In Alcala, Valle del Cauca, technical and practical operations in coffee agroecosystems were
evaluated and litter fall, leaf decomposition and nutrient content were determined and related
with the presence of shredder macroinvertebrates in four types of land uses and land cover
(shade and sun coffee, secondary forest and guadua). The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods with the inquiry about practical and technical operations using ethnographic tools. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was made to classify shade and sun coffee according to management practices. One farmer kept the structure and functions of the property with tradition principles predominance and most of producers provide the penetration of messages that invoke the need to innovate for
improving land productivity, therefore interpersonal dissemination is heterophilic. The MCA (83.9% of explained variation) separated agricultural practices associated with low intensity (low sowing density, shade regulation, low pest and disease control and non-application of chemicals products), and high intensity (coffee monoculture, high sowing density, chemical
control of diseases and pests and fertilization).
Litter fall was quantified during 18 months and analyzed using the two factors general linear
model (GLM) with repeated measures on one of them and serial measurements in time of litter
collection and inter-factor subjects with the sampling sites. Besides chemical and structural
composition of leaf material were determined. The results showed that average monthly production was highest in guadua (85.45 ± 9.84 g m-2) and decreased in the order secondary forest > shade coffee > sun coffee. Means comparison registered differences between unshaded coffee and the other agroecosystems (P <0.001). Nitrogen content in litter was higher in coffee crops than in the other land uses, while cellulose and hemicellulose
concentrations and C/N ratio were highest in guadua, indicating slower decomposing leaf
material and compounds return in the system. Lignin concentration in coffee variety Colombia
was higher than Typical and Caturra varieties.
Litter decomposition was estimated during six months using litterbags and it was found that
weight loss varied depending on leaf type and site conditions. Secondary forest and shade
coffee leaves had higher weight losses than coffee monoculture and guadua. Differences were
attributed to variation in cell wall constituent proportion, revealing that materials like Coffea
arabica variety Colombia and Guadua angustifolia have a higher content of recalcitrant
substances that minimize macrofauna effect on mechanical litter breakdown. Data were fitted
to three mathematical models used to calculate decay rates of different types of material,
presenting the lowest values using simple exponential model.


Precise measurements of the Hp values of β-rays from radium B have been made by Ellis and Skinner, Ellis, Scott and Rogers. Except for Rogers and Scott, who used the same methods, the results have differed from one another by amounts considerably in excess of the estimated probable errors. Measurements have been made by the authors of the Hp of eleven β-rays of radium B and of one of radium C. The values are based on eleven photographs of the spectra taken with a spectrograph of the type used by Ellis, and ten photographs with a spectrograph of the type introduced by Scott, the field strengths used ranging from 190 to 1050 G. The values obtained agree closely with those of Rogers for the lines measured by him; Rogers's values being 1931.7, 1671.3 and 1406.2 G-cm., and our values 1931.9, 1671.6 and 1406.2 G-cm. These values are considered correct to 1 part in 104. The energies corresponding to the Hp values have been calculated using weighted mean values of e/m and c given respectively by Bearden and von Friesen. The error in the energies is approximately 1 part in 103. Measurement of the Hp of the same line for a number of widely differing Precise measurements of the energies of fi-rays 171 values of H was a valuable check on the presence of systematic errors which had not been made by previous workers. An appreciable apparent increase of Hp with H was found, and a comparison of the calculated and observed line forms showed that this apparent increase was to be attributed to scattering of electrons in the emulsion. This effect appears to be one of the most important now limiting the accuracy obtainable by the present method.


One of the most universal methods used to predict the mesiodistal width of non-erupted canines and premolars is the one designed by Dr. Edison Moyers, an American orthodontist who, taking the Anglo-Saxon population as a reference, created percentile tables to estimate these values in the maxilla and mandible. During the last decade, several researchers have discovered that, when applied to various populations, there are significant differences between predictions and actual values. In Cuba, it is widely used at a 50% probability for prediction in both sexes, but there are few reports of studies that validate its reliability and those that do exist use small samples of patients. For this reason, the objective of this research is to determine the applicability of the Moyers method at 50% probabilities for estimating the mesiodistal diameter of canines and premolars in patients 12-18 years of age. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was developed from July 2019 to February 2020 with a population of 125 patients, 62 females and 63 males, between 12 and 18 years old from Cuba. Measurements were made of the mesiodistal widths of the lower incisors, all the canines and premolars. Frequency distributions were made to the variables studied and the results were presented in statistical tables. To verify the existence of significant differences, the statistical t-Student test was used. The main results obtained were that the Moyers method tends to underestimate the values for the female sex between 0.4-0.5 mm, and for the male sex between 0.6 and 0.7 mm, this difference being significant for men. It is concluded that the Moyers method cannot be applied in the population studied for the prediction of the mesiodistal width of canines and premolars


Papaya Calina (Carica Papaya L) is one of the favorite fruits. The thin skin and soft flesh of the papaya, easily cause the damaged of papaya mainly due to mechanical damage at the distribution process. The distribution of papaya generally carried out in bulk and arranged on the vehicles without packaging. Improvements in packaging for distribution that combined with retail packaging will reduce mechanical damage and increase consumer appeal. The research objective is to design retail and distribution packaging. Retail packaging is designed for individual fruits made from polypropylene plastic bags and corrugated board. Distribution packaging are made from corrugated board. The weight of papaya is selected in the range of 700 g -1000 g with a diameter of 90.5 mm - 110 mm and a length of 225 mm -240 mm. Based on these data, retail packaging is designed in the form of fruit units of 250x125x 250 mm for plastic bags and 90x90x140 for corrugated. The distribution packaging is designed with half telescopic container type using the flute BC with two different positions, both of vertical and horizontal positions. The packaging with the horizontal position contains of 4 fruit per packaging, the dimensions are 410x250x115 mm (KS1) and for vertical contains of 6 fruit per packaging with dimensions 330x230x70 mm (KS2). Corrugated board packaging dimensions is designed by considering the efficiency of pallets or generally vehicles that used in product distribution. The efficiency of the packaging that arranged on the pallet with the size of 1200x1100 mm are 85.41% for KS1 and pallet with the size of 1067x1067are 80% for KS2, while for M5 vehicle with the size of 2200 x 1585 mm the efficiency is 82.56% for KS1 and M2vehicle with the size 2630x1460 mm the efficiency is 90,92% for KS2.


This paper presents an application of a proposed scenario earthquake-based approach for nuclear power plant (NPP) seismic probabilistic risk assessment (SPRA) and compares it to traditional SPRA. Traditional time history response analysis for SPRA of NPPs uses a relatively limited number of acceleration time histories which are matched to a site-specific uniform hazard spectrum (UHS). The response and capacity probability distributions are combined to construct seismic fragilities of the NPP structures, systems, and components (SSCs). The plant logic model is used to combine the SSC fragilities into a plant-level fragility, which is convolved with seismic hazard to compute seismic core damage frequency. The scenario earthquake approach uses a large number of recorded time histories with unmodified spectral shapes. The scenario time histories are assigned individual occurrence rates and scale factors, such that the aggregate statistics of their spectra reproduce the site hazard. This case study quantifies the seismic risk calculated using the two approaches for a representative NPP structure and site hazard. The NPP structure is modeled using a lumped-mass stick model. We calculated the UHS-based fragility using a suite of thirty spectrum-matched time histories, and compared the resulting mean annual frequency of failure (MAFF) to scenario-based MAFF from 602 scenarios. We explicitly modeled the effects of structure property uncertainty using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) with sixty realizations and verified the effect of the LHS procedure on the stability of the results. The scenario-based MAFF of the structure was calculated to be about 60% of the UHS-based MAFF. The results showed comparable stability in the risk estimate with respect to the randomization procedure. This paper presents the methodology and case study results for the NPP structure. Extension of these results to SPRA studies requires developing similar comparisons for component failure probabilities inside the structure, and depends on the relative importance of SSCs in the plant logic model.


As dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) are becoming denser with technology scaling, more complex fault behaviors emerge; examples are leakage, coupling effects, and cell neighborhoods interaction. The neighborhood pattern sensitive fault (NPSF) model is suitable to address such faulty behaviors and identify them during the characterization and/or test of new DRAM chips. However, NPSF test algorithms are extremely time-consuming and therefore not economically affordable. In this brief, we show how layout information can be used to refine and significantly simplify the NPSF model and reduce the test time complexity. As a case study, the folded DRAM array is considered. A realistic NPSF model, the Δ-type neighborhood, is introduced together with a time efficient test algorithm which is more than two-times cheaper than traditional ones. Even when incorporating bit-line influence and word-line coupling effects, along with NPSFs, the test algorithm time complexity almost remains unaltered. Therefore, the proposed approach makes NPSF testing economically affordable, and hence, suitable for the characterization/test of dense DRAMs in the nanoera.


Traditionally, search and rescue (SAR) technicians have conducted search by directly viewing the terrain below the aircraft. Defence R&D Canada is developing a multi-sensor imaging system for SAR that would replace direct inspection under low visibility conditions. The operators may orient the sensors in any direction, which combined with a narrow field-of-view may induce disorientation. In addition to detecting and discriminating objects within the sensor's field-of-view, an operator is responsible for moving the sensor in such a way as to ensure that this detection and discrimination may be carried out with similar effectiveness across the entire area that needs to be searched. The present study reports the development of a metric of coverage effectiveness, and its application to two simulation experiments. The results demonstrate a trade-off between the availability of a moving-map display necessary to preserve operator orientation, and the effectiveness of an operator's sensor coverage over a specific region. That is, sensor control effectiveness was compromised by the addition of a moving-map to the display, likely due to operators' inability to simultaneously inspect the map and move the sensor appropriately. The coverage effectiveness metric reported here would be a useful tool in the development and evaluation of "smart" automation of this sensor sweep function.


The role airpower can and should play in current and future armed conflicts is contested. The 1990s saw overwhelming optimism about the ability of airpower to win wars by itself and to facilitate cleaner and faster military victories. Recent assessments have been more cautious and critical, in particular with respect to the effects of civilian suffering caused by the kinetic use of airpower on public opinion and on the strategic outcome of conflicts. The influential US counterinsurgency manual FM3-24, for instance, highlights the importance of avoiding civilian casualties for winning over the local population, whereas others point out that concern over civilian casualties has become one of the major limits to the use of force by Western states. There appears to be an assumption among both academics and practitioners that historical developments in the 20th century have led to an invigoration of the norm of discrimination in aerial bombing, at least in Western states. This norm affects both strategic behaviour and public discourses in that it constrains the use of airpower in armed conflict and leads to public outrages in cases of violation of the norm. Four factors have been seen to be responsible for this development: technological advances, including the emergence of mass communication media and new weapon systems; the historical experience of the potentially unlimited destructiveness of airpower in World War II; the increasing 'legalisation' of the use of armed force and, finally, the growing


A series of pyrimidine derivatives 4a–i were synthesized and evaluated for their binding affinities towards 5-HT2C receptors. With regard to designed molecules 4a–i, the influence of the size of alkyl ether and the absolute configuration of a stereogenic center on the 5-HT2C binding affinity and selectivity was studied. The most promising diasteromeric mixtures 4d and 4e were selected in the initial radioligand binding assay and they were further synthesized as optically active forms starting from optically active alcohols 5d and 5e, prepared by an enzymatic kinetic resolution. Pyrimidine analogue (R,R)-4e displayed an excellent 5-HT2C binding affinity with good selectivity values against a broad range of other 5-HT receptor subtypes.


Enrique C. Ochoa teaches Latin American history at California State University, Los Angeles, and is a member of the editorial collective. He is the author of Feeding Mexico: The Political Uses of Food Since 1910 (2000). Tamar Diana Wilson has published on Mexican migration to the United States and on women workers in Mexico. She is currently a research affiliate with the Department of Anthropology of the University of Missouri, St. Louis. The collective thanks them for their work in organizing this issue. This issue examines the ways in which Mexicans from diverse walks of life are responding to the country's ongoing crises. Those essays build on those in the previous issue, which focused on the sectoral impacts of the 1990s economic crisis and called into question the direction of government's policy response. They demonstrate the connection between economic and political crisis, examine the potential of counterhegemonic movements, and demonstrate how popular response has already altered the terms of the debate.


This paper, which is a part of an ongoing research study, describes a Genetic Algorithm-based approach towards a global damage identification framework for the continuous/periodic monitoring of civil structures. In order to localise and estimate the severity of damage regions, a one stage model-based Bayesian probabilistic damage detection approach is proposed. The method is based on response power spectral density of the structure which enjoys the advantage of broadband frequency information and can be used for input-output as well as output-only damage identification studies. The suitability of the proposed method is investigated for an error-free numerical model with noise-free response data sets in a beam-like structure with different severity of damage. The results obtained indicate that the Genetic Algorithm-based damage identification approach is suitable for damage detection and can be considered for further implementation using more realistic noisy response data that would be associated with the monitoring of real civil structures.


Let A, B be families of disjoint non-trivial simple closed geodesics on a Riemann surface S so that each component of S\{A∪ B} is either a disk or a once punctured disk. Let w be any word consisting of Dehn twists along elements of A and inverses of Dehn twists along elements of B so that the Dehn twist along each element of A and the inverse of the Dehn twist along each element of B occur at least once in w. It is well known that w represents a pseudoAnosov class. In this paper we study those pseudo-Anosov maps f on S projecting to the trivial map as a puncture a is filled in. We prove the following theorem. Let S be of type (p, n), 3p − 4 + n > 0 and n ≥ 1. Write A = {α1, . . . , αk}, k ≥ 1. If all αi are non-trivial and distinct as geodesics on S̃ = S ∪ {a}, then for any integer tuples (n1, . . . , nk), the composition t n1 α1 ◦· · ·◦tk αk ◦f is also a pseudo-Anosov map. As a consequence we also prove that if S is of type (p, 1) with p ≥ 2, then for every integer m, f is not isotopic to any word w described above.


A novel Cu-ordered-reinforced polymer composite interposer and its reinforced structure have been proposed in this paper. The models have been designed and simulated by Comsol software. The simulation indicated that the reinforced structure, which has four strips extending into the polymer area, improves stiffness and thermal conductivity of the composite interposer. It is proved that the copper proportion plays an important role for improving the mechanical property of the composite interposer. The Cu-ordered-reinforced polymer composite interposer with reinforced structure has potential for overcoming TSV fabrication difficulties.


Civil engineering management's simulation practice(CEMSP) is an effect way to solve the problem between its practical teaching and enterprise's actual requirement.Based on the analysis of the civil engineering management's practical teaching and combined with the process-oriented of CEMSP,we put forward four platforms of CEMSP and analyzed specific contents and goals of tools teaching,comprehensive practice training,and theoretical teaching.Then,the CEMSP's laboratory pedigree was constructed.Integrating the open style concept of laboratory teaching,we provided the open style of CEMSP's laboratory structure and took the CEMSP laboratory of Chang'an University as an example to analyze its specific composition and function.Single case shows that CEMSP basically meets the training target of the integration of theory and practical abilities for civil engineering management specialty.


Every family is a system — a complex whole made up of intercalated and interacting parts. Socialization between parent and child is not one-way process. Parents do socialize children, but socialization in families is reciprocal. The present study aims to find out the presence of genetical correlation among young adults with their FDR's (biological father) in personality characteristics like temperament, aggression orientation and the influence of family environment on their behaviour. 15 young adults male and 15 young adult female and their respective First-degree relatives were assessed on Temperament Character Inventory, Aggression Orientation Scale and Family Environment scale to fulfil the aims of the study. The study reveals that Harm avoidance of male adults with their respective FDRs is positively associated and a significant difference in novelty seeking and buffers towards aggression among male adults with their respective FDRs has been found. A positive correlation has been found in novelty seeking, harm avoidance, self-directedness, cooperativeness, predisposed aggression, internalize tendency, physical aggression, buffer towards aggression, expressiveness, conflict and active recreational orientation of female adult with their FDRs, there is a significant difference between Female adult with their respective FDRs group in Cooperativeness, Active Recreational Orientation, Independence, Organization and Control.


Composite materials are being used to solve an ever increasing variety of engineering problems. One application is to use a$lament woundjber composite to strengthen cylindrical structures. Research continues today in an attempt to utilize these composite structures in various areas. Depending on lay-up and cure cycle, large localized stresses can be generated during processing which could cause defects such as longitudinal winkles, layer separation, and microcracking. Tools for understanding the thermomechanical behavior need to be available to both the design and manufacturing engineer. This paper describes techniques for calculating the elastic stresses and strains that would be encountered as a result of manufacture and utilization as well as some ojthe associated problems. Certain assumptions are suggested about the material behavior of the resin during cure. Numerical results are obtained for several cases that show the effects of these assumptions and their relationship to processing defects. The residual stress state due to processing is predicted. The influences of temperature gradient and3ber architecture on the stress jelds are examined.


The article provides a review of foreign research on the topic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It presents a definition, symptoms of PTSD; identifies PTSD risk factors and group types; defines diagnostic criteria for PTSD diagnosis; reviews existing diagnostic instruments and therapy methods used to work with people who suffered from PTSD. As mentioned by various researchers, PTSD can be found in cultures with different level of socio-economic development, in various ethnic and social groups, and in different age groups. The authors of the work particularly focus their attention on presenting the cognitive-behavioral approach, which is used widely in therapies for individuals with PTSD. They review the theories and concept models as the basis for cognitive-behavioral therapy; identify valid diagnostic tools such interviews and self-reports frequently used for the diagnosis of PTSD; describe cognitive-behavioral methods and techniques; present the basic structure for the therapeutic programs. As pointed by the authors of the article, the effectiveness of the cognitive –behavioral approach as shown by vary theoretical and experimental researches prove validity and reliability of cognitive-behavioral methods as well as their successful implementation in therapeutic work with people with PTSD.


International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) gives the following definition of it: it is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pain is a common complaint, but this is a phenomenon most difficult to clarify. For a long time it was considered only as a problem of a doctor and a patient, but in the latest times nurses began to occupy an important place in fighting with it. However the positive effect in that can be achieved only by using reasonable standards and schemes for pain evaluation and treatment.


We develop a random coefficients autoregressive (RCA) model with time-varying coefficients generated by a bounded nonlinear function of an e time series that may be a mixingale or integrated. Moreover, we allow for exogenouslydriven heteroskedasticity in the error term. By restricting the range of the function essentially to the unit interval, we show that the two series of autoregressive coefficients and variances of such a model are covariance stationary, even though these series may be nonergodic. Time series driven by such a data generating process are stationary, but may have (stochastic) unit or near-unit roots over periods of time. We show that maximum likelihood and nonlinear least squares yield asymptotically normal or mixed normal parameter estimates, under appropriate assumptions. A data generating process of this form may engender commonly observed time series characteristics that defy the simple I(0)-I(1) dichotomy but are more structural in nature than statistical I(d) models. Moreover, this approach provides a nonspurious way to model relationships between a nonstationary and a stationary time series. The utility of the proposed econometric model is demonstrated with an empirical application, in which inflation drives the autoregressive coefficient of interest rate volatility.


Analysis of the motion of spatial patterns may be accomplished by analyzing the spatiotemporal variations caused when a spatially varying luminance waveform moves over the detector surface. Nonlinear transformations (such as squaring) of the input signal may give rise to signal (a `distortion product') that varies on a different spatial scale from that of the original, and can thus give rise to a motion signal that is processed by a different set of spatiotemporal filters. Experiments with patterns made by adding together two sinusoidal gratings, differing in spatial frequency or orientation and in temporal frequency, show that the human visual system can analyze the motion of the `difference-frequency' distortion products that would be introduced by squaring, and thus must contain mechanisms that use some nonlinear transformation of this sort. This raises a question: is the nonlinearity simply an inherent part of the transduction process, or do separate linear and nonlinear motion analyzers exist? We find that performance in motion discrimination tasks that require nonlinear analyzers declines rapidly for stimulus durations less than about 200 msecs and for temporal frequencies greater than about 1 Hz, whereas discriminations based on linear analyses are reliable and correct at durations down to 20 msecs and at temporal frequencies over 10 Hz. This suggests that the linear and nonlinear motion analyzers are different.


Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the communication competency of tour guides using a modified importance–performance analysis (MIPA). Tour guides are cultural ambassadors of a country; their communication skills can make or break tourists' experiences with guided tours and memories of a destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 387 professional tour guides representing 38 per cent of all tour guides in Antalya, Turkey. The study further performs factor analysis using 32 communication competency items to determine underlying performance dimensions. This is followed by an MIPA to statistically identify the gap between factors that tour guides consider important and their perceptions of how they perform on these factors.

Findings

The study reveals that tour guides need improvement in verbal skills such as grammar, manner of speech and choice of words, as well as non-verbal behaviors such as approachability and the ability to remain friendly while maintaining a certain personal space.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of this study and certain time limitations, the most effective method proved to be collecting data from a convenient sample of tour guides during their annual workshop. The theory of behavioral communication competency details theoretical and practical implications.

Practical implications

The study findings provide tour operators and the Association of Professional Tour Guides with a platform from which they can launch educational seminars and workshops to enhance tour guides' communication competency.

Originality/value

The study contributes two main findings: This research provides a first-of-its-kind examination of professional tour guides' communication competency using MIPA. The study improves the efficacy of traditional importance–performance analysis (IPA) models by enhancing them with a gap analysis through a t-test and effect size analysis including a gap analysis takes the arbitrariness out of the process of determining the location of items within the IPA grid. Tourism service providers can use these findings to offer educational seminars that can increase the skill sets of tour guides.


The author investigated statistically the poor or bad harvest and famine in Tohoku district of Japan from the standpoint of agroclimatology. The data of crop yield and weather conditions during past 360 years were used for this purpose. The results are summarized as follows;1. The poor or bad harvest and famine due to both continued rain and low temperature in summer season have occurred more frequently in Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures than in Fukushima and Akita prefectures.2. It was found that famine durations, in which famines observed frequently, occurred repeatedly with a period of about 80 years during past 360 years. Famines continued frequently for two years. A period of about 30 years was also recognized among recent famines.3. The bad harvest and famine occurred mainly around the years with a minimum number of sun spot. The famine at years with a minimum or maximum number of sun spot was caused by cool summer, but it was difficult to decide the main reason for the famines at years with ordinary number of sun spot. Before 1900 A.D., the bad harvest or famine occurred almost always when crops were damaged by an early frost.


Objective. In Korea, short physician consultation time has been a cause of concern as it compromises the care provided. This study was aimed at finding the actual and optimal consultation time per patient for rheumatology outpatient clinic in Korea. Methods. The surveys were prepared based on a study of the literature and consisted of multiple-choice questions as well as additional open questions. Surveys were conducted from November to February, 2018∼2019. Rheumatologist members of the Korean College of Rheumatology were invited to complete the web-based survey as well as paper survey. Results. The mean duration of consultation allocated to a new and an established patient was found to be 12.3 and 4.8 minutes, respectively, which corresponded to only 22%∼35.3% of perceived optimal consultation time. On the other hand, the intrusion of physician autonomy for optimal patient care by the hospital executive was manifest such that only 4.7% responded discretion in allocating consultation time for patients and that 61.3% replied that they have been restrained from keeping the adequate outpatient clinic volumes. Sixty six percent of respondents replied that insufficient consultation time affects patient safety including errors in prescription. Conclusion. Rheumatology consultation time is very insufficient compared to optimal situation. A drastic change in health care policy promoting good quality of care, such as appropriate compensation which guarantees sufficient consultation time, as well as strong policy to control excessive profit-driven management policy of the hospitals is urgently needed. (J Rheum Dis 2020;27:45-50)


Ascraeus Mons is one of three large shield volcanoes located along a NE-SW trending lineament atop the Tharsis Bulge on Mars. Spacecraft images, beginning with Viking in the 1970 s, revealed that the SW rift apron of Ascraeus Mons is cut by numerous sinuous channels, many of which originate from large, elongated, bowl shaped amphitheaters known as the Ascraeus Chasmata. A number of these channels can be traced onto the flatter plains to the east of the rift apron. These features have been interpreted as either fluvial [1] or volcanic [2] in origin. Most recently, it has been shown that one of the longest channels on the Ascraeus rift apron appears to transition into a roofed-over lava channel or lava tube at its distal end, and thus the entire feature is likely of a volcanic origin [2]. In addition, field observations of recent lava flows on Hawaii have shown that lava is capable of producing features such as the complex braided and anastomosing channels and streamlined islands that are observed in the Ascraeus features [2].


Research on A New Rotor Dynamic Wake Model Zhao Shenning1, Li pan1, Zhang Yafei2, Chen Renliang1, Kong Weihong1 (1.Science and Technology on Rotorcraft Aeromechanics Laboratory, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016; 2. Research Institute of Army Aviation, Beijing, 101121) Abstract: A new rotor dynamic wake model is presented and verified for helicopter real-time large maneuvering flight simulation. Vortex ring elements which have 5 rigid body motion freedoms and 1 radius extending-compressing freedom are used to represent the rotor wake vortices. The proposed model can describe the stretch, compression, inclination, bending and other dynamic distortion behaviors of rotor wakes during large maneuvering flight, and give transient induced velocity distribution of rotor wake in the rotor disk or any area of the space. The thrust and pitch angular velocity ramping up conditions of a hovering rotor are chosen to verify the correctness and timeliness of the proposed model by comparison with Pitt-Peters dynamic inflow model with wake distortion augmented, and some new conclusions are presented. Key word: Helicopter; Rotor; Maneuvering flight; Wake; Induced velocity; Dynamic inflow


Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the location of previously identified large protein body globoids within the cotyledons of Cucurbita maxima seedlings. Large globoids formed in the three cell layers of the spongy mesophyll above the lower epidermis. The large globoids share morphological similarities to typical globoids by being spherical and naturally electron dense, but they were approximately four times the size of regular globoids, ranging from 4 to 8 μm in diameter. The formation of the large globoid particles occurred around 3 days of seedling growth and likely resulted from fusion of a number of typically sized globoids. This method of formation was supported by the appearance of clusters of regular globoids prior to the formation of the unusually large globoids. The volume of a large globoid was less than the combined volume of all the typical-sized globoids found within a mesophyll cell earlier in seedling growth. Keywords: large globoids, cotyledon, Cucurbita maxima...


Three digital communications networks of the FAA performing essential services in support of the National Air Space System (NAS) are described and discussed. Designated as the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN), the combined Weather Teletypewriter Networks A, C, and O, and the Service B Teletypewriter Network, respectively, these systems carry national and international digital message traffic in support of air traffic control operations and aeronautical weather services. These data are exchanged among the Air Traffic Control Centers, Airport Terminal Facilities, and Flight Service Stations of the FAA and in the case of weather data, with offices of the National Weather Service Military Weather and Flight Operations Offices, airlines, and other commercial and industrial interests. Recent and planned modernization programs resulting in the introduction of major computerized electronic message switching centers are also discussed. The electronic data processor configurations, their modes of operation, and specialized data handling features are described. Planned transition and progress to date in converting from 100 word/min teletypewriter operation to medium speed 1200-2400 Bd data rates and from manual inputs to the increasing use of computergenerated messages and computer-to-computer data exchanges are indicated. With the introduction of computerized switching and control centers the overall integration of FAA communications networks into a more fully unified total communications system with more standardized procedures and formats becomes more practical and achievable. Basic concepts and progress towards this goal are outlined.


The purpose of this research is to examine Merger and acquisition impact on Size, Profitability, Shareholders wealth, Market share and Segments in USA Technology companies. The research is conducted on 100 companies listed under Technology sector at NASDAQ which covered the period of 2010-2014, total observations of 100 firms-years. The dependent variables are Size, Profitability, Shareholders wealth, Market share and Segments and independent variables is Pre and Post Merger and Acquisition. The research employed Descriptive Pearson correlation coefficient and Paired T-Test and the findings shows only dividends and products to be positively correlated while all other variables found to be insignificant relation with merger and acquisition activity.


The invention at least one essentially consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer containing included, and wherein the metallized film is polyether segments the step of filling a plastic composition by the stage and the mold for introducing a metallized film in a mold for injection molding consisting of a layer, a method of manufacturing a plastic molded article with a metallized surface. The advantage of the method is one and cosmetic products that especially a three-dimensional (3-D) metallized molded article may be made into a film of sufficient adhesion to the plastic composition from anywhere also be provided with a surface having a texture characteristic of the flexible is that. The invention also relates to these products, it provided an additional plastic molded article and a laser marker having a metallized surface, at least in part.


The purpose of this study was to present a descriptive, explanatory case study of an adolescent male survivor of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The subject was a 17 year, 6 month old student enrolled in the twelfth grade at a highly selective science and technology governor's high school in the suburbs of a major metropolitan area. This investigation explored how a recovery can be successfully accomplished after a moderate-tosevere TBI. A case study methodology was employed to conduct an empirical and contextual investigation using a multi-modal method of data collection. Data collection consisted of archival records, documents, interviews, participant-observation, and direct observation. Overall findings from this study revealed that support from his family, educational personnel, and medical professionals coalesced to aid his recovery. In addition, the data indicated that there were distinct, but overlapping phases through which this individual progressed to reach a point of successful functioning. Moreover, all research pointed to one event, a college deferment decision and its accompanying behavioral changes as evidence that a turning point in the recovery had occurred. Thus, the adolescent had entered into the acknowledgment and acceptance phase. His ultimate successes stemmed from this decision and from this point in time. Implications for future research are discussed.


A highly active catalyst for CO oxidation has been obtained by mutual precipitation from dilute solutions of CuSO4, KMnO4, MnSO4 and Na2CO3 calcinated in a vacuum at 280 °C. Having obtained the catalyst in this way, it was tested, together with three other commercial catalysts of different origins, using various physicochemical methods. Differential thermal analysis has shown that only two different general CO-oxidation mechanisms exist.


Chemical transformation modelling monitoring and laboratory studies pollution engineering pollution management urban and suburban transport emissions urban air pollution fluid mechanics for environmental problems.


In this paper, the technique to solve the prediction problem of reparation of the financial losses caused by a road traffic accident is solved. Exact inference is represented using the Sum-Product Variable Elimination algorithm, Sum-Product Variable Elimination algorithm for computing conditional probabilities, Max-Product Variable Elimination algorithm for MAP, Max-Sum-Product Variable Elimination algorithm for marginal MAP. Reasoning patterns are presented graphically and descriptively.


In this paper, we generalize the analysis of the $f(R,T)-$brane via the inclusion of a term proportional to the Gauss-Bonnet invariant. We consider an action of the form $F(R,G,T)=f(R,T)+\alpha G$, where $T$ is the trace of the stress-energy tensor, $R$ is the Ricci scalar, and $\alpha$ is a real parameter that controls the contribution of the Gauss-Bonnet invariant $G$. We introduce the first-order formalism to obtain solutions for the source field of the brane in the special case where $f(R,T)=R+\beta T$ and illustrate its procedure with an application to the sine-Gordon model. We also investigate the general case of the $f(R,T)-$brane via the use of the scalar-tensor formalism, where we also use the first-order formalism to obtain solutions. Finally, we investigate the linear stability of the brane under tensor perturbations of the the modified Einstein's field equations. Our results indicate that the Gauss-Bonnet term may induce qualitatively different behaviors of the quantities on the brane, provided that its contribution is large enough.


Diesel engine plays an important role in heavy industry and transportation owing to its high thermal efficiency compared with others. But, because these engines are producing pollution substances such as Soo, NOx, etc., air pollution is especially serious in industrial area and urban area. So recent major research and development studies in diesel engines are changing toward point to purify the polluted environment In diesel engines, the geometric structure of nozzle and the microscopic and macroscopic mixing processes between the injected fuel and the ambient gas have a great influence on the formation of Soot and NOx emissions.
In this study, the inner microscopic structure and growth process of a non-evaporating diesel spray at different injection pressures and ambient pressures were investigated using laser sheet
beam. These results were compared with those of impinged spray that is briskly studied now as a manner to decrease the exhaust emissions under the same conditions.


Objectives To investigate the epidemiological data and to estimate the residual risk of HBV,HCV and HIV infection in Sichuanese donor population samples from Chengdu Rongsen Pharmaceuticals Co.,Ltd.Methods 467 388 plasma donations(collected from January to December 2013) provided by Sichuan plasma centers from Chengdu Rongsen Pharmaceuticals Co.,Ltd.were tested for HBs Ag,HCV antibody and HIV-1/ HIV-2 antibody by ELISA.Donations positive for HBs Ag were confirmed by neutralization test; donations positive for HCV antibody and HIV-1/ HIV-2 antibody were confirmed by WB test.Incidence-window period model was used to evaluate the residual risk of HBV,HCV and HIV infections.Results The prevalence of HBV,HCV and HIV in first-time tested donors was 1.890%,0.280% and 0.037%,respectively.The prevalence of HBV,HCV and HIV in repeat tested donors was 0.028%,0.008% and 0.008%,respectively.The residual risk of HBV,HCV and HIV in repeat tested donors was 1∶ 20 097,1∶ 65 876,1∶ 197 628,respectively.Conclusion The residual risk and prevalence of HBV,HCV and HIV in Sichuanese donor population was on a relatively low and acceptable level.Repeat tested donors experience higher levels of safety than first time tested donors.


Introduction: We recently showed that pre-ischemic estrogen (17 β-estradiol) treatment induces cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury via G-protein coupled estrogen receptor1 (GPER1) activation by preserving mitochondrial integrity and function via MEK/ERK/GSK-3β pathway. Hypothesis: We investigated whether post-ischemic estrogen (PI-E2) treatment can also induce cardioprotective effects via GPER1 activation and determine whether PI-E2 action involves the reduction of mitophagy and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Methods: Male and ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Hearts were subjected to 35 min of the left anterior descending artery occlusion followed by 180 min reperfusion. An estrogen bolus (50 mg/kg body weight) or PBS (same volume) was applied via the femoral vein 5 min before reperfusion, and GPER1 antagonist, G15, given 10 min before estrogen. Area at risk (AAR) was identified using Evans Blue dye and myocardial infarct s...


We observed lattice distortions in liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC)-grown GaAs crystals by double crystal reflection topography. A large variation of lattice orientation due to dislocations was observed in undoped GaAs crystals and at slippage from the wafer periphery in In-doped GaAs crystals, while a large variation of lattice spacing was observed in In-doped GaAs crystals.


Although Chinese economic transition had been proven to very successful, at present,the task of the reform is still hard.This paper explains Chinese economic transition with the view of plutonomy.In recent years,some papers that related to economic transition between China and Russia were published in famous periodical.Through having studied these papers,this paper study comparatively Washington consensus and evolutionary-institutionalist perspective comprehended China and Russia economic transition.Wwe explores the future road of China economic transition and development.


An improved procedure for the preparation of trifluorovinylsilanes was established which involved addition of butyllithium to a mixture of chlorosilanes and commercially readily available chlorotrifluoroethylene at −78 to −130 °C, and the resulting monomer was polymerized with a catalyst such as CsF or (R2N)3S+ F2SiMe3− to give black metallic polymer which showed conductivity of 10−9 to 10−10 Ω−1cm−1.


Objectives: Aim of the study was to assess left and right ventricular strain, strain rate and left ventricular rotation in children at late follow-up after atrioventricular node slow pathway radiofrequency ablation. Materials and methods: Left and right ventricular strain, strain rate, left ventricular rotation, rotational ve-locity and twist were assessed using the speckle tracking echocardiography in 22 children who underwent radiofrequency ablation of slow pathway and in 15 healthy control children. Results: There were no significant differences in conventional echocardiographic left and right ventricular parameters between the two groups (p>0.05), except left atrial volume (28.0p8.7 ml in control group vs. 37.3p13.9 ml in radiofrequency ablation group, p=0.024) and right atrial volume (16.0p6.7 ml vs. 21.5p8.5 ml, respectively, p=0.047) and their left (16.7p6.0 ml/m2 vs. 26.3p 9.8 ml/m2, p=0.002, respectively) and right (16.0p 6.6 ml/m2 vs. 21.5p8.5 ml/m2, respectively, p=0.05) indices that were significantly higher in radiofrequency ablation group. Speckle tracking imaging derived regional and global strain, systolic and diastolic left and right ventricular strain rate as well as left ventricular rotation, rotational rate did not differ between the radiofrequency ablation group and controls (p>0.05). Left ventricular twist was comparable between the radiofrequency ablation group and controls (p>0.05). Conclusions: Speckle tracking echocardiography did not revealed any deterioration of regional and global long and short axis function of the left and right ventricles in children, who underwent atrioventricu-lar node slow pathway radiofrequency ablation.


The microbial transformation of cis-abienol and sclareol by a recently isolated soil bacterium, JTS–131, was studied. In the presence of metabolic inhibitors, three new compounds were isolated from the culture broth as degradation products of cis-abienol. They were determined to be (12Z)-labda-12,14-dien-18-ol, (12Z)-labda-12,14-dien-18-oic acid and its methylester. Two new compounds were also formed from sclareol in the presence of metabolic inhibitors. They were determined to be 13β-hydroxylabd-14-en-18-oic acid and 13β-hydroxylabd-14-en-18-oic acid methylester. As a result of sequence determination experiments, the biotransformation pathways of cis-abienol and sclareol by the bacterium were proposed.


In view of the recurring criticism from practicing pediatricians directed in one way or another to the schism developing between themselves and the academic pediatrician, an ongoing program at the University of Minnesota might be of interest to pediatricians of either calling. This program was initiated on two premises that may not have been particularly unique fifteen years ago but do need reemphasis at this time. The first premise (and perhaps the more startling) was that the practicing pediatrician has a significant contribution to make to academic pediatrics.


This beachelor´s thesis called "Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Creation and Meaning of File Orders for Both Groups of Originators" analyses three file orders of public originators and three file orders of private originators based on available literature and internal sources od selected originators. The thesis is focused on the meaning and specifics of creating file orders for these six originators selected.


Mobile usage has become a part of our daily lives. However, many mobile users ignore the existence of app permissions in an app. One of the reasons is the lack of information related to app permissions. If users are not careful, app permissions can be abused by hackers to steal their data such as SMS, photos, microphone access, and GPS. The purpose of this study is to observe the perspective of university students in Batam regarding app permissions as well as to see the consequences of that perspective. The basis of this research is using survey method for 132 social media users and regression. This study proves that mobile users' information privacy concerns have an influence on the intention to accept app permissions, which means that university students of Batam tend to consider personal information privacy on mobile before accepting app permissions. However, computer anxiety and perceived control do not affect mobile users' information privacy concerns, which means university students of Batam have neither computer anxiety nor perceived control over personal information privacy on mobile.


The increase in payouts to European football clubs appearing in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (CL) in 1999-2000 had a lasting impact on the performance of top clubs in domestic football leagues. This policy change is treated as a natural experiment to compare the level of competitive balance in five top European leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France) before and after the turn of the millennium. Based on several competitive balance measures, this article reveals a significant decrease in competitive balance after the modification of the CL payout system.


The problem of realization of pedagogical conditions which will facilitate the process of quality improvement of teachers' professional competence in the intermediate vocational education in the sphere of person-oriented technologies is regarded. The pedagogical conditions include: 1) use of androgogical approach; 2) teachers' motivating to use person-oriented technologies; 3) realization of personal teacher's opportunities and creative possibilities. The criteria characterizing the quality of teachers' using person-oriented technologies are proved and substantially covered.


To investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide in israel carp, Cyprinus carpio, toxicity and microbial activities were determined. For hydrogen peroxide toxicity test, the median lethal concentration () to israel carps Cyprinus carpio (average weight 0.44 g) by acute toxicity was determined after 24 hour treatment. All israel carp were alive in 24 hours treatment at 80 concentration and value was 148.9 . For biocidal activities of hydrogen peroxide, remove of parasite and growth inhibition of pathogenic bacteria were determined. The parasite Trichodina sp. infected on the skin and gills of israel carps (average weight 0.1 g) was completely eliminated at 40 of hydrogen peroxide treatment for 24 hour. Most of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against 30 fish pathogenic bacteria were less than 40 .


The paper proposed dynamic direct heart rate algorithms in wearable device. Green light LED to direct heart rate is very popular in recent years which used analogy signal feedback to microcontroller calculation. However, the different person physical signals are independent that including body fat, physical color, blood concentrations and oxygen concentration to influence observer data. Moreover, the body shock influence reflection feedback signal. This paper proposed automatic initial detect process and dynamic direct heart rate filter algorithms to process feedback analogy error noise. We presented a low cost solution for Texas Instruments AFE4403 heart rate oximeters with MSP430G2553 microcontroller to monitors body heart rate in wearable device. MSP430G2553 only have 512 byte RAM and 8k flash memory, so that the digital process calculation is an important topic. Finally, the experimental results show the dynamic algorithm has satisfactory performance.


The chiral tetracarboxylic macrocycle (1) is a receptor molecule of the speleand type which binds strongly quaternary as well as primary ammonium cations, in particular acetylcholine and methylviologen.


The development of tourist destinations in the village, as well as the promotion and marketing of culture, arts, and tourism are one of the flagship programs in Jember Regency, however, intense competition in the tourism world due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has forced villages to change the way they plan their tourism business. In order to survive, villages need to change from a resource-based business to a knowledge-based business/company (business based on knowledge), with the main characteristics of Technology, Information, Communication (ICT). When the main achievement of the village is sustainable competitive advantage or the achievement of sustainable business competitiveness, assistance is needed, assistance is aimed at encouraging village management in the process of achieving and developing knowledge as a village competitive strategy, then human resources need to be directed and fostered to utilize digital technology as a marketing medium at the same time. conduct direct interaction for tourism managers to interact with their customers.


A systematic study of the temperature dependence of superlattice reflections in the reciprocal space of a single crystal Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) was performed using anomalous x-ray scattering technique. Our studies confirm the existence of the two types of nanoregions in PMN: a) chemically ordered nanodomains, and b) polar nanodomains formed by short-range correlated ionic displacements. No detailed temperature dependence of these superlattice reflections has been reported in the past. From monitoring the superlattice reflections corresponding to polar nanodomains (i.e., α spots) over the temperature range 15 K–800 K, we found freezing temperature (Tf) of correlated atomic displacements was near 200 K. In contrast, chemically ordered nanodomains, which give rise to F type superlattice peaks, exhibited spherical shape over the entire temperature interval 15 K–800 K. This leads us to suspect that chemically ordered regions might be different and independent of polar nanodomains. In this paper we explain the ...


SUMMARY A subclinical infection of Salmonella typhimurium in a broiler flock was investigated and attempts were made to eradicate the infection by treatment with furazolidone. One-quarter of the chickens were still infected after they had been through the processing plant. Washing in heavily chlorinated water reduced the number of contaminated carcasses. Infected chickens were also found in four other companion flocks on the same farm.


CCORDING to E. M. W. Tillyard, Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale resembles an entire Aeschylean trilogy packed into one play, with both tragic destruction and new creation presented "in full view of the audience." In seeing the play as a compressed trilogy, Professor Tillyard dealt in a new way with a problem long discussed by critics of The Winter's Tale: the problem of the play's awkward dramatic structure and its consequent lack of tonal unity. Readily admitting that the play is composite in form and tone, he found the first part "seriously tragic" and saw in the second "good earthy comedy" and regeneration. Many had felt that the play was first tragic, then comic. Professor Tillyard insisted that, since the tragic vision ideally includes both destruction and reconciliation, the composite form and shifting tone of The Winter's Tale are but signs of its greatness and of the breadth of Shakespeare's tragic vision.' This view of The Winter's Tale as expanded tragedy is an attractive one. It lends significance to the play by attaching it to the great tragedies; it answers critics of the Lytton Strachey school, who see Shakespeare in his last years as a bored, disgusted old man with dimming poetic vision and failing powers; and it seems to explain away that dramatic anomaly: the casual yoking of tragedy and comedy. It holds special attractions for those critics who view the play as dramatized allegory or symbol, and who interpret it in terms of


For wavefront sensing, wavefront shaping, and optical filtering, spatial light modulators can be very useful. With the availability of high resolution liquid crystals (LC) spatial phase modulators and micromechanical systems (MEMS) containing large arrays of micromirrors, new applications in optical metrology become possible. For wavefront analysis and correction, dynamic CGHs are used. A correction hologram for the aberrated system is computed from which the lens shape can be derived. For Hartmann sensors, usually static microlenses are used. It was found advantageous to generate dynamic microlenses in order to correct for local wavefront aberrations. Optically addressed spatial light modulators can be applied very effectively for the characterisation and defect analysis of primarily periodic structures such as microchips or microlens arrays. For triangulation based methods, better results can be obtained by adapting the projected fringes to the object in terms of shape and brightness. Examples and experimental results are discussed.


Efficient power grid verification, critical in modern integrated circuits, is computationally demanding because of increasing grid sizes. Vectorless approach to grid verification estimates worst-case voltage noises without detailed evaluation of load current excitations. We study voltage noise assessment in RLC models of VDD and GND networks in integrated power grids. Transitory circuit behaviours are captured by transient constraints, while abstract grid model is utilized to accelerate convergence. Heuristics are proposed to extract constraints that restrict power consumption profiles to realistic scenarios. Bounds on voltage overshoots and undershoots are evaluated by formulating multiple optimization problems. We propose ways to mitigate storage and computational requirements on processing resources, enabling users to deploy computations on economical Cloud Computing platforms. Recommended solution is parallelizable, thereby reducing the overall verification time. Experimental results suggest that the proposed technique is practical and scalable for industrial grids.


This paper introduces the auto measure system of the parameter error of the gear klot. It discusses the methods of measurement and calculation, and presents the structure chart of the hardware and the flow chart of the system software based on VC++.


Heterogeneous vehicular communications aim to improve the reliability, security and delay performance of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, by utilizing multiple commu-nication technologies. Predicting the path loss through conventional fitting based models and radio frequency (RF) jamming detection through rule based models of different communication schemes fail to address comprehensive mobility and jamming scenarios. In this paper, we propose a machine learning based adaptive link quality estimation and jamming detection scheme for the optimum selection and aggregation of IEEE 802.11p and Vehicular Visible Light Communications (V-VLC) technologies targeting reliable V2V communications. We propose to use Random Forest regression and classifier based algorithms, where multiple individual learners with diversity are trained by using measurement data and the final result is obtained by averaging outputs of all learners. We test our framework on real-world road measurement data, demonstrating up to 2.34 dB and 0.56 dB Mean Absolute Error (MAE) improvement for V-VLC and IEEE 802.11p path loss prediction compared to fitting based models, respectively. The proposed jamming presence detection scheme yields 88.3% accuracy to detect noise interference injection for IEEE 802.11p links, yielding 3% better prediction performance than previously proposed deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) based scheme.


In this article we will analyze contemporary newspaper reports as well as criminological and sociological studies concerned with the life of the underworld in Buenos Aires, Argentina from the 1870s to the early 1900s will be analyzed to assess the association of lunfardo with the speech of the criminal as well as the imperfect Spanish spoken by Italian immigrants, and their influence in the development of Argentine Spanish. Linguistic contact, as a significant phenomenon, results in linguistic interferences. Language contact is the result of extra-linguistic phenomena such as cultural, economic, and political relations, as well as the cultural coexistence of mixed populations. The goal of this paper is to communicate language interferences, which can be defined as the transfer of elements from one language to another through changes in lexis, grammar, phonology, or orthography. Social communities, no matter their names, have not existed in isolation throughout history, but have established contacts of the most diverse nature with one another, resulting in mutual influences on various levels of social life. Language, as a social expression, bears witness to intercultural relations. This includes not only relations between official languages, or "main" culture carrier languages, but also relations between official languages and minority languages on a state's territory. These are different civilizations' communication media that end up evolving collaterally. Language interference is the transfer of elements from one language into another at various linguistic levels. Linguistic interferences, for example, are related to foreign aspects such as intonation, pitch, accent, and speech sounds from the first language influencing the second.


Coverage control is one of the key problems of research and applications of wireless sensor networks. In this paper, the coverage control problem for hybrid networks which comprise both static and mobile sensors is investigated. A strategy for the discovery and determination of coverage blind spots based on Voronoi diagram is presented. For the situation that there are many blind spots in the same Voronoi region, a method for determining the number of blind spots is proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed discovery mechanism is effective and feasible.


It is known that workers in the pharmaceutical industry, and nurses, can become sensitized and develop allergic respiratory symptoms by handling bulk laxatives containing Ispaghula powder. Fifteen individuals allergic to Ispaghula were challenged with a commercially available Ispaghula product and three other products manufactured in a way to make them less dusty. The results show that the use of products with smaller amounts of airborne particles results in a lower incidence of symptoms and thus probably reduces the potential occupational risk of sensitization to the Ispaghula allergen.


Further exploration of near-Earth space, the Moon and near space may require the creation of large-sized one-piece monococks as the basis for the construction of residential, production, scientifi c modules and cargo platforms. The patented in Russia method of manufacturing large-sized one-piece monococks will allow to carry out their production in open space for the fi rst time. Only work material will need to be transported from Earth.


Abstract  We report a rare case of tetralogy of Fallot associated with anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the aorta and aortopulmonary window. Successful one‐stage total correction was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass, including implantation of the left pulmonary artery, repair of aortopulmonary window, and correction of tetralogy of Fallot. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course and was asymptomatic at one‐year follow‐up. (J Card Surg 2012;27;:112–114)


Background: In a post hoc analysis of 856 breast cancer patients (majority Caucasians) receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy (Warr et al., MASCC 2009), patient characteristics, including young age, low alcohol consumption, and history of morning sickness, were associated with higher risks for emesis (E). However, whether these risk factors predict for E in the Asian population is unknown. This is the largest study to date that establishes the association of these predictors in a similar treatment cohort of Asian cancer patients through analysis of E events.

Methods: This is a prospective, observational study conducted at the largest cancer center in Singapore from 2006 to 2009. On the day of chemotherapy, patients' demographics were retrieved via interview. They were also given a standardized 5-day diary to document their E events. Multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze the impact of these predictors on acute and delayed E.

Results: 244 eligible women (mean 50 ± 8.9 years) were recruited. Incidences of acute and delayed E were 23.5% and 25.4% respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that young age (OR=2.13, 95%CI 1.13-4.02), histories of motion sickness (OR=2.44, 95%CI 1.17-5.08) and chemotherapy-induced E (OR=2.95, 95%CI 1.20-7.26) were significantly associated with increased likelihoods of acute E, while the latter two predictors were also significantly associated with increased likelihoods of delayed E (OR=2.29, 95%CI 1.13-4.64 and OR=2.42, 95%CI 1.03-5.69 respectively).

Conclusions: In Asians, histories of motion sickness and chemotherapy-induced E are important predictors, but alcohol history and history of morning sickness are less likely to play a role. Clinicians should aware of the differences in E predictors between Asians and non-Asians.


Deflectometry utilises the deformation and displacement of a sample pattern after reflection from a test surface to infer the surface slopes. Differentiation of the measurement data leads to a curvature map, which is very useful for surface quality checks with sensitivity down to the nanometre range. Integration of the data allows reconstruction of the absolute surface shape, but the procedure is very error-prone because systematic errors may add up to large shape deviations. In addition, there are infinitely many combinations for slope and object distance that satisfy a given observation. One solution for this ambiguity is to include information on the object's distance. It must be known very accurately. Two laser pointers can be used for positioning the object, and we also show how a confocal chromatic distance sensor can be used to define a reference point on a smooth surface from which the integration can be started. The used integration algorithm works without symmetry constraints and is therefore suitable for free-form surfaces as well. Unlike null testing, deflectometry also determines radius of curvature (ROC) or focal lengths as a direct result of the 3D surface reconstruction. This is shown by the example of a 200 mm diameter telescope mirror, whose ROC measurements by coordinate measurement machine and deflectometry coincide to within 0.27 mm (or a sag error of 1.3μm). By the example of a diamond-turned off-axis parabolic mirror, we demonstrate that the figure measurement uncertainty comes close to a well-calibrated Fizeau interferometer.


This study examines eldercare in private households and the employment behaviour of female caregivers in Europe. Based on the first three waves of the European Community Household Panel we estimate probit-models to analyse the probability of caregiving and we use a simplified difference-in-difference approach to explain the correlation between changes in caregiving behaviour and changes in working hours. We restrict our sample to middle-aged women in 12 EU-countries. In order to control for country-effects we include country dummies in our models. In addition, we run separate estimations for northern European countries on the one hand and southern European countries on the other hand. We find a significant negative association between starting or increasing informal caregiving and the change in weekly work hours. No such association emerges for women terminating a caregiving spell or reducing care hours.


The fossil population structure of the gastropod Neptunea angulata from the late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene was investigated in this project in order to contribute to a wider study on the influ ...


Gamut extension algorithm transforms a picture to display in wide gamut, exerting a good performance. However, human skin color belongs to static color, if extended, it would look unnatural and affect the beauty of the image. So we presents an algorithm for protecting skin color during color gamut extension. Firstly, we initially identify skin color regions. Then, according to probabilistic model, a new method that we use it to avoid looking hair as face skin with similar color. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method does protect skin color and improve performance.


The purpose of this research paper is to make academics and personnel related to the teaching of English aware of the importance on how teaching techniques and strategies are
used to improve and develop the acquisition of the fourth English skills on students from UNAN-Managua University.
There are some specific methods that the teacher has been using to teach each skill and make the process easier not just for the students, but also to the teacher. The following methods are mentioned: Grammar Translation Method, Audio Lingual Method, Direct Method, Communicative Approach, Total Physical Response (TPR), Natural Approach,
Suggestopedia, Silent way. In addition, there are some specific techniques to teach each skill for instance for reading are the following: scanning, skimming, main idea, context clue, inference, pre viewing. Predicting, guessing from context, paraphrasing; in the case of writing the following techniques are used prewriting, rough draft, peer editing, revising, editing, final draft. Also to teach listening the teacher make use of these techniques such as
before ,During and after listening including bottom -up and top -down strategies depending on the activities and teacher´s objective.

The area of teaching English, which was analyzed in this document, was focused on the four skills and its strategies already mentioned before. In addition, these strategies and
techniques such as role plays, simulation, information gap, brainstorming, and storytelling, interviews, story completion, reporting, playing cards, picture narrating, picture description, finding the difference are all used in each session of the class which were integrated for the
teacher to increase students input of the target language as well as some other skills that must be developed by the learners. Other interesting factors that were considered in this paper were students' characteristics and needs, personality, motivation and experience.

Those aspects already mentioned affect positively or negatively the learning and teaching process


Citation KOTHA, Reddi and GEORGE, Gerard. Commercialization of science: A longitudinal study of knowledge distance, firm capabilities, and the structure of licensing contracts. (2008). Frontiers of entrepreneurship research: Proceedings of the 28th Annual Entrepreneurship Research Conference. 28, 1-1. Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business. Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/5347


Premature ovarian failure (POF), also called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a common endocrine disorder in females, accounting for 1–2% in women during the reproductive ages. Patients with the disease experience spontaneous menopause before the age of 40 years, and frequently encounter significant difficulties and pains in overcoming the problems of infertility and menopausal syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying POF are difficult to study due to the lack of a suitable disease model. Recently pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem (ES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are becoming useful cell sources to study and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying in vitro differentiation into specialized cell types. We and other researchers have previously shown that pluripotent stem cells including human ES cells and iPS cells are capable of developing into germ cells and granulosa cells. In this study, we derived POF patient‐specific iPS cell lines from three patients and two controls using skin fibroblasts or PBMCs and induced them to early female germ cells expressing germ cell markers VASA and GDF9 and meiosis marker SCP3, and also to granulosa‐like cells expressing FOXL2, FSHR, AMHR2, AMH and CYP19A1 (aromatase). We observed that the differentiated POF‐patient iPS cells showed differential expression levels of the granulosa cell markers and VASA, when compared to NTU1 human embryonic stem cells. The data demonstrated that iPS cells can be produced from POF patients and control subjects, and these cells can be induced in vitro to early germ cells and granulosa cells, but significantly with compromised potential when compared to other pluripotent stem cells. The POF patient‐specific iPS cells derived in this study thus represent a very useful disease model for further studies to test the disease mechanisms and to test drugs that may be useful for treating POF.


The methodology that is recommended makes an attempt to anticipate and forecast changes in the price indices of the stock market for three specific equities that are traded on the stock market. The stock market is comprised of all of the many types of equities that are now being discussed. This paradigm makes an attempt to classify two unique types of classification algorithms, namely Long-Term Memory (LSTM) and Logistics Regression (LR). Long-Term Memory is an acronym for "Long-Term Memory," while Logistics Regression is an acronym for "LR." (LSTM). One of the criteria that is used to assess the performance of the models is the ability of both models to accurately anticipate the movement of an index that is traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange. (BSE). For the purposes of performing a study of the suggested structure for the projection of three stocks, an estimated total of thirty different participants were used. (AAPL, MSFT, and AMZN). When comparing the two models' levels of performance, it was found that the LR model (99.8%) performed substantially better than the LTSM model (72.3%) on average. This was noticed while conducting the comparison. (p0.05). When it comes to predicting stock indices by making use of the various parameters, the LR model performed noticeably better than the LTSM model.


Kidney cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) undergo progressive enlargement together with luminal fluid secretion. This involves active, uphill transcellular Cl− transport which drives passive Na+ and water secretion. Implicit in this mechanism is the assumption that the paracellular permeability of the cyst epithelium to Cl− must be very low. Claudins are tight junction (TJ) transmembrane proteins that determine the ion selectivity of paracellular barriers. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and localization of claudins within renal cysts in a mouse hypomorphic model of ADPKD and in human patients. We found that the majority of cysts were of collecting duct origin. Claudins normally expressed in collecting duct (3, 4, 7, 8, and 10) were found in small cysts. However, only claudin‐7 persisted at substantive levels in the dedifferentiated epithelium of large, presumably late‐stage cysts, where it was localized both at the TJ and basolaterally. The constitutively expressed TJ proteins, ZO‐1 and occludin, were also abundantly expressed and correctly localized, suggesting that the basic infrastructure of the TJ is preserved. A previous study suggested that claudin‐7 may function as a paracellular Cl− barrier. We postulate that the role of claudin‐7 in ADPKD is to seal the paracellular route in Cl−‐secreting cyst epithelium, preventing backleak of Cl−, and that it thereby plays a permissive role in fluid secretion and cyst growth. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This paper explores the impact of enterprise-wide processes and technologies on group relations and exchanges. We examine the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools in sales pipeline management. Through an ethnographic study of globally-distributed sales teams we show that the way enterprise-wide tools are integrated into daily practices impacts organizational relations and exchange. We pay particular attention to information exchange as a vehicle for building, leveraging and deterring organizational relations. Our analysis suggests that different approaches to using standardized tools and processes have variable impact on team relations. We provide support for the argument that technologies should be designed and deployed in accordance with an understanding of the contexts of use and in consideration for their impact on organizational relations.


PURPOSE: A video frame generating method for producing 3-dimensional image at low cost is provided to produce 3-dimensional image without three-dimensional rendering about an object. CONSTITUTION: Object information(10) and camera information(20) are inputted to a video frame generator(100). The video frame generator arranges a plurality of object layers on three-dimensional space. The object information includes the information about an arrangement location on 3D image of the information about an object layer. The object layer is formed by two-dimensional image of the object. A video generator(200) generates a three-dimensional video.


A search unit (107) searches for, by use of information relating to files stored in the same folder as a moving image file that is to be reproduced, a subtitle file corresponding to the moving image file. If such subtitle file is existent, a notification unit (108) outputs a first notification video signal indicating to that effect, thereby notifying, via a video output unit (201), a user of the existence of the subtitle file corresponding to the moving image file.


Forest owners, investors and policy makers all want to know the spread and productivity of New Zealand's current and future radiata plantation. David Palmer, a geo-spatial analyst at Scion, has combined advanced statistical techniques with mapping technology to predict radiata 300 Index and Site Index for any location in New Zealand. The 300 Index is an index of volume mean annual increment, and the Site Index is for height and growth. The map of Site Index and 300 Index was built using growth measurement data from trees in 1,146 radiata pine permanent sample plots, planted between 1975 and 2003. The data was combined with a number of climate, land use, terrain and environmental variables to predict forest productivity under a range of conditions.


(1) New fossil and subfossil cercopithecoid specimens are described from the limestone deposits at Taung, Bolt's Farm and Witkrans, South Africa. (2) The following first reports are made: (a) Parapapio whitei from Bolt's Farm. (b) PaIapapio whitei from Taung. (c) Papio ursin us from Witkrans. (d) Cercopithecoides williamsi from Bolt's Farm. (3) The following first descriptions are given: (a) PaIapapio whitei male cranium. (b) Parapapio whitei female cranium. (c) Parapapio antiquus male cranium. (4) The morphological and size differences in the male crania of the PaIapapio spp. are described. (5) The affinities of the genus Cercopithecoides to the Colobinae are discussed.


PPh4[MoN(OPh)4] has been prepared by reaction of PPh4[MoNCl4] with sodium phenolate, as an orange-red crystal powder. The reactions of glycole and pinacole, respectively, with MoN(O-t-Bu)3 and MoNCl3, the latter in the presence of a base, lead to the tris-chelate complexes Mo(OC2H4O)3 and Mo(OC2Me4O)3, respectively. The complexes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, the chelate complexes in addition by X-ray structure analysis. [Mo(OC2H4O)3]: Space group P21/c, Z = 4, 2177 observed unique reflections, R = 0.047. Lattice dimensions at –40 °C: a = 1168.3(2), b = 716.0(1), c = 1206.1(2) pm, β = 92.84(1)°. [Mo(OC,Me4O)3] • 2CH2Cl2: Space group P bcn, Z = 4, 1860 observed unique reflections, R = 0.049. Lattice dimensions at –80°C: a = 1772.3(1), b = 1023.8(1), c = 1600.0(2) pm. Both complexes form monomeric molecules, in which the molybdenum atoms are surrounded in a distorted octahedral fashion by the six oxygen atoms of the chelates.


Porous tin dioxide nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning and calcination using silicon dioxide nanoparticles as the doping material and then etched by hydrofluoric acid. The morphology of tin dioxide nanofibers before and after etching was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. An X-ray diffractometer and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used to assess the crystal structure of tin dioxide and the nanofibers,especially,the specific surface area of the tin dioxide nanofibers. The study revealed that the diameters of tin dioxide nanofibers were increased by doping more silicon dioxide nanoparticles,and the surface roughness was increased as well. After hydrofluoric acid etching treatment,the swelling phenomenon happened on the nanofibers,silicon dioxide nanoparticles were successful etched,and the specific surface area of tin dioxide nanofibers was increased.


Abstract The purpose of this article is to give leisure studies a new lease on its conceptual life by showing how exploratory research can help eliminate theoretical stagnation there, which is now admitted by many specialists to be a main problem. First, social science exploration is defined and distinguished from the related processes of serendipity, confirmation, and qualitative research. Then, after considering the general character of exploratory research, the discussion shifts to the question of why there has been so little of it in the leisure sciences. Finally, the ideas presented to this point about theory and methodology and the observations of John Lofland about analytic ethnography, when considered together, suggest that exploration can be understood as falling within the positivist tradition in both leisure studies in particular and the social sciences in general.


Represented in a Morphable Model, 3D faces follow curved trajectories in face space as they age. We present a novel algorithm that computes the individual aging trajectories for given faces, based on a non‐linear function that assigns an age to each face vector. This function is learned from a database of 3D scans of teenagers and adults using support vector regression.


The one-dimensional Hairsine-Rose (1D H-R) [1-3] erosion model describes time-varying suspended sediment concentrations of multiple particle sizes. The H-R model, in contrast to other process-based erosion models, considers erosion and deposition processes separately by taking account of the contributions of the individual size classes to the total sediment concentration. The H-R model has been evaluated under different experimental conditions, and has been shown to explain reliably experimental data in a consistent manner [4-5]. However, the H-R model has not been validated under conditions of significant raindrop splash even though for interrill erosion it is known that raindrop splash is an important mechanism of sediment detachment and therefore of sediment delivery [6]. The aim of this study is to test experimentally and numerically the consistency of the H-R model parameters in the presence of raindrop splash. The effect of splash is differentiated by carrying out experiments that are the same in all aspects except that different transversal widths are used within the 2 m 6 m EPFL erosion flume.


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Object segmentation is the inevitable result of object recognition and semantic segmentation when moving from coarse to fine inference. Despite many efforts in segmenting instances, the quality of masks remains unsatisfactory. Because of the low pixel-to-edge ratio and the restricted spatial resolution of the feature map, the boundaries of the predicted version masks are typically inaccurate. Defining the object boundaries at the detailed pixel level is essential for instance segmentation. This paper aims a simple, yet conceptually effective, mask-based RCNN framework to generate accurate segmentation masks to overcome these challenges. Additionally, it can extract the foreground objects from the background and run at high inference speeds to meet the growing demand for accurate, real-time computer vision applications. This study introduces a new database called RSBFRS that includes unconstrained images and videos. Thus instance segmentation using Mask RCNN was implemented to mark/extract precise boundaries of moving person in a video and the maximum prediction score value of 0.9983 obtained. This efficient technique can serve as a basic support for future studies on instance-level detection and recognition.


Photoemission from GaAs cathodes with negative electron affinity (NEA) is applied for producing electron beams with very low longitudinal and transverse velocity spread. GaAs transmission-mode cathodes were activated with Cs and either O2 or NF3 in an extremely high vacuum setup (base pressure below 10−12 mbar). Quantum efficiencies of 20%–25% (at 670 nm) and long dark lifetimes (about 1000 h) could be achieved for both types of activation in a reproducible way. Using a method based on the adiabatic transverse expansion of an electron beam in a spatially decreasing magnetic field, the mean transverse energy (MTE) of the photoemitted electrons was measured systematically, recording longitudinal energy distribution curves. Both the MTE and the longitudinal energy spread strongly depend on the value of NEA and the position of the extracted distribution relative to the bulk conduction band minimum. Electrons with energies above the conduction band minimum are thermalized with the lattice temperature of the ca...


This paper develops an equation of national knowledge accumulation and uses it to estimate the size of international innovator-to-imitator R&D knowledge spillovers using aggregate data. The equation is compared to existing measures of international spillovers from foreign R&D. Because these measures do not distinguish between imitative and innovative research efforts, their estimates of spillovers from foreign R&D may be biased. The empirical results are preliminary, but suggest that the magnitude of spillovers may be consistent with the case study work of Mansfield et al. [1981].


We study the CN radical using optical heterodyne magnetic rotation enhanced concentration modulation apectroscopy in the visible region.The radical has been produced in the ac glow discharge of acetonitrile with helium as the carrier gas.The (5,0) hand of the red system A^2Π1-X^2Σ^+ in the range 17450-17830cm^-1 has been observed and rotationally analysed.We determine a set of precise molecular constants for the υ=5 vibrational level of CN in the A^2Π1 state.


. We present VLBI and BIMA observations of the Class II methanol maser source G 59.783+0.065. The methanol emission arises from the centre of a compact molecular core, supporting the view that methanol masers trace an early stage of massive star formation. The velocity spread of the masers is significantly larger than that of the parent molecular cloud, which is consistent with the methanol coming from a rotating structure within the molecular core. However, there is also weak evidence that the methanol is aligned with an outflow.


The paper introduced system structure of an intrinsically safe computer used in mine rescue and design of its subsystem as well as its design technology of intrinsically safe circuit in details.From the view of safety ergonomics,the paper expounded humanized design of its apparent structure and its reliability design.The actual application result showed the video images and voice signals photographed and inputted by the computer in rescue of mine accidents are clear and continuous,and it has functions of detection,storage,display and playback,which can be used to establish expert decision system in condition of mature technology.


Scholars have long recognized the need to examine team-based resource decisions in organizations. Yet, little empirical evidence examining these critical processes exists. Research suggests organiz...


Purpose – The purpose of this article is to give a brief introduction to the global phenomenon of standardization of management systems and to analyze the case of Spanish care homes.Design/methodology/approach – Observation and interviews were conducted with top and middle managers, consultants and employees of UNE 158001 certified Spanish care homes. The paper analyzes the impact of UNE 158001 standards for residential homes for the elderly, the only specific standard for care homes that has been enacted by a European standardization body.Findings – Those homes which have implemented and certified the UNE 158001 standard point out that the application of this standard has not been difficult, thanks to the prior implementation of the ISO 9001:2000 standard, and also due to the fact that most of the requirements laid down by the UNE 158001 standard were already deemed to be customary according in their systems, with only some "minor" requirements needing change. The reasons behind the implementation the UN...


Controversy remains on the optimal treatment schedule of the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) in malignant glioma and the value of methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) determination. This repair enzyme is key in reverting lethal DNA damage induced by alkylating agent chemotherapy, and in the absence of this enzyme, cells are more susceptible to TMZ. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Chinot et al report on a (too) small phase II study investigating a week-on and week-off dosedense TMZ administration regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy before definitive radiation in 29 eligible patients with unresectable glioblastoma. The aim of this alternative dose-dense administration schedule is not only to increase the dose-intensity by more than two-fold, but to overcome drug resistance by depleting the tumor cells of MGMT. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, it has been shown that repeated and continuous exposure to TMZ will exhaust the cells of MGMT, but whether this also applies to tumor cells remains to be demonstrated. The results of this study were disappointing. Median survival was only 6 months (95% CI, 1 to 11), with only 28% of patients alive at 1 year. Even when considering that this is a poor prognosis group of patients, these results appear inferior to standard therapy, including concomitant chemoradiotherapy, where a median survival of 9 months was reported for patients with unresectable tumors. Chinot et al attempted to determine MGMT expression in 25 patients by immunohistochemistry, choosing an arbitrary cutoff based on the median percentage of cells staining positively. They found that 6 of 11 patients with low MGMT expression, but only one of the 14 patients with high MGMT expression responded. The study emphasizes again the importance of MGMT to predict a response to the alkylating agent therapy. The predictive value of MGMT for benefit from alkylating agent chemotherapy, whether this be a nitrosourea or temozolomide, has now been repeatedly shown. Methylation of the MGMT gene promoter has been found to be a predictive marker for benefit from TMZ treatment in patients treated with temozolomide chemotherapy. Analysis of a representative subgroup of patients in a randomized trial showed that the addition of TMZ only benefited patients with a methylated (and thus silenced) MGMT gene promoter, while overall survival and progression-free survival was comparable for TMZ-treated patients with a functional MGMT gene to patients having been treated with initial radiotherapy alone. Based on this data, one may want to conclude that patients without MGMT promoter methylation should not be treated with alkylating agent chemotherapy. In these patients, TMZ has marginal activity at best, and alternative strategies may offer better chances. However, outside clinical trials, alternative strategies are currently not available. Nevertheless, the treatment, although generally well tolerated, carries its risks for toxicity. Also, in countries without reimbursement for chemotherapy, some patients may choose to forego the expense for temozolomide in the absence of MGMT promoter methylation. Furthermore, this analysis was performed retrospectively, and although very provocative and suggestive, requires prospective validation. In an ongoing Intergroup trial by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG 0525/EORTC 26052-22053), patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma are stratified by MGMT methylation status before random assignment to a TMZ administration schedule (standard daily dose for 5 days or a dose-dense treatment for 3 of 4 weeks). To be eligible for this trial, patients must have undergone at least partial tumor resection, and tumor material must be available for centralized MGMT promoter methylation determination. Thus, not only efficient trial management is necessary, but also the goodwill and collaboration of the neurosurgeons and pathologists at many sites. Repeatedly, investigators advocate performing MGMT determination using the simpler immunohistochemistry staining, rather than a methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay (MSP) of the function of the MGMT gene. Although some associations may be found by immunohistochemical MGMT expression, this method has many shortcomings. Heterogeneous MGMT expression within tumors, and high levels of MGMT protein present in infiltrating lymphocytes, microglia, and blood vessels limit the reproducibility of the method. More important, MGMT is an inducible enzyme that may be upregulated after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, thus the expression of the protein at diagnosis might not reflect the functional protein during therapy. The MSP assay requires small quantities of DNA that can be extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue samples or, better yet, from cryopreserved tissue samples. In glioma, the presence of a methylated MGMT allele can be attributed solely to the neoplastic cells, irrespective of contamination of nontumor tissue. In our opinion, determination JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY E D I T O R I A L VOLUME 25 NUMBER 12 APRIL 2


Oral and parenteral antibiotics as amoxicillin-clavulanate, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporins, ttrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones were recommended to treat urinary tract infections UTIs. Resistance of uropathogens to antibiotic poses a serious concern worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the resistance in vitro of urine bacteria isolated from adult male and female patients with UTI to common used antibiotics in Syria. A total of 111 urine samples were collected in the laboratory. Firstly, the bacteria caused UTIs was identified. Then, the susceptibility of isolated bacteria to 16 antibiotic were evaluated with disc-diffusion method. As expected, the prevalence of UTI was higher in females than in males. E. Coli revealed the highest prevalence (70%), while Klebsiella showed the next highest rate (33%). 99.1% of urine bacteria were resistant to at least 2 antibiotics (110samples/111 samples). A high rate of resistance (≥ 50%) among isolated urine bacteria was observed to 10 antibiotics. Only 6 antibiotics has a rate of resistance below 50%. Amikacin and imipenem were the most active antibiotic with 0% resistance followed by gentamycin (11%). High overall resistance rates above 90% was found to cefexime (92%), cephalexin (93%), and cephalothin (95%). Due to the high resistance rates and Multi-antibiotic resistance, antibiotics sales should be regulated and not sale without prescription in Syria.