405 V/cm and a temperature of 25 IC. The drug was detected at 214 nm. Besides a shorter analysis time comparing with an official method by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), this method provided high accuracy and precision. A validation of the method showed that the percent recoveries were between 98.6-99.2 and the relative standard deviation of five replicates was less than 2.0%. The results of 8 samples analysis by MEKC and HPLC methods were statistically found to be insignificantly different (p (0.05). Key words : capillary electrophoresis, Ibuprofen, analysis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography


The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between scores and the times that medical students choose to take a computer-administered test. The results indicate that students who choose to take a test later within a given time period tend to perform less well than students who take the test earlier. Although the magnitude of the relationships was slight, a negative association was found for both high-stakes national examinations and weekly quizzes associated with a medical school course. Second-year students are required to take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 in March or April, and third-year students are required to take Step 2 between April and July. Students, who are required to attain a national passing score on both examinations in order to progress, may schedule their examinations from several weeks to several months in advance. Data from the Step 1 examination were studied for 2 cohorts of 111 and 102 students. Although the magnitude of the associations found was slight, the negative direction persisted across cohorts and type of test, whether high-stakes national tests or weekly quizzes for second-year students. (SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Relationship of Scores and Times of Test Administration via Computer Barbara Gorney Marcia Maury 0\ N U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION N Offide of Educational Research and Improvement V) EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as r2l received from the person or organization 4-1 originating it. Minor changes have been made to 1% improve reproduction quality. Ln ID Points of view or opinions stated in this O document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This paper is prepared for the: Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association in Seattle, WA April 2001 2 BEST COPY AVAILABLE Relationship of Scores and Times of Test Administration via Computer Barbara Gorney and Marcia Maury Presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Seattle, April, 2001. Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between scores and the times that medical students chose to take a computer-administered test. The results obtained indicated that students who chose to take a test later within a given time period tend to perform less well than students who took the test earlier. Although the magnitude of the relationships was slight, a negative association was found for both highstakes national examinations and weekly quizzes associated with a medical school course. Introduction Administration of student assessments via computer is becoming more commonplace, not only among national testing organizations but also in a variety of educational and corporate settings. One of the positive aspects of computer-based testing reported by students is being able to schedule a test when they believe they are ready (Bugbee & Bernt, 1990). Computer testing software typically has the capability to record information about the testing session itself, for example, the length of time taken to complete a test and the date and time of testing session. Information pertaining to a student's testing session may provide educators with information that may be used to improve student learning and performance. Medical students are typically required to take the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 licensure examinations at the end of the second and third years of medical school, respectively. Beginning in 1999, these examinations moved from paper-and-pencil administrations on set dates to being computer-administered at a time and place individually scheduled by the students. At Wake Forest University School of Medicine, anecdotal evidence was put forth that students who scheduled their exams late in the testing period tended to perform poorly. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine issues a laptop computer to all incoming medical students. Several courses administer summative weekly quizzes and major examinations via LAN-based testing software. Students use their laptops to take these quizzes and exams at a time of their choosing within established time parameters, typically 5 to 7 days. A study was undertaken to determine if a relationship existed between scores and the times that medical students chose to take an assessment within a defined period of time. Both the national, standardized licensure examinations and the course-level weekly quizzes were examined. Neither type of test is computer-adaptive. A search of the education and medical literature did not reveal any studies relating student performance to when students sat for an examination. Studies were found relating performance to the amount of time spent on tests (e.g., Kennedy, 1994), time of day (Callan, 1995), and time-related testing behaviors (Lin, 1986). Methodology The subjects were students at one medical school. The academic schedule for a cohort or class of medical students is different from that ofa cohort of college students because, generally, medical students all attend the same classes at the same times. The confounding effect of different class schedules was essentially controlled in this study. Second-year medical students took weekly computer-administered quizzes in two courses. The quiz scores contributed substantially toward the course grade. Quizzes were placed on a central server location each Friday and remained available to students


OBJECTIVE d To characterize middle-school students from the HEALTHY study with glycemic abnormalities, speci fi cally high-risk A1C (hrA1C; A1C = 5.7 – 6.4%) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG; fasting plasma glucose [FPG] = 100 – 125 mg/dL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS d History was collected by self-report, physical measurement was collected by trained study staff, and fasting blood was drawn by trained phlebotomists and analyzed centrally. RESULTS d At baseline, among 3,980 sixth graders, 128 (3.2%) had hrA1C and 635 (16.0%) had IFG. Compared with A1C , 5.7%, hrA1C was associated with non-Hispanic black race/ ethnicity, family history of diabetes, and higher measurements of BMI, waist circumference, and fasting insulin. Compared with FPG , 100 mg/dL, IFG was associated with Hispanic ethnicity; increased BMI, waist circumference, and fasting insulin; higher frequency of high blood pressure; and higher mean triglycerides. Two years later, children with hrA1C persisted as hrA1C in 59.4%, and one child (0.8%) developed A1C $ 6.5%; children with IFG persisted with IFG in 46.9%, and seven children (1.1%) developed FPG $ 126 mg/dL. Those with hrA1C compared with IFG had a higher BMI in sixth grade, which persisted to eighth grade. the study hrA1C and IFG de ne different groups of with differentially increased diabetes risk markers. IFG is approximately vefold more common, but hrA1C is more persistent over time.


Based on the statistical characteristic of ASAR images,a method of ratio change detection was adopted to retrieve optimal temporal parameters for rice mapping using HH/VV.The optimal temporal parameters were obtained using both single-temporal multi-polarization ASAR data and multi-temporal and multi-polarization ASAR data,respectively.The result showed that the optimal temporal parameter for single-temporal rice mapping could be selected from the later stage of rice growth,i.e.from rice spike differentiation period to the period before rice harvest,while the optimal parameter for multi-temporal rice mapping was a group of dates,which at least included the rice transplanting stage and the later stage.Validation was conducted using threshold classification method.The result indicated that the rice mapping accuracy could be improved significantly using the optimal temporal parameters with a derived classification threshold.


The present invention relates to a crude extract of Cynanchum komarovii Al.Iljinski and its activity for resisting plant virus. The active component resisting virus of tobacco mosaic disease in the ethyl alcohol extract of above-ground portion of the Cynanchum komarovii Al.Iljinski is phenanthronidolizidine alkaloid, in which 7-demethoxytylophorine (antofine) is its main active component. As compared with existent extensively-used preparation for resisting tobacco mosaic disease, its activity can be raised by 1-2 orders of magnitude. Said invention can be extensively used for controlling viral disease of plant.


Despite the widespread availability of effective prophylactic vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV remains a major health burden. For health care systems in countries with the capacity for vaccine roll out, incomplete strategies result in citizens with naturally occurring infection, who are at an a posteriori risk of HPV‐driven disease. Genital HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus globally. Those classified as high‐risk HPV strains are more likely to generate persistent disease. Within this group, HPV16 and 18 are the most prevalent and likely to induce persistent high‐grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia; neoplasia is a large step toward cancerous growth known as a squamous cell carcinoma which contribute to all cervical, 70% of oropharyngeal, 78% of vaginal and 88% of anal cancers. This review will illuminate the relevance of CD4+ T lymphocytes in determining the outcome of papillomavirus infection from the perspective of oropharyngeal and anogenital HPV‐driven disease in the immune competent and immunocompromised. The focus is on recent investigations for this "silent" pandemic among current global health crises that should not be forgotten. Informing effective strategies that control viral infection through naturally acquired or induced immunity will identify aspects of scientific and clinical practice that may improve outcome.


X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) spectra near the O K-edge of A-site-ordered perovskite with A-site Cu(2+) (S = (1)/(2)) spins were measured. The spectra of ferromagnetic CaCu(3)Ge(4)O(12) and CaCu(3)Sn(4)O(12) showed hybridization between Cu 3d and O 2p orbitals, but magnetic circular dichroism measurement revealed that the O 2p orbital played a less important role in magnetic interaction. The XAS spectra of antiferromagnetic CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12), on the other hand, showed strong hybridization of the Cu 3d, Ti 3d, and O 2p orbitals. These results demonstrated that direct exchange interaction of the Cu(2+) spins primarily determined the ferromagnetic ordering of CaCu(3)Ge(4)O(12) and CaCu(3)Sn(4)O(12), whereas the involvement of Ti 3d orbitals induced the antiferromagnetic property in CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12).


Plants such as Portulaca grandiflora,Papaver rhoeas,Othiopagon japanicus,Senecio cruentus DC and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana were irrigated with Water,30%secondary effluent,50%secondary effluent and 100%secondary effluent.The study of plants and soil indexes manifested that:plants were in good condition after irrigated by different irrigation treatments,the level of soil fertility was sharply increased,heavy metal elements was evidently high,but had no significant effect on pollution.Meanwhile secondary effluent irrigation had an adverse impact on environment,so the effect of reclaimed water on soil and plants should be monitored and some actions should be taken when it's necessary.


A. C. Snider has suggested that CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) should create an outreach program to connect CEDA debate programs with the high school policy debate community. Most debate educators would laud programs that promise to train more students in argumentation, but a pilot program shows that an outreach program does not fulfill its promise of open debate to more students. A study set up a pilot program at Marist College (New York) that: (1) assigned two unpaid student interns to administer the pilot program; (2) assessed the needs of high school debate programs; (3) set up a high school judging program that provided judges for high school debate tournaments; (4) ran a model iD workshop for high school debate; and (5) attempted to recruit high school students to the college to join the debate team. These various projects met with a broad range of outcomes from not worthwhile to very worthwhile. However, experience demonstrates that active outreach to high school students drains resources from more pressing needs. The college administration supported this pilot study; but when they evaluated the results, the academic vice president wondered if time and money would not be better spent introducing new college students to debate rather than chasing after experienced high school debaters. He did not see why high school students who already had 3 or 4 years of debate.training would be intrinsically more worthy of attention than college students with no experience. (TB) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. *********************************************************************** Jn reaching out: extending the argument about debate outreach David Grassmick Marist College Division of Communication and the Arts Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 -PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Pamela A. Clinton Mother Cabrini High School 701 Fort Washington Avenue New York, NY 10040 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 01.ce Eddi.dh,nal Research and Imwc,dnnch! EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1;1/rhis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organi7ation originating it. CI Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent dhcial OERI position or policy presented at the eightieth annaul meeting of the speech communication association 21 november 1994 new orleans, louisiana


This paper addresses the current status and the potentials of renewable energy applications in the selected Middle East countries; Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The energy and environmental situations within these primary target areas reflect many similarities and share serious common problems. These include an almost total dependence on imported oil products as the primary energy source, rapidly growing populations that are escalating the demand for energy, and onlyrudimentary efforts currently underway to mitigate the greenhouse and other adverse environmental effects of energy utilization. Lebanon is highly urbanized compared to Syria and Jordan with much smaller area and has not been fully engaged in pilot projects for use of renewable energy. Applications of solar energy in that region have been growing since 1970. Solar water heating with support of policies in Jordan has achieved measurable market penetration. Lebanon and Syria have not made reasonable progress in solar applications due to subsidized electricity supply to the end user. The technical and economic feasibility of wind energy utilization in Lebanon has not
been yet fully explored, while it has advanced with two operating wind farms in Jordan, and one pilot wind farm in Syria. Similarly, the transfer of biomass technology has been successful in Jordan while it remains at the assessment level in Lebanon and Syria coupled with small pilot projects.


In this study the differences in framing between the news media and the political public relations during a political conflict – the "Pillar of Defense" – were analyzed by applying the diagnostic, prognostic and mobilization framing tasks of Snow and Benford (1988). Also the use of moralization and justification, and their fit within this framework was examined. A deductive coding scheme was designed in order to perform a content analysis, drawing from newspapers from the United States, the Netherlands and Israel. In addition, the press releases and speeches by the main political leaders of Israel were analyzed. Besides the content analysis, statistical tests were conducted in SPSS to examine the correlations between the framework, justification and moralization. None of the correlations were statistically significant. The conclusion of the research is that the political Public Relations (PR) use the diagnostic and the mobilization frames more often than the news media do, however the news media use more prognostic frames than the political PR. Furthermore, the diagnostic frame uses the most justifications and the mobilization frames the most moralizations, compared to the total three framing tasks.


Finding the dense regions in a graph is an important problem in network analysis. Core decomposition and truss decomposition address this problem from two different perspectives. The former is a vertex-driven approach that assigns density indicators for vertices whereas the latter is an edge-driven technique that put density quantifiers on edges. Despite the algorithmic similarity between these two approaches, it is not clear how core and truss decompositions in a network are related. In this work, we introduce the vertex interplay (VI) and edge interplay (EI) plots to characterize the interplay between core and truss decompositions. Based on our observations, we devise Core-TrussDD, an anomaly detection algorithm to identify the discrepancies between core and truss decompositions. We analyze a large and diverse set of real-world networks, and demonstrate how our approaches can be effective tools to characterize the patterns and anomalies in the networks. Through VI and EI plots, we observe distinct behaviors for graphs from different domains, and identify two anomalous behaviors driven by specific real-world structures. Our algorithm provides an efficient solution to retrieve the outliers in the networks, which correspond to the two anomalous behaviors. We believe that investigating the interplay between core and truss decompositions is important and can yield surprising insights regarding the dense subgraph structure of real-world networks.