Summary The daily administration of large doses of atropine to rats failed to retard the rate of atrophy of denervated muscle and did not enhance the rate of neuromuscular regeneration. Atropine did not significantly affect the creatine concentration and in vitro oxygen utilization of denervated and control muscle. When expressed as a fraction of the final body weight the strength and weight of the control muscles of the atropine-treated rats were found to be inferior to those of untreated control muscles. The change in weight of the contralateral control muscle following atropine administration invalidates any estimation of the extent and rate of atrophy or regeneration based solely on the differences between the terminal weights of the control and experimental muscle.


This paper presents a new approach on localization for a team of mobile agents. This approach is based on the cooperative use of each agent as a landmark by its partner(s). The proposed technique is applied to the exploration problem. We present an algorithmic solution, simulation results, as well as a cost analysis and experimental data. In this approach a pair of robots observe one another's behaviour, thus greatly reducing odometry errors. We assume the robots can both directly sense nearby obstacles and see one another. We have implemented both these capabilities with actual robots in our lab. By exploiting the ability of the robots to see one another, we can detect opaque obstacles in the environment independent of their surface reflectance properties. Key-Words:Localization, Multi-Agent, Intelligent Collaboration, Exploration, Uncertainty Reduction.


Background: It is generally accepted that parity is a strong predictor of pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. However, controversy persists as to whether this effect is due to pregnancy itself or parturition.


The modern society, as Henri Lefebvre said, has entered an era of the production of space. In this paper the author considers that production of space embodies primarily the production of space meaning, including the separation and connection of space, the installation of functional equipment and the production of art symbols. On the one hand the production of space meets the demand of city life, but on the other hand, it brings about the overcrowding in cities. Because of overcrowding, there is a possibility of spatial reproduction continuously. When we struggle for the meaning of life, we not only face the things in space, but also the space itself.


Introduction. The paper highlights the stylistic, functional and semantic features ofcommunicative unit as fixed phrase scheme in modern Ukrainian animated cartoons for children.The concept of communicative unit as fixed phrase scheme is under the given investigation.Such units are characterized by laconic and informative content, thus becoming an integralpart of a communicative act, attracting attention and contributing to a better understanding ofthe interlocutors. The factors of formation of communicative unit as fixed phrase schemes(social, situational, normative, the principle of stereotyping, language expressiveness andactualization of linguistic signs) are outlined. The paper suggests distinguishing the affirmative,negative and emotionally evaluative communicative unit as fixed phrase schemes. So, the typesof fixed phrases models represented in dialogues between the characters are singled out. Oralspontaneous communication requires the automatic skills of the speaker demonstrating his lexical,phraseological and grammatical knowledge. The focus of special linguistic interest is inthe grammatical constructions, prototypes of models of communication in different situations.After all, assimilation ofstereotypesfacilitates communication, allows us not to create the expressionsevery time, but to recreate it as a ready phrase. Purpose. The paper aims at studying the structuraland functional types of communicative unit as fixed phrase schemes in modern Ukrainianspeaking animation. Methods. To achieve the purpose and solve the tasks the following methodswere used: descriptive, component and functional and stylistic analysis. Results. The resultsshowed that communicative units are important for conversational and dialogical form of language.Conclusion. Dominant communicative units as fixed phrase schemes in the conversationsbetween cartoon characters are those that perform the function of affirmation, negation,negative emotional evaluation. The perspective of the research is in clarifying the typology ofsuch communicative means.


Fathan Bah e (  fathanbah email@example.com ) Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) https://orcid.org/0000-00033460-469X Achmad Sho Agency for Rembang Regional Planning and Development, Rembang Local Government, Rembang, Central Java, Indonesia, 59211. Fajar Nurjaman Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) Ulin Herlina Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) Nanda Ayu Septiana Lampung University Syafriadi Lampung University


Milling effect and contamination of titanium diboride powder by centrifugal-type ball-milling carried out in a WC-Co pot, with WC-Co balls were examined. The average particle-size of the as-recieved powder with 6μm decreased to 2.5μm by ball-milling for 3 hr. However, the contamination quantities of WC, Co and O2 remarkably increased with the lapse of the milling times.


Abstract : Two Black Brant rockets were flown from the Churchill Research Range, Manitoba, Canada, to study an auroral zone absorption (AZA) event. The first payload (Black Brant 17.110-2) was launched 24 September 1972 into an AZA event producing 1.5 db of absorption on a 30-MHz polar riometer. The second payload was launched the next day into quiet conditions. Each payload contained instrumentation to measure ionizing sources, the resulting ionization, and minor constituents. Both payloads were developed and instrumented at Space Science Laboratory at Utah State University under contract with Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories. (Author)


Abstract In its original Greek conception, philosophy was intended to promote both wisdom and virtue among society; in this sense, the teaching, or presenting, of philosophy is central to its essence. Socrates and Plato famously grappled with the question of how to impart wisdom and virtue to the learner, with mixed results. One of the standard methods—reading and writing—was argued to be misleading and even deceptive, because it deals with static, 'dead' words and ideas rather than with the "living discourse" of one person speaking directly to another. This general critique of certain 'technologies' of learning is even more relevant today, in our technological age, where the presenting of philosophy often involves computers, laptops, and the Internet. Such things come to function as addictive drugs—much like the pharmakon that Plato warned of. Philosophy would thus be better served by less use of mediating technologies and by a return to live, interactive, living dialogue between student and teacher.


Angel high-temperature resistant highly-active dry yeast was used to produce alcohol with corn as raw materials.Compos-ite enzymes were added during fermentation and the technique of saccharification and fermentation simultaneously was applied at the same time.Whatever in flask test or in trial production in tins of5tons volumn ,satifactory results were obtained solution:the con-tents of residual reducing sugar and alcohol were0.21%and13.6%respectively.The results also proved that proper increase of fer-mentation temperature could enhance the output rate.However,under the hypothesis of high-concentration mash,the increase of temperature would lead to toxic effects of alcohol on yeast,which would decrease liquor yield.with high content of main fermentation mash.(Tran.by YUE Yang)


In general, the concept of grammar is seen as a coherent system of principles that determine the formation of the generative syntax of a language, the basic idea is that the sentence is generated as an abstract structural representation, which becomes further from the derivation based on structure, following the universal principles and specific parameters for each language. The universal knowledge and language-specific parameters enables design respective grammar of these languages from which can then be generalized to a universal grammar. This paper will analyze how our customized linguistics generalizes it more specifically in terms of terminologies, terms as ingredients, complement, adjunct, etc. The limbs of the second functional generativist treatment have changed not only the terminology, but the scope of their use in relation to the position where they are. Research topic: Syntax study on the current Albanian generalization, terms and concepts, their use in Albanian. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2s2p231


The number of bat call files recorded in acoustic surveys may be used to assess comparative bat activity levels over time and among habitats. Acoustic signal processing can segregate bat files from noise files and thus quickly provide an estimate of the number of bat files in a large sample of recordings. However, false positive and false negative classifications may result in a biased estimate requiring adjustment, as inaccurate bat numbers may impact bat conservation decisions. Previous research has ranked software classification accuracy in comparison to the visual classification of spectrograms. Small classification errors can result in considerable bias in software-derived estimates of the number of bat call files in a sample. Estimation bias may not have a linear relationship to the percentage of files containing bats, requiring unique correction coefficients. The focus of this note is to 1) illustrate patterns of bias that may result from noise scrubbing and 2) to illustrate the application of two methods of bias adjustment, the Rogan-Gladen estimator and Bayesian inference. The expected bias of four noise scrubbing tools from the literature, each of different measured accuracy, was plotted over a simulated range of true bat file prevalence while holding constant the accuracy of each scrubber. Rogan-Gladen bias adjustment was accurate for all four noise scrubbers. Bayesian bias adjustment showed low overall error, with some inflation at very low bat file prevalence. Caveats in the use of both bias adjustment methods are discussed.


Having more than one phase plate within its optic zone of the ophthalmic contact lens, especially a contact lens including a Cohen lens design of the contact lens, the lens having a phase plate optics within its optic zone, so that by the phase change film depth and height of echelettes application, such that the intensity of light of the optical phase plate bifocal phase plate structure can gradually shift the focus between the diffraction optical power, the echelette with respect to which they are straight base curve of the lens is aligned with.


Micrometeorology monitoring has been used in reservoirs for latent heat flux measurements by eddy covariance. It is hard to establish long and continuous measurement datasets due to the complexity involved in this monitoring. When fails occur there is necessary a gap filling procedure to keep the continuity of the series. This filling could be performed through statistical techniques and use of model results. In this work we assessed the performance of a backpropagation Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model to estimatives of latent heat fluxes at Furnas Lake – MG to fill the gaps in 50 days measurement dataset. The ANN was applied using various sets of input parameters, layer structures and trainning time. The performance of ANN estimatives were compared of a classic mass transfer model. The index of agreement are used to evaluate the performance of the models. The ANN Model index of agreement equal to 0.93536 showing better results than transfer model with 0.89681. The results showed that the ANN could be used with great performance to estimate latent heat flux and gap filling.


An infusion of Persea americana leaves (Lauraceae) strongly inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) and adenovirus type 3 (AD3) in cell cultures. Its fractionation, guided by anti‐HSV‐1 and ADV assays, allowed the isolation and identification of two new flavonol monoglycosides, kaempferol and quercetin 3‐O‐α‐D‐arabinopyranosides, along with the known kaempferol 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (afzelin), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (quercitrin), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside and quercetin. The known quercetin 3‐O‐β‐galactopyranoside was identified in a mixture.


In order to grasp the related information and parameters needed by the tree growth, and management, establish the authentic decision-making model of tree growth management using the effective resource information, the resource information of tree growth management are investigated from the perspective of ontology and knowledge base technology. The paper introduces the ontology and knowledge base technology, adopts the knowledge organizing pattern based on ontology, studies the structure and technique of knowledge of tree growth management, the ontology is regarded as the knowledge organizing pattern to establish the open knowledge base of tree growth management, and constructs the management model of tree growth. Practice has proved that the research and application of ontology in the resource information of tree growth management has important value for the model construction of tree growth management, achieves the sharing of resource information of tree growth management.


This document describes a BGP-based method to communicate source IP
reverse-path reachability for sources of multicast IP traffic which is
available via AMT (RFC 7450). This document defines a new SAFI
(Subsequent Address Family Identifier) Parameter type for MBGP which
declares the next hop for RPF (Reverse Path Forwarding) of a source IP
to be the AMT tunnel discovered via an explicitly provided anycast IP
address for AMT Relay Discovery.


Virtual design and manufacturing for heavy ground vehicles can be used to reduce error in the design process and shorten the lead time greatly for them. This paper introduces the design of a reconfigurable driving simulator platform for a category of heavy ground vehicles while complying with the ISO6682 specifications. We will use the platform in CAVE together with the virtual scene graph and input and output system to set up a virtual driving system. Using the virtual driving system, we can evaluate the design of different kind of heavy ground vehicles, and to check whether the design of steering wheel, gas pedal and levers control comply with the needs of man-machine engineering. For the platform, we used a set of four-bar link mechanisms, which is easily reconfigurable, thus we can use it for a category of heavy ground vehicles to build up a virtual driving system. We use a special program to analyze the motion of the four-bar link mechanism to select the right sizes of the link bars. Finally, we introduce the integration of a motion base to simulate the X, Y, Z movements, i.e.roll, pitch, yaw orientations of a driver.


A review of the literature offers an explanation for the large anomalous electro-optic (e.o.) effect reported by Fujiwara et al. in 1994. It is based on the large e.o. coefficient of ordered water at an interface measured in recent years >1000 pm/V. More broadly, the concept of water-based photonics, where water could be a new platform material for devices and systems, is introduced, suggesting that liquid states of matter can allow ready shaping and exploitation of many processes in ways not previously considered. This paper is a commentary on the significance of this new understanding and the broader interest of water in photonics, particularly its consideration as a new platform material.


This paper attempts to investigate the ambiguous and unsettling relationship between hysteria and femininity that are commonly allied in Victorian and Edwardian eras. Based on the medical narratives of various hysterical women shown in fictional and operatic texts, it meticulously discusses Anglo-American feminist scholars and their French counterparts' different responses to and interpretative strategies for the same texts, calling for the integration of these two perspectives——a meaningful fusion of humanity and philosophy, essentialisation and romanticisation in ultimately deconstructing the patriarchal myth.


It is believed that the Dais in Xishuangbanna all believe in their religion.For hundreds of years,the primitive Buddhist ideas embodied in Theravada Buddhism have entered the construction of the values of the Dai community and become an inseparable organic part of the traditional culture of the Dai nationality.The Dai's unique outlook on reproduction reflects rich religious ideas.


Lifetime financial planning has become extremely important due to increase in life expectancy and decrease in retirement age. In comparison to short-term investment management, lifetime financial planning must consider life circumstances such as current age, retirement age, and lifestyle. One methodology for representing an individual's life stage is through human capital. This paper discusses human capital formulations and demonstrates calculations for various industries in Korea. Furthermore, the paper includes analysis on the effect of human capital in lifetime financial planning as oppose to only focusing on financial capital when performing portfolio optimization.


Objective:To explore myocardial enzymes,troponin T (TnT) and C-reactive protein levels in heart failure treatment before and after the change.Method:Select January 2011-December 2012,the author's hospital treated 120 patients with heart failure and 50 cases of healthy subjects were analyzed,and 120 patients as observation group,50 cases of healthy subjects as control group,the analysis of observation group of heart failure patients before and after the treatment of creatine kinase isoenzyme,C-reactive protein and troponin T levels of change,and at the same time complete the control index of corresponding detection.Result:After compared with control group,treatment group C-reactive protein level basically unchanged,while the observation group of troponin T and creatine kinase isoenzyme in although appeared significant change before and after the treatment,but still higher than the control group,two groups compare difference was statistically significant ( P 0.05).Conclusion:Clinical treatment of patients with heart failure,can through the creatine kinase isoenzyme,C-reactive protein and troponin T levels test evaluation in patients with disease progression and treatment progress.


Abstract While bullying is a serious concern for students and educators alike, empirically tested interventions are needed. This study examined the impact of a bullying intervention curriculum at a public middle school in the Midwest. This intervention, COREMatters, was designed to reduce bullying behaviors, foster a greater sense of community cohesion and trust in the school, improve school climate, and increase student self-esteem. As such, the intervention required participation of teachers, administrators, students, and outside experts. COREMatters was modeled after theoretical frameworks of socioemotional learning and Bloom's taxonomy. Additionally, components of This We Believe outlining successful schools were considered. Uniquely contributing to this intervention is the inclusion of martial arts instruction. The intervention was taught as a whole, integrated model. The t-tests indicated significant differences between the control and intervention groups on measures of school climate, student self-esteem, and school cohesion and trust. Students in the intervention group scored higher in measures of self-esteem and rated their schools more positively on measures of cohesion and trust and climate.


In This paper presents an approach for optimal placement and sizing of fixed capacitor banks and also optimal conductor selection in radial distribution networks for the purpose of economic minimization of loss and enhancement of voltage. The objective function includes the cost of power losses, capacitors and conductors. Constraints include voltage limit, maximum permissible carrying current of conductors, size of available capacitors and type of conductors. The optimization problem is solved by the genetic algorithm method and the size and the type of the capacitors and conductors is determined. By applying the proposed method, the economic costs and power losses are reduced to a considerable degree while enhancing the voltage profile. Simulation results are investigated on a radial distribution network consisting of 27 buses.


In developing countries, the police are often required to intervene in matters relating to the mentally ill. They also constitute an important point in pathways to care. Negative attitudes towards the mentally ill limit the effectiveness of the police in facilitating care. This study sought to determine the attitudes of police officers and men towards individuals with mental illness as a way of guiding the development of appropriate anti-stigma interventions. A cross sectional study of police officers and men (n=219) was undertaken between July and August 2012 in Benin- City, Nigeria, using the self-administered Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) questionnaire. Negative attitudes were prevalent among the police surveyed. They were authoritarian and less benevolent in their views regarding mental illness and the mentally ill. They were also majorly against ideas to incorporate mental health care in the community. Married policemen and those with greater than 12 years of formal education were found to be more benevolent in their attitudes towards the mentally ill. Clearly, anti-stigma campaigns involving educational sessions are needed in the Police force.


The marine survival of tagged sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta) smolt groups (n  =  236) stocked from 1970 to 2001 in the Baltic Sea was analysed using a linear mixed model. The response variable, survival rate, was associated with smolt size, release date, sea surface temperature in May, and prey fish abundance, and interactions among these factors. The effect of smolt size was in interaction with Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) abundance; smolt size had an optimum of about 22 cm in years when herring were abundant, but when herring were less abundant, the survival of larger smolts was higher. Early stocking in warm springs or late stocking in cold springs gave the best survival rates for trout. Changes in return activity or fishing methods have made tag returns a less reliable way of estimating survival during the last 30 years. The actual return rate of undersized fish (<40 cm) compared with their estimated proportion among captured fish decreased over time, which suggests that the survival rate...


We previously documented that a stringent implementation of a preemptive cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention protocol reduced the number of CMV disease episodes after kidney transplantation, when compared with a routine preemptive protocol. The impact on overall costs was assessed.


This Research to Practice Work-in-Progress paper discusses the use of hands-on engineering laboratory and project activities to engage pK-12 STEM educators in order to exploit the synergy between the pK-12 STEM curriculum and the undergraduate engineering degree programs. Hands-on laboratory and project-based experiences are deemed to be among the most effective means to introduce and reinforce concepts in most engineering disciplines. The pK-12 STEM educators are engaged in structured project activities through workshops. During the ninety-minute duration of the workshop, as many as five project activities, ranging from simple resistive circuit configurations to advanced transistor and RF circuits, are first outlined, then assembled and tested by the educators. Through participation in this workshop, the STEM educators gained the opportunity to identify new and/or revise laboratory activities within their pK-12 STEM curriculum. The participants were not required to or expected to know advanced concepts in circuits and electronics. The workshop provided the experiences necessary to link the theory to practice through assembly of the electronic circuit and experimental observations. The educators worked with kits containing electrical components placed on the circuit assembly board using snap connectors and connected together to create basic and advanced circuits. The survey questionnaire administered upon conclusion of each project activity provided the feedback necessary to assess the overall process and each project activity.


The IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine is a monthly magazine that publishes articles concerned with the various aspects of systems for space, air, ocean, or ground environments as well as news and information of interest to society members. The boundaries of acceptable subject matter has been intentionally left flexible so that the magazine can follow the research activities, technology applications, and future trends to better meet the needs of the members of the society. The topics of current interest are best summarized in the technical fields of interest on our submission E-JournaJ Press' web-based review system at: http://sysacs.msubmit.net. Additional guidelines can be found at the top of our review system homepage under "Information to Authors." For more technically complex papers, authors should consider submitting to the IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems at: http://taes.msubmit.net. (See below.) Other IEEE Magazines that may be more appropriate for your article can be found at: http://www.ieee.orglorganizations /pubs/magazineslmaguide.htm.


Osteopontin (OPN) was initially described as a protein involved in bone metabolism, but the roles played by OPN in the immune system and allergic reactions have attracted increasing attention. Here, we clarify the OPN‐related dynamics of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and assess whether the OPN level has utility for classifying such reactions and serving as a biomarker of severity. Serum OPN levels in patients with drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS), Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and erythema multiforme‐type drug reaction (EM‐DR) were quantified by ELISA. The OPN sources were analyzed by dual immunofluorescence assay of DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM‐DR biopsy specimens. The serum OPN levels of DIHS/DRESS patients (489.1 ± 37.0 ng/mL) and SJS/TEN patients (508.5 ± 47.8 ng/mL) were significantly higher compared with controls (314.4 ± 14.3 ng/mL; p < 0.001). After treatment, the serum OPN level of DIHS/DRESS patients decreased to that of controls. In addition, OPN levels in DIHS/DRESS patients and SJS/TEN patients were higher than in patients with EM‐DR (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05). However, when the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the OPN levels among the three groups of patients, the difference was not significant (p = 0.055). Dual immunofluorescence assay revealed that T lymphocytes and macrophages were the main OPN sources in DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM‐DR patients. These data suggest that the OPN level can be used to evaluate the severity of inflammation in patients experiencing drug reactions.


Objective:To study the diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Method:Eighty-four cases of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma which were surgically treated in our four hospitals during the past 24 years were analysed retrospectively.Results:The misdiagniosis rate was 70.24% before.But in recent years,the correct diagnostic rate has reached 98.75%-100% because of the development of medical technology and application of advanced apparatus,expecially B-US and CT.The resecting rate has been increased from 24.4% before 1990 to 40.48% at present. The patients'life time have been increased and their living quality inproved even if they were treatd by palliative surgical procedure.Conclusions:clinical doctors should improve their understanding of the disease and keep a high sense for it.Early examination,diagnosis,and operation should be applied on patients suspected suffering from the disease in order to increase the resecting rate.Even in patients who can not be radically operated on,vigorous palliative surgery and operative chemotherapy should be adopted so as to prolong their life time and improve their living quality.


Abstract This study aimed to describe the function and form of Persembahan Bersujud Dance in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan. With descriptive qualitative approach, this research data obtained through observational studies in Tanah Bumbu, interviews with sources and documentation associated with prostration Dance Tribute. The results showed that the function dan form performance Persembahan Bersujud Dance in Tanah Bumbu regency is known as the entertainment on the way-local Goverment official events. In addition, this dance also serves as a medium of education through moral teachings in the lyrics or lyrics accompaniment. Persembahan Bersujud Dance is a new creation dance under the guidance of H. Bakhtiar Sanderta. This dance depicts the peculiarities of society Tanah Bumbu very thick with the influence of Islam and its plurality, that is a mix between Bugis and Banjar tribe. Keywords : persembahan bersujud dance, function, form performances, tanah bumbu


This article presents an overview of the literature on daily fluctuations in work engagement. Daily work engagement is a state of vigor, dedication, and absorption that is predictive of important organizational outcomes, including job performance. After briefly discussing enduring work engagement, the advantages of diary research are discussed, as well as the concept and measurement of daily work engagement. The research evidence shows that fluctuations in work engagement are a function of the changes in daily job and personal resources. Particularly on the days that employees have access to many resources, they are able to cope well with their daily job demands (e.g., work pressure, negative events), and likely interpret these demands as challenges. Furthermore, the literature review shows that on the days employees have sufficient levels of job control, they proactively try to optimize their work environment in order to stay engaged. This proactive behavior is called job crafting and predicts momentary ...


Analyses of waste samples taken from tank 241-AY-102 indicate the tank interstitial liquid is deficient in nitrite in accordance with corrosion prevention chemistry. The supernatant was within specifications. Corrosion control is a Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) level control implemented in HNF-IP-I266 (CHG 2001 b), Administrative Control (AC) 5. IS, ''Chemistry Control Program.'' Sodium hydroxide (caustic) solution was added to the tank in early 2001 to bring it into specification for hydroxide. Sodium nitrite solution will be added to the tank to bring the interstitial liquid into specification for nitrite.


Anion synthetic detergent mainly refers to benzene sulfonate (LAS and ASS),is a surfactant.Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) on human mucosa and skin have a stimulating effect,can cause dermatitis.When the water content of the active agent is 0.5 hauck / L,the surface will be a layer of foam floating effect;content of 10 mg / L,the fish find it difficult to survive,on human health hazard,depending on the concentration of water the size of detergent different,and as a result of LAS with a straight-chain alkyl sulfonate difficult oxidation and biological decomposition,therefore,anionic detergent has now become one of important indicators of water pollution.Anion synthetic detergent,mainly from the production of wastewater and industrial detergents,shampoo wash water industry,as well as domestic sewage.Determination of anionic detergent method are: the earlier application of instruments for infrared analysis and potentiometric titration] and chemical analysis of methylene blue colorimetry.


The habitat of H. insidiatrix, in the region of Main Camp, Wankie National Park, is considered briefly. The seasonal occurrence of the fly is studied and its activity throughout the day. Comparisons are drawn with previous work in colder climates.


We investigated the conversion of mephenytoin to nirvanol in five patients with uncontrolled complex partial seizures. After a 50-mg single oral dose, mean peak mephenytoin level was 0.48 μ/ml and nirvanol0.37 μg/ml. After 400 mg, peak mephenytoin level was 3.9 μg/ml and nirvanol 2.5 μg/ml. On 400 mg daily, mephenytoin reached a mean steady-state level of 1.5 μg/ml. Nirvanol mean steady-state level was 18 μg/ml. Mean plasma half-life was 17 hours for mephenytoin and 114 hours for nirvanol. Two patients had reduced seizures during mephenytoin therapy and one a transient increase during drug withdrawal. No toxicity was seen, but mephenytoin was not more effective than phenytoin.


The objective of this work was to study the consortium of corn with Brachiaria ruziziensis regarding the morphogenesis of the forage. The field experiment was conducted on November 2012 to April 2013, in an area of UNIOESTE, campus Marechal Cândido Rondon, Parana State. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 2x3 factorial design, with three replications. The treatments consisted of two spacings (45 and 90 cm), conducted in three types of cultivation ( B. ruziziensis ; B. ruziziensis with corn in the row; and B. ruziziensis with corn between the row). The morphogenical characteristics evaluated were: rates of leaf appearance, leaf elongation, number of green leaves and leaf life span. The leaf elongation rate of B. ruziziensis cultivated alone was higher in the spacing of 90 cm. Signal grass intercropped with maize constitutes a good alternative to be explored by farmers.


The multilayer wiring substrate includes: a first insulating layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second insulating layer on the first surface of the first insulating layer; a first wiring pattern on the second surface of the first insulating layer; a second wiring pattern on a surface of the second insulating layer; a first via formed through the first insulating layer; a second via formed through the second insulating layer; and a third wiring pattern formed on the first surface of the first insulating layer and embedded in the second insulating layer, the third wiring pattern having a hole therethrough. A diameter of the hole is smaller than each diameter of the first and second vias. The first via and the second via are connected to each other through a metal filled in the hole of the third wiring pattern.


Comparing with the difference among original animal husbandry,tradition animal husbandry,industrialization and ecological animal husbandry,anthor thought the best choice for the management manner of animal husbandry industrialization was development of ecological animal husbandry.The importance of development of ecoloical animal husbandry industrialization in china is benefit to increasing animal prodction income,improving animal product quality,enhancing animal product competitiveness in international market and promoting continuable development of animal husbandry.The important management manner for ecological animal husbandry industrialization may be included in seasonal ecological animal husbandry,modern grass ecological animal husbandry,industralization ecological animal husbandry,ecological animal husbandry uniting between agriculture and animal production and ecological animal husbandry without polluted product.


In this article are two aspects of Wilhelm von Humboldt's historical thought of particular interest; his theory of historical ideas(historische Ideenlehre) by which he seeks to find a metaphysical foundation for his doctrine of individuality and discover meaning and a common basis of existence in a pluralistic world: his theory of understanding(Verstehen) through which he attempts to do justice to the irrational nature of history. Humboldt develops his own theory of historical ideas in his famous essay "On the Task of the Writer of History(1822)". His theory of ideas involves the recognition of the basically irrational character of human history. At first glance it seems to point at a hopeless chaos of values. In fact, however, Humboldt reflects his faith that there is meaning in the midst of flux. For him the world history is inconceivable without a cosmic plan governing it. Although it is impossible for man to understand the plans of cosmic government(Weltregierung), he can intuitively gain glimpses of it through the ideas. Thus Humboldt preserves his faith that in a higher sense history is a meaningful drama. Humboldt's theory of historical understanding presupposes that in approaching history the historian is dealing with living, not with dead matter. He stresses that to comprehend a living matter, we must see it as a totality and understand its inner essence. In means that we must understand the historical events in a larger context. The highest task of historian is to approach to the ideas which expresses themselves in concrete reality by intuitive understanding as well as rational comprehension.


In the previous paper entitled " High Winter Mortality of Seasonal Diseases " (Papers in Meteorology and Geophysics, Vol. XII, No. 2, 1961), I analyzed and explained the chronological changes in the calendars of seasonal diseases in the first half of the current century in Japan. I further traced the secular trends in the seasonal variation curves of deaths from major maladies and in the summer and winter death indices, thereby to find out the reasons responsible for such noteworthy fluctuations in mortality from diseases. I am inclined to continue my research and analysis by preparing seasonal disease calendars by age group in order to clarify the age structure of high winter mortality in recent years. In this paper, I try to make seasonal disease calendar models by period on the basis of my studies in mortality variation in five periods (1906-10, 1912-16, 1930-34, 1952-56 and 1957-61) in Japan and models of the same kind by country according to various stages of civilization or socio-economic development—the United Kingdom as a highly advanced, Japan as a less-advanced and Egypt as an under-developed country. I also try to form a tentative modelling of the seasonal variation of deaths from various diseases. This paper, therefore, is intended to further the analysis and clarification of the ever-higher mortality in the cold season. 1. Chronological Changes in Seasonal Disease Calendars A comparison of the seasonal disease calendars in the above-mentioned five periods in Japan clearly reveals a series of chronological changes in the mortality of various human ailments. In the first decade of the current century, the death rate was particularly high in the hot months for almost all the diseases, indicative of the high summer mortality (see Fig. 1). In the case of senile maladies (heart disease, apoplexy, senility, etc.), two mortality peaks were witnessed, one in summer and the other in winter. Cancer raged in summer, and it is also worth mentioning that mortality was very high—over 200 per 100,000—for such diseases as pneumonia-bronchitis, gastritisenteritis (including duodenitis and colitis as well) and tuberculosis. Little difference was seen between 1906-10 and 1912-16. But it is notable that the summer prevalence of heart disease and apoplexy got markedly shorter in the latter period, that their prevalence gradually moved to autumn, and that pneumonia bronchitis, gastritis enteritis and tuberculosis again registered the highest mortality. In 1930-34, noteworthy changes occurred in the calendars of seasonal diseases. First of all, the summer mortality peak disappeared for senile ailments, though the winter summit remained intact. Such changes got all the more conspicuous after the Second World War or in 1952-56: with the exception of dysentery and gastritis-enteritis, no mortality peak was seen in summer for all disorders, even for so-called summer type diseases like tuberculosis and avitaminosis (beriberi). Whooping cough also took the biggest death toll in winter. As for cancer, the death peak seen in the hot season in the above-mentioned three periods moved to autumn (October and November). The mortality rate declined on the whole. Surprisingly notable was the decrease of deaths from gastritis-enteritis, pneumonia and tuberculosis in this period. In 1957-61, all diseases but dysentery became " winter maladies ". In one word, only dysentery marked the mortality in summer, and even gastritis-enteritis took the toll in winter. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that relations between seasonal environments and deaths from diseases did not remain fixed and stable, but under1963 A Geographical Study of Seasonal Disease Calendar Models by Period and Country 111 went a series of chronological fluctuations, depending upon the changes in socioeconomic conditions. These secular trends in mortality were seen not only in the nation-wide calendars of diseases but also in local calendars of the same kind. As shown in Fig. 2A and 2B, the mortality rate was conspicuously high in the early decades of this century in both Tokyo Metropolis and Iwate Prefecture, but in 1950's most diseases raged in the cold months, taking the highest toll in winter. For all this, some geographical differences may well be noted : for instance, in Tokyo Metropolis the summer mortality peak remained intact only for dysentery in 1950's as in the case of the whole country, while on the other hand in Iwate Prefecture gastritis-enteritis as well as dysentery prevailed, though for a very short period, in summer (their winter prevalence was much longer, i.e. from mid-December to mid-March). But Iwate Prefecture's recent calendar of seasonal diseases has become much similar to that of Tokyo Metropolis a few years ago, vith two death peaks for gastritis-enteritis. Moreover, an international comparison provides interesting facts. In the 195256 calendar of seasonal diseases for the United Kingdom (see Fig. 3), there was a marked mortality peak in winter, strikingly contrasted to the complete blank in the summer areas. In the same period, Japan's calendar still showed the summer prevalence of gastritis-enteritis and dysentery. It is to be recalled, however, that even in the United Kingdom typhoid and the gastritis-enteritis group raged in summer 112M. Momiyama (Sakamoto) and H. KitoVol. XIV No. 2 in 192&-29, though their death toll was considerably small : namely, the calendar of diseases in those days was much like that of Japan in early 1950's. 2. Typical Seasonal Fluctuations of Mortality and Their Models Among the 14 diseases listed in the seasonal disease calendars, for some the mortality peak has moved from summer to winter or autumn, and others, which formerly showed two peaks, namely one in summer and the other in winter, have become completely winter diseases. Their mortality curves in the above-mentioned . five periods since the start of the current century were carefully traced and tentatively classified in the previous paper (1961). In this paper, their secular trends are analyzed more extensively, thereby to make models for seasonal variation of deaths from specified diseases. For sake of convenience, the mortality variation was classified into two types, i.e. " transitory " and " reversing ". 1) Transitory type mortality variation In the seasonal disease calendar featured by the high winter mortality, only cancer falls in this category : the death peak has moved from summer to autumn. In the early decades of this century, this malady took the biggest toll in August and in September in 1930's, but it now rages in October. In this way, the mortality peak has been moving from the hot to the cool months (Fig. 4a). It still remains to be seen if it will continue moving further to winter as in the case of many other 1963, ,A Geographical Study of Seasonal Disease Calendar Models by Period and Country 113 ailments, or if it will come to stay in fall. The coefficient of seasonal variation for this disease stood at 0.102 in early 1900's but slips to as low as 0.087 at present, indicative of the diminution of its seasonal variation. Fig. 4. Seasonal variation of mortality. Note : This and the following figures are drawn on the basis of monthly death index numbers instead of mortality rates. The monthly mortality rates are converted into the monthly death index numbers as follows : Monthly death index It can thus be seen that the annual average and total of the monthly death index numbers come at 100 and 1,200, respectively. 114M. Momiyama (Sakamoto) and H. KitoVol. XIV No. 2 2) Reversing type mortality variation Variation of this type is subdivided into two subtypes, A and B. As for Subtype A, the summer peak which was seen in summer before the war has caved in and touched the lowest bottom, while on the other hand the winter curve has been getting relatively higher and closed up as a summit (Fig. 4b and 4c). Typical diseases included in this group are gastritis-enteritis, avitaminosis (beriberi), and tuberculosis. In the case of gastritis-enteritis and avitaminosis (beriberi), seasonal fluctuations were notably high in 1906-10, 1912-16 and 1930-34, with the coefficient of seasonal variation at well over 0.4. After the " reversion ", however, it has dropped to 0.110.13 for gastritis-enteritis and to 0.19-0.29 for avitaminosis (beriberi), or one half of the former coefficient. Widely different from these illnesses is tuberculosis, the seasonal death variation of which has been much less sharp. Diseases of subtype B had two mortality peaks, as already mentioned, in 190610 and 1912-16 (in some localities, the summit was higher in summer than in winter). The summer peak getting lower, they now are winter diseases with one peak in the cold season. Falling under this category are senile diseases, namely apoplexy, heart disease and senility. The coefficient of seasonal variation stood at as high as 0.22 in 1906-10 for apoplexy, but it sagged to 0.11 in 1930-34. Due to the steady curving-up of the winter peak, however, it has recently turned upward to 0.15 or 0.16. From the foregoing, it may be concluded that the seasonal variation of mortality was fairly high for subtype A in 1906-10 and 1912-16 and dropped appreciably in 1930's, but that it has recently resumed an upturn due to the ever-higher winter mortality. The same has been the case with senile diseases : seasonal variation has again been getting bigger after the postwar " reversion ". Seasonal variation models of mortality, based upon the chronological studies of the above-mentioned types of diseases, are shown in Fig. 5a-5f. In these figures, cancer is selected as a model for the transitory type ; tuberculosis, gastritis-enteritis, and avitaminosis (beriberi), as models for the reversing A subtype ; and apoplexy and heart disease, for the reversing B subtype. Their dramatic changes in the past decades can thus be seen graphically. Factors responsible for such conspicuous chronological variation


The U2 and U5 snRNA genes of Arabidopsis thaliana contain in their promoter regions two elements with conserved sequence and position. To test the significance of this conservation we have made a construction in which the promoter of the U2 RNA gene is replaced by the synthetic 98 bp long sequence containing the two conserved elements: an upstream sequence element, GTCCCACATCG (USE, pos. ‐78 to ‐68), and a TATA‐like sequence TATAAATA (‐33 to ‐26), positioned approximately three helical turns apart, as in the wild‐type promoter. This synthetic promoter efficiently drove transcription of the U2 gene in transfected protoplasts of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. The importance of the individual elements and of their position within the promoter was investigated. Deletion of the USE, change of its orientation, and some single point mutations all decreased transcription 10‐ to 20‐fold, and replacement of the TATA‐like element by an unrelated sequence inactivated the promoter. Mutants in which the spacing between the USE and TATAAATA was changed were less active but no correlation was observed between promoter activity and insertion of either odd or even numbers of half helical turns. Insertion of a spacer between TATAAATA and the cap site resulted in accumulation of U2 RNA with an extended 5′ end, indicating that the TATAAATA element is responsible for selection of the initiation site. The data indicate that the promoters of RNA polymerase II‐specific U‐snRNA genes in higher plants differ from their animal counter‐parts and also from plant mRNA gene promoters. They contain two essential elements, an USE, an element found only in U‐snRNA genes, and a TATA element which is indistinguishable from the TATA boxes of mRNA‐coding genes.


An analysis of stresses applied to two types of station class surge arresters of the same voltage rating when tested for durability as prescribed by American (ANSI), International (IEC), and Canadian (CSA) standards for 315 kV and 735 kV power systems is presented. The analysis, which is made with an experimentally validated arrester model, reveals that the IEC duty cycle test is the most severe of all. It can bring the varistors of an actual station-type arrester to a peak temperature of 129 degrees C, which leaves a margin of only 46 degrees C to its thermal stability limit at maximum continuous operating voltage. Another actual arrester using lesser V-I-T varistor characteristics but larger varistor volume and better heat transfer from inside to outside the arrester produces 103 degrees C, which corresponds to a slightly better temperature margin of 49 degrees C. It is observed that, even when using the lower-performance V-I-T characteristics of the latter arrester, a thin-wall arrester housing design can improve heat transfer to a point where the margin improves to 101 degrees C on a hypothetical arrester. >


The next wave of concern regarding Google involves web analytics. Web analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimizing web usage. The concerns of web analytics use touches on issues of online user privacy, government use of personal information, and information on website user activity. Web analytics programs such as Google Analytics will continue to evolve, but we hope this article will serve as a starting point for understanding both this Google product and online data collection. This article will discuss developments regarding Google Analytics and similar products through June 2010. In this article, we discuss web analytics and Google Analytics (Part II); the privacy and legal issues involved with web analytics (Part III); the approaches taken by various countries to the privacy and technology issues involved, including the United States (especially for government websites), the European Union, and Germany (Part IV). Finally, we conclude with our predictions for the future of Google Analytics from July 2010 onward (Part V), stating that Google Analytics will continue to raise privacy concerns, especially within Europe, considering those online users do not generally take additional steps to make their online behavior anonymous. In the United States, the potential for cookies that cannot be erased by users will raise the ire of users, government regulators, and legislators and has the potential for creating regulations that will finally directly limit the use of analytics programs, such as Google Analytics.


This research work presents a diagnosis of the organizational culture of the Educational Program of Industrial Engineering of the Technological University of Tecamachalco, according to the findings found and where it can intervene to establish improvement strategies. To carry out the research and based on the literature review, the quantitative method was used through the Competing Values Framework Model as the most appropriate to diagnose the organizational culture in an educational institution, taking into consideration studies carried out in Mexico (García, Hernández, Vargas and Cuevas, December 2012; Sánchez, 2017; Chuc, 2017) and that for its application in a case study it was necessary to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument. In order to understand how an organization will act under different circumstances, it is necessary to know what basic assumptions it has, that is, to inquire into its organizational culture to know "shared values, habits, uses and customs, codes of conduct, work policies, traditions and objectives that are transmitted from one generation to another. " (Chiavenato, 2009, p. 120).


Health care is the primary concern in today's life.The current life style is also one of the major factors which contribute to many health hazards. Proper food, good sleep and regular physical activity are the remedial measures that has to be given utmost importance. Dietary practices followed in Indian foods are found to be natural precautions and cure for many diseases. When the significance of the medicinal herbs is brought to common people's notice, many diseases can be prevented easily with natural care without any adverse side effects. This paper presents a review of the significant medicinal plants and its role in natural therapy.


This short article describes an integrating nephelometer for measuring visibility on highways. The instrument consists of a photometer, a light trap, and a light source. It relies on the direct proportionality between measured luminance and the integral of the atmosphere's volume scattering function. Details of how the apparatus works, and the errors incurred during measurement are discussed briefly. Unlike other kinds of visibility meters it does allow a priori evaluation of the magnitude of any systematic errors. For the covering abstract see IRRD 867248.


Wikipedia works because of the many eyes idea. Good Wikipedia pages are authoritative sources because a number of knowledgeable contributors have collaborated to produce an authoritative article on a topic. In this paper we explore the hypothesis that the extent to which the many eyes idea is true for a specific article can be assessed by looking at the edit graph associated with that article, i.e. the network of contributors and articles. As a first step in this direction we show that different parts of Wikipedia have very different edit graph motif profiles. We show that articles on sociologists (a well-curated part of Wikipedia) are very different to articles on footballers in the English Premiership.


Ionomers (AClyn® Na, and Aclyn® Zn) were used as nucleating additives, and their effect on crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the crystallization rate of PET is accelerated by both ionomers, and the ionomer containing Na + increases the crystallization rate of PET slightly more than the ionomer containing Zn +2 . In addition, the measurement of solution viscosity of PET certified that the addition of ionomers led to a minor decrease in molecular weight of PET.


To solve TSP, we consider the class of genetic algorithms. One important operation in this algorithm is the selection strategy used to evaluate and select the individuals for crossing. The strategies adopted up to now, are the random selection or through the better circuit length. In this paper, a new model for selection is introduced that operate on the characteristics of the edges of a given circuit (such as the variance of edges or the average). We finally go through some numerical experiments in which we test the efficiency of this new selection strategy.


The benefits of physical activity are well‐documented, and the prevalence of physical inactivity is high in older patients with chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an aerobic exercise intervention based on the capacity, opportunity, motivation‐behavior (COM‐B) model on physical activity and health‐related outcomes in this population.


The scientific development concept is the Marxism world outlook and the methodology,in which Humanist is the core,the highest level theory.Only to promote humanist to level of the world outlook and the methodology can we grasp it profoundly,and also catch the accurate spiritual essence and historical situation of scientific development concept.And so we can enhance self-consciousness of implementing and carrying out the scientific development concept.


Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is where the strip of skin connecting the baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth is shorter than usual. Some babies who have tongue tie don't seem to be bothered by it. In others it can restrict the tongue's movement,making it harder to breastfeed. Tongue tie is sometimes diagnosed during a baby's routine newborn check but it is not always easy to spot. Tongue tie affects around 4-11% of newborn babies.It is more common in boys than girls and sometimes runs in families.Babies with tongue tie are not able to open their mouth wide enough to latch on the breast properly.They may have difficulty attaching to the breast or staying attached for a full feed,feed for a long time and be unsettled and seem hungry all the time.They may not gain weight as quickly as they should and can make a "clicking "sound as they feed [13]. Tongue tie can cause problems for a breastfeeding mother as sore or cracked nipples,low milk supply or mastitis. Recently,the subject tongue tie and breastfeeding received much attention in the press and media [4-7]. Tongue tie surgery is sky-rocketing in Australia. During 2006-2016 52.473 Medicare frenotomy items for 0-4 year old children were recorded;the rate increased from 1,22 per 1000 population in 2006 to 6,35 per 1000 in 2016.These data do not capture frenotomies performed by dentists by CO2 laser frenotomy [8]. Between 1997 and 2012 the U.S. showed an increase in frenotomies of 886% [9] and Canada (2004-2013) an increase of 89% [10]. Ths raises the question of whether this surgical management is supported by sufficient evidence [11,12]. In this mini-review pathogenesis,pathophysiology,course and treatment of tongue tie will be discussed.


In the framework of an evolutionary approach to machine learning, this paper proposes to use genetic programming as a tool to implement a learning module whose purpose is that of finding the set of prototypes to be used by a handwritten character recognition system. After discussing the rationale behind this choice, we describe the structural character shape representation adopted and the coding scheme for transforming such a two dimensional representation into a vector-based one, especially suitable for genetic programming. Then, the basic principles according to which the approach has been designed are presented, together with the genotype's structure, the fitness function and the genetic operators devised to deal with the problem at hand. The results of a preliminary experiment performed on a standard database of handwritten characters are eventually reported.


Abstract. Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is widely used in the optical communication system, and it is usually used as a linear amplifier in most scenarios. However, in analog photonic links, we observe the nonlinear spurs caused by EDFA. In the analog photonic link, the dynamic range is one of the most important characteristics while the nonlinear spurs set the upper limit of input signal power. We study the nonlinearity caused by EDFA in analog photonic links when the input power of EDFA fluctuates at a low frequency. We have theoretically and experimentally studied the characteristics of the nonlinear spurs caused by EDFA.


Warehouses as the places where goods are stored, loaded and transported are potential locations of accidents, which may result in injuries of the employees, material damage and environmental risks. Therefore, it is necessary to pay a special attention to the safety of the work processes in warehouse by studying possible causes of accidents, especially by studying the work processes themselves and the psychology of workers who participate in these processes.


The use of mobile applications aimed at the monitoring and promotion of care has been incorporated into the routine of patients to assist in the prevention and treatment of diseases and in the maintenance of health. The use of such technologies can facilitate communication between caregivers and patients and provide greater adherence to treatments for morbidities, since long-term medical treatment generates a large flow of information that needs to be shared among the users involved. Based on this context, this project proposes to investigate how the CareTaker mobile application can promote meaningful learning for the caregiver during care per se. The main purpose of the application is to assist caregivers and patients in health promotion through planned routines, medical records, forms, and hypervideo learning resources. In order to meet the objectives and the proposed problem, a theoretical foundation will be developed relating the themes m-learning, health care and usability. The research will be of applied nature, being characterized as explanatory. Regarding technical procedures, the research can be considered experimental, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. This project will consist of two studies.


This report is intended to satisfy two concurrent needs: (1) provide a contract deliverable from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), with emphasis on identification of salient results of value to ongoing Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) planning, and (2) summarize results of research that have broader scientific relevance. This is the twelfth of a series of progress reports that address species interactions research and supplementation monitoring of fishes in response to supplementation of salmon and steelhead in the upper Yakima River basin (Hindman et al. 1991; McMichael et al. 1992; Pearsons et al. 1993; Pearsons et al. 1994; Pearsons et al. 1996; Pearsons et al. 1998, Pearsons et al. 1999, Pearsons et al. 2001a, Pearsons et al. 2001b, Pearsons et al. 2002, Pearsons et al. 2003). Journal articles and book chapters have also been published from our work (McMichael 1993; Martin et al. 1995; McMichael et al. 1997; McMichael and Pearsons 1998; McMichael et al. 1998; Pearsons and Fritts 1999; McMichael et al. 1999; McMichael et al. 1999; Pearsons and Hopley 1999; Ham and Pearsons 2000; Ham and Pearsons 2001; Amaral et al. 2001; McMichael and Pearsons 2001; Pearsons 2002, Fritts and more » Pearsons 2004, Pearsons et al. in press, Major et al. in press). This progress report summarizes data collected between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003. These data were compared to findings from previous years to identify general trends and make preliminary comparisons. Interactions between fish produced as part of the YKFP, termed target species or stocks, and other species or stocks (non-target taxa) may alter the population status of non-target species or stocks. This may occur through a variety of mechanisms, such as competition, predation, and interbreeding (Pearsons et al. 1994; Busack et al. 1997; Pearsons and Hopley 1999). Furthermore, the success of a supplementation program may be limited by strong ecological interactions such as predation or competition (Busack et al. 1997). Our work has adapted to new information needs as the YKFP has evolved. Initially, our work focused on interactions between anadromous steelhead and resident rainbow trout (for explanation see Pearsons et al. 1993), then interactions between spring chinook salmon and rainbow trout, and recently interactions between spring chinook salmon and highly valued non-target taxa (NTT; e.g., bull trout); and interactions between strong interactor taxa (e.g., those that may strongly influence the abundance of spring chinook salmon; e.g., smallmouth bass) and spring chinook salmon. The change in emphasis to spring chinook salmon has largely been influenced by the shift in the target species planned for supplementation (Bonneville Power Administration et al. 1996; Fast and Craig 1997). Originally, steelhead and spring chinook salmon were proposed to be supplemented simultaneously (Clune and Dauble 1991). However, due in part to the uncertainties associated with interactions between steelhead and rainbow trout, spring chinook and coho salmon were supplemented before steelhead. This redirection in the species to be supplemented has prompted us to prioritize interactions between spring chinook and rainbow trout, while beginning to investigate other ecological interactions of concern. Prefacility monitoring of variables such as rainbow trout density, distribution, and size structure was continued and monitoring of other NTT was initiated in 1997. This report is organized into three chapters that represent major topics associated with monitoring stewardship, utilization, and strong interactor taxa. Chapter 1 reports the results of non-target taxa monitoring after the fifth release of hatchery salmon smolts in the upper Yakima River basin. Chapter 2 describes our tributary sampling methodology for monitoring the status of tributary NTT. Chapter 3 describes predation on juvenile salmonids by smallmouth bass and channel catfish in the lower Yakima River. The chapters in this report are in various stages of development and should be considered preliminary unless they have been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Additional field-work and/or analysis is in progress for topics covered in this report. Throughout this report, a premium was placed on presenting data in tables so that other interested parties could have access to the data. Readers are cautioned that any preliminary conclusions are subject to future revision as more data and analytical results become available. « less


Clustering is dividing a dataset into subsets that has similar characteristics. In this study, fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm (FCM) and a new evolutionary optimization algorithm, Backtracking Search (BSA) algorithm, were combined and a new hybrid clustering algorithm (BSAFCM) was proposed. Moreover, the local search abilities of the new algorithm was improved and the new algorithm was named as g-BSAFCM. Three benchmark datasets from UCI Machine Learning Repository database were clustered by using the developed algorithms and FCM. According to the results g-BSAFCM has achieved better results than FCM and BSAFCM.


Background:The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of clinical pathways of postoperative nursing care for patients undergoing gynecologic operations on the postoperative outcome.Subjects and Methods: the study was conducted at Obstetric and Gynecologic Department. A total of 112 women undergoing gynecological operation (56 study group who received pre and postoperative care of clinical pathway, and 56 control group who received pre and postoperative routine care of the hospital).Results: The current study shows that patients underwent gynecological operation in the study group were significantly more likely to have no vomiting compared to those in the control group. Thus less than one fifth of them were in need to antiemetic compared to almost half in the control group. Concerning the level of pain experienced by patients during the postoperative period, the present result reveals that women in the study group experience less mean score compared to those in the control group, thus they showed lesser need for analgesia. Significant differences in the early oral intake, postoperative bowel mobility, hours to remove catheters and drains and length of stay were observed between present study and the control groups. Women's satisfaction related to the care provided was assessed in the present study group. The score given was mostly very good and excellent. Conclusion: Clinical pathway was effective in improving postoperative outcomes related to early ambulation, early oral intake, bowel mobility, hours to remove catheters and drains, short length of stay and patient satisfaction. Recommendations: The concept of clinical pathways should be applied in gynecologic operations to improve patient outcome and reduce postoperative complications.


Metformin is a biguanide family member used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and one of the most widely prescribed antidiabetes drugs. This drug increases the peripheral uptake of glucose, decreases hepatic glucose production, and reduces insulin resistance in liver and skeletal muscle. The exact molecular mechanisms responsible for its effect on glucose homeostasis are still not completely understood but may include the triggering of the AMPK pathway (1), although it has been indicated that the acute inhibitory effects of high doses of metformin on hepatic gluconeogenesis are independent of AMPK activation (2). Interestingly, experimental and clinical studies have shed new light on an array of potential benefits of metformin, not only in the treatment of diabetes. Notably, accumulating evidence suggests that the cardiovascular protective role of metformin is largely beyond its hypoglycemic action and is ascribed to pleiotropic effects (3–5).

Previous studies have described the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin on different types of cells, including human vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (6,7). Recent reports have also demonstrated that metformin can attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced or oxidized LDL–induced proinflammatory responses in monocytes and macrophages (8,9). Although the crucial mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin remain to be fully elucidated, the current concept of atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disorder may imply that such anti-inflammatory properties could contribute, at least in part, to the anti-atherosclerotic …


1,3,5-Tris[ 3,5-bis(3-pyridinyl) phenyl] benzene (TPPB) was synthesized as a electron-transporting wide energy gap material. Electroluminescent (EL) efficiency of the phosphorescent device of 37.3 lm/W was achieved for blue organic light-emitting device using Iridium(III)-bis[ 2-(4,6-difluorophenyl) pyridinate-N, C2'] picolinate (FIrpic) as a dopant.


Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and the cytochrome P450 epoxygenase CYP2J2 promote tumorogenesis in vivo and in vitro via direct stimulation of tumor cell growth and inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis. Herein, we describe a novel mechanism of inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis by EETs. In Tca-8113 cancer cells, the antileukemia drug arsenic trioxide (ATO) led to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired mitochondrial function, and induced apoptosis. 11,12-EET pretreatment increased expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase and inhibited ATO-induced apoptosis. 11,12-EET also prevented the ATO-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Therefore, 11,12-EET-pretreatment attenuated the ROS generation, loss of mitochondrial function, and caspase activation observed after ATO treatment. Moreover, the CYP2J2-specific inhibitor compound 26 enhanced arsenic cytotoxicity to a clinically relevant concentration of ATO (1–2 μM). Both the thiol-containing antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine, and 11,12-EET reversed the synergistic effect of the two agents. Taken together, these data indicate that 11,12-EET inhibits apoptosis induced by ATO through a mechanism that involves induction of antioxidant proteins and attenuation of ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.


on a frequent basis: during mass, for example, she reported seeing torrents of blood as the bread and wine were consecrated. The messages she reported from Jesus and Joan of Arc made her an instant celebrity, especially as despair over the war deepened in 1916 and 1917. Pilgrims mobbed her family's farm, literally wanting a piece of her – a glimpse, a touch, a relic – as the shy visionary fled to the attic. Guided by sympathetic clergy, she eventually made a voyage to Paris to meet with President Raymond Poincaré to lobby for the Sacred Heart flag that had been commanded in one of her visions. Although Poincaré remained unconvinced, her followers began a national petition campaign that was eventually shut down by the war government, fearing its possible divisive effects on the nation that was, in theory at least, bound together in a union sacrée to win the war. The Sacred Heart, as a longstanding symbol of counter-revolution, threatened unity. Claire's story, as told by Jonas, is less rich than those of other holy women in the same period – Bernadette of Lourdes, Thérèse of Lisieux – and at times I would have liked more detail on relevant aspects of her background: her education at a Sacred Heart school, the impact of the war on the family (two brothers served). But Claire did not have the staying power of Bernadette or Thérèse either. Jonas points out that by the 1920s, the form of her spirituality – visions and voices – was open to accusations of hysteria. And her message "with its emphasis upon betrayal and the adversarial relationship between Catholics and the French Republic" (152) rang hollow in the new atmosphere of reconciliation and sacred union. In fact, some clergy were eager to distance themselves from Claire's particular message, all while encouraging the return to religion experienced by many French soldiers. Jonas concludes that Claire's experience, in the end, was most meaningful for herself, as a way for a bright woman hemmed in by poverty and family expectations to "[find] freedom in the cultivation of her spiritual life" (150). He may be right, but Claire remains somewhat of a mystery right to the end of Jonas's story. She comes across less as an active agent than as a passive vessel, easily shaped by the currents around her, reacting more than acting. The central tension in this book is between the story of Claire and the story of the Sacred Heart, which overlap but do not entirely coincide. It is not always clear whether soldiers on the front had heard of Claire in particular, and she drops out of sight for several chapters as Jonas explores religious attitudes on the war front. Although the book is eminently readable, it sometimes suffers from trying to encapsulate two narratives at once. Nonetheless, we can be grateful that Raymond Jonas decided to take up the rich subject of the cult of the Sacred Heart in French history. Taken together, his two books on the subject demonstrate the immense staying power of religious images and faith in the modern age. No trip up to Montmartre will ever be the same.


During the period November 1969 to June 1972, a frame-supported autologous fascia lata graft was implanted in 71 consecutive patients with surgically treated aortic valve disease at the Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala. The follow-up period was between 1 and 4 years.Eleven patients died within 28 days of the operation (16 %) and 13 after discharge from hospital (18%); the cumulative mortality was thus 34%. Forty-five percent of the patients who died had associated cardiovascular or other diseases. The causes of death were infection (10), myocardial failure (6), myocardial infarction (3), cerebral damage (3), and intraoperative aortic dissection from the cannulation site (2). The majority of the deaths (88 %) occurred within 6 months and all within 131/2 months after operation.Two fascia lata valves were removed because of endocarditis 23 and 26 months, respectively, after operation. Two valves were also removed on account of mechanical malfunction. The remainin...


Transportation asset management is a systematic process of operating, maintaining, and upgrading transportation facilities cost-effectively. It combines engineering and mathematical analyses with business practice and economic theory. Asset management systems are goal driven and include components for data collection, strategy evaluation, program selection, and feedback. The asset management model explicitly addresses integration of decisions made across all program areas. The purpose is simple: to maximize the benefits of a transportation program to its customers and users, on the basis of well-defined goals within available resources. This concept is emerging prominently in several state and local transportation agencies. In 2005 a study was commissioned by the Michigan Asset Management Council and the FHWA to develop a thorough catalog of existing training opportunities in the field of transportation asset management. Part of that effort included an analysis of university-based courses or programs reflecting the elements of transportation asset management. This paper reflects the university-level analysis and presents nine common elements among the various courses embracing the current state of the practice in transportation asset management. The final part of this analysis compares the National Highway Institute's (NHI) professional development–training short course modules with the common elements of the university-based programs. It is contended that there are gaps in the information presented in existing university courses and the NHI-sponsored effort. That may complicate the adoption of transportation asset management.


Andrea Ott Given the attention being placed these days on the global disparities in health care,1 as well as the increasing concern over third-world participants in Western clinical trials,2 Global Bioethics: The Collapse of Consensus3 is a well-timed discussion of international bioethics specifically and the very nature of morality generally. Appropriate for an audience as diverse as bioethics itself, this volume of essays edited by H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr., would appeal to anyone interested in a critical analysis of the "global consensus" surrounding sensitive matters, such as stem cell research, euthanasia, and abortion. Although much ink has been spilled in the form of international declarations4 to impose a consensus on an obviously pluralistic world, this volume drives home that consensus is untenable. The essays comprising this volume arose, quite appropriately, in three international cities over the course of three years: Houston, Texas; Palermo, Italy; and Rathnew, Ireland. While this volume rejects a truly canonical "global bioethics," the authors still attempt, in various ways, to provide hope in the form of peaceable collaboration without blind faith in reason alone. The editor begins with an observation so fundamental that it leads one to wonder: why is there such violent and vehement moral disagreement in the world when morality by "its very nature calls out for universal recognition?"5 One might imagine that all rational humans would want to pursue the good, the right, and the just. Yet reason has proved quite inadequate to its basic Enlightenment task of providing a content-full, universal morality, where there is consensus regarding underlying and guiding substantive principles. Rational argumentation fails to establish a canonical moral vision; indeed, consensus cannot be obtained through rational discourse alone because there exist profound implications to that realization, as Engelhardt illustrates in this opening chapter. First, a content-rich vision of a global bioethics is no longer possible in this millennium due to overwhelming diversity regarding the "good" or the "just." Second, any possibility for a global bioethics consequently must rest with a peaceable collaboration over incompatible notions of the good. And third, a social-democratic polity with a single formula for justice is not the vehicle through which consensus can be found. Indeed, some governments often operate on the assumption that citizens follow, or at least strive, for a single ideal rather than recognizing the value of free choice. What, then, is the proper vehicle? The answer lies in a polity that recognizes that differing views of justice exist even within its own walls, yet at the same time realizes it is united by the global market, and cannot simply resort to unconsented-to force against nonaggressors.6 Although this libertarian framework imbued with procedural norms does not offer an overarching meta-narrative on which all parties can agree, it is the most likely candidate to quell the rising discord found among the various nations of the world. The chapter authored by Corinna Delkeskamp-Hayes flows intuitively from Engelhardt's discussion of the role of rationality in global bioethics.7 Delkeskamp-Hayes considers the misuse of Kantian rationality as the groundwork for a human rightsbased bioethics. In that view, the rational grounds for human rights provides a limit to the toleration of cultural diversity in bioethics. Delkeskamp-Hayes argues that such grounding fails. She demonstrates Reviews in Medical Ethics JLME COLUMN


Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose promotes the formation of NAPQI, the depletion of liver glutathione and oxidative stress. N‐acetilcysteine (NAC) is a cysteine donator that is a precursor for the synthesis of GSH. Nrf2 is a transcription factor, important in antioxidant response pathway, promoting the expression of phase II enzyme and the regulation of liver GSH. Male C57 mices, were fasted for 16h prior to the application of APAP (250mg/kg). The treatment with NAC (204mg/kg) occurred 1h after APAP challenge. The collection of liver tissue occurred 24h after treatment. Analysis: Histopathology by score of necrosis fields; hepatic levels of GSH by spectrophotometry and hepatic levels of Vitamin E (VE) by HPLC; the gene expression of NFR2 by RT‐qPCR (Taqman probes). Statistic Analysis: Student. t test (Graphpad Prism 5.0). The group (ANAC) that received treatment with NAC 1h after APAP challenge, showed a reduction of 28% of necrosis (p <0.05). ANAC GSH levels were 1.5 higher than the APAP levels (p <0.05), although VE presents no differences between the groups. The Nfr2 gene expression fold change had almost doubled compared with APAP group (p <0.05). The results show that after the treatment with NAC, the increase of NFR2 gene expression promotes the increase of GSH levels, saving the reduction of VE and consequently, the oxidative stress, protecting the liver from necrosis. Support by FAPESP (2011/12749–0 & 2011/17616–9)


This paper analyzes the educational concept of local medical colleges and universities by summing up educational practice of Shanxi Medical University in 90 years.First,they should always adhere to educational concept of the priority of moral education,and combine moral education with medical skills education,then,cultivate excellent doctors who have noble professional ethics and perfect medical skills.Second,they should always pay attention to the principles of medical practice,and combine theory teaching with practice teaching,then cultivate medical health professionals with solid foundation and excellent skills.They should always adhere to service of location for local and grassroots,and combine instruction content with social need,then cultivate medical health professionals who can stay at the grass-roots,working hard,and contributing to the grassroots.


We consider situations where a normal quantile μ+ ησ is to be estimated other than the one where scale invariant squared error loss is used with unrestricted values of the population mean and standard deviation μ and σ, and for which Zidek (1971) established the inadmissibility of the MRE estimator for η = 0. Indeed, we explore: (i) the impact of the loss with the study of scale invariant absolute value loss, and (ii) situations where there is a parameter space restriction of a lower bounded mean μ. We establish


The efficient markets hypothesis implies that passive indexing should generate as high a return as active fund management. Indexing has been a very successful strategy. We document a large value premium in the average q ratios of firms in the S&P 500 index relative to the q ratios of other similar firms that appears in the mid 1980s and grows in step with the growth of indexing. Passive investment strategies that require the purchase of the particular 500 stocks in this index increase demand for those stocks and so push up their prices. In short, indexing induces downward sloping demand curves for stocks in the index. For reasons that are not fully clear, arbitrageurs apparently do not correct this overvaluation.


Meaning of words in title: 'I have a friend I trust.' It is a religious song which talks about Jesus as a friend who never leaves us. It is performed during religious functions.


Norway established a national public avalanche danger warning service on 14 January 2013 based on international standards - a milestone in the Government's public safety efforts. Three years of R&D was required, which included development of a landslide warning service. Avalanches claimed 37 lives in Norway last four winters, mostly in the backcountry. The use of avalanche terrain is increasing, which leads to more accidents. Avalanches also cause significant problems to transport and settlements. The Government established the service in response to these challenges. It was de- veloped by Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) in collaboration with Norwe- gian Meteorological Institute (MET), Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norwegian Na- tional Rail Administration (JBV) and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI). Other stakeholders and avalanche services provided valuable advice, especially SLF, CEN, Parks Canada, CAC and LWZ- Bayern. The service follows European standards and is part of EAWS. Avalanche bulletins were pub- lished for 24 regions on www.varsom.no four days a week the first season. Danger levels 4 and 5 are published by 13H to provide early information to emergency authorities, while the rest by 17H based on updated observations throughout the day to the general public. An observer corps and a forecaster group were established and trained. Information and modelling technology was developed (www.regobs.no, www.xgeo.no and www.varsom.no). Main user groups are from transport sector, ski- ers, snowmobilers, local authorities, police and rescue. Most of the bulletin is in English, as well as Norwegian, to help visitors from abroad.


Message encoding for three isoforms of somatostatin (SS) peptides, SS‐14, goldfish brain (gb)SS‐28 and [Pro2]SS‐14, are expressed in goldfish hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. All three native goldfish SSs are active in reducing basal and stimulated growth hormone (GH) responses in cultured goldfish pituitary cells, although with different potencies and efficacies. In the present study, we examined the effects of these three endogenous SSs on electrophysiological properties of goldfish somatotrophs and their physiological relevance. Voltage‐sensitive K+, Ca2+ and Na+ channels in identified goldfish somatotrophs in primary culture were isolated using whole‐cell, amphotericin B‐perforated patch‐clamp techniques. None of the three SSs affected Na+ currents but all three SSs increased maximal K+ current magnitude, with SS‐14 being the most effective. [Pro2]SS14 did not affect Ba2+ currents through voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ channels but SS14 decreased the magnitude of early and late Ba2+ currents, whereas gbSS‐28 reduced that of the late Ba2+ current. Under current‐clamp conditions, SS14 and gbSS28 attenuated evoked action potential magnitudes by 34% and 18%, respectively, although [Pro2]SS14 had no effects. However, all three SSs decreased basal intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and suppressed basal GH release. These data suggest that, although the ability of SS‐14 and gbSS‐28 to decrease basal [Ca2+]i and GH release can be explained, at least in part, by their attenuating effects on cell excitability and current flow through voltage‐sensitive Ca2+channels, [Pro2]SS14‐induced reduction in GH responses and [Ca2+]i cannot be explained by changes in Ca2+ channel properties.


A sum rule is derived for the spontaneous emission transition probability. In particular it is shown that for an atom ∑ m∞Wnm=Zρn(0), where Wnm is the spontaneous emission transition probability, Z is the nuclear charge, and ρn(0) is the electron density of the nth electronic state evaluated at the nucleus.


An inappropriate use of statistical methods may be associated with incorrect results, capable of leading to erroneous clinical practices, which can sometimes be a disadvantage for patients. False positive results will hinder the implemen-tation of future studies that are used to restore the truth, ending up being difficult to be justified. On the other hand, false negative results may stimulate unnecessary research studies and a waste of resources. The problem is to determine what is good and what is bad, what is lofty and what is mediocre, what is probable and what is improbable. This is where statistics intervenes; if rigorously applied, it yields a precise value to the probability of occurrence of the studied effect.The Romanian Review of Laboratory Med-icine uses a working mechanism to monitor the statistical accuracy of scientific articles submit-ted to the editorial office [1]. Choosing the method of statistical analysis depends on the purpose and objectives of the study, the types of pursued variables and com-parisons that are likely to be made. A well con-ducted statistical analysis should provide the op -portunity to be firstly verified by reviewers, in order to decide whether the best statistical soft-ware respectively the best statistical tests were decided upon so as not to mislead the reader.There are situations identified in many pa-pers evaluated from a statistical point of view, when the statistical software and the statistical tests applied in statistical processing are not mentioned, or there is no reference concerning the threshold of statistical significance compared to which the results of inferential statistics are interpreted. Usually, in statistics the statistical significance threshold of 0.05 is chosen, which means that a risk of 5/100 chances was decided in order to reject the null hypothesis, even if it is true. The section from The Romanian Review of Laboratory Medicine that describes the policies of the journal and the instructions for authors contains aspects that must be observed strictly by the statistical analyses of data in studies [2-4].For submitted papers to be published, it is compulsory to mention in the


Introduction 1. Patterns of Dissent 2. The Emergence of the Peace Progressives 3. Alternative to Wilsonianisin 4. Alternative to Imperialism 5. Alternative to Corporatism 6. Anti-Imperialism and the Peace Movement 7. The Collapse of Wilsonianism 8. The Decline of Anti-Imperialism Epilogue Appendix: Congressional Votes on Foreign Relations, 1914-1932 Notes Select Bibliography Index


A flowing afterglow study of the recombination processes occurring in an Ar + dominated plasma in the temperature range of 72-100 K at He buffer gas pressure of 200-1600 Pa is presented. The results were obtained by Langmuir probe diagnostics using flowing afterglow apparatus. Measured electron density decay curves are compared to chemical kinetics calculations. The obtained ternary helium assisted recombination rate coefficients are in agreement with theoretical predictions.


Demographic Transition Theory,produced in 1930s and prevalent in 1960s,is one of most important demographic theories generally approved by contemporary scholars in the field of demography.This article,taking the development process of Demographic Transition Theory as a clue,summarizes existing research results and argument about this theory,and tries to provide the thread for the next research of Demographic Transition Theory.


In order to clarify the mechanism of charge compensation with the introduction of additives of four-charged ions ions into the composition of catalytically active potassium polyferrites, mixtures with different molar ratios KFeO2: Fe: Fe2O3: MeO2, where Me is Ce, Ti, Zr, were calcined in a muffle furnace in a stream of nitrogen for 4 - 6 h at a temperature of 970 K. As a result, single-phase potassium polyferrites with the β˝-alumina-type structure were obtained, which was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry. Based on the measurement of the electronic conductivity of doped polyferrites, the determination of the content of two-charged and three- charged iron, it has been established that the introduction of four-charged ions into the structure of a β˝-alumina type polyferrite occurs in accordance with the charge compensation mechanism described by the formula K2FeII1+qFeIII10-2qMeqIVO17, where q is a coefficient characterizing the content of the additive of four-charged ion. The above mechanism is implemented by reducing part of the three- charged iron while maintaining the initial content of alkali metal. The effect of the nature of the alloying ion on the composition and the electronic conductivity of the obtained polyferrite is shown. The destabilizing effect of four-charged ions, which is expressed in facilitating the emission of alkali metal from the crystal lattice of polyferrite, has been revealed. It is shown that the ratio of various charge forms of iron can be controlled within wide limits not only by changing the redox properties of the atmosphere, but also by introducing various additives into the potassium polyferrite structure. A violation of single-phase cerium-doped polyferrites was noted when reaching a value of q of more than 0.6. For polyferrites doped with titanium or zirconium, the structure was maintained throughout the entire range of q values studied.


A 3-D laser fluorescence anemometer (LFA) was designed, built, and demonstrated for use in the Langley 16 x 24 inch Water Tunnel. Innovative optical design flexibility combined with compact and portable data acquisition and control systems were incorporated into the instrument. This will allow its use by NASA in other test facilities. A versatile fiber optic system facilities normal and off-axis laser beam alignment, removes mirror losses and improves laser safety. This added optical flexibility will also enable simple adaptation for use in the adjacent jet facility. New proprietary concepts in transmitting color separation, light collection, and novel prism separation of the scattered light was also designed and built into the system. Off-axis beam traverse and alignment complexity led to the requirement for a specialized, programmable transverse controller, and the inclusion of an additional traverse for the off-axis arm. To meet this challenge, an 'in-house' prototype unit was designed and built and traverse control software developed specifically for the water tunnel traverse applications. A specialized data acquisition interface was also required. This was designed and built for the LFA system.


Despite its decreasing incidence, gastric cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and particularly in Asian countries (1). The prognosis of patient with gastric cancer has been shown to be influenced by several established surgical-pathological features, such as the pathological stage, the location of the tumor and the histological type and grade of the tumor (2). Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from endothelial precursors, and this is a prerequisite for the growth and progression of solid malignancies. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily of endothelial growth factors has been identified to critically influence tumor-related angiogenesis (3,4). VEGF-A has the most potent mitotic activity specific to vascular endothelial cells among the many angiogenic factors (5), and VEGF-C, which is a ligand for VEGR receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-3, is supposed to take part in both lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis (6,7). Clinical studies have demonstrated that an increased expression of VEGF or its family is associated with the grade of angiogenesis and the prognosis for various human cancers (8-11). In particular, for gastric cancer, the expression of VEGF-A or VEGF-C has been reported to be correlated with a poor prognosis. For example, Yonemura et al. demonstrated that high levels of a VEGF-C expression were associated with a poorer prognosis and Cancer Res Treat. 2009;41(4):218-223