A new technique is discussed for the measurement of the properties of anisotropic magnetic materials. The basis of the technique is the harmonic analysis of the signal induced in a pick‐up loop when the anisotropic material is immersed in a spatially rotating magnetic field. It is shown that the harmonics which are generated are related in a simple way to the Fourier coefficients of the anisotropy energy. High sensitivity is achieved through use of a lock‐in detector for the harmonic analysis. Apparatus is described in which the magnetic field rotates at 500 Hz with an amplitude up to 50 Oe. This apparatus can detect a magnetic moment of 10−7 emu and equivalent torque of 10−6 dyne·cm. Illustrative data obtained from a thin Permalloy film (moment of 5×10−3 emu) are given, in which the first three Fourier coefficients of the anisotropy energy are 817, <18, and <1.5 erg/cm3. The absolute accuracy of the first coefficient is about 2%, while the reproducibility of this measurement is better than ½%.


I am honored to accept the Ambulatory Pediatric Association's (APA's) George Armstrong Lecture Award 2000 on behalf of Greenpeace. We greatly appreciate your recognition of Greenpeace's global efforts to protect the earth and its children. Because of my campaign's work on toxic pollution, and the effects of chemicals on the health of children everywhere, Greenpeace asked me to accept this award and address you today.

Greenpeace was founded almost 30 years ago when on September 15, 1971, a group of 12 Canadians and US citizens sailed the Phyllis Cormack, an 80-foot sailboat, to Amchitka, Alaska, to protest the testing of US nuclear weapons.1 That protest by a small group of people in the face of serious physical and legal threats set in motion 3 decades of activism, best known for people putting their lives on the line for what they believe. I have been arrested and jailed for protest against toxic waste incineration, but I didn't spend as many days in jail as my colleague here today, Niaz Dorry, who was named one of Time Magazine's 50 "heroes of the planet" (October 5, 1998) for her work in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to preserve our fisheries from overfishing by factory trawlers. Sometimes it is called "bearing witness" other times "speaking truth to power." But it is always about nonviolent direct action in the tradition of Gandhi, King, and Chavez.

Greenpeace uses creative means to expose conditions that threaten the earth like the potential extinction of whales or the threatened exploitation of Antarctica. Although Antarctica is now protected by an international treaty, countries such as Norway and Japan are attempting to resume the slaughter of whales. Continued vigilance is essential. Whatever the issue, no matter the odds, Greenpeace has pledged to defend the planet from the multitude of attacks on its well-being …


This paper will discuss the rationale, methodology, and principal results from a Solar Thermal Vacuum (STV) test of a deployable mesh reflector that was performed in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's twenty-five foot Space Simulator.12 The test was performed in support of several Earth Science Missions to provide an empirical understanding of the thermoelastic behavior of a modern deployable mesh reflector. A state-of-the-art photogrammetry system was utilized to measure deformations of the reflector under various illuminations up to one full sun (1420 W/m2) in order to correlate and validate existing predictive analytical models. Photogrammetric resolution of 0.025 mm RMS (0.001″) was achieved over the entire 5 meter aperture for each test case. The resulting validated models will increase our confidence that Earth science mission instruments utilizing large aperture deployable mesh reflectors will perform as predicted. Furthermore, this testing has raised our deformation analysis capability for this reflector from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to TRL 6.


The Dendeng River is vital for economic sustainability and viability for the community, industry and commerce around the flood plain of the river as well as raw water sources of the Kupang PDAM. However, increased domestic and industrial waste disposal along the river has caused severe pollution. One way to maintain the quality of the river is by continuously monitoring the pollutants and applying technology control as well as controlling strategy. The aim of the research mainly is to establish the water quality status of Dendeng River by water pollution Index method based on parameter physics and chemistry, i.e. pH,  DO, COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, NH3-N, NO2-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P. The research was carried out based on field survey and sample examined in situ and in laboratory. The removal of water sample from Dendeng River conducted based on composite sampling as many as six point locations of Dendeng River as representative of upstream up to downstream zone. The quality status of Dendeng River is in good condition to lightly polluted with a pollution index value of 0.6 to 1.52. Value of the DO, BOD, COD, and phosphate content were higher than the allowable class 1 standard.  The Water Quality Index value of Dendeng River was 86.67, which is included in the good water quality class.


The seismic assessment of existing school buildings is an important issue in earthquake prone regions; such is the case of the Algarve, which is the southern region of Portugal mainland. Having this problem in mind, the PERSISTAH project (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese) aimed to develop a computational approach enabling the damage evaluation of a large number of individual school buildings. One of the school typologies assessed was the so-called "P3" schools. This typology is composed of several different modules that are combined in different manners depending on the number of students. Each module was built in accordance with architectural standardised designs. For this reason, there are many replicas of these modules all over the Algarve region. The structural system of each module is composed of a frame of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Nonlinear static seismic analysis procedures were adopted to evaluate the structural seismic behaviour, namely by using the new concept of performance curve. Based on the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that the seismic safety of this type of school building is mainly ruled by the shear capacity of the columns. This study also shows the difficulties of carrying out accurate seismic assessments of existing buildings using the methods of analysis that are established in the Eurocode 8.


A transfer matrix of an arbitrary period in a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) is derived. Cascade of such matrices can be used easily to calculate the overall performance of LPFG with fast variation in parameters (which is common practice in LPFGs) such as period length, strength, etc. more precisely. Results show that the difference in transmittivity between our work and traditional coupled-mode theory becomes obvious when abrupt change such as (pi) phase-shift occurs. This method can be used in the mask design aiming at overall performance optimization through period-by-period pattern adjustment. Finally, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the LPFG period by period.


Objective Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID; MIM #251850), is a rare life-threatening secretory and malabsorptive diarrhea of infancy due to mutations in the Myosin 5B (MYO5B) gene. Most of the patients die before achieving the opportunity of bowel transplantation due to electrolytes and renal tubular function disturbances and complications of parenteral nutrition. In this case report, results of stem cell therapy in a newborn infant with MVID were presented and discussed with the relevant literature. Case report A 6-day-old male patient was referred to our NICU for profuse diarrhea beginning on the postnatal 2nd day after birth, metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia. He was born at 36+4 gestational weeks as the fourth child of nonconsanguineous parents. Second and third siblings died at 2 and 3,5 months due to complications of intractable diarrhea. Third child's exom sequencing identified a homozygous, disease-causing nonsense variant C.4399C> T (p.Gin1467*) in the MYO5B gene. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutation and they did not accept prenatal diagnosis. Our patient was also affected by homozygous mutation in MYO5B gene. With the knowledge of past history, total parenteral nutrition was started and maximum effort was directed to maintain fluid and electrolyte equilibrium. Patient had high fluid (350 ml/kg/day), sodium (20–25 meq/kg/day) and bicarbonate requirements (12–18 meq/kg/day). On 110th day of life mesenchymal stem cells (1x106 Ü transduodenal and 2x106 Ü IV) were administered. Although fluid and electrolyte requirements did not decrease after 2 months of follow up after stem cell therapy, the rate of blood stream infections was reduced. Discussion and Conclusion In MVID, mutations in the MYO5B gene which encodes a protein called myosin Vb contribute to the dysfunction of enterocytes. Survival rate is less than 25% at the age of 9 months. Mortality rate is also high after bowel transplantation. Recently, stem cell therapy was presented as a promising alternative strategy for overcoming the current limitations of intestinal failure treatment. We concluded that, the reason why our patient did not benefit from the treatment was rapid turnover of the intestine epithelial cells and the lack of receptive surface caused by the genetic defect. Furthermore, using modified intestinal stem cells instead of mesenchymal stem cells may be more beneficial. In our patient, decreased incidence of infection with probable immunomodulatory effects of stem cells was the secondary gain.


Seasonally flooded grassland is a type of Cerrado vegetation that occurs in poorly drained soils with high concentration of soil organic matter. The main objective of the present study was to examine the seasonal changes in CO2 exchange at the interface soil-vegetation-atmosphere of seasonally flooded grassland and its relationship to the environmental factors which were characteristic of each period. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of the University of Brasília (Brasília, DF). Field measurements were made during the year of 2005. CO2 fluxes at the interface soil-vegetation were monitored with an eddy covariance system and the CO2 soil flux with an IRGA Licor-6400 connected to a soil chamber. The variation of the water table was also monitored and the climatic data were collected by an automated meteorological station. Soil was collected to determine the amount of soil organic carbon to a depth of 60 cm. The height of the water table varied seasonally from the soil surface to about 60 cm belowground. The organic carbon stock was estimated as 241,257 kg ha-1. CO2 flux at the interface soil-vegetation was larger in the rainy season and it reached the lowest values in the dry period. On the other hand, the soil CO2 flux was lower in the wet season. In order to obtain the amount of CO2 that was absorbed by the vegetation, the atmosphere-vegetation and soil-vegetation fluxes were added. Similar daily values of CO2-exchange at the stand level were measured throughout the year and these values showed no significant correlation with the seasonal variation in the height of the water table. This nearly constant CO2 uptake throughout the year despite the large seasonal changes in rainfall and in the height of the water table suggests that this type of vegetation, which is mostly composed of herbaceous plants, is well-adapted to different degrees of soil waterlogging.


ABSTRACT This article proposes an analytical framework for the understanding of aging in place, and asks: Which housing alternatives are compatible with aging in place? Who are responsible for providing housing in old age? A literature review demonstrates that there is no agreement on the "place" in aging in place, but that aging in place policies entail joint individual and public responsibility for housing. An empirical example demonstrates different policy expressions of aging in place at national and local government levels in Norway. The article questions whether a need to move to receive care is compatible with aging in place.


The bovine marker genome map is covered by over 3?800 marker loci.This facilitates its extensive use in searching for genes with significant effects on quantitative trait variation.Among them the most intensively studied are genes responsible for the myostatin,the growth hormone,the growth hormone receptor,the insulin-like growth factor 1,the pituitary-specific transcription factor 1,and leptin.Other candidate genes were also identified and assigned to specific chromosome regions.In this review,Advance on Some Candidate Genes in Beef Cattle Breeding was briefly introduction.


A recombinant disintegrin (r‐CVV) was derived from the Crotalus viridis viridis venom gland and its fragments were tested for their ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and binding of human colon adenocarcinoma (CaCo‐2) cells to collagen. The antiplatelet and antitumoral activities were measured using a Sonoclot® Coagulation & Platelet Function Analyzer and cellular adhesion inhibition assay, respectively. As a result, the entire r‐CVV sequence blocked platelet aggregation and adhesion of CaCo‐2 cells to collagen. The cloned disintegrin codes for 73 amino acids, including 12 cysteines, and a RGD binding motif. The disintegrin inhibited cellular adhesion of adenocarcinoma cells to collagen with an IC50 of 5.4 μM. Disintegrins could potentially be used as an effective treatment for stroke, heart attack and cancer patients. Funding for this project was provided by NIH Grant #P40RR018300.


The recovery of vertebrate fossils from the Early Cretaceous Dinosaur Dreaming Fossil Site (DDFS), near Inverloch, Victoria, Australia, is restricted to an approximately 1 metre thick fluvial deposit, consisting of interbedded conglomerate and sandstone units that were deposited as part of a braided stream under high energy hyperconcentrated flow conditions. Palynological analyses of samples from this, at the time of deposition, high latitudinal site reveals a vegetation dominated by ferns, lycopods, gymnosperms and subordinate hepatics and mosses, indicative of microthermal (temperate to possible cool – temperate) settings. The palynology has also restricted the age of the site to 116.5 – 120 Ma (early to mid Late Aptian) in the upper part of the Cyclosporites hughesii Zone as defined by Partridge (2006). Comparison of the floral assemblage between sites affected and unaffected by periglacial structures has revealed only marginal differences, strongly suggesting little climatic variations during time of sediment deposition during this part of the Aptian. The DDFS lay at high latitudes in the Early Cretaceous, and there is evidence of climatic seasonality coupled with the time of onset of polar night conditions and the concomitant reduction in light availability observed in growth rings of arborescent taxa. Charcoal fragments attest to periodic wildfires brought about by the possible drying of the landscape. Homogenisation of cell walls in charcoal samples indicates that the fires occurred at temperatures ranging between 230°C to 340°C. Sedimentological evidence indicates that the skeletal elements accumulated in and around a lake environment prior to reworking. Bone modification and articulation patterns plus climatic settings support a subaerial exposure of skeletal material of several years. Partial sorting of light¬weight bone material is a result of hydraulic winnowing, most likely due to flooding resulting from heavy rain, prior to the reworking of the assemblage. The majority of bones were broken prior to mineralisation, implying trampling activity. However, only a few traces have been observed so far, suggesting that trampling occurred in sediments too fine grained to leave characteristic marks. Evidence of scavenging activity is restricted to marks on only a few bones. Disarticulated skeletal material was eventually reworked, transported and re-deposited following a high discharge hyperconcentrated flood event, with a short transport distance evidenced by the low degree of abrasion on outer bone surfaces. Weathering patterns of faunal elements do not show deterioration, which might be linked to cycles of freezing and thawing associated with periglacial environments. This is further corroborated by the flora which supports a microthermal (temperate to possible cool-temperate) setting.


An important issue that managers are facing in today's intensive business environment is how to compensate their employees to keep them motivated. The trend is to be rewarded for the individual per ...


This document describes the remarkable accomplishments of four US private voluntary organizations (PVOs) in improving the survival and health of the worlds children. These 4 PVOs include La Leche League International (LLLI) People-to-People Health Foundation Inc. (Project HOPE) Project Concern International and World Relief Corporation. The La Leche League International has implemented sustainable and often successful programs in many developed and developing countries. LLLI developed programs that reach into the lower socioeconomic segments of the population to involve mothers in promoting and supporting breast-feeding and other child health practices in Guatemalan communities. While Project HOPE employed a strategy to attain long-term sustainability of health promotion in Malawi by encouraging collaboration with the private agricultural sectors in the delivery of child survival and maternal care services. In addition Project Concern International initiated a program called the immunizer-training-immunizer program in Maluku Indonesia to improve the performance of health workers. Lastly the World Relief Corporation organized the Hearth Nutrition Program at the Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti which succeeded in creating a cadre of volunteer community-based health workers.


In a book primarily concerned with the activities of a multinational company in less developed countries, Australia and South Africa may seem out of place. Yet it was in these places, along with Canada, the USA and parts of Europe, that Lever Brothers first established overseas manufacturing subsidiaries and it was there that the model of a Lever and later Unilever subsidiary evolved. In their origins one can see the motives for adopting local manufacture as an alternative to exporting from Port Sunlight and the path they beat.


This paper proposes an automated test method of image conformity for digital mammography based on the standard of DICOM.This method can decrease testing time and man-made errors.It describes how to realise the automated testing tool in details,related experiment and the performance of the tool.This automated testing tool has already been used for the department of digital mammography at GE company and could be used for other digital medical image equipments based on the standard of DICOM in the future.


An efficient flashlamp-pumped UV dye laser driven by a four-stage Marx-bank generator with fast rise time is reported. An output energy of 25.2 mJ (420 kW) for 81.5-J input energy is obtained in a p -terphenyl dye laser at 3426 A. Output energy and laser efficiency increase remarkably by increasing the number of stages in the Marx-bank driver without spoiling its fast rise time.


We study the consensus probability in Voter Model and Invasion Process starting from a seed initial configuration. In the case where the opinions have the same strength or slightly different (weak bias) this function was computed analytically by Sood, Antal and Redner and depends only on the degree of the promoter individual. We check numerically through large scale simulations the above mentioned theory and we find that in the case of strong bias a correlation between the consensus probability and other centrality measures emerge and Sood et al's theory is broken.


Abstract Objectives : To study the usefulness and accuracy of MR cisternography as noninvasive study in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula with diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and surgical correlation. Material and Methods: Twenty four patients with clinically suspected CSF rhinorrhoea were examined for CSF fistula with MR cisternography. The MR imaging technique included 3mm thin T2 weighted coronal and sagittal sections using Fast spin echo. In addition 1.5mm thin T2 weighted coronal sections were also obtained using CISS (Constructive Interference in Steady State) sequence. MR findings were correlated with diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and surgical findings. Results : MR cisternography demonstrated the presence of fistula in 17 patients, absence of fistula in seven patients. Out of 17 patients with fistula, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 14 patients by diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy/surgery. Out of the seven patients without fistula, there was positive correlation in six patients when they were followed up clinically and by diagnostic nasal endoscopy. However in one patient, fistula was demonstrated on CT cisternography and was confirmed on sinonasal endoscopic surgery. The accuracy, sensitivity of MR cisternography was 96, 94% respectively. Conclusion : MR cisternography is a useful and accurate noninvasive study in localizing the site and extent of CSF fistula.


Background:  Sickle cell disease has become a common inherited hemoglobin disorder. Various reports have shown that a high mortality rate of children under five years of age was reported in the year 2022 in Tanzania. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) amongst children under five years of age and their family history at Heri Mission Hospital in Buhigwe District, Kigoma.  Methods:  A convenient cross-sectional study was carried out to enroll 204 children under the age of five years at Heri Mission Hospital. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variances using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 188.8.131.52 software (SPSS Inc., USA). The Chi-square test was utilized in comparing proportions and frequency of occurrence of Haemoglobin (Hb) in the variables at P < 0.05 as the significance of variance.  Results:  The prevalence of SCD among children under five years was 28.3% (103/364). Among the positively tested with SCD, the majority were female at 71.7% (65/91), whereas males were 28.3% (26/91). Family records of the children with SCD showed that the proportional of SCD was significantly higher among family members with SCD 73.1% (38/52) than none SCD (14/52) 26.9% (X2 = 7.513, P < 0.05).  Conclusion:  The findings in this research showed a high rate of SCD amongst children under five years, and the family history of the victims showed it's inheritable.  Recommendation:  Health awareness and proper mitigation strategies need to be addressed on how to curb the SCD in Buhigwe District and Tanzania as a country.


condiments, fish paste, and bouillon cubes. w27 Independent of the food vehicle, the risks of interactions in food fortificants are still unknown. For example, zinc and iron are known to have interactions 23 that are likely to be compounded by variations in the adequacy of nutritional status for other nutrients such as vitamin B6. Research is ongoing into the appropriate dose and form of zinc to fortify foods.


Portamento was a significant expressive device among performers for at least two hundred years; yet, for the past sixty it has made musicians uncomfortable. More than a change of fashion, this suggests responses formed at a relatively deep psychological level. Drawing on work in developmental psychology, and reading in the light of it performances of art music lullabies, it is suggested that portamento draws on innate emotional responses to human sound, as well as on our earliest memories of secure, loving communication, in order to bring to performances a sense of comfort, sincerity, and deep emotion. The decline of portamento after the First World War and its sudden disappearance after the Second is traced to a new emphasis—influenced by psychoanalysis and reflected in writings on music—on darker meanings in music, which can be understood in the light of the reinterpretation of human motives and behavior forced on a wider public by the Second War. Portamento, because of its association (however unconscious) with naive trust and love, became embarrassingly inappropriate. This hypothesis also sheds light on the deepening of vibrato after the War, new objectivity and authenticity in Bach, the rise of music analysis, and the performances and writings of the avant-garde. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to http://www.arts.unco.edu/jmr/ for the following free supplemental resources: eight Sound Clips featuring archival early-twentieth-century recordings of works by Bach, Brahms, Donizetti, and Schubert. Refer to the complete text of the article for specific performance titles and credits.]


Teaching English in inclusive class is not easy for beginner or experienced teacher since there are some students who need special attention. Therefore, English teacher who teach in inclusive English class is expected to be able to provide Instructional Support Services and appropriate strategies for teaching students with special needs such as slow learner students. Instructional support services is the procedures to maximize the process of teaching inclusive English class. Qualitative case study investigated the challenges faced by English teacher in giving Instructional Support Services in inclusive English class and the strategies dealing with these challenges. Observation checklist by Tomlinson and Allan and interview guidelines are used as instruments of this study. Observation was conducted in three times for an English teacher in 3 different classes to find out the challenges faced by the teacher. The study was also interviewed to explore the strategies used by teachers in dealing with these challenges. The result of this study indicates that teacher faced four types of challenges, would to (1) content: difficulties in providing concrete material, (2) process: difficulties in managing time, (3) product: difficulties in assessment, and (4) learning environment: large classes and untrained teachers without collaboration with special education. To overcome these challenges, the teacher used several types of strategies such as using appropriate materials, developing appropriate practice, collaboration and instructional teaming with other teachers or professionals, and support from the school and the environment. This findings can be reference for the school and Ministry of Education to provide appropriate teacher training or workshop for English teacher in inclusive class.


report by John H. Bonner, an attorney in Washington, NC, tracing the ownership of the lots on which the Palmer Marsh house stands. Worth including.


Hollow rods of NiGa2O4 were successfully prepared via a facile template-engaged reaction of nickel salt and commercially available rod-like Ga2O3. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV−vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS). The results showed that the pH value, reaction time, and hydrothermal temperature have crucial effects on the formation of the phase and microstructure of the as-prepared NiGa2O4. The growth mechanism of the NiGa2O4 hollow rods was proposed. This facile and green method is proved to be a generic method for the one-step synthesis of hollow rods of other metal gallates, such as ZnGa2O4. The photocatalytic activity of RuO2-loaded NiGa2O4 was investigated by photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.


By introducing the concept of raciosity intensity to diffuse surfaces,the ray tracing method is improved to analyze the thermal emission of a disc body of gray semitransparent material.The two plane surfaces of the disc body are both specularly reflecting,and the flank surface is either diffusely reflecting or specularly reflecting.The apparent thermal emission form one plane surface is investigated with considering the influences of the characteristic optical thickness,the dimensionless radius ,the refractive index of the material and the reflecting characteristics of the flank surface.The directional and hemispherical emissions show considerable differences under different reflecting characteristics of the flank surface.Moreover,in some cases,the emission not only varies with the viewing direction but also with the apparent emitting position on the plane surface.Some intersting results are presented and discussed.


Cascaded humidification advanced turbine (CHAT) cycles are used for the enhancement of output power in conventional gas turbines. In this study, an IG–SOFC–CHAT combined cycle has been presented. The proposed cycle has been used as a novel approach for alleviating the restrictions on generated power in the SOFC–GT hybrid systems. Additionally, a significant amount of heat can be produced in this hybrid cycle, which justifies its application as a CHP system. Modeling and simulation of the cycle have been performed from the energy point of view. To generate syngas fuel from coal, an FICFB gasifier system, integrated with a low temperature gas cleaning system, has been used. Results show that compared to the conventional gas turbines, electrical power generation from the proposed IG–SOFC–CHAT cycle has been increased by about 45%, while the total energy efficiency of the comprehensive cycle is still within the acceptable range of CHP cycles. Moreover, results indicate that the output power from the proposed cycle is stable against ambient temperature variations. In addition, wastage of heat in the proposed cycle was minimized by transferring waste heat to heat sinks, which resulted in the balance of energy in the cycle. Overall results show the suitability of the proposed cycle to attain high power generation capacity in SOFC–GT hybrid systems. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 610–618, 2017


Introduction The quality of an intracellular targeted imaging probe or drug depends not only on the efficient delivery across the cell membrane but also on co-localization with its intracellular targets. In recent years, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been investigated for their use as delivery tools. However, several studies reported on the entrapment of CPP conjugates into endosomes after uptake, thus, restricting their use for cytosolic targeting. Here, we are presenting the development of a novel cysteine rich CPP (derived from polypeptide crotamine (1)) able to distribute imaging probes into the entire cytosol.


In this paper, a short circuit phenomenon when dc-dc modules with self-driven synchronous rectifier (SR) run in parallel is described. Three existing driving schemes are analyzed and compared. A novel driving scheme for SR maintains the performance of SR as a self-driven scheme, while solving the problem of a short circuit when modules run in parallel. In addition, the amplitude of an SR driving voltage can be adjusted by using the proposed scheme. Therefore, the scheme is more attractive in the applications of comparatively high-voltage output. The principle of operation and the characteristics of the scheme are analyzed and verified on a 36-75V input 1.8-V/60-A output experimental prototype, whose size is 1/4 brick and efficiency is above 90% under rating conditions.


In this paper we give an extension for starlike sets of the well known property that any convex set in the n-dimensional Euclidian space is the convex hull of its extremal points. We establish some relationships between two classes of starlike functions and the convex and quasi-convex classes of functions. We consider also the concepts of marginal points and starlike hull of a given set, and we show that a starlike set is the starlike hull of its marginal point set. For the starlike quasi-convex mathematical programming with disjunctive constraints, we show the starlikeness property of its feasible set.


Introduction. The extraordinary genetic potential of microorganisms has benefited from human overuse antibiotics to develop multiple resistance mechanisms. The large size and heterogeneity of the Russian population, the presence of territories with significant differences in demographic, cultural, and socio-economic indicators, the features of the management and availability of medical care are significant factors influencing the spread of resistance genes to antibacterial therapy of some strains of microorganisms.
Materials and methods. Susceptibility to twenty one antimicrobial agents of one hundred twenty eight Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, isolated from various loci of patients in a multidisciplinary hospital, including 16% of strains from the lower respiratory tract, 44% from wounds and wound discharge, and 40% from urine, was assessed.
Results. Among isolates from urine, 20% of isolates were found to have the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, 42% had the extreme resistance phenotype (XDR). Among the isolates of Kl. pneumoniae from purulent wounds, 18% had the MDR phenotype, and 43% had the XDR phenotype. Among the isolates of Kl. Рneumoniae from the lower respiratory tract, 37% had the MDR phenotype, 40% had the XDR phenotype. There are no pan-resistant strains in all groups.
The presence of genes for metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM, IMP, NDM groups) and serine carbapenemase (bovine and OXA-48) in molecular genetic study by real-time PCR of isolated Kl. pneumoniae was found in 73.4% of cases.
The results of determining the sensitivity of the isolates revealed a low activity of amoxicillin / clavulanic acid, III and IV generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefepime). 86.7% of isolates are resistant to drugs of the aminoglycoside group (amikacin), and 100% to gentamicin. Of the group of carbapenems, meropenem showed the highest activity – 26.6%, about 7% were sensitive to ertapenem. From the group of fluoroquinolones, sensitivity ranged from 20 to 30%. The highest activity of all drugs was shown by ticarcillin/clavulanate – 33.3%.
Limitations. The criteria for inclusion in the group of examination and selection of biomaterial were the presence of previous massive antibacterial therapy in the anamnesis, the presence of catheters, drains, etc.
Conclusions. There was established a high proportion of strains Kl. pneumoniae with the phenotype of multiple antibiotic resistance.


Several research studies have shown the importance of compost using for containers seedlings production. In this context, the present study attempts to optimize physically and moisture content of growing media formed of forestry crude compost mixed with olive oil and livestock manure wastes Cocompost. The contribution of co-compost was carried out according to different proportions to determine mixtures that have the best physical characteristics (total porosity, aeration and retention, dry bulk density) and moisture content (pF curves, water availability, time of rewetting ) for optimum forest seedling growth. The results have shown that the incorporation of 20% refined rabbit Co-compost, 50% refined olive oil wastes Co-compost, 50% ovine screened Co-compost and 50% cattle screened Co-compost with forestry compost have shown the relatively better results. The raw forestry compost showed good air content and insufficient moisture content. Mixed with Olive oil wastes Co-compost, he proved an unsatisfactory air content, but water availability was good. ARTICLE INFO


Along with space technology,nuclear technology and stratagem weapon technology development,most of electronic equipments are widely used to control system for satellite,universe airship and carrier rocket.Electronic device on these equipments working in radiation environment.They have to suffer strong radiation such like space radiation and nuclear radiation,some degree characteristic can be destroied by radiation,then,lead equipments breakdown.The text introduces two possible radiation environment during micro-electronic device application,analyzes the effect mechanism of radiate infection for semiconductor material and the failure mode of radiation infection for different type device.Introduces the reinforce method to resist radiation for bipolar device and MOS device.


Streptomyces are important industrial bacteria that produce pharmaceutically valuable polyketides. However, mass production on an industrial scale is limited by low productivity, which can be overcome through metabolic engineering and the synthetic biology of the host strain. Recently, the introduction of an auto‐inducible expression system depending on microbial physiological state has been suggested as an important tool for the industrial‐scale production of polyketides. In this study, titer improvement by enhancing the pool of CoA‐derived precursors required for polyketide production was driven in a quorum sensing (QS)‐dependent manner. A self‐sustaining and inducer‐independent regulatory system, named the QS‐based metabolic engineering of precursor pool (QMP) system, was constructed, wherein the expression of genes involved in precursor biosynthesis was regulated by the QS‐responsive promoter, scbAp. The QMP system was applied for neoaureothin production in a heterologous host, Streptomyces coelicolor M1152, and productivity increased by up to 4‐fold. In particular, the engineered hyperproducers produced high levels of neoaureothin without adversely affecting cell growth. Overall, this study showed that self‐regulated metabolic engineering mediated by QS has the potential to engineer strains for polyketide titer improvement.


Defined are socio-cultural features of integration of immigrants into host community at border regions. The article presents results of the author's sociological research, organized in Belgorod and Voronezh regions in form of interviewing foreign migrants. Emphasized is, that border regions have special specifics, that require development of comprehensive state policy in relation to integration of migrants. Also the main problems of adaptation and integration of foreign labor migrants in the border areas are identified. Such are in particular the low level of trust of migrants in relation to state and municipal authorities. The study analyzes regional characteristics of foreign labor migration in border regions of Russia. It is noted, that presence of social ties with the host community is a significant factor in adaptation of migrants into new environment. Performed diagnostics of practice of integration of immigrants into border region made possible to identify the main problems that hinder processes of optimization of integration policy in relation to foreign labor migrants. One of the main directions is that, that development of state policy regarding integration of migrants into the host community is activation of new subjects of support for integration and adaptation, namely public organizations and the third sector.


The objective of this research was to use dynamic real-time analysis to determine how carrier material affects menthol release characteristics from various spray-dried powders. Dynamic menthol release profiles were obtained from spray-dried powders as a function of time (0–60 min) and 90% relative humidity (RH) by interfacing a dynamic vapour sorption device to a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer. The menthol release profile varied greatly with carrier material. Increased octenyl succinic anhydride (OSAn) substitution (up to 3% treatment level) of the carrier material resulted in a significantly greater, but not earlier, burst of menthol release. For most samples, the characteristic burst of menthol was followed by a decrease in release, which was attributed to an observed matrix collapse. Moisture uptake rates of the powders were related to corresponding menthol release rates. As OSAn substitution increased for gum acacia (Acacia seyal), a trend of increased moisture uptake rate with menthol release rate was evident. However, for the dextrins, the moisture uptake rate had no influence on the rate of menthol release. Also, static headspace was used to determine how increased OSAn substitution affects menthol release from aqueous mixtures of dissolved carrier material and menthol. The increased hydrophobicity of the OSAn groups did not affect the volatility of menthol, therefore interactions between OSAn groups and menthol should not affect dynamic menthol release. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The I C -V CE locus predicted by a one-dimensional model of thermal instability is compared with the I C -V CE locus predicted by a numerical model which accounts for nonuniform heat generation over the transistor area and also two-dimensional heat flow within the heat sink. Both models include the effects of distributed emitter and base ballast resistance, as well as the magnitude and temperature dependence of current gain. An important result obtained from this comparison is that the I-V loci predicted by the two models are very nearly the same, even though the temperature and power density profiles over the transistor die are distinctly different. It is the I-V locus which is of most practical interest, since it is one portion of the boundary of the forward safe operating area (SOA). The similarity of the I-V loci should allow one to use the simple one-dimensional model to predict a particular SOA, even though the assumptions under which the model was originally derived are not valid at the onset of thermal instability. Confirmation of this approach has been obtained by demonstrating good agreement between the measured safe operating area and that predicted by the one-dimensional model for both single- and double-diffused transistors. The predicted improvement due to the addition of discrete emitter resistors has also been verified by SOA measurements on actual devices. The device parameters which are important in determining SOA are the effective emitter and base resistances, the magnitude and temperature dependence of current gain, and the effective thermal resistance between the active region of the transistor and its heat sink. The quantitative dependence of SOA due to each of these parameters is described.


The magneto-mechanical damping behaviour of a stress-relieved Fe77.5Si7.5B15 amorphous wire subjected to circular DC magnetic field was examined in torsion mode by the inverted pendulum method. Strain amplitude-dependent maxima of the internal friction vs magnetic field were observed. As Barkhausen pulses were detected during free oscil lations, the damping mechanism was attributed to irreversible strain-activated 90o Bloch wall motion. The results are interpreted within the framework of a potential function model by considering the coupling between the domain walls and the internal stresses associated to the defects of the amorphous structure.


The invention provides a non-linear taper inverted cone coupler structure which comprises a silicon substrate, a buried oxide layer and a top layer silicon. The buried oxide layer is prepared on the substrate, the material of the buried oxide layer is silicon dioxide, the top layer silicon is prepared on the buried oxide layer and can effectively prevent light from leaking in the substrate, one end of the top layer silicon is a bar-shaped waveguide and the other end is an inverted cone coupler, the inverted cone coupler is in a gradient exponential type or quadratic type structure, the operating wavelength of the inverted cone coupler is 1500nm to 1600nm, and the fluctuation of insertion loss is less than 0.3dB.


It is now ski season in Colorado (Fig. 1) and while temperatures have dropped as the seasons have recently changed, the political atmosphere has never been as hot—nor as chaotic—in the USA as it is these days, with the country divided on just about every issue. But there is one issue that unites us all—we all want good health. And yet our healthcare system is seemingly in turmoil. We spend $3.5 trillion, or 18% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), on health care, more than any other country in the world, and yet, the number of Americans without health insurance climbed to 27.5million in 2018. It is estimated that as our elderly population grows, our expenses will continue to grow, making it unsustainable and making health care even less affordable in this land of plenty. Medicolegal fears still abound resulting in high insurance premiums for physicians and often unnecessary testing that are estimated to waste $750 billion annually. Intensive care units (ICU) are often filled with patients receiving life-sustaining therapy despite grim prognoses. Increased bureaucracy and busy work for physicians— whether due to insurance preauthorization requests or unnecessary but 'required' documentation to satisfy payors—result in significantly increased direct and indirect costs. At some point, will we be going off a cliff (Fig. 2)? Surprisingly, despite the resources spent, US life expectancy has decreased since 2014. Gun control is still a hotly debated topic, while midlife mortality has increased due to alcohol abuse, the 42 000 yearly victims of the opioid crisis and the over 47 000 suicides that occur in the USA annually. We all want good health, but we are not doing enough about these issues. From a respiratory perspective, the last few years have given rise to new challenges to US health care. Marijuana has been legalized in many states, resulting in increased access and increased toxicity to many. This has helped foment the latest crisis in health care: there have been over 2200 confirmed and probable cases of a mysterious respiratory illness tied to vaping, taking the total death toll to 47 as of 20 November 2019. And this does not include reported cases of exploding e-cigarettes, seizures and other neurological symptoms that have been reported. While vitamin E acetate or various impurities have been implicated, the causes remain largely unknown. Legislation is starting to occur, but to date these have not significantly limited access or utilization: 25% of high schoolers in the USA continue to vape! Nonetheless, while this might all seem like 'gloom and doom' from a respiratory perspective, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic. Our efforts to cut tobacco use have been quite successful: smoking has declined in the USA from 21% in 2005 to under 14% in 2018, and the proportion of ever smokers who have quit has increased. This should result in significant health benefits (and hopefully reduction in costs) over the next few decades. We have also made substantial strides in other chronic respiratory diseases. In lung cancer, improved screening, novel diagnostics and new targeted treatment approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors have resulted in bona fide improvements in lung cancer survival, and more advances are excepted in the next few years as tumour genomics and bioinformatics are being unravelled. In severe asthma, our approach has changed completely in the last 5 years. While we are still using inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, we are now 'endotyping' patients to uncover a given individual's underlyingmechanism of disease. Our better understanding of biology has resulted in increased use of biomarkers, such as eosinophils in the blood and exhaled nitric oxide, that are fostering a personalized approach to asthma. Indeed, several monoclonal antibodies have been approved in the last 4 years and are getting prescribedwidely, reducing exacerbations and other outcomes. Despite increased asthma Figure 1 The author skiing in Vail, CO, USA.


A systematic study on many-body effects on Terahertz Quantum Well Photodetectors (THZ QWPs) is reported. Peak absorption frequency differs by more than 20% when taking many-body effects into account. The phenomenon is shown to be critical in designs with a small barrier height and a high doping density. In order to exploit them and minimize their adverse impacts, a doping profile symmetrically split in the barrier layers, resembling a double-barrier QWP, is proposed. Simulation results show the design reduces dark current by one order of magnitude compared against conventional designs with a uniform doping profile in the quantum well.


Human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a calcium dependent interfacial activated membrane protein associated with high density lipoproteins (HDL) play significant role in fundamental biological processes. This study the storage, stability of PON1 and determine the feasibility of formulating PON1 loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for develop a surrogate for the HDL associated PON1 in the form of solid lipid nanoformulations. Studies were made on the preparation of h-PON1(human Paraoxonase-1) loaded solid lipids nanoformulations with palmitic acid and all activities of PON-1 like lactonase, aryl esterase and paraoxonase were performed and PON1 did not lose its activity in varios steps of nanoparticle preparation. Further most important cryoprotective agents (excipients) like sugars and Polyols were used to standardized for storage and stability of freeze dried human PON1 at different time intervals as well as temperature conditions. Nanopartiiculated palmitic acid based PON1 showed highest stability with trehalose.


Introduction: Right atrial myxoma is a rare disease among children and its clinical presentation is not specific. Case Presentation: We reported a four-year-old girl with exertional dyspnea in whom investigations revealed a huge right atrial myxoma. The evolution was quite unusual; the girl presented syncope secondary to an intermittent prolapse of the tumor through the tricuspid valve. After complete resection, her symptoms were relieved without any recurrence of the tumor. Conclusions: The authors emphasize on the rarity of this pathology among children, its clinical polymorphism, the necessity of a rapid diagnosis, and an appropriate treatment to avoid complications and recurrence of the tumor.


the first, and I think that, if not actually under fire, the soldiers with abdominal wounds should be the last to be removed from the field, as they will have recovered somewhat from the initial shock. They should have their morphine when first seen, and be left propped up. On arrival at the dressing station they should not be removed from the stretcher until they are put upon the table. After operation they should be placed in a tent, building, or open spot which has been set apart for severe cases, and put into a semisitting position. A hot rectal saline injection should be administered. They should be the last cases to be removed. During removal they should still be kept propped up, and during the journey another saline injection should be given. This can be administered by a well-trained waggon or train orderly, from a thermos flask, without difficulty. A stock of these flasks should be part of the equipment of a field ambulance and of a convoy detachment. They can be carried in the lockers of the ambulance waggons. I consider these saline injections a most important part of the treatment, as they do the flushing of the general peritoneal cavity. This may seem ideal treatment, but I hold that it is possible in the majority of instances, or, at all events, on many occasions. Once it has been carried out, it matters less how long the patient is on the road, in fact I should prefer a wait of some days when possible before taking them on a long journey. I know that these views are not those generally accepted by army surgeons. No doubt they are open to much criticism, but with an army as well equipped with field ambulances as the British is, I think that in many instances they could be carried out with great benefit. When they cannot be, well, then I consider it is so much the worse luck for the unfortunate men through whose small intestines a small bore bullet has found its way.


Exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity and impaired recovery to psychological stress is independently related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), and may play a causal role in its development. I examined autonomic reactivity and recovery in 136 black, white, and Hispanic women who were predisposed to CVD, as indicated by a positive family history (FH+). Pre-ejection period (PEP; sympathetic) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA; parasympathetic) were measured during public speaking, mental arithmetic, and cold pressor tasks. Overall, FH+ participants exhibited greater RSA reactivity, while black participants exhibited impaired RSA recovery. These findings suggest that a hereditary predisposition for CVD is related to altered autonomic reactivity before any differences in resting levels are observed. Further, black participants did not exhibit a RSA rebound after the stress tasks, a key component in buffering the damaging effects of exaggerated sympathetic reactivity. These findings demonstrate the importance of examining parasympathetic activity in addition to sympathetic reactivity measures.


Naive Bayes for regression (NBR) uses the naive Bayes methodology to numeric prediction tasks. The main reason for its poor performance is the independence assumption. Although many recent researches try to improve the performance of naive Bayes by relaxing the independence assumption, none of them can be directly applied to the regression framework. The objective of this work is to present a new approach to improve the results of the NBR algorithm, by combining attributes by means of an auxiliary regression algorithm.


We investigated feasibility of a compact, low-cost, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device made up of a Q-switched, diode-pumped, solid-state laser and a nongateable miniature spectrometer for the classification of edible salts. LIBS spectra of edible salts from 12 different geographic origins were obtained by this compact LIBS device. The detection limits of the compact LIBS device for potassium, magnesium, and calcium with effective discrimination power were sufficient to classify the edible salts. The classification model was developed by the multivariate analysis of the LIBS spectra. The comparison of the LIBS results with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy analysis indicates that the clustering of principal component scores was well dominated by chemical compositions of the salts. The cross- and external validations of the classification model showed reasonable performance (98.3 and 87.5% correctness, respectively). Our results indicate that rapid classification of edible salts can be realized by a compact, low-cost LIBS device.


In this paper, a nickel-based adhesive tape filler metal was used to braze 316L stainless steel. The melting characteristics of the filler metal were analysed by thermal analyzer. The wetting spread and brazing properties of the filler metal on 316L stainless steel were tested by vacuum brazing furnace. Then the morphology and composition of the brazed joint were analysed. The shear strength and microhardness of the brazed joint were tested. The results show that the organic matter in the brazing filler metal can be completely volatilized before the brazing filler metal starts to melt. The brazing filler metal has a good wetting and spreading effect on the surface of stainless steel, and there is no black carbon residue, so it has no effect on the brazing performance. The microstructure of the brazed joints with nickel-based adhesive tape filler metal shows that the joint interface has a good metallurgical bond, and there are no defects such as cracks and pores in the brazing joints. The interface structure is composed of nickel-based solid solution phase, Fe-Cr intermetallic compound phase, and chromium boride phase compound. The average shear strength of the brazed joint is 183.2MPa. The microhardness of the center of the brazing seam reaches 2175.37HV. From the center of the brazing seam to the direction of the base material, the microhardness gradually decreases.


To examine subcritical accretion disks, we performed two-dimensional axisymmetric calculations by solving a set of fully non-linear hydrodynamic equations coupled with radiation transport. Focusing on the accretion disks of neutron stars near to the Eddington luminosity LE, we obtained thermally stable accretion disks where the radiation pressure and electron scattering are dominant. The thermally stable disks are interpreted in terms of the slim accretion-disk theory. While the accretion disks are unstable to convection and convective cells generally stretch from the disk mid-plane to the disk surface in the inner disk. It has been found that convection is an important energy-transfer mechanism along the vertical direction of the disk. A very rarefied, hot, and optically thin region is formed along the rotational axis of the disk. The relativistic jet with a collimation angle of less than 10° is generated in the rarefied optically thin region, mainly due to the dominant radiation-pressure force. The results of subcritical accretion onto a neutron star are discussed in relation to SS 433.


The utility model relates to a micro socket panel comprising a socket panel body with jacks as well as a secure door that is arranged at the back of the socket panel body and seals the jacks. A return spring is arranged at the bottom of the secure door; and the bottom of the return spring is arranged in a holddown groove. Besides, the micro socket panel also includes a microswitch that is fixed at the back of the socket panel body; a contact part that can make rotations around the axis of the contact part itself is fixed at the contact end of the microswitch; and the contact part is contacted with the left side of the bottom of the secure door. According to the micro socket panel provided by the utility model, the microswitch is arranged to detect whether a plug is inserted or not, thereby ensuring normal operation of a charging mode of an electric automobile.


A new block-structured Lyapunov sum for partitioned matrices is defined and basic properties are established. It has similar properties to a Lyapunov matrix, but preserves the block structure, and has similar properties to the block Kronecker sum, but with about half the dimension. It is used to solve a maximal stability problem of integral controllability, and is also used to solve for the maximal stability range of singularly perturbed systems. In both cases closed formulae are obtained with lower dimensions than existing formulae.


Bearing capacity of the subgrade layers has significant influence on the performance of the overall pavement structure. In this study, the Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave (SASW) method was used for assessing the stiffness of pavement subgrade layer. The SASW method employed was based on the Rayleigh-wave propagation. Using the phase difference data of Rayleigh waves, the experimental dispersion curve of phase velocity was obtained. Consequently, inversion process was conducted to obtain the shear wave velocity and the dynamic modulus of the pavement structure. The results showed that some empirical models of the shear wave velocity and the dyamic elastic modulus versus soil bearing capacity of the California bearing ratio (CBR) and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) were derived. Good agreement was also found between these empirical models compared to that of previous studies


Aims: A number of studies have examined the association between the serum levels of omentin and diabetes, but the fi ndings have been inconclusive. Herein, we systematically reviewed available observational studies to elucidate the overall relationship between omentin and diabetes, including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among adolescent and adult population. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane ' s Library, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for all available literature until January 2019 for studies assessing the association between omentin and diabetes. The Newcastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of each study. Results: A total of 28 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a signi fi cant association between serum omentin and diabetes (WMD − 1.68; 95% CI, − 2.17 to − 1.19; P <0.001). The result of our sub-group analysis based on participants ' health status revealed that omentin was signi fi cantly lower in T2DM and IGT subjects but not in T1DM ones compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: We found that serum omentin level is signi fi cantly lower in T2DM and IGT patients but not in T1DM ones. These data could be used by clinicians for early diagnosis and management of diabetes. Furthermore, we need more clinical trials to investigate new agents which could in fl uence omentin levels.


This review focuses on the use of bromelain in various applications in animal products with the latest literature so that it can provide information on what parts of this enzyme can be applied. Bromelain is a protease enzyme found in stems (EC 18.104.22.168), leaves, crowns, fruit skins, fruit flesh (EC 184.108.40.206) and fruit tubers in pineapple. Bromelain has been exploited commercially in many applications in the food industry (baking industry), drinks industry (stabilizers in beer), tenders (meat), and pharmaceuticals (anti-tumorigenic agents). However, not all types of proteins can be hydrolyzed by bromelain, such as keratin which can only be hydrolyzed by keratinase, this is because the enzymes work specifically. In animal food products, bromelain is applied as a meat tenderizer, making of protein hydrolyzate products, cheese and also fish sauce product. The application of bromelain to animal food products has proven that hydrolyzed products using this enzyme can increase umami taste, which means that bromelain has great potential when applied to animal food products. Bromelain is useful in the processing of some animal food products because bromelain works specifically and is very active in animal protein such as milk, meat and collagen.


Value added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax borne by the final consumer. It is an important source of revenue for national governments and the European Union (EU) budget. However, the existing rules governing intra-Community trade are 25 years old and the current common EU VAT system is still 'transitional'. This framework presents problems such as vulnerability to fraud, compliance costs for businesses and also a heavy administrative burden for national authorities. It is under review along the lines of the April 2016 VAT Action Plan. The reform of the VAT framework towards a definitive VAT system for intra-Community business-to-business (B2B) transactions is planned in several consecutive steps. The first step focuses on B2B transactions in goods, while the second one in services. Directive 2018/1910, adopted on 4 December 2018, was put forward by the Commission in October 2017 as part of the 'definitive VAT system package'. The directive amends the VAT Directive (Directive 2006/112/EC) so as to introduce the basic features of the definite VAT system for business-to-business (B2B) goods transactions.


It is important that factories can produce safe toys and keep their business to run in an effective way. A technical model for small and medium sized toy factories in China to deal with European and US toy safety requirements has been proposed after literature survey. The technical model was proposed by considering Toy Safety Assessment; Web based product compliance platforms; the Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015; Cost and resources optimization, the Compliance Management Systems Guidelines ISO 19600:2014 and Industry 4.0. The factory quality management system based on ISO 9001:2015 is the mediator of this model. Four factories have been selected to evaluate this model. Also, an internet questionnaire survey has been performed to evaluate the constructs of this model. It is found that all the feedbacks from the 4 factories and the findings from the internet questionnaire survey supported the model and the relationships among the constructs.


The paper presents results of studies on carbon nanotubes – as received, after cleaning and also after modification. Functional groups as well as metal nanoparticles have been attached, originating from cobalt sulphate, copper acetate and a mixture of hydrogen bromide and bromide. The surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM), X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) as well as Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out on such nanotubes. The surface topography studies have shown that after the modification the diameter and length of nanotubes change. Also the surface development changes, which has been determined through roughness parameter measurements. The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for nanotubes modified in various ways have been determined using the X-ray analysis.


Destination prediction is an active area of research, especially in the context of intelligent transportation systems. Intelligent applications, such as battery management in electric vehicles and congestion avoidance, rely on the accurate prediction of the future destinations of a vehicle. Destination prediction methods can utilise mobility patterns and can harness the latent information within vehicle trajectories. Existing approaches make use of the spatial information contained within trajectories, but this can be insufficient to achieve an accurate prediction at the start of an unfolding trajectory, since several destinations may share a common start to their trajectories. To reduce the prediction error in the early stages of a journey, we propose the Destination Prediction by Trajectory Subclustering (DPTS) method for iteratively clustering similar trajectories into groups using additional information contained within trajectories, such as temporal data. We show in our evaluation that DPTS is able to reduce the mean distance error in the first 40–60% of journeys. The implication of reducing the distance error early in a journey is that location-aware applications could provide more accurate functionality earlier in a journey. In this article, we (i) propose the Destination Prediction by Trajectory Subclustering (DPTS) method by extending an existing destination prediction method through incorporating an iterative clustering stage to decompose groups of similar trajectories into smaller groups and (ii) evaluate DPTS against the baseline performance of the existing method.


A new type of polymer, based on the oxadiazole group, has been tested as indicator material for a ratiometric photoluminescence and optical reflection based temperature sensor in the temperature range between 30°C and 60°C. Thin films of the new polymer have been deposited by spin-coating on a glass substrate, excited by means of a low-cost near UV-LED. The optical spectrum, as detected by a fiber-based PC-card optical spectrometer, consisted of the reflection peak at the excitation wavelength and two distinct photoluminescence peaks at 430 nm and 480 nm, both in the blue spectral region. The peak amplitudes of all three spectral peaks depend linearly on the exciting light intensity. Changing the sample temperature, all peak amplitude values decrease monotonously with increasing temperature. By using a ratiometric approach, it has been found that the ratio between the two photoluminescence peaks was almost constant with temperature, while the ratio between the main photoluminescence peak at 430 nm and the reflection peak around 380 nm scaled nicely with the ambient temperature. Therefore, it has been proposed to use the latter criterion and a simple polynomial fit to the temperature versus peak amplitude relation.


An analysis technique has been developed in order to mitigate energy summing due to sequential short-lived α decays from nuclei implanted into a silicon detector. Using this technique, α -decay spectroscopy of the N = 130 isotones 218 Ra ( Z = 88) and 220 Th ( Z = 90) has been performed. The energies of the α particles emitted in the 218 Ra → 214 Rn and 220 Th → 216 Ra ground-state-to-ground-state decays have been measured to be 8381(4) keV and 8818(13) keV, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of 218 Ra and 220 Th have been measured to be 25.99(10) μ s and 10.4(4) μ s, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of the α -decay daughters, 214 Rn and 216 Ra, have been measured to be 259(3) ns and 161(11) ns, respectively. Fine structure in the α decay of 218 Ra has been observed for the first time, populating the 695-keV 2 + 1 state in 214 Rn. The fine-structure α decay has an α -particle energy of 7715(40) keV and branching ratio b α = 0 . 123(11)%.


This paper proposes a new image statistic for detecting random-valued impulse noise. Combining it with detail-preserving regularization, we obtain a powerful two-phase method for denoising even for noise level as high as 60%. Simulation results show that our method is significantly better than a number of existing techniques in terms of image restoration and noise detection.


This paper presents a statistical parser for a wide-coverage Combinatory Categorial Grammar (CCG) derived from the Penn Treebank. The Treebank is translated to a corpus of canonical CCG derivations. We de ne a generative statistical model over CCG derivations and train it on the transformed Treebank. This model is evaluated using Parseval measures and the accuracy of recovery of word-word dependencies. The impact of lexical coverage on parsing accuracy is also investigated.


[Extract] As in other modern Western societies, Australian businesses, financial institutions,industries and governments have become increasingly reliant on Information Communication Technology's (ICT) capacity to provide effective, operational and cost effective solutions across a rapidly growing array of applications. The ubiquitous and seemingly indispensable nature of ICT in modern societies has spawned a hydra-like industry that is difficult to define and is highly dynamic (Moore, Griffiths & Richardson, 2005). Under such conditions education systems are challenged to maximise congruence between school and tertiary level ICT curricula and the requirements of a highly competitive industry in which change is a constant (Millar & Jagger 2001). The research presented in this chapter investigated declining female participation rates of high school girls in advanced level ICT Board subjects leading to professional career pathways.


Effects of Hf and Ti additions on the glass forming ability (GFA) of bulk amorphous Zr60Cu20Ni10Al10 alloy have been investigated. The results show that both Hf and Ti have the role of enlarging the supercooled liquid region △Tx when the adding amount is around 1%-3% (atomic fraction), but △Tx of the alloy will decrease greatly resulting from the earlier precipitation of some unstable intermetallics when the adding amount exceeds 3%. When Hf and Ti with a suitable amount were added together in the Zr60Cu20Ni10Al10 alloy, △Tx will be increased to a larger extent than separately adding of Ti and Hf. A promising composition with high GFA was experimentally determined to be Zr60Cu20Ni8Al7Hf3Ti2 which has characteristic parameters of Tg=357 ℃, Tx=501CCCCC, △Tx= 144℃, Trg=0.59.


In this paper a new rapid tooling technique, named Rapid Pattern Based Powder Sintering (RPBPS), is introduced. Due to limitations of common infiltration methods used in rapid tooling such as high temperature caused cracks, distortion, shrinkage and poor surface quality, a low temperature polymer infiltration method is proposed. Based on the curing principles of polymer materials, several kinds of infiltration materials were selected, and their main mechanical and thermal properties and chemical resistances were discussed. With various infiltration methods and materials, a series of testing samples were made, and their microstructures and thermal resistances were observed and tested. In order to calculate the needed amount of the polymer materials and their infiltration height in the sintered molds or parts, an infiltration model was also proposed and compared with experiments.


This review essay's task is twofold: to reflect briefly on the meaning of Es'kia Mphahlele (1919-2008) to three generations of East African cultural enthusiasts and practitioners, especially in the light of his brief stay in the region in the early to mid-1960s, and to conduct a more conventional appraisal of his collected letters as edited by Manganyi and Attwell. First, a view from East Africa of the man Ntongela Masilela has described as the "Dean of the New African Movement" for "his ability to interconnect himself with the most important cultural movements in the black world in the twentieth century whose raison d'etre was the making of cultural modernity and literary modernism" ("Mphahlele" 2, 3). In an early contribution to the Kampala-based Transition magazine, J. T. NgugT, later the famed writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o, who formed part of the last generation that came of age in the colonial period, starts his report on the historic 1962 Kampala Writers Conference which Mphahlele had organised with the following words: "I wanted to see Ezekiel Mphahlele. I had read his autobiography Down Second Avenue, which had struck me as a book of great literary power" (7). While acknowledging Mphahlele's critical


Power transformer is one of the most important components in a power system. It experiences thermal and electrical stresses during its operation. The insulation system consisting of mineral oil and the insulation paper used in transformer undergoes chemical changes under these stresses and gases are generated. These gases dissolve in oil. The extracted dissolved gases are analysed in the laboratory using gas chromatograph. The fault identifications in a transformer are based on certain key- gas ratios. International standards such as IEEE and ASTM are in use for fault identification. However, these standards are not able to diagnose the fault under certain conditions. Hence, there is a need to improve the diagnostic accuracy. In this paper an attempt has been made to diagnose the faults in a power transformer using a three level perceptron network. Three types of neural network simulation models are developed using MATLAB™ Software and trained using the IEC TC 10 databases of faulty equipments inspected in service. The outputs of the Neural Network models are compared with the IEEE and ASTM methods. The comparison of the results indicates that the condition assessments offered by the models are capable of predicting the fault with higher success rate than the conventional diagnostic methods.


Clinching is a joining process for sheet metal where the joint is created from the base material itself, without addition of extra material, by the process of plastic deformation. The sheets to be joined are deformed by a punch down into a die, the construction of the die makes the material flow laterally to create a geometrical interlocking of the sheets. Clinches can be round or rectangular where the sheets need to be cut during the forming of a rectangular clinch. In this study the residual stresses that forms during the clinching process is investigated as well as the effect of fatigue loading on these stresses. The clinches used are both rectangular (BTM) and round (Eckold) and the joined material is 304 austenitic stainless steel in 1 mm thickness.


Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the U.S. unemployment rate has risen more than four percentage points. Similar sharp increases in unemployment have occurred in other severe recessions, such as those in 1973-75 and 1981-82. In the aftermath of those severe recessions, the economy rapidly recovered and unemployment quickly declined. ; Will unemployment behave similarly following this recession? One reason why unemployment may not fall as quickly this time is that the labor market has changed substantively since the early 1980s. In the two recoveries since then, not only did unemployment continue to climb, but it remained persistently high in what have been termed "jobless recoveries." To the extent that labor market changes were responsible for these jobless recoveries, unemployment following the current recession may also be slow to recover. ; A second reason unemployment may not fall quickly this time is that the recession has been coupled with a systemic banking crisis. While the United States has not had many instances of similar crises in the past, evidence from the experiences of other countries may shed light on how future unemployment in the United States is likely to behave. In general, the international data reveal large and persistent increases in unemployment in the aftermath of such events. ; Knotek and Terry examine these factors and quantify their potential implications for the future U.S. unemployment rate. Their analysis suggests that recent trends in labor markets, combined with the presence of a banking crisis in the current recession, raise the likelihood that unemployment will recover much more slowly from this recession than past episodes of severe recession may suggest. Moreover, such a slow recovery has the potential to raise important questions for policymakers, including the level of unemployment consistent with their goals.


This study aimed at assessing the effects of selected factors on the quality of services provided by telecommunication service providers in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam, with respondents drawn from the three municipals of the city. The population involved in the study included stuff from the telecommunication industry as well as customers in the industry. The study found out that factors such as product price range, effective communication and customer care all have impact on service provider's quality of service, customer satisfaction as well as customer's choice/ preference of telecommunication service provider. From the findings, the study made a number of recommendations as follows; industry stake holders to invest in innovations and new technologies to meet customer's changing needs, development of convenient dimensions of service provisions and promotion of customer service to enhance customer satisfaction.


The aim of the research was to examine the use of borax for preservation on Dendrocalamus asper from termite attack ( Captotermes curvignathus ) so as to improve the quality of bamboo betung.  The research scheme applied completely randomized design.  Variables were observed in this study is the water content, retention of borax, and weight loss.  Result showed that average moisture content of the bamboo betung is 7,525%, the highest retention at a concentration of 1%, and the lowest weight loss at a concentration of 1%. Keywords : Bamboo betung, borax, retentions


The effect of α-MSH was studied in 19 prepubertal children (mean age 6.85 yrs) with small stature. The tests have been performed in order to rule out GH deficiency.α-MSH was injected intravenously (3 mg during 1–2 min.). Blood samples were taken at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. In addition, all children had arginine and insulin tolerance tests. GH and TSH were determined by RIA, cortisol by protein binding assay.Results : α-MSH was well tolerated, no untoward or stress reactions could be observed. A normal GH response to α-MSH was seen only in 2 out of 8 children with constitutional small stature and otherwise normal GH secretion. 3 of 11 children suffering from hypopituitarism with documented GH and other hormonal deficiencies, unexpectedly, showed a small but significant rise of GH after α-MSH; all 3 had craniopharyngeoma.α-MSH led to a clear cut increase of cortisol in all but 3 patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency requiring steroid replacement therapy. In each single child, the rise of cortisol after α-MSH and after insulin was of equal size suggesting a common mechanism of action. However, hypoglycemia and stress, as seen in the insulin tolerance test, has not been observed after α-MSH.There was no effect of α-MSH on plasma TSH.


Even though it is abundant throughout its distribution range, Myotis levis (I. Geoffroy, 1824) is a poorly-known species. Field efforts were carried out in the present study to better understand some aspects of this species natural history on the shelter (house shelter). Information was obtained through captures using mist-nets positioned at the exit of an artificial shelter, during three consecutive nights, as well as incursions into the shelter, with the goal of estimating the number of individuals in the colony. The study area is located within the Palmas Grasslands, Palmas Municipality, southern Parana (26o34'59"S and 51o36'16"W). Captures resulted in 186 individuals, being 96 adults and 90 juveniles. The colony size was estimated in circa of 12 000 and 15 000 individuals. Based on the structure of the population, the presence of reproductive females, juveniles, and infants, a nursery colony was characterized. In addition to aspects of their reproductive biology, this study deals also morphometric and coloration variations, as well as two cases of partial albinism.


In this paper x‐ray diffraction tests of very thin silicon single crystals exposed to a wiggler beam that can generate a power density up to 200 W/mm2 are reported on. This beam was provided by the beamline X25 at NSLS, where 75 W total power are focused into a spot of 0.8 mm(h)×0.45 mm(v). An 11 μm ''thin'' Si foil glued at its periphery onto an aluminum ring at 30 °C was applied to a box that could be pressurized with He. The whole assembly was then mounted on an optically polished and watercooled Be support. By increasing the temperature of the water and thus of the Al ring above 30 °C it was possible to apply a stretching force to the Si membrane in order to keep it flat. Rocking curves 3.3 arcsec wide were obtained with a strongly attenuated beam. The rocking curve width increased to 3.9 arcsec when the power density was increased to 15 W/mm2. The crystal was destroyed at 125 W/mm2 because of the limited thermal conductivity across the small He gap.


The storage and optimization of the use of solar energy, which is only available in a limited time frame, requires monitoring and proper energy distribution. The use of two rechargeable groups, one with a smaller capacity and one with a much larger one, allows the charging to take place with less current and thus to reduce the cycles of the battery with the higher capacity. This significantly increases life of the "expensive" battery, while the small one is used as a buffer in the time that there is sunshine.


improved considerably, owing to the commercialisation of agriculture; and because of the availability of nonfarming occupation in industry and construction, the chamars or agricultural labourers are no longer dependent on the cultivators. They now work for the best employers who pay the most, provide good food and treat the labourers with respect. Untouchability has virtually disappeared and the agricultural labourers have started taking part in the activities of gurdwaras and political activities.


Nowadays, the global oil crisis and global climate change of the environment obliged the science and technology to the exploitation of renewable energy resources and to the development of hybrid dynamic sustainable ecological designs. Sanitary landfills remain an attractive disposal route for solid wastes, as it is more economical than other alternative solutions. This paper analyzes the waste biodegradation and its emissions, as a result of different disposed waste composition and solid waste management and treatment. Projections are made of several indexes which should be taken into account for the environmental impact assessment of landfill designs and landfill management including probable bioremediation works. An analysis is made of the landfill emissions, which are produced taking into account characteristic field data from Mid Auchencarroch experimental site. In the end are presented several useful conclusions for an efficient solid waste management.


In this article, we report the synthesis, characterization of novel biofriendly 2D/2D heterostructure of WS21/ZnIn2S42 material in which 2D WS2 nanosheets are uniformly distributed spatially onto the spherically arranged 2D leaves of ZnIn2S4. We then studied the in-depth photocatalytic degradation activity of this novel nanocomposite and its pristine component materials on cationic dye: malachite green, anionic dye: congo red and reduction of heavy metal: chromium(VI) and the degradation efficiency of composite material was also tested on rhodamine-B, methylene blue, methyl orange dyes and acetaminophen/paracetamol drug. Form factor, structure factor and shape factor analysis has been carried out using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Bond vibrations, functional groups and phonon vibration mode analysis has been done based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Morphological and compositional analysis has been done using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Surface area and pore distribution was characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda Model. Degradation pathways and intermediate products are proposed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Photocatalytic degradation activity of the nanocomposite WS2/ZnIn2S4 is compared with pristine ZnIn2S4 and pristine WS2, which shows more than 50% enhancement in both efficiency and rate of degradation for all the pollutants. A scavenger study is carried out to get insight of primary and secondary reactive oxygen species (ROS) taking part in degradation. Exciton lifetime, surface charge and stability, and flat band positions are studied based on time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) also known as time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), zeta potential, and Mott-Schottky respectively. Rate kinetics study is also presented to analyze the physical and chemical behaviour of the nanocomposite with pollutants in consideration. Results show ∼100%, ∼90%, and ∼95% degradation efficiency by heterostructure for malachite green (MG), congo red (CR), and reduction of heavy metal chromium (Cr(VI)) respectively within 5 min, which is a huge improvement as compared to pristine WS2 and pristine ZnIn2S4, both of which show the efficiency of only ∼25%-∼75% in all the cases.


A rotating cryostat was used to trap the Group 1 metal atoms in adamantane and cyclohexane matrices at 77 K. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of matrix‐isolated atoms were obtained in adamantane at X‐ and Q‐band frequencies. The magnetic parameters were calculated from exact solutions of the Breit‐Rabi equation and compared with values in the gas phase and in rare gas matrices. The EPR spectra show no evidence for g and/or hyperfine anisotropy. Consequently, there is no evidence for the dipolar state of these atoms. Furthermore, trimers, pentamers and/or septamers are not formed from Rb and Cs under experimental conditions that have led to the formation of Li3, Li5, Na3 and K7. Group 1 atoms in a solid cyclohexane matrix give only colloidal metal particles with an average diameter of less than 102 Å.


In this paper, we investigate the use of a new modulation scheme recently introduced in the RF domain, called orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation, in an indoor visible light communication (VLC) setting. In particular, we consider VLC systems that employ dual-LED schemes for transmission. The following dual-LED schemes are considered: 1) non-DC biased (NDC) scheme, and 2) dual-LED complex modulation (DCM) scheme. The proposed NDC-OTFS scheme uses 2-dimension (2D) Hermitian symmetry operation to convert complex signals to positive, real-valued signals suitable for transmission in the optical domain, and the proposed DCM-OTFS scheme achieves this by exploiting the polar representation of complex signals. We obtain analytical upper bounds on the bit error performance of the proposed NDC-OTFS and DCM-OTFS schemes, which are found to be tight at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Our analytical and simulation results show that the proposed NDC-OTFS and DCM-OTFS schemes achieve better performance, respectively, compared to NDC-OFDM and DCM-OFDM schemes known in the VLC literature. Further, using the ratio of the minimum distance of different normalized received signal sets as a metric, we quantify the spatial distribution of the SNR gain of the proposed NDC-OTFS/DCM-OTFS schemes compared to NDC-OFDM/DCM-OFDM schemes.


The abstract discussion of the pathogenesis of exophthalmic goiter may serve a threefold purpose-the interpretation of known data, the suggestion of avenues of approach for future study, and the development of a rational therapeutic regimen. As we have previously shown, 1 the symptoms of exophthalmic goiter are identical with those which may be produced in any individual by effective doses of a sympathomimetic substance. We are still convinced that the participation of the involuntary nervous system is an important element in the evolution of exophthalmic goiter. Accordingly, a discussion of the pathogenesis of exophthalmic goiter necessitates a preliminary inquiry into the factors that may control the involuntary nervous system in health and disease. The involuntary nervous system may produce the manifestations of exophthalmic goiter through the intervention of some unknown circulating sympathomimetic substance or substances. Thus far, attempts to demonstrate such a substance in effectual concentration in the circulating fluids


(2001). Zionism, colonialism and Postcolonialism. Journal of Israeli History: Vol. 20, Israeli Historical Revisionism: From Left to Right, pp. 84-98.


A novel technique is proposed to achieve a circularly polarized antenna. The circle patch placed in the center is excited by four ports with equal amplitude and 90° phase difference, and the double-ring parasitic patch with varactor is placed around the circle patch. The ARBW (axial ratio beam width) of the antenna is changed symmetrical or asymmetrical, the maximum radiation direction as the symmetry point, through adjusting the capacitance value of the varactor. The inner-ring of the double-ring parasitic obtains current through the coupling with the circle patch which is a radiation structure, then the current on the inner-ring flows to the outer-ring, and then the far field of circularly polarized antenna is adjusted by controlling the electrical length of the outer-ring, finally, the change of the far field of the circularly polarized antenna will cause the variation of ARB.


In the past thirty years, the research and development (RD) in maglev technology has made great progress. Nowadays, German electromagnetic suspension (EMS) maglev train TR08, Japanese electrodynamic suspension maglev train MLX01 and HSST100 (EMS) are ready for revenue operation. In China the key technology of electromagnetic suspension and guidance was already in shape as a result of the RD on low speed EMS maglev vehicle as early as the 1980s, and a few low speed EMS maglev demonstration lines have been constructed in the last few years. The dynamic performance of the surface transport vehicle plays an important role in the system technological economic and application prospects. So the investigation on maglev vehicle system dynamics in this dissertation is just in time and important for the theoretical study and engineering application of the maglev transport technology in China. [WT5HZ]


Abstract This paper presents an examination of the performance of a full-scale downflow reed-bed system for the treatment of high-strength agricultural wastewater with BOD5in the range 400–1500 mg/l. The effects of organic loading, hydraulic loading and the frequency of intermittent feeding on the treatment results were identified. The removal of organic matter in terms of BOD5and COD averaged 74·3 and 53·0%, respectively. These removal rates appeared to increase with organic loading and feeding frequency but decrease with hydraulic loading. Percentage removals of suspended solids, NH4–;N and PO4–P were 39·6, 23·1 and 34·7%, respectively. Organic pollutants, expressed as BOD5, were postulated to be retained in the downflow reed beds when the influent flow flushed through the beds; they were then aerobically decomposed by micro-organisms during the intervals between intermittent feeding when oxygen can diffuse into the beds more readily. A mathematical model was developed to describe this treatment mechanism based on an assumption that the pollutants are removed from the wastewater by the consecutive processes of adsorption and aerobic decomposition. The values of the constants for the model were derived from the experimental data. Comparison between the experimental and calculated results demonstrates that the mathematical model can be used for design purposes.


A variational formulation is proposed to analyze the giant magnetostriction phenomena, particularly the Joule effect in the magnetostatic case, by using the finite element method (FEM). It is proved, using Euler's and Neumann's theorems, that the proposed model corresponds to the mathematical setting of the magnetomechanical coupled problem. The model is strongly based on static registrations of the magnetic and mechanical properties which are characteristically complex and nonlinear. A solution is then suggested to fit this type of experimental data through the thin sheets bending principle which is more efficient when used for finite element modeling. >


This is a study of the Square in the primitive ages. In this study, I make a trial of arrangement of the archaeological results from the view-point of landscape architecture.In the former term of Jyomon-jidai, the loop or U-shaped settlements and their central Squares are observed. And in the middle and latter term, they are observed with generalities.In the age of Yayoi, the duplex structure is actualized in the settlement of Sippe, and I suppose the Squares corresponding to it.


Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment improves muscle strength in Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), but its specific mode of action is unknown. We have delineated its mode of action on neuromuscular blocking properties of LEMS IgG. The effect of sera and purified IgG from six patients with LEMS on evoked quantal release was investigated after direct application to the motor nerve terminal by the perfused macro‐patch‐clamp electrode in mouse hemidiaphragms. The effect of LEMS IgG was analyzed alone and after coincubation with different concentrations of IVIg or its Fab fragments. All LEMS sera and purified LEMS IgG fractions taken before IVIg treatment inhibited evoked quantal release in a dose‐dependent manner. When LEMS IgG was coincubated with a therapeutic IVIg preparation, presynaptic inhibitory activity of LEMS IgG was diminished in a dose‐dependent fashion. Monovalent Fab fragments were as effective in neutralizing the activity of LEMS IgG as whole IVIg. These direct neutralizing effects of IVIg may explain its therapeutic efficacy. Muscle Nerve, 2005


Objective To investigate the relation of sexual hormones, trace elements and erectile function in male uremia patients subject to the therapy of hemodialysis or after renal transplantation.Methods Data of 136 cases from March 1999 to December 2002 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The differences in sexual hormones, trace elements and erectile function between male uremia patients receiving hemodialysis and control groups were respectively significant (P 0.001). The differences of same indexes in male normal creatinine patients who underwent renal transplantation and male patients under the therapy of hemodialysis were respectively significant (P 0.01). Conclusions Hemo dialysis can't ameliorate the condition of sexual hormones, trace elements and erectile function of uremia patients, whereas renal transplantation can do it, especially in the erectile dysfunction. So renal transplant can improve the life quality of uremia patients.


Abstract Nigeria is home to more out-of-school (OOS) children than any other country on Earth. More than 10.2 million children match that description throughout Nigeria, a conflict-affected country that grapples with long-standing challenges of entrenched poverty and weak governance. We used a randomized control trial (RCT) with 1,723 out of school children, ages 9–14 (850 treatment and 873 control), to determine the impact of an accelerated learning program (ALP) on the literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes of OOS children in Northeast Nigeria and gathered qualitative and costing data to determine stakeholder's experiences with the program and the cost of implementation. Results show that at an average cost of £66 (2018 GBP) per child for 7 months of service, the program had positive, small to medium, and statistically significant effects on children's literacy and numeracy skills, but no effects on SEL outcomes. We include subgroup analysis to identify baseline equity gaps and the differential impact of the intervention by gender, displacement status and mother tongue language. We discuss limitations and policy and practices implications of these findings.