Introduction: Chronic exposure to fuel oil can cause chemical burns to the olfactory epithelium, which can cause anosmia. This study aimed to compare mucociliary transport time and olfactory function between operator and non-operator officers at gas stations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2020 and involved 40 subjects divided into two equal groups each consisting of 20 gas station operators and non-operators, respectively. The examination of mucociliary transport time was carried out by saccharin test, while the olfactory function was examined by assessing e olfactory threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) score using the Sniffin sticks test. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean mucociliary transport time and olfactory function between gas station operators and non-operators (P<0.001). In addition, there was also a significant correlation between the mucociliary transit time and olfactory function (p<0.05), with a strong negative correlation coefficient (r=-0.620). Therefore, the longer the mucociliary transit time, the gas station attendant's olfactory function will decrease. Conclusion: mucociliary transport time and olfactory function in non-operator public gas station officers were better than operators, probably because inhalation of chemical pollutants induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines, chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa results in impaired olfactory cells and mucin glands.


Nuclear medicine plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Basic nuclear medicine in the diagnosis of thyroid and parathyroid disorders and our clinical study on 131I treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer are described. Characteristics of thyroid, parathyroid, tumor scans and typical bone scintigrams in hyperparathyroidism are presented. Combined 99mTc-MIBI/ 99mTc-HSA-D SPECT imaging clearly demonstrated localization of ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Very interesting uncommon three cases of thyroid cancer are presented. TcO4 thyroid scan in the first patient demonstrated intense tracer uptake in the lymph node metastasis from papillary microcancer. Post-therapy 131I scan following total thyroidectomy visualized multiple pulmonary metastases. The second patient with metastatic follicular cancer developed thyrotoxicosis with high TSH recepter antibodies. Post-therapy 131I total body scan in the third patient with papillary cancer demonstrated large skull metastasis. Cardiac blood pool and large blood vessel visualization was also clearly seen at this time.


Sandstones in the Miocene Bhuban and Lower Pliocene Boka Bil Formations contain all of the hydrocarbons so far discovered in the Bengal Basin, Bangladesh. Organic‐rich shale intervals in these formations have source rock potential and are the focus of the present study which is based on an analysis of 36 core samples from wells in eight gasfields in the eastern Bengal Basin. Kerogen facies and thermal maturity of these shales were studied using standard organic geochemical and organic petrographic techniques.


For many emerging economies tourism is the export earner, including several Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Nigeria because tourism has proved to be a strong and resilient economic activity that contributes to the economic recovery of nations through generation of billions of dollars in income while also stimulating job creation for destinations across the globe. In view of that, this paper is a theoretical review of the direct, indirect and induced impact of tourism to the economic development of Nigeria over a period of 16 years from the emergence of the millennials. The paper observes that Nigeria as a country has the potentials of making tourism a main source of its earnings being that it has a diverse tourist attractions, a large domestic tourist market, an upcoming middle class which can reinvigorate domestic tourism and unique cultural settings capable of enticing foreign tourists though there is no political will to implement and sustain its tourism policies and actions which can translate into economic gains for its citizens. The paper recommends among other things the entrenchment of sound tourism development master plan capable of rejuvenating the potentials in the economic blueprint of the country and ensuring sustainable tourism development participation even in the face of difficulties and uncertainties. The paper employs the Desk Study approach as its methodology.


This case report describes paramphistomosis from the rumen of an infected 3-year-old Bos indicus or also known as Zebu cattle that was sent to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Ipoh, Perak for post-mortem examination with a history of a sudden death. On post-mortem, it was found that the rumen contents had a large number of pink, pear shaped flukes, which measured about 1 cm in length attached to the rumen wall. On performing the sedimentation technique on the rumen contents, operculated eggs with germ cells were observed microscopically under compound microscope with a magnification of 100×. Regular screening of cattle for flukes is an important part of parasite control programmes especially in endemic areas as it can cause anaemia and deterioration in body condition.


The purpose of this research is to develop an Information System of Selling and Services using Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft Access for it database. The benefits of this research is to help CV Computer Plus in selling and services data processing everyday. To develop this IS is used 5 (five) steps: 1) Planning, 2) Analysis, 3) Design, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The Information System can record the selling and services data, it also prepared usefull reports. By using this IS, CV Computer Plus can operate their selling and services efficiency and effectively. In the future it can be upgraded for network application.


― The lithobiomorph centipede Lithobius ( Lithobius ) forficatus (Linnaeus 1758) is here reported for the first time in mainland Japan. All specimens were collected in Obihiro City, eastern Hokkaido, Japan. This species has a rather widely morphological variation and seems to inhabit synanthropic areas. The present study is the first record of indoor invasion of lithobiomorph species in Japan.


A simple, sensitive and fast throughput liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method has been developed for the combined estimation of cabotegravir and rilpivirine in human plasma, using respective deuterated drug as internal standards. The method involved Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) of the analytes and internal standards from human plasma. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Column: Kromasil C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) analytical column using isocratic mobile phase, consisting of 10mM Ammonium Format and Acetonitrile (70:30 v/v), at a flow-rate of 0.8 mL/min with 75% flow splitting. The parent→product ion transitions 394.40./29106, 364.4/291.06, 398.10/295.06 and 368.4/295.06 (m/z) for Rubitecan, 9-amino rubitecan, Rubitecan-D4 and 9-amino rubitecan-D4, respectively were monitored on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, operating in the multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) positive ion mode. The method was validated over the concentration range of 2.5-500ng for Rubitecan and 9-amino rubitecan. The mean recovery values for both the drugs from spiked plasma samples were reproducible. The method was rugged and rapid with a total run time of 4.0 minutes. The retention times were found to be 2.396 for rubitecan and 1.976 for 9-amino rubitecan.


Hernia is defined as an abnormal protrusion of a whole or part of viscous through a normal or abnormal aperture in wall of the containing cavity. All weak spots in the abdominal wall are potential sites for hernias. Groin hernias (inguinal) form the commonest subgroup. Along with such common condition comes the problem of development of complications. A minority of patients with a groin hernia present as an emergency, with a painful and irreducible mass or with intestinal obstruction and delay in presentation is known to result in high morbidity and mortality as well. In groin hernias, the ABSTRACT


Why is urban design becoming more important? When did the term "urban design" start to be commonly used and when did "urban design" as distinct from planning? Despite its popularity in educational and professional literature, urban design is still a misleading term, used by wide variety of groups in different circumstances. Emergence of urban design is no more. Actually a postmodern phenomenon. It is distinguished from urban planning about thirty years ago and became a very effective tool for professionals who manage the cities. In the postmodern reflex designing of cities in terms of its environmental quality and the integrity with their users' needs are the most common issues. Therefore there has been much debate recently about the future role of urban design in making better places. This paper will focus on three important debates. Firstly, the rise of urban design will be described. Then the role of urban design will be discussed in the postmodern context. Secondly, scope of the urban design, and the debate between urban design and urban planning will be discussed in correspondence with postmodernism. Finally, the future of urban design will be considered in the guidance of current debates and themes on postmodern urbanism. A. RISE OF URBAN DESIGN Urban design initially evolved at the end of 1960s as a critique of the built environment produced by modernist architects, urban planners, landscape architects and the other related professionals involved in the making of public realm. The majority of writings on urban design, therefore, are the product of postmodern thinking. In this part, firstly, the widening popularity of urban design will be examined. Then the emergence of urban design will be explored in consideration of major writings in this field. Lastly the role of urban design in the postmodern urbanism will be discussed. 1. Why Urban Design is Important? We can discuss the motives that make urban design more important into three main headings: 1. Ecological Significance: Urban design involves modifying the natural environment. It follows, therefore, that the quality of the built environment will have important implications for the natural environment. Urban design largely deals with the quality of the built environment that is vital for preserving the natural environment.


We present the orbital X-ray modulation study of three high mass X-ray binary systems, IGR J18027 − 2016, IGR J18483 − 0311 and IGR J16318 − 4848, using data obtained with RXTE -ASM, Swift -BAT and INTEGRAL -ISGRI. Using the long term light curves of the eclipsing HMXB IGR J18027 − 2016, obtained with Swift -BAT in the energy range 15 − 50 keV and INTEGRAL -ISGRI in the energy range 22 − 40 keV, we have determined three new mid eclipse times. The newly determined mid eclipse times together with the known values were used to derive an accurate value of the orbital period of 4.5693(4)d at MJD 52168 and an upper limit of 3.9(1.2) × 10 -7 d d -1 on the period derivative. We have also accurately determined an orbital period of 18.5482(88)d for the intermediate system IGR J18483 − 0311, which displays an unusual behavior and shares many properties with the known SFXTs and persistent supergiant systems. This is a transient source and the outbursts occur intermittently at intervals of 18.55 d. Similarly, in the third supergiant system, IGR J16318 − 4848, we have found that the outbursts are separated by intervals of 80 d or its multiples, suggesting a possible orbital period.


Apples affected with bitter pit had higher levels of most volatile organic compounds than sound fruit. Reducing the susceptibility of fruit to pit by the application of calcium sprays also resulted in reduced levels of most volatiles. However, it appears that the volatiles are not causatively associated with pit as they did not cause an increase in the incidence of pit when added to the fruit.

A significant positive correlation between pre-harvest levels of acetaldehyde and development of pit was found but the extent of the remaining variation precluded the use of the method for commercial grading of fruit for pit susceptibility.


The present study investigated how glial progenitor cells participated in the process of remyelination following ethidium bromide (EBr)‐induced demyelination in the adult mouse spinal cord.


Abstract : The document contains a description of the computer systems hardware used for marine navigation. The function and performance of each unit is discussed.


A t the time of writing (December 2004), the implications for the future of probation work of the new National Offender Management Service (NOMS) in England and Wales are becoming a little clearer. The NOMS leadership has indicated that by 2007 all 'offender managers', 65 per cent of the current probation service, will be responsible to the regional offender managers. The remaining 35 per cent of probation staff will become part of 'public sector interventions', where they will be in direct competition with private, voluntary and community sector service providers. Although details are still in short supply, it seems clear that by 2007 there will no longer be a National Probation Service. The dangers of such changes have by now been well rehearsed, both in this Journal and elsewhere. A recurring theme is the impact of the new structure upon the professional identity of probation staff, and on what might be termed probation's 'soul'; that is, the values that have emerged from the historical circumstances and enduring concerns which have driven the service on to achieve its care and control balancing act over the last hundred years. Several articles in this issue consider the drivers of change in nearby jurisdictions at different stages of professional and political development. Their analyses allow for interesting comparisons to the approaching era of post-probation in England and Wales (the word 'probation' is not even mentioned in the latest Criminal Justice Act), and the concerns expressed in these articles will certainly resonate with stages of the English and Welsh experience. Fergus McNeill's 'Remembering probation in Scotland' encourages the development of the historical literacy which is essential to a clear sense of professional identity for those working in changing services on both sides of the border. His review of the early history of probation in Scotland provides the backdrop against which the recent move towards a service underpinned more by the requirements of public protection than by welfare concerns can be better understood. Since the acceptance of this article, the debate about the future shape of criminal justice social work in Scotland has moved on. In December 2004, the Scottish Executive published 'Supporting Stronger, Safer Communities: Scotland's Criminal Justice Plan'. The measures outlined in this document include the establishment both of


Preface CHAPTER 1 : Technical and Clinical Application Mary Alexander Lisa A. Gorski Ann Corrigan Melody Bullock Alicia Dickenson Ann Earhart CHAPTER 2: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Lynn Phillips CHAPTER 3: Pharmacology Michelle S. Turner Susan K. Poole CHAPTER 4: Infection Prevention Mary Mcgoldrick CHAPTER 5: Pediatrics Darcy Doellman CHAPTER 6: Transfusion Therapy Deb Richardson CHAPTER 7: Antineoplastic & Biologic Therapy Lynn Czaplewski Cora Vizcarra CHAPTER 8: Parenteral Nutrition Elizabeth Krzywda Doug Meyer CHAPTER 9: Quality Improvement Grace Fletcher Index


During an NCWCD expedition to the eastern Rub' al Khali (Saudi Arabia), from 12 February to 13 March, 49 bird species were recorded including nine proven or probable breeders (six within the sands proper). The most common species were Hoopoe Lark Alaeman alaudipes and Brown-necked Raven Carvus ruficaIlis (resident) and Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti and Desert Warbler Sylvia nana (wintering). A probable breeding site for Moorhen GaIlinula chlarapus was found, and a Crab Plover Dramas ardeala was seen, suggesting an overland passage. Open sandy areas with a good cover of bushes form the habitat used by most species. Extreme aridity and the absence of trees and annual plants are probably the major factors limiting diversity and density of species.


An entirely different approach for tomographic imaging consists of assuming that the cross section consists of an array of unknowns, and then setting up algebraic equations for the unknowns in terms of the measured projection data. Although conceptually this approach is much simpler than the transform-based methods discussed in previous sections, for medical applications it lacks the accuracy and the speed of implementation. However, there are situations where it is not possible to measure a large number of projections, or the projections are not uniformly distributed over 180 or 360 ") both these conditions being necessary requirements for the transform-based techniques to produce results with the accuracy desired in medical imaging. An example of such a situation is earth resources imaging using cross-borehole measurements discussed in Chapter 4. Problems of this type are sometimes more amenable to solution by algebraic techniques. Algebraic techniques are also useful when the energy propagation paths between the source and receiver positions are subject to ray bending on account of refraction, or when the energy propagation undergoes attenuation along ray paths as in emission CT. [Unfortunately, many imaging problems where refraction is encountered also suffer from diffraction effects (see Chap. 4).] As will be obvious from the discussion to follow, in algebraic methods it is essential to know ray paths that connect the corresponding transmitter and receiver positions. When refraction and diffraction effects are substantial (medium inhomogeneities exceed 10% of the average background value and the correlation length of these inhomogeneities is comparable to a wavelength), it becomes impossible to predict these ray paths. If algebraic techniques are applied under these conditions, we often obtain meaningless results. If the refraction and diffraction effects are small (medium inhomogeneities are less than 2 to 3% of the average background value and the correlation width of these inhomogeneities is much greater than a wavelength), in some cases it is possible to combine algebraic techniques with digital ray tracing techniques [And82], [And84a], [And84b] and devise iterative procedures in which we first construct an image ignoring refraction, then trace rays connecting the corresponding transmitter and receiver locations through this distribution, and finally use these rays to construct a more accurate set of ALGEBRAIC RECONSTRUCTION ALGORITHMS 275


A description and analysis o f the training program offered by the Civil Service College in England to all Recruits in the Administration Trainee Scheme, most of whom subsequently rise to positions of prominence in the British civil service, The objectives, modular approach to training, and learning methods of the program are discussed and comparisons are made to corresponding national programs such as that of the National School of Administration (Ecole National d' Administration or ENA) in France. Among the conclusions of the author, who spent time in London and Sunnindale studying the program in 1984, are: the training is characterized by flexibility in the sense that modules may be taken by the individual recruit over a period of up to six years depending on the exigencies of the service: the program offers many innovative features even though, in terms of content, with the exception of modules that can be skipped by recruits having sufficient knowledge of the subject, it is the same for all; in the t...


This study investigates the relevance of financial motivation in the use of trade credit for Italian SMEs in the 2005-2012 period. Using GMM models, the study aims to test whether accounts payable follow a model of partial adjustment and whether firms that grant trade credit to their customers demand delayed accounts payable from their suppliers. It also aims to find empirical evidence that supports the financial function of trade credit. The results support the hypothesis of the existence of a model of partial adjustment, since the accounts payable terms of the previous year affect the accounts payableterms of the following year. The results also show howfirms that grant extended payment terms to their customers demand delayed accounts payable from their suppliers. The empirical evidence reveals the existence of a substitution function between accounts payable and debts to banks and suggests that SMEs increase their accounts payable when shortor medium-long-term bank credit is less available.


This study was carried out to find out the determining factor that drives graduates to pursue their post graduate program as part of continuous learning. 10 students pursuing their post-graduate program were chosen as respondents from one of the universities in the northern part of peninsular. In depth interview using semi-structured questions were employed for the purpose of gathering data and information. The data gathered was analysed based on content analysis method to find out the frequency and percentage in order to determine the main themes that determine graduates to further their studies as part of continuous learning. Based on the data analysed, it was gathered that there were six main themes that determine graduates to pursue the post graduates degree, namely (i) self-improvement; is equivalent to 43.87%, (ii)love for knowledge; is equivalent to 16.77%, (iii) encouragement; is equivalent to16.13%, (iv) universities; is equivalent to14.84%, (v) work pressure; is equivalent to 6.45%, and (vi) unemployment; is equivalent to1.94%. Thus, based on the data gathered, it was proven that the factors mentioned above such as self-improvement, love for knowledge, encouragement and choice of universities were found to be the determining factors for the graduates to pursue their studies as part of continuous learning. Suggestion for further research on this issue is also given due attention in this article.


Technological innovations have changed the interlibrary loan landscape, leading many of its practitioners to wonder what the future holds for interlibrary loan. Examining the way in which change is discussed can reveal some insecurities on the part of interlibrary loan workers and can also provide direction as to where interlibrary loan is going.


Water pollution is one amongst the most important fears for the inexperienced economic process. because of the fast development and urbanization, the standard of water is obtaining degrade year by year, and it ends up in waterborne diseases and additionally effects turquoise culture. In India, sixty fifth of the drink comes from underground sources, therefore it's necessary to see the standard of the water. The planned system is presenting a style and development of low-price system for real time observance of the water quality victimization IOT, which may notice pollution remotely and take necessary actions. The system consists of many sensors are wont to measure physical and chemical parameters of the water, like temperature, PH, flow and cloudiness. Arduino IDE act as a base station and therefore the knowledge from sensing element nodes are send to that. furthermore, GSM is connected to Arduino that compares sensing element prices to threshold prices and sends a text conscious of the agent if the obtained value is on top of or below the brink value.


Study on the silicon-based nanomechanical electro-thermal probe array used for high density storage has been performed.After introduction of the structure and working principle of the NEMS probe,design of component analysed with theoretical calculation and Finite Element Method(FEM).Using the(micro-)nano-machining technology,the piezoresistor and the heater were integrated on the silicon micro-cantilever and the component was fabricated.Subsequently,the electro-thermal performance and sensitivity were tested and the results agree well with their simulation.About 31.6Gb/in~2 a real datawriting density was realized successfully on PMMA polymer thin film by using AFM equipment with the optimized thermal writing parameters.


ABSTRACT This article aims to contribute to the growing body of non-professional translation and workplace studies by presenting a subset of preliminary findings from an exploratory qualitative case study on multilingual practices within an administrative unit of an Irish-based global IT enterprise. Data gathered from observations and interviews with managers and multilingual staff is analyzed thematically following an inductive approach to reveal how translation features in multiple forms, and to examine the underlying conceptions of language and competence that shape the phenomenon in this setting. A case is made for the explicitation of strategies in international business communication to facilitate both the deployment of effective and sustainable language management and education policies, and the development of theoretical understandings of translation and translating in an ever-evolving social and professional landscape.


The invention discloses a split-phase line loss management method of an intelligent ammeter without an automatic split-phase unction, comprising the steps of 1) using a pulse current type court phase measuring instrument to distinguish phases of each single-phase smart meter; 2) checking phases of three-phase meter users to allow the phases to correspond with phases of courts; 3) increasing single-phase and three-phase meter user phase parameter information of user profiles based on a present power consumer electricity information acquisition system platform; 4) utilizing a power consumer electricity information acquisition system to automatically collect single-phase meter freeze electric quantity data per day and concentrator and three-phase meter split-phase freeze electric quantity data per day; and 5) performing split-phase line loss statistics through a low pressure court split-phase line loss management function module. The split-phase line loss management method narrows a line loss abnormity inspection scope, provides full guarantee, reduces an original inspection amount by 67%, triples an original speed, and effectively boosts a line loss management level.


Feeling stress, frustration, being tired and in pain creates intense emotions and could mean that the person is in psychological crisis. The person might regress to a lower functioning level and both the regression and the factors affects human behavior. There may be a reduction in the ability to receive and perceive information and the memory might be impaired. This article investigates what affects people in a state of crisis and how these factors affect behavior. This is important for designers because if we better understand the factors of why people behave like they do in a state of crisis; we can better design a service for them. The analysis is conducted through a literature review, two expert interviews and empiric research from a service design project at an Emergency room (ER) at a Norwegian hospital. The result is presented in design guidelines that points out what designers should keep in mind when designing for people in crisis at an ER. The guidelines focus on what information to give and how, expectation management, less resources for memory, redesign of the physical room and personal communication.


Even though no terrorist attack was identified in Europe, after the 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA, these countries suffered a big pressure to establish plans for this type of threat. Hospitals will be a reference for those who feel ill, so they will have to be prepared. Thus it is necessary to take measures to reduce the consequences, a contingency plan will be necessary for a bioterrorism situation preventing or at least reducing victim's mortality and morbidity.


Background: Considerable efforts have been made in order to find new oxazolidinone-based antibacterial agents with improved biological profile. Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight application patents on oxazolidinone-based antibacterial agents that appeared from mid-2004 to the end of 2006. Methods: The major actors in this field were private companies that have done an intense research activity, in order to individuate the most important features responsible for the activity, starting from the results previously obtained by Pharmacia & Upjohn. Results/conclusion: A huge number of oxazolidinone derivatives are presently under study and a lot of WO-PCT applications appeared during the last few years. Although these recent works show that significant goals could be reached, data reported in analyzed patent applications do not allow to assure exactly that in the near future one of these oxazolidinones could reach the market.


A lens is provided which can be worn, in the form of eyeglasses, for the reduction of visual noise and resulting eye strain for an observer of a visual display terminal. The lens comprises a light transmitting plastic body having convex shaped outer surface away from the eye of the observer and a concave inner surface facing the eye of the observer. The body is provided with, in combination, an ultraviolet absorber for at least substantially blocking the transmission of ultraviolet radiation incident upon the lens, a color dye for diminishing the transmission of radiation having a wavelength of between 500-600 nm, and a grey dye for reducing the transmission of visible light. A corresponding method is also provided, along with a method and a kit for producing such a lens.


One of the challenges facing university and college professors is the use of effective and efficient communication with their students. One solution could be the use of social networking sites to engage students and the U.S. 2010 Digital Year in Review (2011), social networking continues to grow as one of the web's top activities with 9 out of every 10 U.S. Internet users accessing break down communication barriers, according to a social networking site every month. The study includes an in-depth review of the uses, benefits and risks of social networking sites as well as how they might be utilized in a college or university setting. The researcher in this study surveyed university business students at a private, four-year, Hispanic-serving institution in Texas about their use of social networking sites and how professors might integrate these sites into the curriculum.


As vitreoretinal surgery develops, treatment issues of lamellar macular holes (LMH) are becoming increasingly important, that requires a comprehensive study of various aspects of this pathology. This review deals with the issues of diagnosis and differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, classification, natural course and surgical treatment of LMH. The data on two types of epiretinal membranes found in cases of LMH, the features of their visualization by optical coherence tomography and histological structure, relation to the clinical findings and the natural course of LMH are presented.


To arrive at Pound's Canto XXIII from Poe's ' Sonnet to Science ' is a problematic task for more and less obvious reasons. Part of the way in which we may make the approach is through the resonances of certain figures prominent in the history of ideas; in particular to Louis Agassiz, the Swiss-born geologist and natural historian who was a central personality in Cambridge circles from his arrival in America in 1846 until his death in 1873. Apart from Edward Lurie's excellent biography, Louis Agassiz, A Life in Science (Chicago, 1960), the twentieth century bears only scattered reference to him, whereas the latter half of the nineteenth century celebrated his work enthusiastically and prolifically. Part of the reason for his diminished presence after the turn of the century lies undoubtedly in his position outside the mainstream of contemporary biological thinking, particularly as a result of his quarrel with Asa Gray during the 1850s; Agassiz was the only scientist of influential standing to oppose himself to the doctrine of Evolution. Consequently, he occupies a far less prominent place in the history of biology than he did in his own era.


Two farmed fish species of great importance in the European market, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata; GSB) and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax; SB) reared in different conditions were analysed to determine the best index to be used for calibration of a prototype designed for rapid measurement of freshness in ice stored fish. Sensory evaluation (quality index) was related to K-value (percent of the ratio of inosine plus hypoxanthine to adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) and breakdown products) and Torrymeter readings, chosen as indices that detect early changes in the ice stored fish. Higher K-values were obtained in SB than in GSB, however the degradation of ATP and derivatives followed the same pattern in the different lots in each species. No statistical differences in the evolution of K-value for the same storage time were observed, irrespective of the amount of ATP and breakdown products, muscle composition and rearing conditions of the fish. K-value correlated strongly with storage time and sensory evaluation measured in the raw fish, however, correlation of Torrymeter readings with storage time or sensory evaluation was much lower. This makes K-value a good index in these species for calibrating an apparatus designed to measure time-related changes in fish in response to chill storage.


For anyone interested in retirement income policy, the most basic question is how much are people receiving today from Social Security, the backbone of the nation's retirement income system. The traditional measure of generosity is the replacement rate — namely, the ratio of benefits relative to pre-retirement earnings. The Social Security administration provides two sets of replacement rates. The first set is "policy model" estimates for hypothetical individuals. The second set is actual replacement rates for new beneficiaries. The two approaches happen to produce the same number for the median earner. However, this result is strictly a coincidence as the two methods involve different measures of pre-retirement earnings, different employment patterns, and different retirement ages. This brief explains these differences.


Persistent viral infections in mice (e.g. lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, LCMV) and humans (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C virus) are characterized by chronic inflammation. This sustained inflammatory milieu promotes T cell exhaustion, which limits harmful tissue damage but prevents effective viral control. We found that natural killer (NK) cells aid in the establishment of this tolerogenic state through cytolytic elimination of antiviral T cells. In parallel, others shown that chronic infection encourages expansion of immunoregulatory IL-10-expressing myeloid cells and bona fide myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that contribute to T cell inhibition immune exhaustion and cell injury. We now report that depletion of NK cells prior to persistent infection with the clone 13 strain of LCMV abrogates the expansion of immunosuppressive myeloid cells. In the absence of NK cells, the levels of myelo-stimulatory cytokines, including TNF-a, MCP-1, and IL-6 were also reduced. Furthermore, frequencies of myeloid precursor cells were reduced in the bone marrow during infection in the absence of NK cells. Our results suggest that NK cells support an inflammatory milieu promoting expansion of the myeloid niche and specifically suppressive myeloid cells during chronic infection. This cross-talk between NK cells and myeloid cells during inflammation has the potential to contribute to immune dysfunction during both chronic infection and in cancer.


Amino acid analyses after acid hydrolysis have demonstrated that luciferin, the substrate of the bioluminescent reaction of the dinoflagellate Pyrocystis lunula and its precursor. P630, possess the same peptide moiety. The molecular weight of the resulting chromopeptides would be 5400.


We study an electromagnetic radiation of a small bunch having a variable charge value and crossing a flat interface between two media. Both media are homogeneous, stationary, and isotropic. They may have frequency dispersion but no spatial dispersion. Cherenkov radiation can be generated in the second medium only. It is assumed that the bunch charge value decreases exponentially starting from some time moment after the charge enters the second medium. This means that we take into account the scatter of the particle path lengths, connected with a statistical nature of energy losses of particles. It is taken into account that the filamentous trace consisting of immobile charges is formed in the second medium. We obtain the general solution of the problem. The asymptotic study for the wave zone is carried out. We obtain expressions for the spherical wave as well as for the cylindrical wave generated in the second medium if the charge velocity is sufficiently high. The main properties of radiation are described. If the process of the bunch decay starts from the boundary between media, then the angular distribution of the radiation energy has the single maximum in each from two regions. In the second medium, the radiation, as a rule, is greater than in the vacuum area, and this difference increases with increasing the charge velocity. If the charge velocity is higher than the speed of light in the second medium, then, along with appearance of Cherenkov radiation, the properties of spherical wave change radically. In particular, the main maximum of the angular distribution of the radiation energy increases sharply. If the distance from the charge entry point to the region of the bunch decay is sufficiently large, then the complex interference pattern with many extrema take place.


The paper deeply studies on the method that determine sulfide in water and waster water with UV Prismatic Photometer. It was discussed effects which different wavelength impacts on blank value and method sensitivity by determining real water samples and a appropriate wavelength was choose out.


This paper brings a comparison of three selected techniques for estimation of slowly varying parameters of input-output models. One of them is the exponential forgetting method, which is the most popular and simplest method, while another method – the alternative forgetting – is based on it. The third selected method is the partial forgetting, which presents a completely different approach to the slowly varying parameters. The comparison of these methods is based on a onestep ahead prediction of a predefined time series with models employing these forgetting methods. The prediction errors are then compared.


The characteristics of cation outward rectifier channels were studied in protoplasts from wheat root (Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum turgidum L.) cells using the patch clamp technique. The cation outward rectifier channels were voltage-dependent with a single channel conductance of 32 ± I picosiemens in 100 millimolar KCI. Whole-cell currents were dominated by the activity of the cation outward rectifiers. The timeand voltage-dependence of these currents was accounted for by the summed behavior of individual channels recorded from outside-out detached patches. The K+/Na+ permeability ratio of these channels was measured in a salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotype of wheat that differ in rates of Na+ accumulation, using a voltage ramp protocol on protoplasts in the whole-cell configuration. Permeability ratios were calculated from shifts in reversal potentials following ion substitutions. There were no significant differences in the K+/Na+ permeability ratios of these channels in root cells from either of the two genotypes tested. The permeability ratio for K+/Clwas greater than 50:1. The K+/Na+ permeability ratio averaged 30:1, which is two to four times more selective than the same type of channel in guard cells and suspension culture cells. Lowering the Ca2+ concentration in the bath solution to 0.1 millimolar in the presence of 100 millimolar Na+ had no significant effect on the K+/Na+ permeability ratios of the channel. It seems unlikely that the mechanism of salt tolerance in wheat is based on differences in the K+/Na+ selectivity of these channels. In saline conditions, most salt-tolerant monocotyledonous plants accumulate lower amounts of sodium in their leaves than salt-sensitive monocotyledonous plants (1). Salt-tolerant genotypes ofwheat have been shown to transport less sodium from roots to shoots than do salt-sensitive genotypes, both in the long term (24) and in the short term (5). There is only indirect evidence for a sodium-specific effect on growth in the long term; wheat plants grown in high sodium chloride solutions have lower growth rates than those grown in high This study was partially funded by the Australian Research Council and a Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization/Flinders University Grant. 2 Present address: UCSD Biology Department, La Jolla, CA 920930116. macronutrient solutions (16). As yet, it is not known how sodium inhibits plant growth. The plasma membrane of root cells is the most likely site for selective uptake of ions into the plant, so the specific characteristics of transport processes across this membrane should be important in salt tolerance. At high external salinity, Na+ may enter the cytoplasm passively across the plasma membrane because the cytoplasm is electrically negative with respect to the apoplast and the concentration of Na+ is probably higher outside the cytoplasm. In plants, a Na+-selective channel has not been identified in the plasma membrane; therefore, entry of Na+ into the cytoplasm may be through a K+ channel with some permeability to Na+. Na+ may cross the plasma membrane via the cation-selective outward rectifier, which has been observed in the plasma membranes of guard cells (27), corn-root suspension culture cells (15), cells from cotyledons of Amaranthus (28), and algae (29). The cation outward rectifier channel is characterized by its strong voltage dependence of opening, causing it to dominate the membrane conductance when the membrane potential goes more positive than the reversal potential ofthe channel, which is usually very close to the EK3. In glycophytes, the membrane depolarizes in response to external NaCl, generally to membrane potentials at or more positive than EK (3, 17). Depolarization will open the cation outward rectifier channels and Na+ could move into the cell at a rate governed by the electrochemical gradient for Na+ and the effective permeability of the channels to Na+. In this study, we have used the patch-clamp technique on protoplasts to compare the characteristics of the cation outward rectifying channels in wheat root cells from a salttolerant and -sensitive species. Little is known about the diversity of properties ofparticular ion channels in the plasma membranes of plants, and in particular in plant roots. Studies on Drosophila and mammals have shown that the DNA coding for K+ and Na+ channels contain highly conserved regions among different organisms ( 11); yet within a class of ion channel (e.g. voltage activated K+ channels), differences occur both in DNA sequences and in electrophysiological parameters (23). It is possible that diversity occurs in ion channels found in plant plasma membranes, sufficient per' Abbreviations: EK, equilibrium potential for potassium; Vm, membrane potential; P, permeability.


The paper makes comparisons of the wood based panel industry between China and ten other advanced countries such as the United States,Canada,Germany,et al.With the fiberboard statistical data of FAOSTAT from 1961 to 2004,we study Chinese fiberboard industry considering the production and trade status,and compare the results with that of advanced countries.We then evaluate Chinese fiberboard competitiveness quantitatively and make further international comparisons in the following four aspects: the international market share,the trade competition index,RCA index and GL index.The results show that on the one hand,although the Chinese fiberboard output index ranks first in the world in 2004,the international competitiveness of the industry is not strong enough and is lagging far behind that of Germany,Canada and other advanced countries.On the other hand,the international competitiveness displays the strengthening tendency.


The transfer of momentum between a conduction electron and a crystal lattice is examined in detail. By physical considerations we are led to the expression (mm*)ij = δij+ ∑ GGiδδkj|aG(k)|2 for the reciprocal effective mass tensor, where G is 2π times a reciprocal lattice vector and aG(k) is a coefficient in the momentum representation of the Bloch eigenfunction: ψk =  ∑ GaG(k) exp[i(G+k)·r]. This expression for the effective mass tensor is shown to be completely equivalent to the usual definition.


This paper deals with a multi-pulse AC-DC converter that generate DC output voltage having 16 pulsations, fed from orthogonally connected transformers. The orthogonal supply voltages are obtained from the special transformer connection called Scott connection. In this paper the two configurations, canonical and non-canonical arrangements, which are suitable for 16-pulse generation are modelled and analysed. The output voltage ripples are small and the total harmonic distortion in input current (THDi) is also improved compared to the conventional 6-pulse and 12-pulse AC-DC converters.


The thermo stability, chemical stability, and failure model of winding and molding flammable cartridge cases were studied with accelerated weathering test method. The performance change of the two kinds of cartridge cases was compared. The weakness influencing the storage life and the failure mode was studied through various kinds of test on the winding flammable cartridge cases after long-term storage. The fast evaluation method for the storage life of flammable cartridge case was established based on the similar product method.


RAP-A was developed to meet the need for a universal resilience building program for teenagers which could be readily implemented in a school setting. A universal program targets all teenagers in a particular grade as opposed to those at higher risk for depression (indicated or selective approaches) or a treatment group. It is easier to recruit and engage adolescents in a universal approach where students do not face the risk of stigmatisation by being singled out for intervention. The Resourceful Adolescent Program (RAP: Shochet, Holland & Whitefield, 1997) was developed to meet this need.


Composites based on conducting polymers and two-dimensional (2D) layer structure transition metal oxides are expected to realize the combination of good mechanical properties and excellent capacitance. Here poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/molybdenum disulfide (PEDOT/MoS2) intercalated composites were successfully synthesized via in situ polymerization in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS). The thermal stability, conductivity and capacitance performance are improved significantly with increasing fraction of MoS2. When the content of MoS2 was 45% in weight, the maximum weight loss velocity temperature is 365 °C which is 52 °C higher than that of PEDOT; the specific capacitance was 405 F g−1, about 4 times that of a PEDOT electrode; also the capacity retention was around 90% after 1000 cycles. This study provides a facile preparation method of organic/inorganic nanocomposites with enhanced electrochemical capacitance performance.


Purpose: Sustained inflammation is a key feature of mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Resident IL9–producing T cells have been found in skin infections and certain inflammatory skin diseases, but their role in MF is currently unknown. Experimental Design: We analyzed lesional skin from patients with MF for the expression of IL9 and its regulators. To determine which cells were producing IL9, high-throughput sequencing was used to identify malignant clones and Vb-specific antibodies were employed to visualize malignant cells in histologic preparations. To explore the mechanism of IL9 secretion, we knocked down STAT3/5 and IRF4 by siRNA transfection in CTCL cell lines receiving psoralen+UVA (PUVA) ± anti-IL9 antibody. To further examine the role of IL9 in tumor development, the EL-4 T-cell lymphoma model was used in C57BL/6 mice. Results: Malignant and reactive T cells produce IL9 in lesional skin. Expression of the Th9 transcription factor IRF4 in malignant cells was heterogeneous, whereas reactive T cells expressed it uniformly. PUVA or UVB phototherapy diminished the frequencies of IL9- and IL9r-positive cells, as well as STAT3/5a and IRF4 expression in lesional skin. IL9 production was regulated by STAT3/5 and silencing of STAT5 or blockade of IL9 with neutralizing antibodies potentiated cell death after PUVA treatment in vitro. IL9-depleted mice exhibited a reduction of tumor growth, higher frequencies of regulatory T cells, and activated CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that IL9 and its regulators are promising new targets for therapy development in mycosis fungoides. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3328–39. ©2016 AACR.


This interview took place while Paulette Bourgeois was in London, Ontario, on a reading tour funded by the Canada Council. On Tuesday evening, January 19,1988, the author spoke to the newly formed London Children's Literature Roundtable. A highlight was her reading of a new story, "The old lady with no teeth," in which a young boy disobeys an injunction against going down to the basement (The old lady says, "I wouldn't go down there if I was you. There's a bear down there"). Like Bluebeard's wife, the boy finds out something he'd rather not know. During the interview which took place the next day, we talked about this story and what it represents for Paulette Bourgeois's own development as a writer. But we also ranged over a wide number of other topics related to the making of a children's author in Canada: the outstandingly positive critical reception of her first picture boolr (Quill & Quire called Franklin "possibly the season's most endearing picture book character" Aug. '86); the contributions to the final form of picture book made by the editors and the illustrator; the challenge of doing sequels; international markets; journalism as a training ground for doing children's nonfiction; and Paulette Bourgeois' own favorite children's books. ROSS: You had the sort of experience with Franklin in the dark the firsttime writers would give their eye-teeth for. Just everything worked. Was it as easy as it looked from the outside? BOURGEOIS: Well, no. I'm glad it looks that smooth now that's in large part due to my editors, who really helped shape the boolr and smooth it with me. They guided me through that book. Franklin started as a very short manuscript, with the same kernel of thought and the same flow that it has now. But I didn't have nearly as many animals through it; I didn't have the same pacing; and I didn't have the same repetition. Franklin was fairly ill-defined as a character. He had far too many problems, far too many neuroses. I didn't quite know how to set him on a path that was narrow and yet interesting enough for a reader. My editors and I went through four or five complete edits on it and then there were some minor changes at the end. So some people might consider that smooth going, but it wasn't a one-shot deal. ROSS: You mentioned that your editors helped. What specific changes did they suggest?


In April 2012, a forest owner from Sant Hilari Sacalm (Girona, NE Spain) reported chlorosis and defoliation symptoms in a twelve-year-old Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii ) plantation located at 41o 52' 30'' N, 2o…


Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant compound involved in many biological functions, and a chronic deficiency is at the origin of scurvy disease. A simple, rapid and cost effective CE method was developed for the separation and simultaneous quantification of ascorbic acid and the major degradation products: dehydroascorbic acid, furfural and furoic acid. Systematic optimisation of the conditions was performed which enabled baseline separation of the compounds in less than 10 min. Quantification achieved was validated successfully in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD and LOQ. Stability studies were conducted using degradation samples to evaluate the stability indicating aspect of the CE method. In addition to simultaneous quantification of ascorbic acid alongside to the degradation products, stability studies demonstrated the possibility using CE to separate and identify the major degradation products. Thus, high resolution tandem MS experiments were conducted in order to identify an unknown degradation product separated by CE and significantly present in degraded samples. Comparison of MS data and CE electropherograms allowed to identify unambiguously trihydroxy-keto-valeraldehyde. Finally, CE was successfully applied to evaluate the composition of different pharmaceutical preparation of ascorbic acid. Results showed the excellent adequacy of the CE method due to the separation of excipients from the compounds of interest which demonstrated the relevance of using an electrophoretic separation in order to perform comprehensive stability studies of ascorbic acid. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Aim of present research was to evaluate the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and multi-stress activities of a medicinal plant Mint Lemonade plant extract. Fresh mint was purchased from the nearest market. The samples were cleaned with distilled led water and its leaves, stem and roots were separated them all. The material was dried in shade at room temperature (24oC). The three types of extracts were prepared for each sample of mint plantviz, ethanol, n-hexane and water. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of ethanolic, n-haxene and aqueous mint extract was determined on Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavous and Rhizopus stolonifer respectively. From the results of the antibacterial and antifungal activities it was clear that the aqueous extract showed no inhibitory effect on test these microorganisms. In ethanolic extract of antibacterial activity Escherichia coli showed the maximum zone of inhibition with diameters of 3.90 cm at 50 μl dose. Bacilluscereus showed the zone of inhibition diameter 4.9 cm. Pseudomonas showed the maximum zone of inhibition in diameter 3.86mm.Aeromonas hydrophila expressed the maximum zone of inhibition in diameter 3.86mm. The n-hexane extracts antibacterial activity of E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas and Aeromonas hydrophila showed the zone of inhibition 3.86 cm, 4.5 cm, 7.90 mm and 4.71 cm respectively, while the positive control showed inhibition zone about 0.0 cm. The Original Research Article Khan et al.; JPRI, 33(21A): 112-122, 2021; Article no.JPRI.63473 113 antifungal activity in n-haxene extract showed the maximum result in Aspergillus flavous 18 cm of the area of inhibition. In ethanol extracts antifungal activity showed the maximum result in Aspergillus flavous 4.8 cm of the zone of inhibition. The inhibitory action of mint plant extracts indicated that the plant may be used as potential antibacterial agent.


The article tackles the current conditions in which a phenomenological application can be done, in the case of having the domain of phenomenological practice as culturally expelled, even from the outskirts of European philosophy. In light of Husserl's phenomenology, the way in which the natural attitude manifests with regard to the phenomenon of fashion and clothes will be uncovered, after which it will be explored in what terms can a phenomenological project of the vestiary object become a fresh, relevant endeavor.


Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed on a dense polymer melt adsorbed on a solid substrate on the one side and exposed to vacuum on the other. As a model system, a thin film of polyethylene (PE) melt supported by a crystalline graphite phase on its one side (the other surface of the film is free) has been examined. Most simulations have been carried out with unentangled PE melt systems, such as C78 and C156, in the NPT statistical ensemble at T = 450 K and P = 0 atm for times up to 100 ns, using a multiple-time step MD algorithm and by incorporating the correct dependence of the long-range contribution to the energy and stress tensor on the density profile. To increase the statistical accuracy of the results, large systems have been employed in the MD simulations, such as a 200-chain C78 melt consisting of 15 600 carbon atoms. The MD simulation data have been analyzed to provide information about the spatial dependence of the short-time dynamical properties (conformational relaxation) o...


We have employed algebraic methods to calculate the bound-state spectra of a non-relativistic hydrogen atom subjected to a wide class of perturbations. Our procedure exploits the linearity of the complete (perturbed) Hamiltonian in the generators of the S0(2,2) Lie algebra which follows naturally from the separation of variables in Schrodin- ger's equation in parabolic coordinates. Appropriate transformations then allow the Hamil- tonian to be expressed as a linear combination of the compact generators of the two underlying SO(2, 1) algebras. We give some examples for which the bound-state spectra can be obtained completely analytically.


Failure to maintain a patent airway is a common cause ofavoidable death in unconscious patients. The principles ofairway management after cardiac arrest are the same as those used during anaesthesia or resuscitation after major trauma. Patency of the airway may be impaired by loss ofnormal muscle tone or by obstruction, including contamination by foreign material ,__ _from the mouth, nasopharynx, oesophagus, or stomach.


The comparison of four journal title CDROMs comprises three products from «Online Computer Systems, Inc.» (OCS=Bowker, a Reed company) «Boston Spa Serials» (BSS) from the British library, «ISSN Compact» (ISN) from the ISDS Agency, and «Ulrich's International» (ULR) from Bowker; the fourth is «Myriade» (MYR) from the «Centre National du Catalogue Collectif National». This study is mainly concerend with two levels of comparison: database transpareny consisting of functionality and range defining techniques, and data consistency. The overall results are twofold: data consistency is rather poor because of missing (semi-)automatic quality control in data preparation; database transparency of the three OCS products is higher than MYR's; the functionality of both ISN and ULR is much higher than the one of library products BSS and MYR, respectively


Time series modeling is more difficult but more meaningful than the modeling on the average characteristics of the system.It has recently been shown that the fluctuation behavior in the system with vapor-liquid-solid boiling flow is chaotic.Hence,the time series modeling was studied in this work from the point of view of nonlinear hydrodynamics.Based on the time series data of wall temperature of heated tube in an evaporator with vapor-liquid-solid boiling flow,the genetic algorithm is used to develop global models by which the nonlinear hydrodynamic behavior of the system can be described in different operation conditions.The model equations were in the forms of iteration functions.Comparison and analysis of the data obtained from the model and those from the experiments were made.The results showed that the calculated values from the models were in good agreement with those measured in the experiments,and the hydrodynamic behavior of the vapor-liquid-solid three-phase flow system can be well described by these models.


Romania is an important sunflower producing country of Europe with about one million hectares/year and over 1.3 millions tones harvested seed. Downy mildew induced by Plasmopara halstedii, is one of the limiting factors to sunflower production causing up to the 30% yield damage in favourable conditions for this pathogen. The international set of differentials for the Plasmopara halstedii pathogen races, together with Romanian ones, have been studied every year at the NARDI Fundulea under both natural and artficial inoculation. Isolates of this pathogen, proceeded from different Romania areas cultivated with sunflower have been tested. Beginning with 2000 year, change of the physiological race spectrum of this pathogen which produces the downy-mildew, has been noticed. The differentials with resistance genes Pl2 and Pl5, are not resisting vs. the new-appeared more virulent races. New races of Plasmopara halstedii have been identified in South, Eastern and Western Romania, respectively 310, 330, 700, 710 and 730. These races are present in other countries from Europe and North America, too. Resistance breeding to downy mildew has so far been concerned with either major gene resistance. Their use in breeding do require an effort of backcrossing into different lines. Taking into consideration the economic importance of this disease for sunflower crop in Romania, new varieties have to be resistant to all Romanian races of Plasmopara, so parental lines were backcrossed to introduce new genes.


Objective : To study outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbidly obese patients in Vajira hospital in term of excess weight loss and improvement of comorbidities . Methods : Data of all patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from July 2012 to April 2013 were collected by reviewing of the medical records and telephone calling to follow up . Collected data were patient ' s age, gender, preoperative body weight, body mass index, excess weight, comorbidities, operative time, operative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, complications, percent of excess weight loss, and improvement of comorbidities . Results : Our patient ' s mean body weight was 113 . 67 kg, mean excess weight was 55 . 15 kg, and mean body mass index was 42 . 69 kg / m 2 . The mean operative time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Vajira hospital was 141 . 67 minutes and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 . 17 days . No staple line leakage was found . Five patients were followed from 6 to 12 months and the excess weight loss was varied between 31 . 32 and 104 . 97 %. Remission rate was 100 % for diabetes and 66 . 67 % for dyslipidemia . Hypertension was improved in 66 . 67 %. Conclusion : Although the outcomes in term of excess weight loss were varied in wide range, the outcomes in term of improvement of comorbidities were very impressive in our hospital . Nevertheless, more patients and longer term of follow up were necessary before a strong conclusion was made . Keywords : laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, short term outcomes


Continuous sampling of dioxins in ambient air was carried out using a low-volume air sampler at the southeast site in Tokyo during a period of FY 2000 to FY 2004. The temporal trend of toxic equivalency quantity (TEQ) was evaluated the relation with Tokyo's inventory which was estimated to be almost completely emitted from combustion sources. The annual average of TEQ was observed to have a more similar tendency to a variation in the inventory than that of regular monitoring with a short term sampling. However, the reduction rate of TEQ for 5 years was less than that of the inventory. Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) increased from late autumn to winter, whereas those of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) elevated in summer and the seasonal variation seemed to be dependent on temperature. As PCB products and combustion were known to be the major sources of Co-PCBs, we have attempted to estimate the source contribution rates using the method of Bayesian chemical mass balance. Though Co-PCBs derived from PCB products were extrapolated a significant contributor at total concentration base, Co-PCBs emitted from combustion seemed to constitute over 90 % based on TEQ as consequence of higher toxic equivalency factor of their isomers.


provinces, prominent in the life of Islamic Iran, are naturally well covered; for others, evidence is virtually non-existent. Accidents of survival and discovery have affected the known distribution of the material relics, and to these are added the accidents of selection which have operated in the coverage of the literary evidence. It is hardly surprising that the two categories of evidence only occasionally coincide; but it is doubly valuable to have the means which this work provides of verifying at a glance when such coincidences occur. It is in keeping, therefore, with the limitations of the material, that the several chapters of the work vary greatly in content. Those devoted to the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, Gurgan, perhaps even SIstan, and Luristan are brief in the extreme, though we must bear in mind that the first two of these, at any rate, may not have been Zoroastrian in the strict sense until well into the Sasanian period. In contrast, the chapters devoted to Fare, Khuzistan, and in particular 'Iraq-i 'AjamI, contain rich material. The volume provides a readily accessible guide to much recent topographical research in Iran, since this includes the discovery of numerous firetemples. In particular, there are helpful summaries of the discoveries by Vanden Berghe at Tang-i Chak Chak, Mazaijan, Zahrshihr, Zagh, Qal'a-i Quli, Kirata, Kunar Siah, and Muk in Fars; at Nigar, Barjln, Sultanabad, Dara Bagh, 'Aliabad, Rahmatabad and Dih Shaikh (the last six near Baft) in Kirman; by the same writer at Navlsh near Saveh, and at Khurramdasht near Kashan; by M. Siroux at Takht-i Kai Ka'iis in the Tehran plain, and at Qum, Abyana, Vandadih, and Gaz; and by the author himself at Nimvar, all on the routes to Isfahan. There is also, amongst numerous wider discussions, an extensive account of problems connected with the fire-temple supposedly located at Kariyan in Fars and said to be the fire Adur Farnbagh, one of the three national fires of Sasanian Iran. However, the author does not seem to have had access to any notes that may have been compiled by the late Andre Maricq, who apparently visited a place identified as Kariyan in 1953 and took photographs of certain remains (cf. A. Maricq, Classica et Orientalia, Paris, 1965, p. vii).


Dissociation Made Simple, the title of the new book by Jamie Marich, is also the first paradox she presents to the reader because, of course, dissociation is anything but simple. She uses dialectics, a therapeutic approach that balances opposing ideas, throughout the book to help readers understand the complexity of dissociation while making it totally accessible. Her mastery of dialectics to help the reader deal with difficult and important theories is incomparable. Her writing style is engaging and accessible. The first thing Marich wants everyone to know is that "dissociation" is not a dirty word. The psychological process is a healthy, normal adaptation to an unhealthy, abnormal situation. Once learned, this can be used in the most simple of ways to escape even mildly boring situations. It is not the condition itself, but the manner in which it can be used, that makes it problematic or not. One of the strengths of Dissociation Made Simple is Marich's emphasis on destigmatizing dissociation encouraging readers to approach dissociative experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. Marich covers a wide range of topics related to dissociation, including the different types of dissociation, the relationship between dissociation and trauma, and the role of mindfulness and other grounding techniques in managing dissociative symptoms. She also provides practical tips and exercises for individuals experiencing dissociation and for therapists working with dissociative clients. Throughout the book, she provides readers with tools for keeping themselves as safe as possible while reading things that might be triggering. The entire book is a dance with dialectics. There is scientific support as well as individual report. The reporters are about as diverse as one sees in such a book, ranging from a white male therapist to an Asian Shaman and Indigenous healers. This blending is a challenge and a gift to one's mind. Overall, Dissociation Made Simple is an insightful and compassionate resource that promotes understanding and healing. Marich's ability to write about dialectics and her emphasis on destigmatizing dissociation make this book stand out as an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to better understand dissociation and its impact on people and society.


The classical approach towards analysing the influence of co-solvents (i.e., cellular mole- cules that are chemically inert and do not act as reacting agents) on the Michaelis constants of enzyme-catalysed reactions is empirical. More precisely, reaction kinetics is usually mathematically modelled by fitting empirical parameters to experimental concentration vs. time data. In this chapter, a thermodynamic approach is presented that replaces substrate concentrations by thermodynamic activities of the substrates. This approach allows determining activity-based Michaelis constants. The advantage of such activity-based constants K aM over their concentration-based pendants K obsM is twofold: First, K aM is independent of any co-solvent added (while K obsM is not) as long as it does not directly interfere with the reaction mechanism (e.g., inhibitor or activator). Second, known K aM values allow predictions of Michalis constants for different enzymes and reactions under co-solvent influence. This is demonstrated for a pseudo-one-substrate peptide hydrolysis reaction as well as for more complex two-substrate alcohol dehydrogenase reactions.


The functions of the endocrine organs have been investigated, for the most part, by three methods, namely, by extirpation of the gland, by feeding normal animals the dried gland or its extracts, and, finally, by the injection into the blood stream or the peritoneal cavity of solutions prepared from the organs. Morphologic studies of these tissues, directed mainly towards discovering evidence of secretory activity, have yielded confirmatory results in some cases, although it must be admitted that the chief effects of these organs are physiologic in nature, affecting metabolism and function in certain ways. Gradually our knowledge of the specific activities of the thyroid gland, the adrenals and the hypophysis, has been becoming exact and definite. The status of our knowledge of the endocrine functions of certain other structures such as the testes, ovary and corpus luteum is not so satisfactory. We are far from possessing any certain conclusive information


In this paper, we present a new technique which is the Admixture MCRDR-FCA (AMF) algorithm for Web document classification. The technique offers a practical approach to new Web document classification by combining and extending a number of the current techniques. The AMF algorithm has a number of noteworthy features: firstly, it provides a structured conceptual correlation between keywords and secondly it is optimised. Finally, the algorithm creates refined multiple new rules in order to achieve higher accuracy in the conclusions relating to document classification. This is achieved by clarifying the relationships between one concept and another concept before going on to provide a final classification to some category. To evaluate the AMF algorithm, we have developed a demonstration system that permits easy comparison with a number of other classification techniques.


339 women were given a questionnaire and asked for the frequency of Pap smear for the last 10 years. The occurrence of cytological exam depends on the age, education, time of employment and number of children and is independent of the place of residence.


In July 2013, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) established a joint initiative to address a key portion of the licensing framework essential to advanced (non-light water) reactor technologies. The initiative addressed the "General Design Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants," Appendix A to10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 50, which were developed primarily for light water reactors (LWRs), specific to the needs of advanced reactor design and licensing. The need for General Design Criteria (GDC) clarifications in non-LWR applications has been consistently identified as a concern by the industry and varied stakeholders and was acknowledged by the NRC staff in their 2012 Report to Congress1 as an area for enhancement. The initiative to adapt GDC requirements for non-light water advanced reactor applications is being accomplished in two phases. Phase 1, managed by DOE, consisted of reviews, analyses and evaluations resulting in recommendations and deliverables to NRC as input for NRC staff development of regulatory guidance. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) developed this technical report using technical and reactor technology stakeholder inputs coupled with analysis and evaluations provided by a team of knowledgeable DOE national laboratory personnel with input from individual industry licensing consultants. The DOEmore » national laboratory team reviewed six different classes of emerging commercial reactor technologies against 10 CFR 50 Appendix A GDC requirements and proposed guidance for their adapted use in non-LWR applications. The results of the Phase 1 analysis are contained in this report. A set of draft Advanced Reactor Design Criteria (ARDC) has been proposed for consideration by the NRC in the establishment of guidance for use by non-LWR designers and NRC staff. The proposed criteria were developed to preserve the underlying safety bases expressed by the original GDC, and recognizing that advanced reactors may take advantage of various new passive and inherent safety features different from those associated with LWRs.« less


The microstructure evolution, atomic ratio (r) of Mg and Si in different precipitates, and precipitation strengthening effects during the ageing process were investigated by HRTEM, atom probe tomography (APT) and hardness testing in LT24 aluminum alloy used for nuclear fuel cladding alternative materials. The results show that the early stage of ageing at 180 °C led to a significantly increasing of hardness and the formation of high density of solute clusters and Guinier-Preston (GP) zones in the alloy. The alloy reaches peak hardness after ageing at 180 °C for 4 h due to a significant increasing density of the β′′ precipitates. After the peak hardness, a hardness plateau is maintained for longer ageing time, because of the β′′ precipitate is still the main strengthening phase in the specimens. The precipitates grow larger and the r increases with the increasing of ageing time. The r in β′′ needles changes from 1.23 to 1.35. β′′ needles are the main precipitation strengthening phase of the alloy. The precipitation sequence during the early ageing treatment in alloy can be described as follows: supersaturated solid solu* 国家自然科学基金项目 51301103, 中国博士后科学基金项目 2013M541507, 上海市科学技术委员会重点项目 12JC1404000和上海大学创


Background Tabetic arthropathy is a devastating complication of neuro-syphilis, now becoming scarce due to early treatment of syphilis.The articular involvement may concern every joint, but more particularly concerns those of the lower limbs. Methods We report a new case of tabetic arthropathy revealed by pathological fracture. Results A 43-year-old man with a history of genital ulcer 20 years earlier presented with progressive painless swelling of the right knee lasting for four years. Two months before his admission, he suffered from a functional disability following a small trauma.The clinical examination revealed an important painless non-inflammatory hydarthrosis of the right knee, genu varum deformity, ligamentous laxity, and bilateral patellar hyporeflexia. Knee radiographs showed a hypertrophic arthropathy with fracture-dislocation of the distal femur, a massive joint destruction, fragmentation, bone sclerosis, and enormous osteophytosis formation. The syphilitic serology was positive in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and synovial fluid. A treatment by G-penicillin was introduced. Surgical treatment was not possible because of the important osteoarticular destructions. Conclusions Our case illustrates the difficulty in therapeutic management of tabetic arthropathy which is a severe disease responsible of functional disability affecting quality of life. The best treatment is prevention based on the detection and treatment of syphilis at an early stage before the occurrence of joint and neurological complications. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


Through study of rough set and graph theory,this paper put forward the concept of weighted complete multipartite multigraph which used set as weitht,defined the adjacency matrix of weighted complete multipartite multigraph,obtained the mapping relations between weighted complete multipartite multigraph and decision table,gave a gragh model of the rough set decision table information system and a method of attribute reduction in decision table Information systems based on gragh theory,optimized the algorithm,obtained the sufficient and necessary conditions of attribute reduction in decision table information system,further proposed calculation method which is based on attribute reliability and the processing method of multiple decision attributes.Programming experimental results show that this me-thod can effectively reduce the complexity of time and space.


The invention relates to a handwriting input device rapid input method convenient to change, and aims at solving the problems of the existing handwriting input device that multiple characters (or words) which are continuously inputted cannot be accurately segmented and processed. The handwriting input device rapid input method convenient to change is characterized in that the current input area can be divided into a current sub-input area and a next sub-input area by adding a dynamic partition symbol, wherein the current sub-input area with the length can be continuously lengthened according to the requirement, the next sub-input area can be continuously shifted rightwards, and the completed characters can be processed in the background as long as a pen tip or a fingertip crosses a dynamic partition symbol to enter the next sub-input area. The method has the advantages of fewer steps, high speed and high efficiency, is suitable for processing the characters of Chinese, Japanese and Korean and also suitable for processing the word characters such as English, French, Germany and the like as well as different punctuation marks. The method is applicable to different terminal devices supporting the external input such as personal computers, intelligent mobile phones, handheld computers and the like.


A direct discrete mode choice model is introduced using relative attributes of competing modes as well as socioeconomic characteristics of travelers. The model is calibrated and validated for two available historic databases in the Dallas–Fort Worth region. The validation is conducted against the outputs of a current nested logit model used by the regional planning organization as well as the observed values based on transit ridership surveys for a newly inaugurated commuter rail service. The calibrated model is applied after the introduction of this new transit mode. The results show that the estimated mode shares by the proposed model have a statistically better consistency with the observed values than the estimates of the conventional nested logit model. Unlike the logit model, the structure of the direct model based on relative attributes also has the advantage of not needing recalibration each time a new travel mode is introduced. The model is found to be easier to calibrate and produces more accurate results than the nested logit model, commonly used by many metropolitan planning organizations.


From 1 to 6 April 1971, over 600 women gathered to attend the Vancouver Indochinese Women's Conference (viwc), an international women's antiwar conference organized by women's liberationists in Vancouver. The conference was intended to bring women together under the banner of an international sisterhood, but this desired goal did not happen. Instead, tensions between American and Canadian women divided conference organizers and attendees, culminating in verbal and physical conflict. The viwc is useful for examining how Canadian women experienced interactions with American feminists and radical activists in attendance at the conference. Several women viewed the actions of American delegates as imperialistic. The experiences of conference organizers and attendees show how the viwc represents a moment in women's liberation where the limits to international feminism were particularly visible.


The invention refers to a mobile electronic multifunctional device providing at least an interface for at least one first functionality and an interface to a near field communication (NFC) functionality, said device comprising a component providing an interface to said first functionality, and an interface to an NFC-communication component providing said NFC-communication functionality, a battery interface, a battery control circuit, connected to said battery interface, wherein said battery control circuit is provided to control the operation of said mobile electronic multifunctional device in accordance with a battery charging condition of a battery connected to said battery interface, wherein said battery control circuit provides a number of operating conditions for said mobile electronic multifunctional device in accordance with the charging condition of a battery connected to said battery interface, said charging condition including two or more operating conditions from the selection of normal operation conditions, a software cut-off condition, a hardware cut-off condition, and a battery cut-off condition. Said device comprises a storage to store configurations of an NFC-communication component connected via said interface to a NFC-communication component for at least two of said operation conditions.


Weakness of the iliopsoas muscle secondary to neurogenic compromise of the L2–4 spinal roots has been described as a clinical feature of lumbar spinal stenosis. The author of this communication also called attention to the necessity of excluding the presence of osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral hip because degenerative disease of the hip also can be associated with a reduction of strength in the iliopsoas muscle (Fig. 1). However, in this latter situation, the muscular weakness is related to "disuse" atrophy of the iliopsoas muscle (Fig. 2). This muscle normally acts as a primary hip flexor and external rotator of the hip, now limited by the osteoarthritis to a restricted and painful joint range of motion. This reduction in iliopsoas strength can readily be demonstrated by placing the supine patient's symptomatic hip in extreme flexion and comparing its strength to the opposite side by noting its resistance to a downward force exerted just proximal to the patella. In this process, a smooth, uninterrupted, paretic "give" must be distinguished from that of an antalgic, ratchety, or sudden give-away pain-inhibition break. The presence of clinically discernable weakness in the iliopsoas may also compliment the presence of other already well-recognized signs of hip pathology. These include Patrick's or Jansen's sign, with a demonstrable reduction of hip internal rotation often associated with increasing pain on the involved side. At the bedside, a positive Patrick's sign is a useful clinical aid in distinguishing iliopsoas weakness as a manifestation of lumbar spinal stenosis from that of primary hip pathology, except in those unique instances in which both syndromes are simultaneously present. REFERENCES


A 3D scanning system involving multiple RGB-D cameras has the potential to accelerate the reconstruction of an object and improve the measurement accuracy because it can capture an object in a comprehensive way. However, the extrinsic calibration of a multi-RGB-D-camera system is a fundamental and challenging problem, especially in a limited field of view. In this work, a system with four SR300 cameras on a platform with a size of approximately 0.64 m2 and an extrinsic calibration method assisted by a tower calibration pattern with circular markers in a limited field of view are proposed. The Hough transform algorithm is used to identify the centres of the circular markers in a colour image, and then the 3D coordinates are extracted by employing the alignment relationship between the colour image and the depth image. An improved adaptive cuckoo search (IACS) algorithm and unit quaternion are proposed to optimize the extrinsic parameters. The effectiveness of the IACS is verified by a comparison with the singular value decomposition (SVD), standard cuckoo search (CS) and two CS variant algorithms. In addition, the accuracy of the proposed extrinsic calibration method is verified by reconstructing and measuring a human foot and a cube box. The mean errors from the standard values of the length and width of the reconstructed foot mode are 0.18 cm and 0.13 cm, and the diameter of the yellow sphere are 0.17 cm, respectively. All of the experimental results show that the proposed extrinsic calibration method has a high calibration accuracy and good potential application prospects.


The effect on blood pressure and vascular responsiveness of a chronic intraventricular infusion of a hypertonic NaCl (600 mM) artificial cerebrospinal fluid into the lateral cerebral ventricle of control rats (CH) and rats implanted with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA[DH]) was investigated. An isotonic artificial cerebrospinal fluid was infused into another group of control (CI) and DOC A (DI) rats. Indirect systolic blood pressure measured via a tail cuff technique was recorded once a week prior to and during the infusion period. After 4 weeks of treatment, direct mean arterial pressure was recorded and the mesenteric artery removed for studies on vascular responsiveness. A progressive and significant increase in systolic blood pressure was observed in the DH group during the infusion period (144 ± 3 mm Hg after 4 weeks of treatment). Rats in the other three groups remained normotensive throughout the infusion period. Mean arterial pressure and ventricular heart weight were significantly greater in the DH group at the time of terminal studies on vascular reactivity. Significant increases in the sensitivity (threshold and effective dose, 50%) to norepinephrine and serotonin were observed in mesenteric artery from the DH group. Mesenteric artery from the CH group also exhibited an enhanced response to norepinephrine and serotonin when compared with animals receiving the isotonic infusion; however, this increased responsiveness was not as great as that in the DH animals. These results show that hypertension can be induced with chronic intraventricular infusion of a hypertonic NaCl artificial cerebrospinal fluid in rats treated with DOCA. In addition, it appears that the development of mineralocorticoid hypertension in the rat is dependent upon a central action of NaCl. This central action results in alterations in vascular responsiveness that may be important in the development of this form of hypertension.


The anthropological study of complex societies raises a number of theoretical and methodological questions that are not adequately resolved by traditional approaches geared to the investigation of simple societies or peasant communities. Techniques of sociological investigation may prove of value in the analysis and comparison of literate societies or segments of such societies. In this paper, we examine the occupational images evidenced by a sample of middle-class Catalans, special attention being paid to the influence that ethnicity and minority group membership have on career choices and the structuring of social reality.


Knowledge is nowadays considered as a key factor for an educated and willing workforce to develop a country. In this regard, education ministry as a social and economic force is also highly significant. Therefore, developing proper skills, capabilities, and capacities is necessary in order to align education with nations' economic and technological changes so that facing new situations can be possible. The present study was aimed at identifying effective factors in designing curriculum of technical and vocational courses in junior high schools in order to spot talents and precisely select skills and occupations. Participants are consisted of 150 students who were randomly selected from among 2060 students majoring in building, wood industry, mechanics, and metal industries in 5 cities: Pakdasht, Neishaboor, Shahriyar, Babol, and Kermanshah, Iran. This study is a descriptive (survey) research. In so doing, data collection was carried out through a researcher-designed questionnaire that included 3 main question and 34 items, prepared based on Likert Scale. Reliability of the questionnaire was checked through SPSS 19.0 software such that an error of 5% was observed which was statistically significant. According to the high Cronbach's coefficient (.83) it can be concluded that the questionnaire was able to properly predict the variables. The results of the study showed that the students believed the content of vocation and technique courses was directed to train the skills but there was no conformity between the content of technical and vocation courses' curriculum and the students' choice of skills. Moreover, it was identified that the participants were not quite sure about identifying their skills and capabilities based on the existing curriculum of technical and vocation courses.


Although performance based assessment procedures are mainly developed for reinforced concrete and steel buildings, URM (Unreinforced Masonry) buildings occupy significant portion of buildings in earthquake prone areas of the world as well as in IRAN. Variability of material properties, nonengineered nature of the construction and difficulties in structural analysis of masonry walls make analysis
of URM buildings challenging. Despite sophisticated finite element models satisfy the modeling requirements, extensive experimental data for definition of material behavior and high computational resources are needed. Recently, nonlinear equivalent frame models which are developed assigning lumped plastic hinges to isotropic and homogenous equivalent frame elements are used for nonlinear modeling of
URM buildings. The equivalent frame models are not novel for the analysis of masonry structures, but the actual potentialities have not yet been completely studied, particularly for non-linear applications. In the present paper an effective tool for the non-linear static analysis of 2D masonry walls is presented. The work presented in this study is about performance assessment of unreinforced brick masonry buildings through nonlinear equivalent frame modeling technique. Reliability of the proposed models is tested with a reversed cyclic experiment conducted on a full scale, two-story URM building at the University of Pavia .The pushover curves were found to provide good agreement with the experimental backbone curves. Furthermore, the results of analysis show that EFM (Equivalent Frame Model) with Dolce RO (rigid offset
zone) and shell element have good agreement with finite element software and experimental results.


. Abstract The goal of this study was to identify factors which limit exercise endurance in hot ambient conditions in prepubertal boys. Eight healthy non-acclimatized, highly physically active prepubertal boys performed steady load cycling at approximately 65% peak V ˙ O 2 to exhaustion in both cool (19.6 ± 0.6 (cid:2) C, 66.4 ± 11.0% relative humidity) and hot (31.0 ± 0.3 (cid:2) C, 56.9 ± 2.0% relative humidity) environmental conditions. Cardiac output, oxygen uptake, rectal temperature (T re ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure, and calculated arterial venous oxygen difference were obtained serially in each testing session, and percent dehydration was calculated from body weight loss. Endurance time was significantly shorter in the hot


The properties of pentaamine (5-cyano-2H-tetrazolato-N2) cobalt (III) perchlorate (CP), which was first synthesized in 1968, continues to be of interest for predicting behavior in handling, shipping, aging, and thermal cook-off situations. We report coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values over four specific temperature ranges, decomposition kinetics using linear and isothermal heating, and the reaction to three different types of stimuli: impact, spark, and friction. The CTE was measured using a Thermal Mechanical Analyzer (TMA) for samples that were uniaxially compressed at 10,000 psi and analyzed over a dynamic temperature range of -20 C to 70 C. Differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, was used to monitor CP decomposition at linear heating rates of 1-7 C min{sup -1} in perforated pans and of 0.1-1.0 C min{sup -1} in sealed pans. The kinetic triplet was calculated using the LLNL code Kinetics05, and predictions for 210 and 240 C are compared to isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments. Values are also reported for spark, friction, and impact sensitivity.


Background:Glass Ionomer is a widely used cement in dentistry for luting and restoration purposes. This cement leaches a large amount of fluoride ions leading to an increase in the early solubility and disintegration in the oral fluids. The solubility of the cement is further aggravated when it is exposed to an acidic medium. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the solubility of glass ionomer cement (GIC) in various acidic beverages at different time intervals. Materials and Methods: Four commercially available beverages and distilled water was used as immersion media. The pH of the beverages was measured using a digital pH meter. Glass ionomer cement discs were prepared and immersed in beverages for 1 day, 24 hours and 7 days. After completing the immersion time in each beverage for a specific period, the specimens were retrieved and weighed. The solubility was calculated by subtracting the weight at the specific immersion period from the initial weight of the specimen. Results: Immersion in distilled water demonstrated less solubility compared to immersion in acidic beverages. Amongthe acidic beverages, GIC immersed in MAAZA showed the maximum solubility compared to the other beverages. One-Way ANOVA displayed a significant difference (p=0.000) among the beverages at different time intervals. Conclusions:This study found that the GIC immersed in fruit juices with preservatives showed more solubility at all time intervals compared to the immersion in carbonated drinks.


The Safeguards Systems Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is collaborating with several other national laboratories in designing an integrated, state-of-the-art nondestructive assay (NDA) system for a new facility being constructed at the Savannah River Plant. We have focused our efforts on the development of an Instrument Control Computer (ICC) that will perform interfacing and communication tasks among small computers controlling NDA instruments in the Sample Assay Room and the Feed Assay Room, the host computer for the process control system, and an existing nuclear materials accounting computer. Solution sample scheduling, feed-material sample verification, and other ICC functions will be described in detail.


This paper positions current Australian discussions about practice-led research within international, national, historical and policy contexts and relates them to the developing pedagogical debate around performing and creative arts doctorates. Arguing that the creative industries offer benefits across the economy, it suggests that recognition for the research methodology specific to practice-led disciplines and the creative industries is overdue. The discussions in this paper, and in this theme issue of MIA, are all the more critical as a result of their articulation with the imminent introduction of the Research Quality Framework (RQF), which will allow nuanced, rigorous and internationally benchmarked evaluation of the quality and impact of research outputs. The RQF and the proposed research assessment panel for 'creative arts, design and built environment' herald the way for wider acceptance of practice-led outputs in the Australian research environment.


The diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis are: (1) a compatible clinical picture; (2) histologic demonstration of noncaseating granuloma; and (3) exclusion of other diseases capable of producing a similar histologic or clinical picture. Since the clinical picture is variable and the histologic changes nonspecific, sarcoidosis in major part is a diagnosis of exclusion. Multiple diseases, including tuberculosis, fungal infections, and lymphoma, may mimic either the clinical or histologic features of sarcoidosis. Virtually every organ is at risk for involvement with sarcoidosis. Pulmonary disease is near universal and serves as the common denominator of the illness. In this article we will address the diagnosis and management of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Extrathoracic manifestations will be mentioned only when relative to the recognition and management of the pulmonary disease. An abnormal chest roentgenogram is present in 95% of patients with sarcoidosis. Half of patients are asymptomatic and half will complain of nonproductive cough, dyspnea, or chest pain. 3 Hemoptysis is rare, usually occurs in patients with long-standing disease and cystic degeneration of lung parenchyma, and points to the presence of a complicating infection, especially aspergilloma. Pleuropulmonary auscultatory signs are generally absent. Occasionally, wheezing is audible in patients with endobronchial involvement. Signs of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale may be found in patients with advanced disease. Clubbing is rare.