Objective To study the effect of enhancing immunity in promoting surface antigen negative of patients with HBsAg,HBeAb,and HBcAb test positive.Methods One hundred and twenty patients with HBsAg,HBeAb,and HBcAb test positive in our hospital from January 2009 to March 2010 were randomly divided into control group and ob servation group with 60 cases in each group,the control group were intervened with routine method,the observation group were intervened with comprehensive enhancing immunity based on the intervention of control group,then the surface antigen negative rate at 1st,2nd and 3rd year after the treatment and peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets before and after the treatment of two groups were compared.Results The surface antigen negative rate of observation group at 1st,2nd and 3rd year after the treatment were higher than those of control group,peripheral blood T lympho cyte subsets were better than those of control group too,all P 0.05,there were all significant differences.Conclusion The effect of enhancing immunity in promoting surface antigen negative of patients with HBsAg,HBeAb,and HBcAb test positive is better,and it can effectively improve the cellular immunity of patients,in order to achieve the goal of improving the disease state.


Natural compounds are considered treasures in biotechnology; however, in the past, the process of discovering bioactive compounds is time consuming, and the purification and validation of the biofunctions and biochemistry of compounds isolated from a medicinal herb are tedious tasks. In this study, we developed an economical process called biotransformation-guided purification (BGP), which we applied to analyze licorice, a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in many therapies. This medicinal herb contains various flavonoids and triterpenoids and, thus, is a suitable material used to assess the ability of BGP to identify and produce bioactive compounds. In the BGP process, the ethyl acetate extract of a commercial licorice medicine was partially purified into three fractions by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, and Bacillus megaterium tyrosinase (BmTYR) was used to catalyze the biotransformation of the extract from each fraction. One of the products produced via BmTYR-driven biotransformation was purified from the biotransformation-positive extract using preparative C-18 high-performance liquid chromatography, and it was identified as butin (3′-hydroxyliquiritigenin) through nucleic magnetic resonance and mass spectral analyses. Butin was produced from liquiritigenin through BmTYR-catalyzed hydroxylation, with commercial liquiritigenin as the biotransformation precursor. The proposed alternative approach quickly identified and isolated the biotransformed butin from licorice. Moreover, butin demonstrated an antioxidant activity that is stronger by over 100-fold compared with that of its precursor (liquiritigenin). This study showed that the economical BGP process could quickly obtain and validate bioactive molecules from crude extracts of medicinal herbs.


The Australian Medical Association has gone on record to recognise pharmacists as healthcare professionals whose role extends beyond the technical expertise of dispensing and selling of products.


A method for the determination of copper, cobalt, selenium and molybdenum in liver using a single digest and atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The elements are complexed with ammonium pyrrolidin-1-yldithioformate (ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate) and extracted into chloroform without pH adjustment. Cobalt, selenium and molybdenum are all atomized from the furnace wall and hollow cathode lamps are used as light sources for all elements. The background correction is satisfactory using a deuterium lamp. The results obtained agree with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1577a Bovine Liver Certified Values, and correlate with standard methods. Details of the digestion, extraction and analysis are discussed. The method is simple and quick, enabling ten samples to be analysed per day by one operator.


A vehicle 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a charge-discharge system CDS. The charge-discharge system has the vehicle 10, an electrical power cord 20, a plug-in station 30, a HEMS 40, and a commercial power supply 50th From the HEMS 40 a request to load an electrical storage device 11 and a request is transferred for unloading in order to allow an external electrical load to the vehicle 10 to use an electric power of the electric storage device. 11 If a request from the request to load the request for discharge is changed, or vice versa, the vehicle 10 realizes a charge-discharge stop state in which neither charging nor discharging is performed without directly from the charging to the discharging or is changed vice versa.


We often talk of utilising our outdoor spaces in better, more imaginative ways, but what options do you have if your setting is not teeming with nature? Willow could well provide a sustainable solution.


ABSTRACT The high-temperature thermal properties of powder metallurgy derived superalloys have not been reported in the literature. In this study, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), specific heat and thermal diffusivity of metal injection moulded (MIM) Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 were measured. Measurements of wrought Nickel 200 were also made to verify the methods. These thermal property measurements were made in the range of room temperature to 1000–1200°C using dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry and laser flash analysis. Thermal conductivity of all three materials was calculated using the measured diffusivity, specific heat and CTE. All the MIM results were compared to published data for the wrought form of these alloys and found to be in close agreement outside of phase transition regions.


A preparation process of polyimide aerogels that composed of aromatic dianhydrides and aromatic diamines or a combined aromatic and aliphatic diamines is described. Also descried is a process to produce carbon aerogels derived from polyimide aerogel composed of a rigid aromatic diamine and an aromatic dianhydride. Finally, the processes to produce carbon aerogels or xerogel-aerogel hybrid, both of which impregnated with highly dispersed transition metal clusters, and metal carbide aerogels, deriving from the polyimide aerogels composed of a rigid aromatic diamine and an aromatic dianhydride, are described. The polyimide aerogels and the polyimide aerogel derivatives consist of interconnecting mesopores with average pore size at 10 to 30 nm and a mono-dispersed pore size distribution. The gel density could be as low as 0.008 g/cc and accessible surface area as high as1300 m2/g.


Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: smart power grids; power system maintenance and management; sustainable development; asset management and monitoring; and power system planning. (15 pages)


Equipment is described for electrical measurements under hydrostatic pressures to 30 kilobar over the low to room temperature range. The piston and cylinder type pressure vessel of the high‐pressure cryostat is actuated directly by a hydraulic ram at room temperature. Thermal isolation is achieved through use of long tension and compression members. Details about the self‐stressing, double‐walled cylinder are provided. Both the Bi I–II transition and an n–InSb manometer have been used for pressure calibration.


In this paper, we propose a land-cover classification method based on a modified hierarchical k-nearest neighbor (MHkNN) algorithm to achieve a high classification accuracy. The proposed method introduces a reliability measure for each training sample, which is defined as confidence in the sample belonging to each of the considered classes. The method performs the majority voting considering not only the number of the training samples, but also their reliabilities. The classification performance of the proposed method is compared to that of the conventional land-cover classification methods. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by applying it to real remote sensing images.


We describe a new technique for averaging two‐dimensional powder diffraction patterns to form a single profile of the diffracted intensity at different values of the scattering angle 2θ, I(2θ). This approach significantly improves the precision with which d spacings and diffracted intensity can be measured relative to conventional techniques of powder diffraction at high pressures. By analyzing the diffraction patterns from samples inside the high‐pressure diamond cell we find that scattering angles, 2θ, can be determined with an uncertainty of ±0.0068° and the relative intensities of different (hkl) diffraction lines are obtained to within ±0.9%. Combining the measurements of 2θ and intensity we have determined the equation of state and the Debye–Waller (B) factor of gold to 15.4 GPa. These are the highest pressures to which B has been measured to date, and we find that the results are in good agreement with thermodynamic measurements at low pressures.


Experiment teaching is part of course teaching and plays an important role in the cultivation of students' experimental ability, innovative spirit and creativity. This paper introduces some of our reforms in the methods of conducting Chemical Experiment course for non chemistry majors and in the grading method. These reforms have been made in order to give our students guidance in their studies and make them work conscientiously and put what they have learned into use while they are making experiments, thus improving the general quality of experiment teaching.


A passive impulsive head rotation test was performed to evaluate the affected side of the labyrinth.A device reported by Tokita (1993) was used to record head and eye movements. Displacements and velocities of head and eye movements were respectively recorded by terrestrial magnetism sensor and an electronystagmographic technique. To examine vestibulo-ocular response (VOR), passive impulsive head rotations to the right and left at irregular intervals were performed repeatedly similar to the maneuver reported by Halmagyi et al (1993). From the record, latency and VOR gain ratio (VOR gain on the affected side rotation/VOR gain on the healthy side rotation) at 40ms and 80ms after onset of head rotation were measured.Twenty-two patients with unilateral vestibular disorders were examined in this manner. The affected side of the labyrinth was determined by caloric test.Seventeen patients showed VOR gain ratios less than 0.8 indicating hyporeaction of the affected labyrinth. Three patients including one with a slight canal paresis on caloric test showed ratios within 1±0.2. Two patients including one with a prolonged course showed ratios greater than 1.2. Examination of the VOR gain ratio on passive impulsive head rotation was a useful rotation test to evaluate the affected side of the labyrinth.


Combined with current development of packaging and printing industry,taking Tianjin university of science and technology for example,the general situation and practice of graduate student education in the fields of packaging and printing were discussed in this paper.The experiences of graduate student education were summarized.Aimed at the problems of the graduate student education,a series of new ways to improve the quality of graduate student education were proposed.


INTRODUCTION
With the renewed call for community participation in health interventions after the Alma Ata Declaration, interest has been raised in volunteer community health workers (CHWs) acting as representatives of local communities. The present study interrogates the dynamic interface between local communities and the government in the selection of CHW volunteers in a rural community.

METHODS
Data were collected through participant observation of community events, 35 in-depth interviews, 20 focus groups and 15 informal conversations. A review of documents about Luwero district was also an important source of data.

RESULTS
Ambiguous national guidelines and poor supervision of the selection process enabled the powerful community leaders to influence the selection of village health teams (VHTs). Intended to achieve community involvement, the selection process produced a disconnect in the local community where many members saw the selected VHTs as having been 'taken away'.

CONCLUSIONS
Community involvement in the selection of VHTs took a form that, instead of empowering the local community, reinforced the responsibility of those in power and thus maintained the asymmetrical status quo.


Although human papillomavirus (HPV) issues have focused primarily on females, it is important to give attention to males because the primary mode of transmission of the virus is through sexual intercourse. There is increasing evidence that HPV is causing serious diseases like penile, anal, head, and neck cancer among males. Studies have also shown that, generally, males have similar rates of HPV infection (0.29 to 0.39 per 1000 person-month) as females. The vaccine against HPV, Gardasil®, has been used in women since 2006. In 2009, the FDA approved Gardasil® for men. Although questions about the efficacy of HPV vaccination in males remain, it is important to understand what males know about HPV and their predisposition towards being vaccinated against the virus.


In 1769, an episode during which Joseph II of Austria ploughed part of a peasant's field generated much public interest. As soon as the incident became known, pictorial represetations of it appeared. Monuments commemorating it were still being erected in the 19th century. The writer examines two representations of the incident, a pre-1785 print by Johann Baptist Bergmuller and a 1777 painting by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, works that show how the incident was used to secure the continuity of a monarchy caught up in a crisis of legitimation.


It introduced the design of plastic product and the 3D mould based on Pro/E、Plastic Advisor、EMX and the necessary theoretical arithmetic. Associatived the parameterize design and theory method, which can largely shorten the periodic time of development and design procedure, improved the design accuracy from product to mould, guaranteed the product confectioning quality and the useful life period of mould.


Accomplishing oral interactive workplace tasks requires various language abilities, including pragmatics. While technology-mediated tasks are thought to offer many possibilities for teaching and assessing second language (L2) pragmatics, their effectiveness – especially those facilitated by an AI agent (artificial intelligence agent) – remains to be explored. This study investigated how 47 tertiary-level learners of English as a second language (ESL) performed on an oral interactive task that required them to make requests to their boss in two distinct modalities. Each participant completed the same task with a fully automated AI agent and with a human interlocutor in a face-to-face format. Findings showed that both modalities elicited language use relevant to the pragmatics target. However, fully automated interactions were found to be more transactional, while face-to-face interactions were more functionally oriented (e.g. more frequent/varied supportive moves). Although fully automated interactive tasks may be useful for eliciting requests, replicating human-to-human interactions remains a challenge.


This paper introduces the compatible design and construction of several key problems in the signal control computer room of lightning protection and electromagnetic. And the measures of solving the electromagnetic lightning invasion by the power channel and space channel are discussed theoretically.


Building on a case study that we generalize, we use a model of interval four indexes transportation problem (4ITP: origin, destination, goods types, vehicle types) and find a solution on the minimum transportation cost for the distribution planning between manufacturers and customers. The 4ITP with real variables and deterministic parameters was solved for all cases where the problem is degenerated or not and the SEC is satisfied or not. From this result, we develop a resolution algorithm on the coupling of mathematical model and particle swarm optimization method to solve the 4ITP with interval cost parameter. This will be programmed in FORTRAN 95 and tested on small, medium and large instances. From the AAS's industrial database, which is the first rank subcontractor for Airbus in France, we use an algorithm to determine the input database for the mix model 4ITP. This obtained result will be coupled with the interval four indexes model for the implementation in industry.


The present invention describes a handler for a container and a method for monitoring for processing, in particular handler method (1) printing a container (4). The processor has a transport mechanism for transporting containers along a transport trajectory. According to the present invention, there is provided a scanning device profile line segments for scanning at least one stationary envelope curve of the envelope curve in accordance with the type of container transport and / or in advance by a component mounting equipment according to a predetermined set. Further, in such a way to set up the scanning device, i.e., in a direction toward the processing unit so that the laterally beyond the scanning device emits a control signal when the profile line segments.


Objective To explore the application value of prenatal ultrasound in screening of fetal hands malformations.Methods Data of fetal hands malformations was analyzed retrospectively.Results There were 25 cases of fetal hands malformations,including 5 cases of abnormal wrist posture,8 cases of hand(finger) missing,and 12 cases of congenital multiple(and) finger.15 cases of fetal hands malformations were detected by prenatal ultrasound,10 cases were missed diagnose,the detection rate was 60%.The detection rate of fetal hands malformations in 18~24 and 25~32 gestational weeks was higher.Conclusion Prenatal ultrasound screening can improve the detection rate of fetal hands malformations,which has important value in prenatal fetal malformations screening.


This article has introduced various agglutinants of paint spray mist, and the working principle and performance of residue remove facilities in detail, based on the wet spray booth and how to select, utilize and control these facilities


This work presents the fabrication and electrical characterization of the Ion-Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) exposed to hydrogen peroxide solutions. Two configurations were set up to evaluate the sensitivity of the devices to the concentration of the solution. First, measurements with one electrode in the sample solution (contained over the gate area) were performed; however, due to the prevalence of secondary effects, the results may not be directly related to the characteristics of the solution. The second method, using two electrodes in the sample solution, shows a higher sensitivity at increasing H2O2 concentrations, and in decreasing intervals, when compared to measurements with one electrode.


The ability of pathogenic fungi to switch between a multicellular hyphal and unicellular yeast growth form is a tightly regulated process known as dimorphic switching. Dimorphic switching requires the fungus to sense and respond to the host environment and is essential for pathogenicity. This review will focus on the role of dimorphism in fungi commonly called thermally dimorphic fungi, which switch to a yeast growth form during infection. This group of phylogenetically diverse ascomycetes includes Talaromyces marneffei (recently renamed from Penicillium marneffei), Blastomyces dermatitidis (teleomorph Ajellomyces dermatitidis), Coccidioides species (C. immitis and C. posadasii), Histoplasma capsulatum (teleomorph Ajellomyces capsulatum), Paracoccidioides species (P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii) and Sporothrix schenckii (teleomorph Ophiostoma schenckii). This review will explore both the signalling pathways regulating the morphological transition and the transcriptional responses necessary for intracellular growth. The physiological requirements of yeast cells during infection will also be discussed, highlighting recent advances in the understanding of the role of iron and calcium acquisition during infection.


Nanoparticles of molybdenum(IV) oxide (MoO 2 ) and a TiO 2 /MoO 2 nanocomposite were synthesised via a continuous hydrothermal synthesis process. Both powders were analysed using XRD, XPS, TEM, and BET and evaluated as active materials in anodes for Li-ion half-cells. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements were carried out in the potential window of 0.1 to 3.0 V vs. Li/Li+. Specific capacities of ca. 350 mAh g -1 were obtained for both materials at low specific currents (0.1 A g -1 ); TiO 2 /MoO 2 composite electrodes showed superior rate behaviour & stability under cycling (compared to MoO 2 ), with stable specific capacities of ca. 265 mAh g -1 at a specific current of 0.5 A g -1 and ca. 150 mAh g -1 after 350 cycles at a specific current of 2.5 A g -1 . The improved performance of the composite material, compared to MoO 2 , was attributed to a smaller particle size, improved stability to volume changes (during cycling), and lower charge transfer resistance during cycling. Li-ion hybrid electrochemical capacitors using TiO 2 /MoO 2 composite anodes and activated carbon (AC) cathodes were evaluated and showed excellent performance with an energy density of 44 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 600 W kg -1 .


Twenty-three organolithium compounds were analyzed by using the topological theory of molecular structure. The geometry of each compound was first optimized, making use of the 3-21G basis set. Then integrated lithium charges and quantities characterizing the carbon-lithium bond critical point, such as rho/sub c/ (C-Li), del/sup 2/rho/sub c/(C-Li), and the local energy density, were calculated. The results confirm the nature of the carbon-lithium bond to be primarily ionic. Bond path networks of these compounds were also calculated and proved surprising. Coordination numbers of lithium, as assigned by the topological theory, range from one to four. Similarly defined coordination numbers of carbon range as high as nine. Unexpectedly, some putatively bridging lithiums are not bridging in a topological sense. Additional unexpected features of the bond path networks are bond paths connecting essentially neutral carbons with lithiums and bond paths connecting highly negatively charged carbons that are widely separated. No lithium-lithium bond paths are found. Finally, unstable topological structures occur at potential energy minima. Polarization of electrons toward what are essentially lithium cations accounts for the carbon-lithium bond paths observed.


From the specialties of the stereo vision applied in vision-based navigation, we propose a whole solution to reconstruct 3D scene from the disparity map. First, we discussed how to get the camera-based coordinates form the disparity map. Second, we developed the conversion from the camera-based to the vehicle-based coordinates, thus, more practical reconstruction result was obtained. Finally, the quantity of data was reduced greatly by subdividing whole scene into smaller subunits. The experiment results prove that our algorithm can meet the vision-based navigation's request for real-time and validity.


In this paper, we propose a new transmitter architecture of delta-sigma modulator. Highly efficient switched mode power amplifier is applicable with proposed architecture. Reconfigurability in channel selection and reduction of complexity are mainly addressed. The transmitter architecture has been applied to IEEE 802.11n wireless LAN system and validated by MATLAB simulation.


This article reveals specificity of mentality of Russian and English folk on the example of proverbs and sayings. The basic differences between proverbs and sayings have also been pointed out. The author of the work dwells on language statements and underlines that they can be considered from diametrically opposite from sense and logic point of view, as it depends on previous experience of individual of interaction and other individual peculiarities of perception and reflection of information. Purpose - to determine sociolinguistic principles of flattery. Methodology - there is a basic scientific method of investigation that is called a theretico-deductive method. The methods of contextual and functional analysis have been also used. Results etymological analysis of language personality of flatterer has shown its negative sides. Practical implications It is possible for us to use the results in courses of theory cross-cultural communication, theory and practice of translation, speech culture and speech etiquette, theory and interpretation of dialogic discourse.


We report the optimal transient times for chronoamperometric experiments in order to simultaneously determine accurate values of concentration (c) and diffusion coefficient (D), or alternatively the number of electrons passed (n) providing c is known. This is achieved by the analysis of the current-time transients resulting from potential steps for the oxidation of ferrocene in acetonitrile and the reduction of cobaltocenium in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide. The analysis is based upon Shoup and Szabo approximation, which has been reported to describe the current response over all time values to within an error of 0.5% [D. Shoup and A. Szabo, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 1982, 140, 237-245]. The error is quantified through comparing the resulting chronoamperometric data with simulation at all transient times. In addition, an alternative simple approach to the simultaneous determination of nc and D values is proposed by independently investigating the short and long time regimes of chronoamperometric transients. The chronoamperometry of hydrazine is investigated as a multielectron example process.


The photodissociation of O3 was investigated as a possible sources of N2O production in the stratosphere. Photolysis was conducted at 1576 A to generate the excited O2 states that react with N2 to form N2O. At this wavelength, there is a quantum yield of two for prompt production of oygen atoms, which is a consequence of the existence of two photodissociative channels giving comparable yields. One of these channels gives O(D1) and O2(b1sigma(+)subg), with a quantum yield of 0.6, whereas the other results in fragmentation of the O3, with production of three ground state oxygen atoms. The O2(b) is generated with vibrational excitation, and there are comparable populations in levels O to 3. These observations are the first to show O2(b) production from any photodissociative process, and were made under conditions in which the kinetics of vibrationally excited O2(b) can be studied. It appears that O3 photodissociation at 1576 A is not a good system for generating the higher electronic states of O2; it is likely that better results will be obtained at 1930 A.


The problem to determine the width of a 3D object is involved in many engineering fields. This paper presents an optimized iterative projection method to solve this problem. In this way, the 3D width problem is turned into a 2D width problem, simplifying the solving process greatly. Furthermore, several improving strategies are addressed to reduce the amount of calculation and enhance the executing efficiency of the iterative projection approach. Experiments of models and point sets are also given to show the prominent performance of the proposed algorithm.


Doped polysilicon layerS and layered polysilicon Structures are produced, and the layers and layered Structures are Structured. The doping is distinguished by the fact that the doping compound is added as a proceSS gas during the chemical vapor deposition of the polysilicon to define the doping profile. The feed of dopant to the process gas is Stopped toward the end of the vapor deposition, with the result that a boundary layer of undoped Silicon is deposited. AS a result, a favorable Surface quality and better adhesion to a neighboring layer is obtained. The Structuring process comprises an at least three-step etching process in which a fluorine containing gas is used for etching in a first Step, a chlorine-containing gas is used for etching in a Second Step and a bromine-containing, gas is used for etching in a third Step. The invention also encompasses wafers and Semicon ductor chips produced with the novel doping and/or struc turing method.


The quality differences between DP800 PVC products made in China and that imported from Japan are analyzed,and the regular methods to improve the quality of DP800 PVC are indicated,which are as follows:(1)eliminating the "fish eyes" through controlling the preparation process of PVA,selecting suitable initiators and controlling the after-treatment process of PVC;(2)designing the optimal using amount and ratio of PVA1 and PVA2 by DOE method with two factors,and improving the adsorption amount of plasticizer;(3)selecting perester-type initiators and suitable technological conditions of stripping process and that of drying process;and (4)adding heat stabilizer,into the polymerization system and adopting heat-resistant terminator.


The conventional narrative of American labor history in the early twentieth century tells a simple, tragic tale, centered almost entirely on male workers. Steelworkers among the most oppressed industrial workers in the country organized a huge strike in 1919 that failed; as a result, craft unionism remained unchallenged and Samuel Gompers maintained his conservative grip over the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Women, supposedly, were irrelevant to the steel strike because they did not march, strike in support of the men, or launch their own drives toward trade union recognition. And with Gompers in charge after 1919, no women darkened labor's doorway until well into the twentieth century. Female factory workers were viewed as the clients of middle-class reformers, while women white-collar workers appeared to be both marginal and tied to management. This vision of labor history holds up only if we consider labor history to be the story of laboring men. Eric Hobsbawm's book by the same title has encouraged me to seek a wider angle on the narrative of American history and the role of women especially white-collar women workers in the public sector -1 with special attention to the so-called labor aristocracy. Starting with an analysis of the theory of the labor aristocracy, this essay focuses on two unions of women workers in the public sector: school teachers and (for the duration of World War I) telephone workers. Both unions took shape at the dawn of the 20th century, both represented whitecollar workers, and both had a female constituency with a feminist leadership. At the same time, this essay retells the familiar story of the competing labor strategies of three labor leaders Samuel Gompers,


. Smoking was more common in younger than in older women in the general population as found from a population study of women aged 38–60. Almost half of the women aged 38 were smokers as compared to about 20% of those aged 60. There was no over-representation of smokers in women who had angina pectoris or ECG changes suggestive of ischaemic heart disease. Women who had an acute attack of myocardial infarction were significantly more often smokers than women in the general population. In addition, cigarette consumption was significantly higher among female smokers who had MI than among female smokers in the general population.


(57) Abstract: discloses a single mode optical waveguide fiber having a split core. The relative refractive index of each segment, the relative refractive index profile and radius is selected to provide a waveguide suitable for use under such harsh environments undersea cable. Split core fiber prevents the solitons formed with a positive total dispersion over about 1530nm to the operation window of 1570 nm. Zero dispersion, cutoff wavelength, characteristic of attenuation and bend resistance are within desired range. Such waveguides also show low deflection mode dispersion.


Lacquer, as a medium for artistic expression, was not readily chosen by Persian artists before the late Safavid period. It was during the Qajar period that delicately painted miniatures on various surfaces drew the attention of the European market to the talent of Persian artists. Although some well known scholars have devoted their time to document artefacts from this period, a systematic study of the techniques and stylistic developments has not yet been produced. The purpose of this thesis is to fill this gap. Qalamdans, mirror cases, book covers and enamels painted by both well known and less well known artists were selected and compared and, with the aid of comparative material, a chronology of stylistic development was established. Attention has been paid to the way artists related to the various surfaces to be decorated, their handling of figural representations, floral depictions and other naturalistic elements, and the influence of the Islamic heritage on the choice of subject matter. The qualitative treatment of large surfaces, such as canvas or walls, and small surfaces, such as qalamdans, book covers and mirror cases was strikingly different. While the figural representations which are depicted on small surfaces and based on foreign models are both delicate and dynamic, those based on live models, such as the ruler or patron or even battle scenes, appear to be stiff. The treatment of perspective is also notably different. It is virtually absent in large pictures, but invariably present on qalamdans and mirror cases. The European influence is discernable in most of the paintings, but each artist introduced his individual approach to the stylistic execution of the subject matter. Artists on the whole preferred to keep the technique of colour preparation to themselves or to hand down the knowledge to their students orally. Interviews were conducted with a number of Persian artists who were willing to provide information about some of the techniques practised by their predecessors, thereby enabling us to gain a valuable insight into the methods used by artists in the Qajar period. Last, but not least, the historical environment and patronage which undoubtedly influenced artists also received considerable attention.


In the Bamali community of Cameroon, just as in other parts of Africa, polygamy was an important aspect of indigenous culture which was widely acceptable and practiced by many. Monogamy was regarded as a form of weakness given the fact that the might and pride of a man was measured in accordance with the number wives and children he had. This paper seeks to examine the perception of polygamy and its defies in the Bamali community. It highlights the basis of polygamy among the Bamali people, and also explores the impact of polygamous marriages on the family. The paper sustains the argument that, despite the fact that polygamy was widely accepted and practiced by many, it had devastating effects on family happiness. In order to achieve this goal, the paper made appeal to some selected primary and secondary sources and the con-clusions were drawn after a qualitative historical analysis. The paper concludes by stating that, polygamy was an inherent cultural practice of the Bamali people which resisted cultural extinction and has moved into a revolutionary dimension to trans-cend the various historical periods.


Security continues to be an issue for organizations. Good information security is a mix of physical security, computer security, network security, backups, anti-virus software, firewalls, authentication methods, intrusion detection, confidentiality, integrity, availability, etc., Risk is the combination of threat and vulnerability. This paper deals with Information security in particular and concentrates on corporate networks. Threats without vulnerabilities pose no risk. Likewise, vulnerabilities without threats pose no risk. A secure system should still permit authorized users to carry out legitimate and useful tasks. It might be possible to secure a computer system against misuse using extreme measures. Most computer systems cannot be made secure even after the application of extensive "computer security" measures. Further more, if they are secure then functionality and ease of use often decreases. The assurance of security depends not only on the soundness of the design strategy, but also on the assurance of correctness of the implementation. There is no universal standard notion of what secure behavior is. "Security" is a concept that is unique to each situation. One technique enforces the principle of least privilege to great extent is even if an attacker gains access to one part of the system, fine-grained security ensures that it is just as difficult for them to access the rest. Further more, by breaking the system up into smaller components; the complexity of individual components is reduced. Most of the time people concentrate on coming out with efficient algorithms to analyze, process data. But not much importance is given to ensure data integrity, security, privacy, etc.


In the current situation there is not much written about assessment of laboratory work, and the majority of the working physics teachers are retiring and there are only a few newly qualified physic ...


The method apparatus, for each latching tab 7, placing the sheath 94 having the configuration portion to be housed between the cylindrical wall of the tab and the device, leaving the tabs until means for preventing is released, and comprises a step of releasing the steps of placing a sheath between each tab and the cylindrical wall, two body 2 and 3 from each other. This equipment, in addition to the sheath 94, has a guide slide 77.


Objective: To evaluate oral health among women which would provide a baseline data to develop preventive and educational programmes. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out within the municipal corporation limits of Udupi district among women attending/visiting government and private hospital for antenatal check-up, check-up for their new born or the accompanying persons visiting the hospitals. Age, type of health care system, previous pregnancy was collected at the time of enrollment in the study. This was followed by recording of Community Periodontal Index and Loss of Attachment (CPI and LOA) for periodontal diseases and Decayed, Missing, Filled Tooth (DMFT) Index for dental caries. Results: A total of 1004 women (508 government and 496 private hospital) participated in this study. There was a significant difference in the periodontal status (mean CPI and LOA) among the three types of women (p<0.001 and <0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed that the expectant mothers had highest mean CPI and LOA followed by mothers with least mean score in non-pregnant women. There was a significant difference in the caries status (mean DT, MT, DMFT) among the three types of women (p=0.02, <0.001 and <0.001) however, no significant difference was seen with respect to mean filled tooth (FT). Post-hoc analysis showed that the expectant mothers and mothers had higher mean DT than non – pregnant women. Interestingly, it was seen that mothers had higher mean MT than expectant mothers and non-pregnant women. The overall mean DMFT score was significantly higher for mothers followed by expectant mothers with least being in non-pregnant women. Conclusion: A clear understanding of hormonal changes and its role in oral health and disease is needed for all the health care providers. Women in the reproductive age and who were expecting pregnancy should have thorough oral health screening and treatment.


One of the great obstacles in developing therapeutic agents based on biomacromolecules, including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, should be their low membrane permeability due to their high hydrophilicity and large molecular sizes. On the other hand, there is a growing research interest in intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules using arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Chemical conjugation of bioactive macromolecules with these CPPs allows efficient translocation of these molecules into cells. Successful intracellular delivery of various nano-particles using CPPs have also been reported. Involvement of macropinocytosis has been reported as an internalization mechanism of arginine-rich CPPs. Accumulation of arginine-rich CPPs and their conjugates on cell surfaces by the interaction of membrane associated proteoglycans and the eventual induction of macropinocytosis can be a rationale to explain the high efficacy of the intracellular delivery.


Compared to England, little written evidence has su rvived from the Scottish houses. This makes extant documents all th e more precious and demands the use of a wide range of resources, i nclud ng material from outside Scotland, in their interpretation. The re is obviously much that monasteries in different regions of Latin Chri stendom had in common, but each house was also part of local and n ational communities; each house had its inner life of praye r nd work, but, as a landowner and valuable benefice, it also had social and political significance. Pluscarden priory in Moray existed in these interco nnecting worlds and one document which opens up vistas in all of th em is a collection of testimonies, written in a difficult and scrawlin g secretary hand, which were given before the Lords of Council in 157 9–80 during a case concerning the bailiary of Pluscarden. 2 This article is based on an annotated transcription of this document, which is given in the first appendix, and it begins by setting the testimonies in context through a study of Pluscarden and its regality in the period. This leads into a deeper examination of three issues: contemporary ch arter production, the state of the Pluscarden monastic community in t he sixteenth century, and the place of novices in late medieval and renaissance Scottish monasticism. Finally, a list of all known monks of Pluscarden priory in the sixteenth century is given as appendi x 2. In the


The dynamic acceptance of different low-emittance lattices is investigated with special emphasis on tolerances. Based on a modification of a Chasman-Green-like lattice, a damping ring layout meeting the design goals for a 500 GeV (centre of mass) linear collider is presented.


Binary classification problems are very common in decision making. In decision support systems, classifiers which produce a propensity score for mapping the multidimensional space into a scalar give the human decider the power to control the operating point by just setting a threshold to separate the two classes. These classifiers, usually called rankers, have their discriminating power measured along the continuous range of the score by the Area Under the ROC curve (AUC_ROC) in most application fields. Only the domain of finances uses the single point metric maximum Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) distance. This paper presents the uncommon Area Under the KS curve (AUC_KS) for performance assessment and proves that AUC_ROC =0.5+AUC_KS. This equivalence allows for a simpler calculation of the AUC_ROC and brings about new perspectives for ROC averaging in ensembles of classifiers or n-fold cross-validation. The equivalence proof is geometrically inspired on rotating the KS curve counter-clockwise via a simple matrix transformation. Having the independent variable (normalized score) on the abscissa of the KS curve simplifies the calculation of the average AUC_KS and its errors in ensembles, thus yielding their ROC counterparts calculations by simple matrix multiplication. This research gives insights on probabilistic interpretations of classifiers assessment and integrates the existing body of knowledge of the information theoretical ROC approach with the proposed statistical approach based on the thoroughly known KS distribution.


MeV Ion implantation has proven useful for many applications, such as latch-up suppression, SER reduction, and buried layer formation. MeV ion implantation can also be used to form a minority carrier diffusion barrier to reduce reverse bias diode leakage, particularly at high temperatures. The reduction in diode leakage has applications in DRAMs, CCDs, etc. The use of a MeV implanted diffusion barrier improves the ability to scale DRAM cell capacitance.<<ETX>>


It was one of the five studies within the research program of the BSL-RMIT Teaching and Research in Aged Care Services (TRACS) (2012-2014). The research was designed to find consensus on the core competencies for high quality care and support among four stakeholder groups at Sumner House in Fitzroy - residents, their families and friends, BSL aged care managers and direct care staff. The results can be used by staff to adapt their service delivery and supports, by management to adapt policies and procedures, by residents in setting expectations for the service and by educators for developing courses in aged care. This report was published by the Centre for Applied Social Research, RMIT University.


Haemophilia is the most frequent diagnosed inborn clotting factor deficiency in newborn. Studies reveal that majority of hemophilia A cases are due to an inversion of the long arm of X-chromosome. Newborns with hemophilia are at risk of intracranial and extracranial hemorrhage, and other bleeding complications. Diagnostic criteria for haemophilia include confirmation of a factor activity level below 40% of normal (below 0.40 IU/mL), or a hemophilia gene mutation. Haemophilia typically result in an isolated prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time. However, the definitive diagnosis requires measurement of factors VIII and IX levels. Here, we describe a newborn with cephalhematoma gastrointestinal bleeding that is the manifestation of neonatal haemophilia with antenatally diagnosed duodenal atresia and there is no positive family history. This case shows a rare hemophilia presentation reflecting the importance of coagulation studies when faced with unexplained bleeding.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 62-65


This essay analyzes the direction of literacy in Brazil under the perspective of a researcher who was a literacy teacher for a long time. The text proposes that professionals interested on literacy seek for the most recent references and research results about this matter so they can think about changing current teaching methods. To do so, we will discuss the children's learning process of reading based on the professional experience of a teacher and in the light of the knowledge produced by Cognitive Psychology of Reading.


Immunologic aspects of otolaryngologic diseases are appearing in our literature, and clinical applications of these concepts are becoming available. The significance of these advances is obscured by the confusing terminology usually employed; however, the terminology can be mastered without much difficulty. The humoral and cellular divisions of the immune system have long been recognized. The humoral division of the immune system appears to play a major role in the prevention of infection, autoimmune disease, and atopic disease. The cellular division is probably most important in the prevention of neoplastic disease. There is overlap and the systems do interact. Future manipulations of the immune system may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as chronic secretory otitis media, allergic rhinitis, and cancer of the head and neck.


Objective: To compare the brain target distribution of NGF in different forms after it was injected into rabbits body by imaging with SPECT. Methods: The 4.0 mCi of-NGF packed with liposomeA, 4.0 mCi of 99mTc-NGF packed with liposomeB and free-NGF were differently injected into the rabbit by the vein of ear border. SPECT was used to detect the distribution of -NGF. And then the ratio of radioactivity counts between brain and all was calculated to describe the character of distribution in brain. Results: The results of imaging with SPECT showed that -NGF packed with liposomeA was aggregated in brain; -NGF was evacuated through urinary system. In addition, 99mTc-NGF packed with liposomeB was aggregated in liver. Conclusion: The NGF packed with liposomeA possessed ability of target to brain. It could take NGF across the blood-brain-barrier(BBB).


Self-concordant motivation to improve one's health may influence concurrent experiences of social comparison and later membership in a health-promotion facility. Adult members of such a facility (N = 473) completed brief measures of their main goal in joining; self-concordance of that goal; and typical frequency, direction, consequences, and motives of social comparison. Continuing membership was assessed after 2 years. Logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses, controlling for respondents' age, sex, and years of membership, supported hypothesized associations of higher self-concordance with (a) greater odds of continuing membership, (b) lower frequency of comparing oneself with others, (c) lower odds of feeling worse about oneself on account of social comparison, and (d) less agreement with esteem-maintenance, versus self-improvement/evaluation, as a motive for social comparison. Although there are limitations to respondents' self-reports, social comparison seems to result in fewer negative psychological consequences for individuals with more self-concordant health-related goals. Implications for health-related behavior are discussed.


High product concentration in aerobic biorefining fermentation requires high lignocellulose feedstock loading. However, the high solids content and the consequent high viscosity of the lignocellulose hydrolysate severely limit oxygen transfer and thus lead to low aerobic fermentation rate. This study first investigates the experimental measurement and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based simulation of oxygen transfer properties in the high solids loading and highly viscous lignocellulose hydrolysates. The oxygen mass transfer coefficients kLa values vary with various biorefining processing parameters. A minimum threshold kLa value was required for aerobic fermentation of glucose oxidation into gluconic acid. The rheological properties of the slurry were experimentally determined, and a CFD model was established for the design of aerobic fermentation bioreactors. The kLa values between the CFD calculation and the experimental determination were in good agreement for the high solids loading and high...


We demonstrate the fabrication of uniform Au nanocluster arrays utilizing a self-assembled polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) thin film as the template and their application as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. Au nanocluster arrays were fabricated by in situ heating and UV light-assisted reduction of Au precursor (AuCl4−), which was selectively loaded on the surface of the PS-b-P4VP thin film. It was found that the formation of Au particles involves two steps, the in situ reduction of AuCl4− forming tiny Au particles and the fusion of tiny Au particles forming bigger Au particles. Au particle density and size are tunable by adjusting the temperature and time of the UV light assisted reaction step. Uniform and high density Au nanocluster arrays are formed at 80 °C within three hours. The arrays were then used as SERS substrate for detecting a model molecule (R6G), which shows an excellent SERS performance with high reproducibility. The signals collected at 120 points over a 50 μm × 50 μm area give relative standard deviation lower than 11%. These results indicate that this route provides a simple, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and reproducible method for fabricating highly-active SERS substrates.


Molybdenum electrical interconnects for thermoelectric modules were produced by air plasma spraying a 30%CE%BCm size molybdenum powder through a laser-cut Kapton tape mask. Initial feasibility demonstrations showed that the molybdenum coating exhibited excellent feature and spacing retention (~170%CE%BCm), adhered to bismuth-telluride, and exhibited electrical conductivity appropriate for use as a thermoelectric module interconnect. A design of experiments approach was used to optimize air plasma spray process conditions to produce a molybdenum coating with low electrical resistivity. Finally, a molybdenum coating was successfully produced on a fullscale thermoelectric module. After the addition of a final titanium/gold layer deposited on top of the molybdenum coating, the full scale module exhibited an electrical resistivity of 128%CE%A9, approaching the theoretical resistivity value for the 6mm module leg of 112%CE%A9. Importantly, air plasma sprayed molybdenum did not show significant chemical reaction with bismuth-telluride substrate at the coating/substrate interface. The molybdenum coating microstructure consisted of lamellar splats containing columnar grains. Air plasma sprayed molybdenum embedded deeply (several microns) into the bismuth-telluride substrate, leading to good adhesion between the coating and the substrate. Clusters of round pores (and cracks radiating from the pores) were found immediately beneath the molybdenum coating. These pores are believed to result frommore » tellurium vaporization during the spray process where the molten molybdenum droplets (2623%C2%B0C) transferred their heat of solidification to the substrate at the moment of impact. Substrate cooling during the molybdenum deposition process was recommended to mitigate tellurium vaporization in future studies.« less


Yield stress was investigated as a potential quality control parameter for asphalt emulsions. Viscometric data were determined using the concentric cylinder, parallel plate, and cone and plate geometries with rotational rheometers. The authors also investigated the use of a novel slotted plate technique to determine the yield stress in a direct way--that is to say, without extrapolation. The Saybolt "viscosity" was determined with a Saybolt Viscometer following the AASHTO T 72-97 standard procedure. The slotted plate technique generated reproducible and consistent results that were far superior to those obtained by rotational rheometer techniques. The yield stress of the emulsions appears to be a more accurate measure of the performance specification for asphalt emulsions than the Saybolt "viscosity" data.


theories of justice. 35 Finally, Professor Sullivan has noted that "[w]here other justices are attracted by bright lines, [Justice O'Connor] is able to find the finest of distinctions. '536 Although some commentators have argued that this preference for standards over rules is a product of her gender,537 it is equally consistent with a Burkean distrust of rationalism and abstraction.5ra It may be, then, that despite all this talk of the Owl of Minerva, the shades of night are not gathering after all. Although the Court will likely retain pronounced left and right wings for the foreseeable future, neither group will be able to form a majority without persuading at least two of the Justices that made up the Casey plurality; the arrival of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, moreover, is likely to strengthen the centrist tendencies of the current Court.539 There is thus every reason to hope for a robust revival of 535. See id. at 2804-08 (following Justice Harlan's analysis in Poe v. Ullman in deriving a right to privacy from the Court's earlier precedents); Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Dep't of Health, 497 U.S. 261, 287-89 (1990) (O'Connor, J., concurring) (deriving a substantive due process "right to die" from earlier precedents involving the right to refuse unwanted medical treatment). See generally David B. Anders, Justices Harlan and Black Revisited: The Emerging Dispute Between Justice O'Connor and Justice Scalia Over Unenumerated Fundamental Rights, 61 FoRnDHa L. REv. 895, 915-21 (1993) (arguing that Justice O'Connor "has apparently abandoned her originalist approach to Fourteenth Amendment rights and replaced it with a fundamental rights theory"). Although Mr. Anders seems correct in noting O'Connor's departures from originalism, he vastly oversimplifies in asserting that she has become a "fundamental rights" theorist. Justice O'Connor's focus in both Casey and Cruzan is firmly on history and precedent-not on the abstract theory commonly identified with "fundamental rights" theories. Cf. id. at 900-01 (defining "fundamental rights" theory by reference to the interpretive theory of Ronald Dworkin). 536. Howard Kohn, Front and Center: On a Changing Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor Has Emerged as a New Power, L.A. TnIMs MAG., Apr. 18, 1993, at 14, 14 (quoting Justice O'Connor); see, e.g., TXO Production Corp. v. Alliance Resources Corp., 113 S. Ct. 2711, 2732 (1993) (O'Connor, J., dissenting) (acknowledging that, in determining whether a punitive damages award violates due process, "there is no 'mathematical bright line between the constitutionally acceptable and the constitutionally unacceptable" and proposing a standard-like test based on "the relationship between the punitive damages award and compensatory damages, awards of punitive damages upheld against other defendants in the same jurisdiction, awards upheld for similar torts in other jurisdictions, and legislatively designated penalties for similar misconduct") (quoting Pacific Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Haslip, 499 U.S. 1, 18 (1991)); Michael H. v. Gerald D., 491 U.S. 110, 132 (1989) (O'Connor, J., concurring in part) (refusing to join footnote six of the majority opinion, in which Justice Scalia articulated his rule that traditions should be defined at the most specific level of generality); see also M. David Gelfand & Keith Werhan, Federalism and Separation of Powers on a "Conservative" Court: Currents and Cross-Currents from Justices O'Connor and Scalia, 64 TtrL. L. REv. 1443, 1451 (1990) (noting O'Connor's preference for "contextual balancing" in both the federalism and separation of powers areas). 537. See Sherry, supra note 531, at 604-09. 538. See supra notes 312-16 and accompanying text; see also Kohn, supra note 536, at 14 ("O'Connor is rooted in the here and now, in details, not abstractions, certainly not in ideology or a single theory of constitutional interpretation."). 539. See Robert Giuffra, Justices Move to Sidelines, LEGAL Trms, July 26, 1993, at S23 ("Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg appears to fit within the mainstream of the present Court."); Marcia Coyle & Marianne Lavelle, Judge Ginsburg Gives Little Away at Hearings, NAT'L L.J., Aug. 2, NORTH CAROLINA LAW REVIEW Justice Harlan's common-law constitutionalism in future years. Sustaining this revival, however, will require continued work to explore how tradition and the conventions of the common law can actually restrain judges; otherwise, Harlan's modem disciples will continue to be vulnerable to charges that "reasoned judgment" constitutes nothing more than "rattl[ing] off a collection of adjectives that simply decorate a value judgment and conceal a political choice."540 Moreover, the project of developing a coherent Burkean approach to interpretation should help to reclaim the good name of "conservatism" from the misperceptions that presently surround it. After all, it is not surprising that conservative justices would act with moderation. What is surprising is that, in an age when "conservative" constitutional jurisprudence is dominated by originalism, judicial restraint, and bright-line rules, there are any real conservative justices left. 1993, at 5 (predicting that Justice Ginsburg "should find [herself] comfortably seated at times alongside Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and David H. Souter, the high court's wavering center"). 540. Planned Parenthood v. Casey, 112 S. CL 2791, 2875 (1992) (Scalia, J., concurring in the judgment in part and dissenting in part). [Vol. 72


The recent explosion of interest in microarray technology has resulted in it becoming the preferred methodology for conducting gene expression experiments. Although the ability of an array experiment to simultaneously examine the expression of thousands of genes gives a previously unheard of level of insight to researchers, it also raises a plethora of statistical questions involving both the sheer volume of data being produced, as well as the variability inherent in this technology. In this paper we present statistical methods based on Bayesian linear models to investigate the various sources of variability present in array experiments. Data from a previously published cDNA microarray experiment is used to illustrate this methodology. A major goal of genomic research involves the determination of gene function, the discovery of which ultimately gives investigators fundamental insight into the ways in which genes act to affect the traits exhibited by an organism. The ability of a gene to influence an organism's characteristics is the result of the manufacture (expression) of proteins by that gene, the identity of which is determined by the gene's genetic sequence (DNA). By observing the expression patterns of genes (i.e., the extent to which genes are turned on or off) under various treatment conditions, important clues about gene function can be obtained. Studies which investigate such patterns are termed gene expression experiments. A common method for determining the level of expression is to measure the amount of mRNA (an intermediate product in protein production) being produced by that gene. Although not exact, there is relatively high degree of correspondence between the volume of mRNA present, and the amount of protein produced. The ability to measure mRNA levels is not new, however, microarray technology 2 provides an avenue to perform such experiments on a grand scale. Specifically, these methods allow researchers to obtain expression data from thousands of genes under various treatment conditions in a single experiment. This wealth of data has led to the proposal of many different analytic approaches, with an early preference for clustering (i.e., grouping similar gene expression profiles)3–7 gradually giving way to studies of experimental variability , and methods for determining significant differential gene expression across treatments10–13. A microarray experiment consists of mRNA extracted from cells under different treatment conditions, and glass slides (the microarrays) to which spots of genetic material are attached. In the case of Affymetrix arrays, this material comprises oligonucleotides (short genetic sequences) which are synthesized on the array itself, while for cDNA arrays the material is complementary DNA (cDNA), which is printed onto the array by a robotic tool. In both cases, a single spot on the array comprises thousands of strands of identical cDNA which represent the sequence of a single gene, with thousands of spots (and thus thousands of genes) able to fit on a single array. Although the two technologies share many similarities, the focus here is on the cDNA array. In its most simple form, the aim of a cDNA microarray experiment is to measure the fold change in mRNA expression between two different treatment conditions for a collection of genes. This is accomplished by tagging the extracted mRNA from the two treatment conditions with fluorescent labels (often green (Cy3) for the control condition, and red (Cy5) for the treatment condition), mixing the mRNA samples together, and then placing the combined mRNA on the microarray to allow hybridization to occur. That is, allowing the single-stranded mRNA to bond with the cDNA segments attached to the microarray. Since the sequence for each gene is unique, each gene's mRNA will only bond with the unique complementary sequence from that gene, which means that each spot only collects mRNA that was produced by the gene it represents. Using a laser scanner the labeled mRNA can be fluoressed, thus providing an estimate of the amount of mRNA from each treatment condition that has hybridized at each spot on the array. The set of intensity signals from each of the red and green labels are often referred to as channels in array experiments. In addition to determining the red and green signal intensities, the software also calculates a background intensity for each label color at each spot. The background intensity aims to remove factors affecting the intensity levels (such as reflective glare from the array surface) directly associated with the presence of hybridized mRNA at the spot. This practice is referred to as background correction. Similar corrections must also be made for differing average signal intensities between the two channels, and across multiple slides. Such normalization procedures generally consist of standardizing the intensities from each channel to a median of one (i.e., by dividing through by the median), thus putting all intensities of the same scale. For an array with only a single spot per gene, the ratio of the two fluorescence intensities at each spot gives an indication of the relative abundance of mRNA being produced by each gene under each treatment condition, allowing the identification of genes whose mRNA expression levels differ between the two treatments. Such an approach, however, assumes that the experimental process is relatively free of variability, and that all differences in fluorescence intensity are the result of changes in expression level caused by differences in mRNA concentrations in each treatment condition. In reality this is usually not the case, with variability introduced by the chance nature of hybridization, and intensity changes affected by the fluorescent labels, the arrays, the treatment conditions, and the genes themselves. In order to overcome these problems, Kerr et al. proposed a linear models approach for the analysis of gene expression data. This allowed experimental effects to be incorporated as model parameters, thus accounting for the influence on fluorescence intensity, and excluding them from the estimation of the random error component. The use of a linear model in conjunction with techniques to account for multiple comparisons then makes it possible to detect which genes in an experiment display changes in expression level between treatment conditions. This paper extends the work of Kerr et al. and Kerr and Churchill by taking a Bayesian approach to the analysis of gene expression data. In this work Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques were utilized to obtain the joint posterior distribution of the linear model parameters , and based on these results, a Bayesian stepwise selection method is proposed for detecting a maximal number of genes which have undergone differential expression, while maintaining a suitably low posterior probability of error.


The education of the home-left children reveals poor achivement and mental deficiency,in addition to insufficient investment,management staffs,and family education.Hence the social work of intervention is assumed to play a positive role in improvement of the education.


Mucosal Th17 cells maintain the gut epithelial barrier and prevent invasion by luminal bacteria through a delicate balance of immunosuppressive and proinflammatory functions. HIV infection is characterized by mucosal Th17 depletion, microbial translocation, and immune activation. Therefore, we assessed the function of blood and sigmoid Th17 cells during both early and chronic HIV infection, as well as the impact of short- and long-term antiretroviral therapy. Th17 cells were defined as IL-17a + CD4 T cells, and their functional capacity was assessed by the coproduction of the inflammatory cytokines IL-22, TNF- a , and IFN- g , as well as the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10. Gut Th17 cells had a much greater capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokines than did those from the blood, but this capacity was dramatically reduced from the earliest stages of HIV infection. Immunoregulatory skewing of mucosal Th17 cell function, characterized by an increased IL-10/TNF- a ratio, was uniquely seen during early HIV infection and was independently associated with reduced systemic immune activation. Antiretroviral therapy rapidly restored mucosal Th17 cell numbers; however, normalization of mucosal Th17 function, microbial translocation, and mucosal/systemic immune activation was much delayed. These findings emphasize that strategies to preserve or to more rapidly restore mucosal Th17 function may have important therapeutic benefit. The Journal of Immunology , 2013, 191: 000–000. rotective immunity and immune regulation is provided by the balanced function of various CD4 T cell subsets,and Th17 polyfunctionality analysis was performed using SPICE Student t test (v5.22). Linear regression analyses were used to measure independent predictors of immune activation. The dependent variable (blood CD38+DR+CD8 + T cells) was logit transformed, and backward stepwise linear-regression analyses were performed for multiple indepen- dent covariates using SPSS. Values of p , 0.05 were considered significant.


The ability to detect ice on airplanes or roadways and land mines in fields of rubble would save many lives. Imaging polarimetry provides one basis for such detection methods. These and other applications are discussed in this article.


Directional solidification is one of the most popular techniques for massive production of multicrystalline silicon. After growth and annealing, the ingot is cooled down by a designed cooling process, which is initialized by descending bottom insulation, and then is controlled both by power ramp‐down rate and by motion of the bottom insulation. Thermal stress is piled up during cooling, and associated crystal defects, such as dislocation and micro‐cracks, may generate and propagate in the ingot. In the paper, transient modeling is applied to study the effect of bottom insulation on the cooling process. Temperature, velocity and thermal stress fields are obtained with linear, parabolic and sinusoidal motions of the insulation. The measured and predicted temperatures at two points of the ingot are found consistent. Distributions of von Mises stress in the ingot at different cooling time are obtained, and the maximum von Mises stresses are presented as a function of the cooling time. Specifically, dislocation‐free regions, evaluated by the critical resolved shear stress model, at certain cooling time, and area fractions of the regions as a function of the cooling time are proposed. The linear motion is further discussed with different moving rates, considering its wide applications in the current industry and convenient realization in control.


Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) was presented in 1986 [1]. Since long-term results of this therapy are now available, some considerations and conclusions can be drawn.


This paper is dedicated to the micromagnetic study of the temperature dependence of interactions in samples increasingly structured, with the standard deviations of the volume and orientation distributions becoming smaller and smaller. We have used the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation, observed the evolution of the interaction field distribution as a function of temperature during a number of magnetization processes and analyzed separately the contributions of the superparamagnetic and blocked particles.


The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of either host‐ or microbially‐derived conditioning films on biofilm formation. Hydroxyapatite (HA) discs were pre‐treated either with parotid saliva (2h incubation), or with crude glucosyltransferase (GTF) preparations (3h incubation in culture supernatant of Streptococcus sanguis or Streptococcus mutans, with sucrose), and then immersed in a mixed culture of oral bacteria grown in continuous culture. Discs were removed from the culture after 4d, and biofilms were detached with a sterile probe. Numbers of bacteria in the biofilms on pre‐treated discs were determined by differential viable counts, and results were compared with untreated discs. Pre‐treatment with GTF from S. sanguis or S. mutans increased the total CFU on discs immersed in the culture for 4 d by 29% and 95% respectively, although these differences were not statistically significant. The two GTF preparations had differential effects, with the S. sanguis preparation increasing the numbers o...


The complementary features of low-carbon power sources are a central issue in designing energy transition policies. The French current electricity mix is characterised by a high share of nuclear power which equalled 73% of the total electric production in 2013. With the increase of non-dispatchable renewable resources, nuclear flexibility is examined as part of the solution to balance electricity supply and demand. Our proposed methodology involves designing scenarios of nuclear and non-dispatchable renewable penetration levels, and developing residual load duration curves in each case. The load modulation impact on the nuclear production cost is estimated. This article shows to which extent the nuclear annual energy production will decrease with high shares of non-dispatchable renewables (down to load factors of 40% for proactive assumptions). However, the production cost increase could be compensated by implementing a progressive replacement of the plants. Besides, incentives proves required for nuclear to compete with combined cycle gas turbines as its alternative backup option. In order to make the social planner and plant operator goals coincide, the solution could be to find new outlets rather than reducing nuclear load factors. To conclude, nuclear flexibility could then be considered through the power use by producing heat or hydrogen.


Johnson B CCD photometry obtained with the 1-m and 2.5-m reflectors of El Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma, Canary Islands, of PKS 1538+149, 3C 345, 3C 351, and BL Lac is reported for the years 1986 and 1987.


Ultimobranchial (UB) glands from 19-20-day-old embryonic chicks cultured in a chemically denned medium secreted an inhibitor of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated bone resorption. This inhibitor was presumed to be calcitonin (CT) because: 1) the in vitro doseresponse curve was parallel to that obtained with synthetic salmon CT; 2) the activity was eluted on Sephadex G-100 and G-50 chromatography at positions similar to those for purified preparations of CT; 3) the material produced hypocalcemia in vivo in rats and; 4) the activity was lost following incubation with the proteolytic enzyme trypsin. Secretion increased progressively over a 48-hr culture period and was maintained for up to 8 days. CT-like activity was found in HC1 extracts as well as culture medium obtained from UB glands, but not from thyroid. When the glands were cultured with labeled amino acids and the media chromatographed on Sephadex G-100, there was a labeled peak which coincided with the peak of biological activity. No differences i...


In this paper, we consider the consensus problem of the multiple agents control for a discrete-time case under fixed information topology. First, we design the control laws based on the neighbor to solve the consensus problem of multi-agent systems. Second, we prove that each follower can track the active leader, and consensus analysis is performed based on Lyapunov approach. Furthermore, we study the effect of disturbances on the system. Numerical simulations illustrate the theoretical results.


ID: 18211 Title: Determining the Optimal B-Values to Use in Diffusion Weighted Imaging for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions Purpose:To investigate and determine the optimal b-values for Diffusion Weighted Imaging(DWI) for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient(ADC) maps in differentiating normal, benign and malignant breast tissue. Methods:Twenty-five patients underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(DWIMRI) and conventional breast MRI with suspicious breast findings(BIRADS >4). Breast lesions were defined by pathology. The DWI was acquired with different b-values ranging from 0,500, 600,750 and 1000s/mm2. Apparent Diffusion Coefficient(ADC) maps of breast tissue were constructed using different b-values, e.g., using either 2 b-values(0-1000) or combinations of 3 or more (0,500,1000 or 0,600,750,1000). Quantitative analyses of the ADC maps of glandular, fatty and lesion tissue were obtained. Ratios of lesion to glandular tissue(L/GT) and signal to noise(SNR) were assessed. Paired t-tests were performed for statistical significance. Results:Eighteen patients had invasive ductal carcinoma and 7 had benign breast lesions. The mean ADC value for malignant lesions using all b values was 1.17±0.16x10-3mm2/s with a lesion to glandular(L/GT) ratio=0.65. The benign lesions, ADC map value was 1.86±0.03x103mm2/s with L/GT=0.98. There was a significant difference(P<0.05) between benign and malignant lesions ADC map value.The lowest SNR(12±6) was with single b-values. There was a significant difference(P<0.05) in SNR with multiple b-values(34±6) compared to single b-values. The highest SNR was given by using two b values greater than 500. Finally, the background noise for all combinations was surprising stable and ranged between 60±20%. Conclusions:This is the first study to investigate the effect of changing different b values in DWI breast imaging. There were significant differences in the SNR between single and multiple b values. Our data show suggest that the recommended b-values for DWI in breast are 0, and two that are 500 or greater. Therefore use of at least 3 b-values in DWI/ADC mapping of breast lesions are needed for better characterization of benign and malignant breast tissue. Funding Support, Disclosures, and Conflict of Interest: P50CA88843, Avon Foundation for Women:01-2008-012, U01CA070095, and U01CA140204


Collisionless shocks are an important component of the heliosphere and are ubiquituos in astrophysical environments. Across them the solar wind is heated, deviated and compressed. Collisionless shocks are able to accelerate a fraction of particles to very high energies. In this work we discuss the earth's bow shock region and relate processes occuring at this shock and foreshock to phenomena associated to shocks propagating in the solar wind. Our understanding of the bow shock microphysics can serve as a tool to understand stream interaction and transient shocks structure, their evolution, and the kinetic phenomena that take place in regions associated with these shocks.


The Cape gannet is endemic to the southern African coast where it currently breeds at six islands: Mercury, Ichaboe and Possession off South West Africa and Bird (Lambert's Bay), Malgas and Bird (Algoa Bay) off South Africa. Previously, breeding also occurred at Hollams Bird, Halifax and Seal (False Bay) Islands. Equivocal records for Marcus, Dassen and Dyer Islands are not accepted. Off South West Africa, gannets were breeding at Hollams Bird, Mercury and Ichaboe Islands at least as early as 1828, but they only occupied Halifax and Possession Islands sometime between that date and c. 1885, possibly as a result of displacement of gannets from Ichaboe Island during exploitation of accumulated guano deposits in the early 1840s. Gannets bred at Hollams Bird Island until at least 1938, but had ceased breeding at Halifax Island by 1928. Off South Africa the earliest records of breeding are 1648, 1687, 1755 and 1912 for Malgas, Seal (False Bay), Bird (Port Elizabeth) and Bird (Lambert's Bay) Islands respectivel...


Participants in investment activities are challenged because they have to make decisions in a dynamic environment, which means that the decisions about the price of the transaction, the amount of investment, the intrinsic value of acquired or sold company, risks taken, must be made in the short term. All these decisions stem from processes that rely on prices that are valid on the market, on the one hand, and valuation models, which aim to determine the intrinsic value of the enterprise, on the other. The analysis of financial statements is an integral part of all traditional valuation models, while its role in the application of multiplier market models is not significant. The aim of the paper is to examine the role and the contribution of the traditional financial analysis in the processes of valuation of enterprises with P/E multiplier.


This article focuses on the kinetic modeling of cyclohexanone ammoximation catalyzed by the clay-based titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) composite. With the use of computational tools, modeling was carried out systematically, and a rational interpretation of the reaction mechanism was successfully achieved. By fitting the experimental and calculated data, it was found that cyclohexanone ammoximation over the clay-based TS-1 composite follows the Eley–Rideal mechanism in which the reaction takes place between adsorbed H2O2 and other reactants in the free state. It is concluded that a full understanding of the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction allows one to engineer the overall cyclohexanone ammoximation process by influencing elementary steps. The pre-exponential factor and activation energy of the reaction were also determined as a reference for industrial reactor design.


AbstractThe aim of this study is to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of counseling skills training and counselor education through the medium of understanding the opinions of counselor candidates regarding counseling skills training. The research group consisted of 67 counselor candidates who voluntarily participated in the study. The research data was collected by three different qualitative data collection tools developed by the researchers. Content analysis was carried out and the results indicated five main themes: Counseling Skills, Specific Skills Training Methods, Perceptions of Counseling, Being a Counselor Candidate, the Learning and Teaching Process of Counseling Skills. The results also showed that within the scope of systematic counseling skills training programs, using various skill training methods and instructional technologies which are integrated compatibly was effective. At the same time, the results indicated that counseling skills training provided an increase in professional competency and helped to develop the professional identity of counselor candidates. The results are discussed and interpreted in light of the literature. Besides, some suggestions are provided to counselor educators and researchers.Key WordsCounselor Education, Counselor Candidates, Counseling Skills Training, Microcounseling, Professional Development of Counselor Candidates.Counselor/therapist education is aimed at training counselor/therapist candidates as professional counselor/therapists with essential knowledge, skills and professional identity. Becoming a counselor/therapist is also considered to be a developmental process (Hackney & Cormier, 2005). Thus some developmental models have been set since the 1980's (e.g. Hogan, 1964; Loganbill, Hardy, & Delworth, 1982; Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987 as cited in Skovholt & Ronnestad, 1995). Enhancing the quality of supervision, which plays a significant part in the professional development and education of counselor/therapists, is the aim sought to be gained through the understanding of these models (Bernard & Goodyear, 2004; Borders & Brown, 2005, Ronnestad & Skovholt, 2003).The experiences and evolution of counselor/ therapist candidates during their training has been investigated within the scope of professional developmental researches (e.g. Hill, Sullivan, Knox, & Schlosser, 2007; Ronnestad & Skovholt, 2003). It is possible to say that most of these researches investigated the development of counselor candidates with regard to the practicum process and community service activities. There has also been an increase in the number of researches which thoroughly investigate the experiences of counselor/ therapist candidates and the pre-practicum process. (e.g. Folkes-Skinner, Elliott, & Wheeler, 2010; Hill, Sullivan et al., 2007; Hill et al., 2008; Woodside, Oberman, Cole, & Carruth, 2007). At this point the studies which focus on counseling/helping skills are quite important because the counseling skills training is one of the most important parts in counselor education (e.g. Hill, Sullivan et al., 2007). It is also emphasized that counseling skills training is the most important prerequisite for counseling practicum (Hill & Lent, 2006; Ladany & Inmann, 2008; Whiston & Coker, 2000).It is noted that many researches on counselor education in Turkey have investigated practicum courses, or the supervision process of courses, such as individual counseling practicum (e.g. Aladag & Bektas, 2009; Denizli, Aladag, Bektas, Cihangir-Cankaya, & Ozeke-Kocabas, 2009; Zeren & Yilmaz, 2011), group counseling practicum (e.g. Aladag, Bektas, Cihangir-Cankaya, Ozeke-Kocabas, & Yaka, 2009; Aladag, Bektas, Denizli, Ozeke-Kocabas, & Yaka, 2008) and counseling practicum in schools (e.g. Ozyurek, 2009). The results of these researches have provided information about the qualities and needs of counselor candidates, as well as providing insight for enhancing the quality of counseling practicum and supervision. …


Quality is an open concept. Something has a good quality when the most salient of its characteristics have a positive value. What are this relevant features? It depends on the interest of who is judging the quality. Therefore the idea of quality can be separated neither from the object under examination, nor from the point of view selected by the evaluator. It is important also to choose when and how to evaluate quality. This paper -realized within the PRIN -National Interest Research Projectentitled "Comunità di apprendimento per la didattica universitaria in ambienti open source"analyses the criteria for evaluating the quality of an academic eLearning course and it claims that a quality analysis model needs to be created ad hoc for the context in which it is going to be applied. If the model we want to use was created for a different environment, it has to be carefully adapted for our one.


Phyto-toxic strains for Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Amaranthus retroflexus, Cirsium arvense have been identified. The intensity of the lesion exceeded the control by 5-70 times (p < [0.0001-0.007]), depending on the strain and the location of the stomata.


The effects of orally ingested substances on gastric function have been the subject of human investigation almost since the discovery of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice by Prout in 1824. Capsicum frutescens is a ubiquitous spice widely consumed in Nigeria, West Africa and many parts of the world. A few studies have been done in Nigeria on Capsicum frutescens but not much has been known on its effect on gastric acid secretion. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Capsicum frutescens on gastric acid secretion. 48 male and female albino Wistar rats weighing between 200-300 g were randomly allocated to 6 groups with 8 rats per group. Aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens prepared after the method of Alnaqueeb (1996) was administered through a gastric fistula at the fundus. 10%, 20%, 30% of LD 50 and supramaximal doses of 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg and 80mg per 100g body weight of the aqueous extract were administered. Gastric acid was measured after the method of Ghosh and S child 1958 as modified by Ibu (1987). The result of gastric acid secretion on administration of 10% of LD 50 dose in mmol/L/hour for basal acid output (BAO) was 16.2± 0.01 and was 13.7 ± 0.12, 15.4 ± 0.07, 16.2 ± 0.06, 18.1 ± 0.04, 18.6 ± 0.03, 18.6 ± 0.10 at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 minutes respectively. It was observed that gastric acid secretion increased stepwise and was time dependent rising to a crescendo between 50 and 70 minutes. Thereafter the secretory response rose to a plateau. Similar responses occurred at all doses studied, indicating saturation phenomenon of the secretory capacity of the stomach. It is concluded that Capsicum frutescens exhibits saturation phenomenon in gastric acid secretion in the albino Wistar rat.


An intelligent network architecture with fixed local anchor (FLA) is proposed to support Universal Personal Telecommunication (UPT) services. The performance of the proposed IN architecture is compared with the architecture based on IS-41 considering UPT user's personal mobility in terms of call delivery cost and location update cost.


This article examines the patent situation in Russia, analyzes the data and, based on this analysis, draws a conclusion about the expansion of the patent in Russian Federation.


Physicians at University College Hospital in Ibadan Nigeria selected 250 initially unmarried 17-25 year old women employed at the hospital as subjects of a prospective study of the relationship between malaria anemia and 1st pregnancy. 60 women later became pregnant. Physicians gave full physical examination to each of the 250 women which included urine analysis determination of liver and spleen size and a variety of hematologic tests such as packed cell volume (PCV) and blood film for malaria parasites. The frequency of malaria parasitemia and the density of infection were higher in pregnant women (4-12 times more frequent and 1775 parasites/cubic mm respectively) than the same women prior to pregnancy or in the nonpregnant women. Plasmodium falciparum caused infection in almost all cases with P. malariae being responsible for only 4 cases. The incidence of splenomegaly was much higher in the group of pregnant women (42%) than found in the same women before pregnancy. 38 women did not take antimalaria chemoprophylaxis until that point in pregnancy when treatment was necessary and 24 (63%) of them developed hemolytic anemia (PCV <28%). On the other hand none of the 19 women who received antimalarial drugs developed hemolytic anemia but 1 did develop megaloblastic anemia in the 18th week. The hemolytic anemia occurred between weeks 16-24. In some cases PCV fell before the appearance of detectable parasite densities and hemolysis continued for 2 weeks after chloroquine therapy effectively eliminated parasites. In a country where malaria is endemic administering antimalarial drugs prophylactically throughout pregnancy is the most important antenatal treatment.


I suggest that Teicholz's integrative sensibility, which emphasizes consensual agreement emerging from the mutual influence among psychoanalytic theoreticians, is compatible with a nonlinear, dynamic, open system process applied to Teicholz's perspective on psychoanalytic theory and to the stream of clinical process with her patient, Derek, as well. I contextualize some of Teicholz's ideas within a complex systems framework and ask questions hoping to expand the dialogue. I propose that the cocreated qualities of engagement and modes of relating addressed by Teicholz, as well as listening-experiencing stances described by Fosshage (1997, 2003), may be experienced as both chosen and unbidden and may manifest as attitudes that are context-dependent, emergent properties of a specific dyadic system at a given moment. Finally, I narrate, from my own perspective, my version of therapeutic action and change coconstructed by this analytic pair-my understanding of the intersubjective exchange-of self and interactive regulatory patterns between Teicholz and her patient, Derek, that evolve into a successful therapeutic outcome.


An important area of speech recognition is automatic recognition of connected digit strings (i.e., strings composed of the digits 0 through 9—including "oh"). Applications of this technology include credit card authorization, catalog ordering, dialing of telephone numbers, and data entry, to name just a few. For the past 2 yr AT&T, in cooperation with American Express Travel Related Services, has experimented with a system for automatic recognition of 10‐digit merchant identification codes, and 15‐digit customer credit card numbers, for the purpose of authorizing purchases charged to an AMEX card. (The problem of recognizing the transaction amount has also been studied, but this is a much more difficult problem and will not be discussed.) Field trial experience with the recognizer using about 1000 customers who provided 2000 connected digit strings over 800‐based dialed up telephone connections was correct recognition of 97%–98% of the strings with no rejections using constraints on the validity of both m...


This paper depicts a stout voltage control of grid connected of Renewable Energy System (RES) consists of Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Fuel Cell Technology. A smart controller is suggested to alleviate the power fluctuations. Here, the suggested controller achieves the mixture of Bat Search algorithm and artificial neural network (BSNN). In order to correct the constancy of HRES, error gathering of the system is to be reduced. Here, the bat search algorithm is recycled in the optimization reason to diminution the system error and accomplish the optimal power flow by legitimate tuning of PI parameters. Within the corresponding input time intervals of a day dataset, the ANN is trained using the target capacity. The performance of proposed technique is invoked in MATLAB/Simulink platform.


Process of the denim warp dyeing and sizing was introduced in detail from two facets: sizing-dyeing equipment and process. Dyeing mechanisms and several forms of sizing-dyeing equipment of present denim warp were analyzed. Then the types of different kinds of sizing-dyeing equipment were elaborated and contrastive analyzed. The reference frame of denim warp sizing and dyeing technique design was discussed, the development trend of denim warp sizing-dyeing equipment and process technology was briefly expounded.


Neighbor with the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distance is one of the most effective classifiers on time series domain. Since the global constraint has been introduced in speech community, many global constraint models have been proposed including Sakoe-Chiba (S-C) band, Itakura Paral- lelogram, and Ratanamahatana-Keogh (R-K) band. The R-K band is a general global constraint model that can rep- resent any global constraints with arbitrary shape and size effectively. However, we need a good learning algorithm to discover the most suitable set of R-K bands, and the current R-K band learning algorithm still suffers from an 'overfit- ting' phenomenon. In this paper, we propose two new learn- ing algorithms, i.e., band boundary extraction algorithm and iterative learning algorithm. The band boundary extraction is calculated from the bound of all possible warping paths in each class, and the iterative learning is adjusted from the original R-K band learning. We also use a Silhouette index, a well-known clustering validation technique, as a heuris- tic function, and the lower bound function, LB Keogh, to enhance the prediction speed. Twenty datasets, from the Workshop and Challenge on Time Series Classification, held in conjunction of the SIGKDD 2007, are used to evaluate our approach.


This study was designed to explore and describe the impact of innovative group collaboration on digital stories in a children's literature course for pre-service teachers. Participants described the highlights of experiences with innovative creation and the ways they collaborated in an intentionally inviting environment while they prepared the digital stories. The results of this study aligned with the overarching goals, elements, and domains of Invitational Theory and Practice. Keywords: Invitational Education, Invitational Theory and Practice, Children's Literature, Digital stories.


His Excellency, Cyril Ndaba, Deputy High Commissioner for South Africa delivered a welcome speech at the 'South African in Britain' symposium. The South African High Commission is actively involved with the Homecoming Revolution, an organisation that lobbies South Africans who are resident in the UK on the many benefits of returning to South Africa - where their skills are needed.


Particle detection by scintillation counting is a technique that goes back to the beginning of the century when cadmium sulphide screens were used to look at α-particles. More transparent scintillators have been introduced since and, particularly over the past 30 years, photodetection methods have been re volutionised. Of all the scintillators, thal lium-doped sodium iodide has held pride of place because of its high light output, fine pulse height resolution, rapid res ponse, and, through its high density and high Z, good sensitivity. Its main disad vantages are that it is strongly hygrosco pic and relatively delicate in the form of a single crystal — necessary for good light transmission. It also suffers irrepa rable damage after only modest expo sure to radiation. When planning the future experi ments for LEP, the Large Electron Posi tron collider now under construction at CERN, it became urgent to find an alter native scintillator which could be used for big particle calorimeters. One candi date was bismuth germanate Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO), crystals of which were first ob tained and studied by A. Durif in 1957 1) and then grown by the Czokralski method in 1965 by Nietsche 2). In the 1970's they were produced in small quantities and small sizes mainly as scintillators for nuclear physics and me dical applications.


Objective To evaluate our policy of managing priapism for the success rate of the treatments, potency afterward, complications, and the risk factors responsible for erectile dysfunction in these patients.


Introduction Subclinical infections with PCV2 are common and can occur in the absence of co-factors or if vaccination does not prevent viral replication. PCV2 viremia produces immune system activation which causes the redirection of nutrients intended for growth to counteract disease challenge. The objective of this field trial was to compare the productivity of nursery and grower-finisher (G-F) pigs vaccinated with a labeled dose of one of two commercial circovirus vaccines or a placebo. Productivity was measured as average daily gain (ADG), feed disappearance, and mortality.


AbstractData-driven membrane prediction models including multiple linear regression and neural network have been widely applied to analyze reveal rejection interactions between various compounds an...