In many plant species with unisexual flowers, the female flowers lack pol- linator rewards and are pollinated by visitors who mistake the female flowers for rewarding male flowers. Here we present the results of observations and experiments designed to investigate pollinator discrimination and its consequences for female reproductive success in two monoecious Begonia species pollinated by deceit. Male and female flowers of B. urophylla are similar in shape, but female flowers are smaller than male flowers, while in B. tonduzii, male and female flowers have strikingly different shapes, but their petaloid tepals are similar in total area. Flower visitors displayed marked discrimination against the rewardless female flowers of both species. Seven bee species were observed on B. urophylla, and for all species taken together the relative visitation rate to male flowers was 8.6 times that to female flowers. The bee Trigona fulviventris accounted for 95% of all visits to B. tonduzii and visited male flowers 15.4 times as often as female flowers. The flower visitors of B. urophylla varied significantly in their degree of discrimination against female flowers, with visitation rates to male flowers 3.7-21.8 times those to female flowers. The two most abundant flower visitors displayed the greatest discrimination against female flowers and, although they comprised nearly 54% of all visits, were responsible for only 15% of all visits to female flowers. Thus, the relative abundance of different flower visitors on B. urophylla is a poor predictor of pollinator importance. In both species the inflorescence sex ratio was male-biased early in the season and female-biased later. Hand-pollination experiments revealed that fruit set in B. tonduzii was pollinator limited both during peak and late flowering, with supplemental pollination having its greatest effect late in the season when male flowers were rare. In contrast, fruit set was only weakly affected by supplemental hand-pollination in B. urophylla. The significant pollinator limitation observed in B. tonduzii and the lack of it in B. urophylla are consistent with our observation that the visitation rate to female flowers was much higher in B. urophylla than in B. tonduzii, which was due in part to the lower level of pollinator discrimination against female flowers of B. urophylla. Our finding that female reproductive success is limited by pollinator visitation in B. tonduzii indicates an opportunity for the evolution of increased resemblance between male and female flowers in this species.


This book is the lasting product, a resource of up-to-date information in the scientific literature for the field of animal cell technology, as it was presented ...


A kinetic study of the hydrolysis of the diester dimethyl cis-cyclohex-4-ene-1,2-dicarboxylate, to the (1S,2R)-monoester, catalysed by the enzyme Pig Liver Esterase (PLE) was performed. The effects of the most relevant parameters that influence the enzymatic conversion were studied, such as pH, temperature and concentration of substrate and reaction products. It was concluded that the pH at which the enzyme exhibits a maximum activity is pH 7. At 25 °C PLE presents a better long-term stability and enantioselectivity than at higher temperatures, although the reaction rate is slower. The kinetic results obtained are well described by the Michaelis–Menten equation, although a slight deviation to this model was observed for low substrate concentrations. Methanol, a co-product of the enzymatic hydrolysis, was found to act as a non-competitive inhibitor of the reaction. The Michaelis–Menten parameters were determined and a comprehensive kinetic model, which already accounts for methanol inhibition, is presented.

© 2000 Society of Chemical Industry


Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop a work method to be used by manufacturing companies that are interested in updating which items that should be presented in the materials exposure. ...


This is a highly readable and useful resource. It succeeds in covering all the essential elements of dementia care, including detection and diagnosis, treatment and management. The roles and perspectives of the various professionals likely to be involved in caring for the patient, such as GP, consultant, psychologist, nurse and occupational therapist, are all described comprehensively. The book also discusses the social and legal aspects of the diagnosis.


Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have pursued integration with the aim of creating a Eurasian Union by 2015. David Lane writes on the economic and political background underpinning Eurasian integration and its potential to act as a counterpoint to the hegemony of the United States in the global system. He argues that while the economic weight of the three Eurasian Union states is fairly limited, pursuing close co-operation with 'BRICS' countries such as Brazil, India and China could offer the basis for a more pluralist and multi-polar world.


Making and selling fake goods cause great loss to social wealth, deprive consumers of their legal rights, stagnate the social economy, vilify the state, and impair the national economy. Fake goods have their ways in markets main because of driving of economic interests, local protectionism, and dissymmetry of information resources. Self-discipline, business morality and personal indignity should be stressed in the war against fake goods.


To the Editor.— I would like to congratulate Chren et al 1 for the timely article regarding drug companies' gifts to physicians. It is indeed a serious problem, which the medical profession has been unwilling to address probably because we are the beneficiaries of this practice. I believe it is high time that we as a profession start to address this issue before outside agencies do. Indeed the American Medical Association and other professional organizations have a great responsibility to provide guidelines and set ethical standards in this area. In addition to endorsing the steps recommended by the authors, I suggest the following: Professional societies should discourage the "wining and dining" that occurs at the sites of all conventions. While there is no legal framework under which this could be implemented, simple requests made by professional organizations to their membership and to the pharmaceutical companies would have a salutary


A CHANGE IS IN THE AIR ... WAVES Ian Pavord and Andy Bush brought you an "Airwaves" column which was by turns incisive, raucous and scurrilous. The Hart, Jenkins and Smyth version will start with a more sober and scientific tone but I expect we will soon warm up and in a few months the libellous invective of our predecessors will be restored. Here is our pick of highlights from the October issue.


The landed bourgeoisie in Andalusia (Spain) found in the institution of the family established by marriage, which was reinforced during the 19th century, the ideal means for its economic interests and political aspirations. Whereas the liberal government had done away with all forms of alienability regarding private property and an egalitarian devolution, the landed bourgeoisie preferred granting advances on an inheritance over and above legal provisions regarding equal sharing. This was done to prevent the dispersion of property. These families


An understanding of variability in travel behavior is essential for both analytical and operational processes. Conventional methods rely on interpersonal variability from one-day data. However, it has been found that the intrapersonal variability may constitute a substantial proportion in the total variability. The availability of electronic tol colection (ETC) opens possibilities to colect multiday individual data. This paper uses the multiday ETC data on Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway in 2010-2011 to examine the interpersonal and intrapersonal variability of the daily travel behavior. This long term data can be used to observe the efects of the day and the month to these two types of variability. 横浜国立大学大学院都市イノベーション研究院 *** 首都高速道路株式会社 保全・交通部 **** SEISAN-KENKYU 65巻2号(2013) input their travel information for several consecutive days. Therefore, the valid data for analysis usualy contains smal sample size within the short span of time. Using advanced technology, such as GPS device, ofers the possibility to colect multiday travel information more accurately7). However, the GPS-based method only captures travel information of the participants who volunteer to cary the device. In some cases, particularly for the handy GPS unit, participants might not cary or operate the device every day. In Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway (MEX), the Electronic Tol Colection (ETC) system is widely implemented throughout the network. Moreover, more than 80% of expressway users pay their tol using this system6). The ETC system colects tol automaticaly when vehicles pass the tol gate. At the same time, the system records the passing time, tol gate location, and vehicle ID. In addition, the same vehicle ID wil be recognized when the same vehicle re-enters the system. With this characteristic, we can observe the multiday and multiperiod travel behavior for the same vehicle on urban expressway from ETC data. This study shows the use of ETC data to examine the components of variability in travel behavior. The analysis focuses on the day-to-day variability in the number of journeys made by each vehicle between the selected onand of-ramp sites on metropolitan expressways in Tokyo.


The purpose of the study was to explore work related WhatsApp groups as knowledge sharing platforms among librarians in selected federal universities in Nigerian. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. A total of 58 librarians who received and filled questionnaire in five federal universities constituted the sample of the study. Data were collected through questionnaire while frequency counts and percentages were used to analyse the data obtained. Findings revealed that a majority of the librarians were members professional association WhatsApp group, followed by group that serves the entire library, staff union group and group created by colleagues; ICT ranked highest as area the librarians shared work related knowledge followed by job opening/vacancies and publication/research; ease of use, immediate feedback, sharing knowledge with wide audience and available always were key reasons for sharing work related knowledge via WhatsApp groups; videos, audios and texts were the major formats of sharing knowledge through work related WhatsApp groups while non-adherence to group guidelines was a major drawback to knowledge sharing via the WhatsApp groups. Adhering to guidelines by members, frequent visits to WhatsApp group platforms to keep track of shared knowledge as well as increasing WhatsApp group contact limit from the current 256 members are recommended in the light of the results of the study.


The use of a novel micro pressurized liquid extraction (µPLE) method for the isolation of 16 priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various solid samples is explored. The technique employs rapid heating in a single static extraction mode to remove analytes in a matter of seconds from 5–10 mg samples using only 125 µL of solvent. For example, results show that 30 s extractions with toluene at 200 °C produce respective PAH recovery ranges of 90%–130% and 88%–114% from samples of soil and smoked chicken. Comparatively, solids containing significant amounts of biochar were more challenging to extract from. For instance, when using a pure biochar sample matrix, recoveries for the 16 PAHs range from only 33%–66% after 60 s of extraction with toluene at 200 °C. Overall, these extraction results agree very well with those reported when using conventional methods on similar samples. Therefore, the findings indicate that µPLE can potentially provide an alternative sample preparation method for PAHs that is both very rapid and requires little solvent.


Rudy Wiebe's treatment of the Indian voice in three of his short stories ("Along the Red Deer and the South Saskatchewan" ; "Where is the Voice Coming From ?" ; "Games for Queen Victoria") mirrors three different approaches he experimented and played with. They are exemplarily classified as "Remake", "Reflection" and "Rerun". The fact that the Indian voice in literature is always a metaphor is seen as a link between the (colonial) Victorian mode and the postmodern, at the same time questioning the existence of any "realistic" representation of Indian speech and languages in fictional texts.


We have shown that umbilical venous (UV) blood and O2 delivered through the ductus venosus (DV) is preferentially distributed to the heart and brain. This phenomenon is enhanced during hypoxia while umbilical venous return (UVR) is maintained. We have now examined the effects of reducing UVR by hemorrhage (22.6±1.9% of fetal blood volume) in 8 chronically catheterized fetal lambs (122-128 d gestation). UVR and its distribution was measured by the microsphere method and O2 delivery was calculated from DV derived blood flow and UV O2 content. The following data were obtained:In addition, UV derived blood flow and O2 delivery to the brain, heart, placenta, and kidneys were maintained despite the observed changes in UVR and O2 delivery, but that to the liver, carcass, lungs, and gut decreased following H. We conclude that fetal adjustment to H is accomplished by increasing the amount of UVR and O2 that bypassed the liver through the DV. The DV blood flow is further redistributed to maintain UV derived blood flow and O2 delivery to vital organs at the expense of other organs.


The status of the integration, the modeling, and the layout of spiral inductors on silicon substrates for rf circuits are reviewed. A summary of the current research activity in this field is presented. The possible inductor implementations are categorized either as conservative, following the silicon main stream, or as innovative approaches. It is concluded that the spiral inductor on silicon is a feasible device and finds extensive use in the design of future silicon-based rf circuits. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 8: 422–432, 1998.


This experiment unifying the cognitive style and Spatial-cognitive ability in shapes was an attempt to inspect the different cognitive style middle-school students development characteristic in mental folding,mental unfolding and mental rotation,and the relevance between mathematics achievements and intelligence ability of secondary students with difference of cognitive styles to recognize spatial pattern.Through this findings author hoped that can reveal the middle-school student psychology cognition factor to study the geometry,in order to provide the psychological basis to enhance the geometry teaching.The result is:Field independent students in middle school are higher than middle style students and field dependent students in mathematics achievement and in spatial cognitive ability,and field- dependent students are the lowest.


The necessity of the research on the basis of the positivist model of scientific knowledge is proved . The value of the conceptual framework in the process of book keeping selection is analyzed . The difference s of the accounting selection adjustment procedure in US GAAP and IFRS are considered . The role and importance of the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting in the implementation of accounting selection are substantiated . The structure of the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting and their limit ation s under the Conceptual Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements are examined . The c orrelation between the accounting rules and alternatives adopted in US GAAP and IAS / IFRS is analyzed . The necessity to discuss the issue of the feasibility of «rule-oriented» or «principle-oriented» accounting model in the context of multivariate concept is studied . The authors prove the necessity of the application of institutional theory to solve the problems of accounting opportunism that arises when using the concept of mult ivariate accounting in International Financial Reporting Standards .


Recall that a ring element p ∈ R is said to be prime if (p) = pR is a prime ideal. In an integral domain, every prime element is also irreducible, meaning its only factorizations in R are as the product of a unit and another element. That is, if p ∈ R is prime and p = ab, then one of a, b is a unit. The converse statement is not, in general, true: for example in Z[ √ −5], 3 is irreducible, but not prime, since


Thepresence of metal complexes in the textile industry effluent makeit highly toxic. Presence of different dyes in these effluent makes their disposal to water sources quite challenging and increases the BOD of the water sources. Coal Char, waste released from iron industry has been proved to be a major pollutant. Due to its half burn texture it can be it can be used as a potential adsorbent. In this paper work has been carried out using textile dyes and coal char. The effect of the amount of coal char used, time of retention, effluent concentration, reaction temperature, pH and % adsorption have been studied and the results obtained are incorporated in the study.


Reading is the most important activity in any language class, not only as a source of information and a pleasurable activity, but also as a means of consolidating and extending one's knowledge of the language. In this case, the teaching of reading is essential for preparing students with the basic reading skill in order to be able to gain information and knowledge from any reading text. In the process of learning, the central goal of reading is to develop learners' comprehension. In this case, the researcher proposes Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) as a technique of teaching reading in general English classes. The researcher formulates the statement of the problems in the form of questions as: (1) is there any significant improvement of students' achievement in reading comprehension after being taught by using Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR)? (2) How do the students respond to Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) in the teaching of reading comprehension?. Since the present study is to measure the effect of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) towards the students' reading comprehension achievement, it is classified into quantitative research. Here, the researcher collected numerical data by comparing the results of pre-test and post-test between two groups of experimental study – control and experimental groups. The data is used to investigate whether there is a significant increase in students' reading comprehension achievement after being given the Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) treatment in reading class. After the data of this research was found to be distributed normally, through the calculation of the normality test, there was also a need to identify the homogeneity of the data of the whole scores of the test for both experimental and control groups. The results of the calculation of the t-test indicate that the score of the tvalue is bigger than ttable (2.18 > 2.021). This means that there is a significant improvement in the students' achievement after they were treated using Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) strategy when studying reading comprehension in the classroom. The results of the analysis of the students' response to the application of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) strategy in the teaching learning activities in the classroom provide a strong preference for the students study reading comprehension using Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) strategy. Since this current study is an action research, it is advisable that future researchers could follow up the results of this study for the development of similar research in the field of teaching methods and strategies. This is strongly suggested because there is still plenty of problems and the essences of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) strategy that need to be uncovered. It is also important to see how Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) could be applied in the other language skills, not only for the students of the tertiary education but also at the secondary education.


There is a long list of copyright infringement among musicians in the United States of America. The freshest and hottest of such lawsuits is one against Beyonce, the superstar musician, for allegedly misappropriating the works of late Anthony Barre. The Estate of Anthony Barre and its sole heir Angel Barre filed a lawsuit against Beyonce Knowles Carter and others for a four-count claim of (1) willful copyright infringement, (2) false endorsement, (3) unfair trade practices, and (4) unjust enrichment for infringement and wrongful appropriation of Anthony Barre's voice, copyrighted works, and other intellectual property. The writers shall analyze this case in relation to the American copyright jurisprudence; see the possibility of relying on the fair use defense, and proffer suggestion as to the best approach to follow in this case.


Heteroepitaxial growth of SiC on p-Si(111) substrates were performed via low-pressure chemical vapor deposition process. The effects of different carbonized temperature, the flow rate of C3H8 and the time of carbonization on the crystallinity of 3C-SiC films were discussed. Results showed that the lower carbonization temperature was unfavourable to the decompose of C3H8.contamination of carbon was emeraged with larger flow rate of C3H8 and longer carbonization time worsened the quality of buffer layer. The best carbonized condition were starting carbonization at 1150℃ and the duration and the flow rate of C3H8 during carbonization were 8 min and 2 sccm respectively. The single crystal 3C-SiC film could be obtained under the best carbonized condition.


The present research aims to explore the impact of various library marketing tools on users' perceptions, satisfaction and desires. The study sought to explore whether the marketing tools, improved library environment and better behavior of the library staff can fulfill the desired requirements and attract users towards library and its services. This article addresses the importance of online marketing tools like social media, websites/web portals, lib-guides and offline marketing tools like information literacy, liaison service and print materials as vital activities in libraries. The survey method was used to collect data and the tool employed in the survey was questionnaire. Moreover, quantitative paradigm was adopted throughout the survey. Data was collected from the five campuses of a semi government educational institution for investigation. Findings revealed that behavior of the library staff, environment of the library; infrastructure and latest marketing tools have a profound impact on the users. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made in the end. INTRODUCTION Uninteresting and dull, complicated and scary: is how majority of the users view about academic libraries. Students have various perceptions on libraries based on their personal experiences and general views that they have heard or seen. Some have developed stereotypes about the libraries through electronic and print media. These stereo types have strong impact on the minds of the users. To talk about Pakistani education system, students are not library oriented. The reason is that our education system is divided into three major sectors: private system, public system and madrassa (religious study) system. There are libraries in elite private schools which are quite few in number whereas majority of the public sector schools are devoid of libraries. As far as madrassas are concerned they do have libraries but no marketing tools or techniques are used in these types of libraries. This in turn results in a huge gap not only in between the rich and poor but also between the students of high cognitive abilities and average students. Library is considered to be the hub of knowledge and a well-organized library in any educational institution shows the intensity of creating higher order critical thinking and enhancing of research productivity. At the same time library can facilitate students in the best possible manner and can help the students/users to change their preconceived notions about the library and its services. The researcher is mainly concerned to explore whether the libraries can bridge the gap between the user's perceptions and the desires followed by the users' satisfaction depends on the library marketing tools. Our dilemma is how to break away from the stereotype and, at the same time, make the students aware of the library services. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The objectives of the present research are: 1. To investigate how the online marketing tools can fulfill the desired requirement of users for learning purposes? 2. To investigate how the perceptions of the users can be formulated or improved through offline marketing tools? 3. To investigate how can the users get enough satisfaction by the improved library environment? 4. To investigate whether the library staff has an impact through their attitude/ behavior on users. Journal of Education and Social Sciences, Vol. 1, (June) ISSN 2289-9855 2015 237 LITERATURE REVIEW In the present day of growing competition, the key factor of success is facilitating service quality, and majority of those who are doing research completely agree that the quality of services provided by the libraries is the most significant tool in reshaping marketing and business strategy (Nejati&Nejati, 2008). According to Folk and Lancaster (1976), marketing is a systematic process which is a combination of planning and concentration. It concentrates on customers' needs and their satisfaction. The increasing significance of the online marketing tools and the focal emphasis on service quality has gone far beyond the theoretical discussion(Oluseye, Kolade, & Mercy, 2011). The importance of the relationship of library and the users are interrelated since the establishment of the first library.Ewers and Austen stressed on the client oriented libraries and wrote that iflibrarians want the libraries to be client oriented then they must understand what the needs of their clients are, what should be the conducive environment for the users, what should be the strengths and resources and the social factors that influence users. In order to be quite competitive in business world the libraries must identify its strengths and must train their staff the more focused on client and marketing. Library cannot progress with the same pace as the libraries of the developing countries are progressing until and unless it focuses on the needs of the users. Lewis & Mitchell in 1990 threw light on the importance of the role of service quality. They said that the importance of the service quality for the user satisfaction and organizational performance cannot be denied. K.G Saur in "library management and services" sheds light on the concept of "born digital" users. The libraries must create the space both physical and virtual in order to fulfill perceptions, satisfaction and desires of these born digital users. Transformations must be done in order to accommodate them. Information literacy should be increased through latest marketing tools like libguides, opacs, digitization and selective dissemination of information services. Joseph & Joseph in 1997 highlighted that improvement in service quality means improvement in the library's competitive position. In order to differentiate themselves from the competitors in the market place, the educational libraries need to improve their service quality. Managers of many service organizations have vividly concluded that the quality is one of the key factors in contributing to the success of organization (Mefford, 1993). Providing quality service as per users" expectations is considered as an essential strategy for success and growth in today's world of competition. Most of the research on service quality "focused on determining what it means to customers and developed strategies to meet customers satisfaction" (Hadikoemoro, 2001, p. 48). Various research studies (Ameen, 2006b; Haider, 2004) indicate that library services are not usercentered, rather collection centered. It has been observed that libraries are usually concerned about the collection of books rather on the desired expectations and satisfaction of the users. Understanding the perceptions, satisfaction and desired marketing tools of the users is a necessity for providing high quality services according to the desired needs of the users. Due to the growing demands of various marketing tools as lib guides, liaison, digital libraries etc. it opened a new horizon and encouragement to the funding bodies. Now funding bodies are compellinglibrary administrators to satisfy and meet the expectations of different user group including faculty, staff, graduates,undergraduates, post graduates. METHODOLOGY The survey research method was used to get the desired data. Quantitative paradigm has been used to investigate the said matter. A questionnaire consisting of 20 items with Five Likert Scale was made.It focused on the perceptions of the users about the library, their satisfaction level for the current marketing tools, and their desired level for the library services. 50 electronic questionnaires were sent to the users of library in five campuses under study. Five campuses of an institution situated in different cities of Pakistan and the students who were studying there was the population of the present research. The researcher used convenient sampling for the study. All five campuses were different in their structure, area and infrastructure. Two campuses were situated in developed cities while the three campuses were situated in comparatively less developed. Accordingly their libraries are providing services differently. The questionnaire was sent to the students of all five campuses to dig out their perceptions, satisfaction and desires related to different library marketing tools used in the libraries. RESULTS The overall result revealed that the campuses situated in the developed cities have more resources, marketing tools, trained staff and better environment as compared to the campuses situated in the less developed cities. Those campuses which were situated in the less developed cities were generally meeting the minimum requirements of their user's perceptions, satisfaction and for desired marketing library tools. On the contrary, the libraries of two campuses that were situated in the developed cities of the country were fulfilling the requirements of their users' satisfaction, perceptions and desired marketing tools. These two campuses were meeting the maximum requirements of their users by employing the latest marketing tools to facilitate them. Journal of Education and Social Sciences, Vol. 1, (June) ISSN 2289-9855 2015 238 Table 1: Campuses' responses Sr. No. Marketing tools Campus


The invention discloses a device and a method for testing automotive active safety systems on a bench. The device comprises a camera bellow, a to-be-tested system, a display, an upper computer and a lower computer. Scene animation required by tests is generated by the upper computer and is displayed via the display; the scene animation is acquired by the to-be-tested system; movement of a to-be-tested automobile is simulated by the lower computer in real time, the lower computer is communicated with the to-be-tested system via a CAN (controller area network) bus, automobile state and driver operation information is transmitted to the to-be-tested system, and bus data transmitted by the to-be-tested system are received; the lower computer is communicated with the upper computer via a network cable, and running data of the automobile are transmitted to the upper computer, so that the scene animation can be updated in real time; the upper computer is further used as a test managing and monitoring platform. The device and the method have the advantages that active safety tests are carried out on the automobile on the bench, so that field tests or field data acquisition can be omitted, test workload can be reduced, test risks and the test cost can be decreased, and the test repeatability can be improved; large test working condition databases can be omitted, and accordingly the test working condition data can be conveniently managed.


ABSTRACT This article describes five major factors that are affecting patterns of international migration among nurses who work in long-term care settings: • Demographic drivers–The aging of the populations in developed countries and the low to negative growth in the working-age population will increase the demand for international workers to provide long-term care services. • Gender and race–A dual labor market of long-term care workers, increasingly made up of women of color, is becoming internationalized by the employment of migrating nurses from developing countries. • Credentialing–The process of credentialing skilled workers creates barriers to entry for migrating nurses and leads to "decredentialing" where registered nurses work as licensed practical nurses or aides. • Colonial history and geography–The colonial histories of many European countries and the United States have increased migration from former colonies in developing countries to former colonial powers. • Worker recruitment–Efforts to limit the recruitment of health care workers from some developing countries have had little effect on migration, in part because much of the recruitment comes through informal channels of family and friends.


Objective To investigate the clinical effect of dynamic functional reeonstruction of hand intrinsic muscles and analyze the factors that affect the outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of 18 cases of dynamic intrinsic function reconstruction was carried out. There were 14 cases treated by modified Bunnell transfer and 4 cases by Brand transfer. Postoperative results were evaluated using previously published standards and Brand hand function criteria to assess the overall satisfaction rate. Results Postoperative follow up ranged from 2 to 30 months. 33% of the 18 eases obtained good results. Conclusion The indication of dynamic functional reconstruction of hand intrinsic muscles is simple ulnar nerve injury. Results for other complex injuries are generally poor. To ensure favorable results it is also very important to select the proper donor for transfer and adjust the tension of insertion properly.

Key words:
Tendon transfer;  Follow-up studies;  Intrinsic muscles;  Reconstruction of function


The present study is devoted to the quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) in the chromospheric emission of solar flares that are often observed during these phenomena. We analysed the chromospheric emission of an M4.5-class flare (SOL2015-10-01) obtained with the Horizontal-Sonnen-Forschungs-Anlage spectrograph (HSFA-2) at the Ondřejov Observatory of the Czech Academy of Sciences. We also used X-ray time profiles obtained with the Ramati High Energy Solar Spectroscope Imager (RHESSI) and observations in the microwave range obtained with the radio telescope RT3 at 3.0 GHz (Ondřejov Observatory) to test the reliability of the detected chromospheric QPP periods. The processing and analysis of the spectra in the CaII H, Hβ, Hα, and CaII IR 8542 Å lines and the time profiles of the X-ray and microwave emission revealed the presence of oscillation periods in the range of 1–2 minutes.


Postmodernizm, identity status and life satisfaction. Erikson's 'Psychosocial Development Theory' has continued to inspire numerous studies since the1950's. Research provided a strong support for Erikson's theory as a crucial theory in explaining individual's development in different developmental stages and across cultures. However, in recent years Erikson's theory has been subject of some criticism on the ground that the theory is more appropriate in explaining modern man and inefficient in explaining the development taking place within today's everlasting changing context, which is described by most as postmodernism. The purpose of this study was to test whether the identity statuses of individuals who endorse post modern values and modern values differ and to determine the predictive value of postmodern values and identity status in explaining life satisfaction. For this purpose, 232 college students responded to the items measuring their identity statuses, post modern and modern values and life satisfaction. In the data analyses, the correlation, ANOVA and regression analyses were used. According to the results, there was no difference between individuals who endorse modern values or post modern values; however, indivuduals who endorse modern values reported more diffusion and foreclosure status and less identity achievement. Further, while endorsement of post modern values, moratorium and diffusion status predicted life satisfaction negatively, identity achievement predicted life satisfaction positively. The results were in line with previous research supporting Erikson's theory, proving the theory still as a useful and valid theory.


The maximum obtainable reflectivity bandwidth is compared for circuit analogue absorbers patterned with two different types of frequency selective surface (FSS). Metal backed resistively loaded FSS designs with thickness in the range of λ/18 to λ/14, were investigated to identify the crossover point below which the bandwidth of structures patterned with nested loops is narrower than a much simpler arrangement consisting of an array of patch elements. The results show that the deployment of a multi-resonant loop FSS, which are widely used to enhance the bandwidth of this class of microwave absorber, is undesirable below a threshold thickness where it is impossible to merge the individual absorption bands resulting from the nested loops. Numerical simulations are compared with radar backscatter measurements that were performed at normal incidence over the frequency range 7-14 GHz.


By taking a 6-ton small excavator working device as the research object,working device's transient dynamic analysis is studied with finite element method.When bucket hits ground in the driving of stick hydraulic cylinder,the actual working pressures and displacements process of each hydraulic cylinder are measured with pressure and displacement sensors.The forces of articulated points on working equipment can be obtained by means of excavator's kinematics simulation in ADMAS,motions are obtained from hydraulic cylinder's actual displacements and theoretical maximum digging force.In comparison with hydraulic cylinder's actual working pressures,the results of simulation in ADMAS are verified.Under detrimental working conditions,the transient dynamic analysis is conducted for finite element analysis.In comparison with stress test results and simulation calculation results,it is shown that the stress variation trend of corresponding measuring point is basically consistent,and the error is within 10%.The results provide a basis for future structural optimization.


Background and Objective: Enterococci are relatively nonvirulent bacteria that rarely cause disease. Antimicrobial treatment of Enterococci is often challenging due to their antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of garlic against Enterococcal isolates. Methods : In this descriptive study, 120 Enterococcus isolates including 70 multidrug-resistant isolates were collected from hospitals of Babol, Iran. Isolates' susceptibility to different antibiotics and the antibacterial activity of garlic extract were assessed using methods of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurement. The experiments were performed according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, using Tryptic soy broth medium and disc diffusion method. Results : Among the 120 Enterococcal isolates, 95 (79.2%) and 25 isolates (20.8%) were E. faecalis and E. faecium , respectively. Of the all Enterococcal isolates, the highest resistance was to erythromycin (95.8%), tetracycline (88.3%) and ampicillin (65.8%). While, the minimal level of resistance was to chloramphenicol (6.8%), vancomycin (20%) and ciprofloxacin (25%). Also, 53.3% of Enterococcal isolates showed simultaneous resistance to at least three antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin and ampicillin). Such resistance in E. faecium isolates was higher compared to E.faecalis (68% vs. 55.7%). The range of antibacterial activity of garlic extract against isolated Enterococci was determined by growth inhibition zone of 16.8 ± 1.8 mm and MIC of between 4 to 32 mg/ml. Conclusion : This study indicates the clear anti-enterococcal effect of aqueous extract of garlic and confirms the use of garlic in treatments by medicinal plants.


This report demonstrates that cross-polarization from {sup 31}P spin reservoirs with insensitive nuclei like {sup 113}Cd and {sup 29}Si is possible with MAS-NMR spectroscopy. It is found that significant sensitivity enhancements are achieved and provides insights to the structure of inorganic semiconductors.


In a currentless plasma, there are many unstable drift-Alfven modes with different radial eigenfunctions with fixed poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, m and n , respectively. When growth rates of unstable modes are plotted as a function of total plasma current I p , two opposite tendencies, stabilization and destabilization, are seen with the increase of I p . When two eigenvalues (ω r j ,ω i j ) and (ω r j +1 ,ω i j +1 ), where j denotes the order of the eigenvalue from the largest one, for given m and n become close at I p ≃ I c in a large current regime, the real frequencies do not cross. However, sometimes the two growth rates cross or ω i j =ω i j +1 occurs, although the real frequencies satisfy ω r j >ω r j +1 . The eigenfunctions of the resistive drift-Alfven mode with (ω r j ,ω i j ) at I p ≤ I c are similar to those with (ω r j +1 ,ω i j +1 ) at I p ≥ I c , where ω r j >ω r j +1 . These unstable modes may affect the magnetic spectrum of the drift-Alfven frequency range.


Binaries All assertions involving Asia and America are provisional and start from notably different premises, so the best strategy is to acknowledge such differences at the outset, admitting that all such general terms as `Asia' and `America' are problematic. Even if one ignores national borders in favor of broader culture regions, what coherence and comprehensibility resides in an `Asia' composed of, to speak only of large-scale loyalties, Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu and Islamic elements? Even as a geographer's concept, `Asia' is deeply tainted with Western preoccupations, as shown in the recent study of metageography entitled The Myth of Continents (Martin W. Lewis & Karen E. Wigen, University of California Press, 1997). Most flagrantly, the arbitrary separation of Asia and Europe along the Ural Mountains may once have served Russian imperial purposes but today, as before, it makes no geographical sense whatsoever. `America' is no less problematic since at least 1507 when the geographer Martin Waldseemuller, poring over explorers' reports from the preceding fifteen years, realized that they must have been describing a previously unknown continent. But which continent? Though many take `America' to refer only to the USA, as George Washington encouraged citizens of that country to do in his Farewell Address of 1795, what about the other Americas? The fault does not lie with the organizers of this conference because any other set of binary terms they might have chosen would have entailed at least as many problems: think of the still more diffuse associations of the `West' (what of Australia and New Zealand? Latin America?) versus the `East' (which East: `Far,' `Near,' or `Middle'? assessed from what vantage point?). Or, still more benightedly, the `Occident' versus the `Orient,' which, despite the continued popularity of Madame Butterfly, was discredited among intellectuals by Edward Said in Orientalism (1978) and savaged more recently on stage and in film in David Henry Hwang's M Butterfly (1988). The problem is rooted less in the complexities of the specific terms `America' and `Asia' than in the very nature of binary conceptualization, basic to many of the ways that humans `think' in their diverse intellectual traditions. Binaries have been particularly associated with Western civilization since the ancient Greeks grounded their syllogistic logic in the principle that an entity cannot simultaneously belong to categories A and not-A, whence the Western leaning toward radical conceptual disjunctions, as between good and evil which seem as different as day and night. Other types of binaries exist, of course, as in the reciprocally interacting pair, yin and yang, which we might take as a model for Chinese binaries, exemplified by the implications of `interdependent' cultures in the subtitle of this conference. This analysis centers on one familiar dichotomy primary to culture studies: US as opposed to THEM. The ethnocentrism enjoined by every culture in the world is made visible in the world maps that adorn classroom walls around the world. These represent in graphic form a process whereby each school system seeks to enculturate its young. The implicit goal, ethnocentric self-identification, seems to be a human universal. Mapping Ethnocentrisms Everywhere in the world people map themselves as world-central with all others as relatively peripheral. Hence the primary interest here is not cartography but cultures. These maps serve as a visible manifestation of mental constructs which are central to human identification with one or another culture. Maps become problematic when students (and adults) forget that they are maps and start believing in the worlds they represent. The same is true of cultures: one's own culture will likely seem universal until one finds a way of stepping outside its cloaking devices at least provisionally. As an old Chinese proverb has it: the fish does not discover water. …


This paper presents the design and development of a Mobile Augmented Reality Map (MARM) which shows map information on the real world video rather than a plane. The proposed system uses wireless Geographic Information System (GIS), and video camera and gyroscope of a smart phone. MARM has the advantage of GIS and the convenience of mobile phones, and is an extremely intuitive way to use map.


A donor-acceptor type conjugated polymer PC-DODTBT comprising 2,7-carbazole and 5,6-bis(octyloxy)-4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)benzo-[c]-thiadiazole has been synthesized by Suzuki cross coupling.The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the polymer were investigated.Bulk heterojunction solar cells fabricated from composite films of PC-DODTBT as electron donor and -phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester(PCBM) as electron acceptor showed power conversion efficiencies of 0.92% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.88 V,a short-circuit current density of 2.04 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 0.51 under an AM 1.5 solar simulator(100 mW/cm2).


With the explosion of multimedia data, it is more important than ever to create capabilities for cataloging images based on visual content. Although unprecedented access to large datasets has greatly accelerated research related to multimedia semantic modeling, we remain far from creating computerized capabilities for recognizing content in everyday images. One reason is that too little has been learned from good old library science. Libraries have long studied classification methods and schemes. By building on the foundations of library science, researchers can develop a principled approach for creating suitable visual classification schemes to help bridge the multimedia semantic gap. One of the most popular image data resources used by the multimedia research community, ImageNet, can offer a simple illustrated example. ImageNet, a large image repository organized according to the WordNet hierarchy, aims to collect at least 1,000 images for each of tens of thousands of WordNet concepts. Much research is being done on automatically classifying images using ImageNet. However, from a visual knowledge point of view, ImageNet is not a good classification scheme. The ImageNet hierarchy follows a generic is-a relationship between superclasses and subclasses. Thus, mutual exclusivity is not modeled appropriately. For example, consider a photograph that shows a person who is a good guy, has a beard, is a philosopher, and is a native of Africa. According to ImageNet these categories are mutually exclusive, as Figure 1 shows. As a result, there will be tremendous confusion in training classifiers using one-versus-all methods because, for example, using ImageNet a person should either be a good guy or have a beard. I'll make sure to shave more closely tomorrow. Another way to address this situation is with facets. Libraries have long practiced the idea that there are multiple ways to view the world using facets, which let us represent multiple perspectives simultaneously. Each facet follows its own hierarchical relationship system, and there is no mutual exclusivity across facets. As a result, categories won't be pitted against each other inappropriately. Facets have also received some attention in image search. For example, the Flamenco system allows a faceted search of art images that includes dimensions such as location, objects, and shapes and colors (see http://orange.sims. berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/flamenco.cgi/famuseum/ Flamenco). Clearly, the visual world requires multiple dimensions to be modeled simultaneously, and a faceted classification scheme can represent these multiple, visual perspectives. Figure 2 illustrates how facets can be applied to the ImageNet excerpt such that independent hierarchies can be developed for each dimension of a person. In this example, facets could correspond to temperament, gender, facial hair, occupation, and nationality. This would provide a better representation for the visual concepts and their relationships, which would improve classifier training as well. Resources such as ImageNet are extremely helpful, but we have a long way to go to bridge the semantic gap. Facets are an important [3B2-9] mmu2013010092.3d 11/1/013 12:25 Page 92


The surface roughness of Zirconium oxide(ZrO2) thin films with different thickness and substrate roughness,which were deposited with different ion beam auxiliary energy by electron beam evaporation technique,was studied with Taylor Honson coherence correlation interferometer(Talysurf CCI).The influence of surface roughness of substrates,thickness of ZrO2 thin films and ion energy of ion beam assisted deposition(IBAD) on surface roughness of ZrO2 thin films was investigated.The results show that the surface roughness of ZrO2 thin films increases slowly with the increase of substrate roughness when the substrate roughness is less than 10 nm,then increases quickly when the roughness is more than 10 nm;the surface roughness of ZrO2 thin films decreases and then increases with the increase of both thickness and ion energy.


The results of experimental and numerical simulations studying the stray background levels on an IR photodetector surface in a vacuum cryostat with a cylindrical diaphragm are presented in the article. The stray background value was investigated by the direct measurement with a second thermal camera pointed at the surface of the first camera's hybrid assembly. The limitations of the experimental method are the accuracy of measuring the background level on the surface of the photodetector. It is necessary to use a cooled second thermal camera as a measuring instrument since if the temperature of the photodetector in it is higher than the temperature of studied surface, and its radiation reflected from the IR photodetector does not allow reliable results to be obtained. This method of the research makes it possible to identify technological imperfections in the design of the studied cryostats. Numerical simulation makes it possible to optimize the shape and the design of cold diaphragms, but it does not allow to analyze the contributions of various sources of parasitic radiation in the cryostat. This requires additional modeling and simulation.


Aortic wall stiffness has been reported in infants with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and may contribute to long‐term aortic dilation even after corrective repair surgery. However, little is known about aortic elasticity in fetuses with ToF and the association with neonatal aortic dilation. The objectives of this study were to assess measures of elasticity of the ascending aorta (AAo) in fetuses with ToF and explore the association with neonatal aortic annular dilation in this population.


Title: THE EFFECTS OF FRESHWATER FLOW AND GRAZING ON THE PLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF CHESAPEAKE BAY TRIBUTARIES Matthew L. Reaugh, Master of Science, 2005 Directed By: Professor Michael R. Roman Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences Changes in the plankton composition of estuarine systems are often driven by freshwater flow. These changes in species composition and abundance have the potential to affect trophic dynamics within the plankton community. In order to quantify the effects of freshwater flow in estuaries, the structure of the spring plankton community and copepod grazing were examined in an extreme dry (2002) and wet (2003) year in two tributaries of Chesapeake Bay. Increases in phytoplankton and copepod biomass in the wet year were large in comparison to the increase in microzooplankton biomass. Ample abundance of prey and high copepod community grazing potentials indicate that microzooplankton biomass was influenced by strong top-down control in the high flow year. While no evidence of a copepod-microzooplankton-phytoplankton trophic cascade was found, increased top-down control by grazers in combination with increased nutrient supply in wet years may be important in establishing spring phytoplankton blooms in Chesapeake Bay. THE EFFECTS OF FRESHWATER FLOW AND GRAZING ON THE PLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF CHESAPEAKE BAY TRIBUTARIES


L Chatenod, P Bertuccio, F Turati. Allergy . 2020;75(1):104–115

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to infectious agents in early life contributes to increase of allergic disease. This study directly evaluated the impact of early microbial exposure and the onset of atopic disease.

Children between the ages of 3–24 months were enrolled between March 2011 and April 2016 from 10 Italian centers. Study subjects were children with first-time diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) during the enrollment visit. Controls were of the same age presenting to dermatology clinic without diagnosis of AD.

This was a matched case-control study on the …


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe permanent vision loss in adults over age 60 years in the United States. The number of people with AMD is predicted to more than double by 2050 from the 2010 rate of 2.07 million (National Eye Institute, 2019). Onset of AMD typically occurs after age 60 years. Macular degeneration progressively breaks down the macula, the area of sharpest acuity, which impairs central vision. Reduced visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field loss show a linear relationship in a person's inability to perform activities of daily living (Liu, Brost, Horton, Kenyon, & Mears, 2013) (Table 1). Researchers have identified reading impairment as one of the most meaningful detrimental effects of low vision since it affects a person's ability to read medication and food labels, the displays and buttons of communication devices, markings on appliances, financial paperwork, leisure reading materials such as books, and other printed information that would allow a person to keep current on news (Smallfield, Clem, & Myers, 2013). Best practice in low vision rehabilitationmay utilize a client-centered compensatory approach to assess the individual's environment; teach strategies for organization, pattern, contrast, magnification, and sensory substitution; and modify lighting requirements for desired tasks (Liu et al., 2013). Lighting levels in the home are often inadequate to support performance of tasks requiring near-vision. Typical home lighting is at 50 lux and room lighting measured at 500–600 lux; however, adults with low vision may require 1,000 to 7,000 lux (Bowers, Meek, & Steward, 2001; Eldred, 1992). Optimizing task lighting can improve both reading acuity and reading speed (Succar, Walker, Kendrick, Mies, & Fletcher, 2015) for individuals with low vision. The benefit of more or less light is a highly individual preference and may depend on the person's diagnosis, such as AMD compared to glaucoma (Rotruck, Fletcher, & Walker, 2015). Performance of in-home lighting assessments for five individuals in rural counties served by the Wabash Independent Living and Learning (WILL) Center was undertaken.


Juangtzzy holds "perfect man"as the ideal personality, whose remarkable features are:fuse oneself into nature; be selfess and laissez-faire;restore one's healthy self. The aesthetic ideas therein ought to be drawn on in the contemporary college aesthetic education. Perfect men are most beautiful, marked by their spiritual values;and intellectuals can become"perfect men"by freeing themselves from worldly concerns.


ABSTRACT The psychological well-being of emerging-adult college students may relate to their success in romantic relationships. One hundred forty-five emerging-adult undergraduate students (117 women, 28 men) completed an online questionnaire about their attachment style, dating anxiety, fear of being single, self-efficacy, subjective happiness, self-esteem, and psychological distress. Low attachment anxiety and social distress in group dating situations and high levels of self-efficacy in romantic relationships predicted happiness. Low attachment anxiety and high self-efficacy predicted low psychological distress. Less fear of negative evaluation from a dating partner and high self-efficacy in romantic relationships predicted self-esteem. Given the findings of self-efficacy in romantic relationships on well-being, relationship education is recommended.


The present study emphasizes on the comparison of E-glass reinforced High performance polyethylene (HPPE) and cotton based protective gloves (7 and 10 gauge). Cut resistant properties of these gloves were analysed as per test standard EN 388:2003. Further, the effect of repeated laundering and industrial use on performance of cut resistant properties of gloves was analysed. The result of the study showed that both types of gloves i.e. Eglass reinforced HPPE (7 and 10 gauge) as well as cotton provide excellent level of cut protection which is durable even up to 20 laundering cycles and applications in various industries. Although, E-glass reinforced HPPE have high level of abrasion resistance than E-glass reinforced Cotton. The comparative study shows that the cut resistance performance and durability of E-glass reinforced HPPE (7 gauge) gloves was found best in comparison to E-glass reinforced HPPE (10 gauge) gloves and least was shown by E-glass reinforced cotton gloves.


A fish weir equipped with an underwater video system was installed and operated in the Funny River between 25 April and 30 July 2014 to collect demographic information about adult Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. The total escapement of adult Chinook Salmon into the Funny River was 1,308. Several non-target species were enumerated and included 412 Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma, 138 Rainbow Trout/Steelhead O. mykiss, 35 Pink Salmon O. gorbuscha, 7 Sockeye Salmon O. nerka, and 30 Round Whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum. Peak weekly Chinook Salmon passage occurred between 29 June and 5 July (n=422). Age, sex, and length sampling occurred from 10 June to 18 July and resulted in 385 samples. Sex was determined for nearly the entire (99.2%) population of Funny River Chinook Salmon through examination of video records and active sampling. Female Chinook Salmon comprised 24% of the escapement and averaged 789 mm in length (mid eye to tail fork). The average mid eye to tail fork length of male Chinook Salmon sampled was 612 mm. Ages of Chinook Salmon determined from scale analysis ranged from 3 to 7 years.


Cilostazol is an antithrombotic drug expected to be useful in the treatment of chronic arterial occlusive diseases. Cilostazol is a potent inhibitor of human platelet aggregation and selectively inhibits human platelet cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase type III. In this paper, we describe a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for ascertaining the antiplatelet effect of cilostazol considering the reversible inhibition of phosphodiesterase in the platelet. All data used for analysis were obtained from the literature. The estimation of average inhibition of phosphodiesterase was 59.7% following an oral administration with usual dose. A significant linear relationship between the calculated inhibitory effects on phosphodiesterase and on collagen-induced platelet aggregation was obtained (p< 0.05). Based on this finding, a new method was developed. for predicting inhibitory effects on the collagen-induced platelet aggregation following oral administration of cilostazol. This method is useful for planning a rational dosage regimen of cilostazol and for predicting the duration of antiplatelet activity after discontinuance of the drug.


Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a novel optical imaging technology that provides high-resolution cross-sectional views of subsurface microstructure of biological tissues. It features high sensitivity, noninvasiveness, high resolution of micron scale, probing depth of 2cm for transparent tissue and 1~2mm for highly scattering tissue, and etc. OCT has shown a promising future to become a complement to the conventional imaging techniques in the fields of medicine and biology. But there are still a number of problems should be solved before OCT technology can be applied to practical usage. One of those is the limited imaging speed. In this paper, a high-speed data acquisition and processing (DAP) system for OCT is presented. Built around the high-powered Digital signal Processor (DSP) TMS32OVC5410A, the system is designed to cooperate with a PC to realize the image-scanning control, signal acquisition, data processing, transmission, image reconstruction and display. Superior to conventional data acquisition systems (DAQs), this system implants pre-processing of raw data into DSP, thus reduces the image acquisition time by carrying out the large amount of computation in the DSP, rather than in the PC. In addition, it can present two images with different information at per 2-D scans. And the system can be extended to future diverse applications by loading flexible digital signal processing schemes.


Isotropic polymer-bonded RE magnet-foils with a width of approximately 30 cm were manufactured by the solvent casting technology. The thickness of the magnet-foils could be varied between 200 and 400 /spl mu/m. The remanent polarizations amount to 0.27 T for isotropic magnet-foils based on Sm/sub 2/(Co,Cu,Fe,Zr)/sub 17/ alloy-powders and to 0.41 T for isotropic magnet-foils made of rapidly solidified Nd-Fe-B alloy-powders. Intrinsic coercivities of approximately 8 kA/cm were achieved. The maximum energy densities range between 13.6 kJ/m/sup 3/ and 28.8 kJ/m/sup 3/, respectively. For saturation of the magnet-foils magnetizing field strengths up to 40 kA/cm are required. The temperature coefficients are similar to those of sintered magnets. The long-term temperature stability is mainly determined by the thermal aftereffect. The maximum continuous operating temperatures amount to 100/spl deg/C for Sm/sub 2/(Co,Cu,Fe,Zr)/sub 17/ magnet-foils and to about 80/spl deg/C for Nd-Fe-B magnet-foils.


The principle goal of education is to create men [and women] who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done - men who are creative, inventive and discoverers.Jean Piaget(cited in Malek, 2007, p. iv)IntroductionThis is the first part of two issues of the International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning in 2008 both of which relate in a variety of ways to the theme of meanings emerging in practice. This theme was the major focus of the Third International Conference on Pedagogies and Learning in Brisbane, Australia in 2007 and several articles were post-conference submissions. In this issue, Part one, there are nine anonymously peer reviewed articles. As a cluster they consider pedagogical issues and impacts on both learners and teachers, and indeed relate to a range of meanings emerging in practice. These meanings involve the impact of the learning journey for learners, pedagogical approaches to enable learners to make sense of their experiences, the potential of the pedagogical journey to change attitudes and values, acknowledgment of learners' life experiences and events that may impact on their learning, as well as pedagogies related to students' acquisition of and learning in English as a foreign/second language. For teachers there is recognition of the need to acquire new ways of thinking about knowledge and accompanying values. Within this the importance of creativity and transdisciplinarity are emphasised. In recognising the important role of pre-service teacher education today, in it's ability to prepare teachers who are able to in turn engage all students in learning, collectively these works reflect the globalisation of education and new contexts for learning with an accent on transformative pedagogical approaches (Mezirow & Associates, 2000).OverviewIn his first article Bernadette Walker-Gibbs examines the new challenges that stem from the move towards the concept of the 'creative knowledge economy' and focus on the creative industries, and implications for tertiary educators and researchers. In advocating a way forward through the application of Giri's (2002) model for transdisciplinarity this article foreshadows the need for new ways of thinking to come to grips with the commodification of knowledge as opposed to its traditional academic value, and in turn the need for new paradigms for researching and developing understanding.Article two, by Cheryl Mallen and Frank Crowther reports the results of the application of the Change Infusion Model (CIM) in the exploration of pedagogical change involving teachers/lecturers in the university sector in Canada. These educators' experiences and perceptions of change were documented through the application of LaBoskey's Dimensions of Reflection (1993), which involved a written and collaborative discourse method. A lens of paradox was used to engage participants in making meaning from the contradictions and inconsistencies in their experience of a pedagogical change process. Four paradoxes were identified as confronting participants' in their professional lives thus highlighting the challenges emerging from the demands of pedagogical change for practitioners in contemporary times.In article three, Soenke Biermann seeks to begin a conversation about developing transformative pedagogies that addresses the growing inability of education systems to engage many students in learning, and particularly those from disadvantage groups. In emphasising the need to critically reflect upon existing pedagogical approaches this work focuses on exploring the common principles that underpin Indigenous pedagogies and environmental education. Their ability to be transformative is argued through their use in re-evaluating existing models of teaching and learning and assistance in re-conceptualising alternative pedagogies and their underlying epistemologies. In the identification of this common ground and the need to nurture it in the future this stimulating discussion raises awareness of many critical considerations and also draws attention to relevant initiatives of ethno-ecological education (Doucette, Ransom & Kowalewski, 2006) and environmental outreach and exchange programs (McCoppin, 2003). …


Call a commutative Banach algebra A a g-algebra if it contains a bounded group G such that \overline{aco(G)} contains a multiple of the unit ball of A. In this paper, first by exhibiting several concrete examples, we show that the class of g-algebras is quite rich. Then, for a g-algebra A, we prove that A\star has the Schur property iff the Gelfand spectrum \sum of A is scattered iff A\star=ap(A) iff A\star=\overline{Span(\sum)}.


INTRODUCTION: Propofol provides rapid and smooth anesthesia with quick recovery and less incidence of vomiting.
Etomidate is inducing agent of choice in cardiac patients.We are comparing the effects of these drugs when given along
with nalbuphine.This study aims to compare the hemodynamic parameters, onset and efficacy of these combinations
and adverse effects.
MATERIALS AND METHOD:60 patients belonging to ASA I -II of either sex undergoing major surgeries under general
anesthesia were included in our study. The study was prospective observational study, 60 patients were randomized
equal into two groups to receive either propofol with nalbuphine or etomidate with nalbuphine.
RESULT:Etomidate group showed more hemodynamic stability compared to Propofol group


Background:Tarsal coalition is a rare condition affecting less than 1% of the US population. The onset of symptoms is thought to be due to previously fibrous or cartilaginous coalitions ossifying, becoming more rigid, and becoming more painful. Nine clinical case reports have been presented in the literature over the last half century. The purpose of our study was to provide a thorough review of the literature and present two cases from our practice. Methods:We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE database using OvidSP and PubMed resources. A total of 14 articles with 17 total patients were found. Only reports that had patients age 18 or younger were accepted. This eliminated six patients and seven coalitions, leaving a total of 11 patients and 17 coalitions. Results:Including this study, a total of 13 patients and 21 coalitions were used for analysis. The average age at onset of symptoms was 14.7 yr, and the average prodrome was 20 mo. Conservative management was effective in three patients; ten opted for surgical management. Surgical intervention was considered successful in 80% of patients. Conclusions:Cuboid-navicular coalitions are rare but should be in the differential diagnosis for unexplained foot pain. In our patients and through our literature review, we found that CT and MRI are equally effective in identifying coalitions, and MRI is superior for any synchondrosis or synostosis. Bone scan is unnecessary in the diagnosis of this condition. Conservative management is still the initial line of treatment, but surgical intervention has shown success.


That period was characterized by economic prosperity and tremendous social, artistic, and cultural dynamism. The Twenties witnessed the large usage of automobiles, telephones, motion pictures, accessible electricity, as well as accelerated consumer demand and aspirations, and brought about significant changes in lifestyle and culture. Social and cultural innovations began in leading metropolitan centers such as Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, then spread more widely. Popular culture in the 1920s was characterized by innovation in film, visual art and architecture, radio, music, dance, fashion, literature, and intellectual movements.


Objective:Discussing the respiratory tract nursing care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in acute exacerbation stage.Methods:Analysing and summarizing the methods and main points of respiratory tract nursing care of 60 cases of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in acute exacerbation stage treated in our hospital,from January to December in 2008.Results:The rate of symptoms of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in acute exacerbation stage getting controlled or relieved by reasonable treatment and enhanced respiratory tract nursing is higher than of 96%.Conclusion:Reasonable treatment and enhanced respiratory tract nursing of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in acute exacerbation stage can effectively control respiratory tract infection,improve functions of lung and heart,so that disease developmeng gets controlled ang the life quality of patients get improved.


BACKGROUND: It demonstrated that combined application of thymosin α1 (TM-α1) and interferon (IFN) can enhance the antiviral activity of IFN.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain recombinant fusion protein of TM-α1 and consensus IFNα(IFNα-con) with double activity of antiviral activity and immunity enhancement.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The in vitro contrast experiment was conducted in the Biochemical Laboratory of Research Institute of Medicine, Chongqing K.E.W Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. from March 2003 to December 2004.
MATERIALS: The fusion gene fragment (TM-α1+IFNα-con) was synthesized by Shanghai Sangon Biological Engineering Technology And Service Co., Ltd, WISH cell, and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was purchased from Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, commercial products of IFNα1b, IFNα2a and TM-α1 was served as reference substance.
METHODS: The preference for E. coli of fusion sequence coding TM-α1 and IFNα-con were cloned into expression vector of pET-22b(+) and expressed in BL21(DE3)-Codon plus-RP-X, which was purified by precipitation of (NH4)2SO4, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography, cation-exchange chromatography and molecular exclusion chromatography. The antiviral activity of fusion protein was tested by cytopathic-effect inhibition assay, and effect of fusion protein on lymphocyte proliferation was tested by cell proliferative assay.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The specific activity of fusion protein and its biological activity in promoting lymphocyte proliferation.
RESULTS: The fusion protein was expressed as a soluble form, accounting for over 20% of the total cell protein in E. coli, which approached 96% after purification. The antiviral activity of fusion protein was superior to IFNα1b and IFNα2a. However, the activity of fusion protein for promoting lymphocyte proliferation was similar to TM-α1.
CONCLUSION: The fusion protein of TM-α1 and IFNα-con expressed in E. coli has both effects on anti-virus and promoting lymphocyte proliferation.


TION. By Howard J. Wiarda. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001. Pp. 417. $35.00 cloth.) LATIN AMERICA AT THE END OF POLITICS. By Forrest D. Colburn. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2002. Pp 152. $35.00 cloth, $14.95 paper.) THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF PALACE WARS: LAWYERS, ECONOMISTS, AND THE CONTEST TO TRANSFORM LATIN AMERICAN STATES. By Yves Dezalay and Bryant G. Garth. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002. Pp. 352. $50.00 cloth, $20.00 paper.) CITIZEN VIEWS OF DEMOCRACY IN LATIN AMERICA. Edited by Roderic Ai Camp. (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2001. Pp. 304. $45.00 cloth, 22.95 paper.)


In I, it will be shown that one can regard proper tim e τ as an independent variable in Hamilton's action integral when one employs the expression that is given i n (I.6) as a Lagrangian function. In II, proper time will be introduced into the Dirac equation and a method fo r integrating that equation that is based upon proper time will be developed. The Cauchy problem will be treated with the help of that method. Part II contains a further generalization (and simplification) f the application of the Wentzel-Brillouin method to the Dirac equation that Pauli gave. In III, the mixed dens iti s that are considered in the theory of the positron will be expressed by the fundamental solution ( s lution élémentaire ) and the Riemann function of the Dirac equation.


The financial implication of the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices is still an obscure field of study, because studies suggest controversial results. Thus, this research aimed to examine the relationship CSR and economic performance of the companies of corporate sustainability index (ISE) of mercantile and futures exchange of Sao Paulo stock exchange (BM&FBOVESPA). The amount of companies allowing online access to their responses of the ISE questionnaire determined the sample of this research. Thus, for the study period from 2011 to 2012, it has been possible to access the responses of 12 companies, composing the overall sample of this research. The results of the regression analysis allow to statistically assert that for the sample used, environmental performance (EP) contributes to improving economic performance, measured by all financial metrics used: return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA), and net profit (NP). Statistically, it is only possible to say that social performance (SP) contributes to improving NP. In terms of market metrics, none of the null hypothesis was rejected, i.e., in any cases, it has been possible to affirm, on a statistical base, that SP and EP contribute to improving the market value (MV) and systematic risk. Thus, it is understood that the stakeholder theory has potential to explain the Brazilian situation regarding the aspects of CSR and financial ones under the accounting and the shareholder theory explains this relation, when viewed with the aid of market measurements.


Time-resolved radial uniformity of pulse-modulated inductively coupled O2/Ar plasma has been investigated by means of a Langmuir probe as well as an optical probe in this paper. The radial uniformity of plasma has been discussed through analyzing the nonuniformity factor β (calculated by the measured n e, lower β means higher plasma radial uniformity). The results show that during the active-glow period, the radial distribution of n e exhibits an almost flat profile at the beginning phase, but it converts into a parabola-like profile during the steady state. The consequent evolution for β is that when the power is turned on, it declines to a minimum at first, and then it increases to a maximum, after that, it decays until it keeps constant. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the ionization gradually becomes stronger at the plasma center and meanwhile the rebuilt electric field (plasma potential and ambipolar potential) will confine the electrons at the plasma center as well. Besides, the mean electron energy (〈 ε 〉on) at the pulse beginning decreases with the increasing duty cycle. This will postpone the plasma ignition after the power is turned on. This phenomenon has been verified by the emission intensity of Ar (; = 750.4 nm). During the after-glow period, it is interesting to find that the electrons have a large depletion rate at the plasma center. Consequently, n e forms a hollow distribution in the radial direction at the late stage of after-glow. Therefore, β exhibits a maximum at the same time. This can be attributed to the formation of negative oxygen ion (O−) at the plasma center when the power has been turned off.


We propose a fiber-Bragg-grating (FBG)-based optical code-division multiple access passive optical network (OCDMA-PON) using a dual-baseband modulation scheme. A mathematical model is developed to study the performance of this scheme. According to the analyzed results, this scheme can allow a tolerance of the spectral power distortion (SPD) ratio of 25% with a bit error rate (BER) of 10-9 when the modified pseudorandom noise (PN) code length is 16. Moreover, we set up a simulated system to evaluate the baseband and radio frequency (RF) band transmission characteristics. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed OCDMA-PON can provide a cost-effective and scalable fiber-to-the-home solution.


Astrocytes are the most abundant non-neuronal cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and are vital for brain homeostasis. This article considers the neuroimmune response, an essential pathophysiological role that astrocytes play in the CNS, placing emphasis on the emerging cellular targets and mechanisms that can be engaged to boost the protective and inflammation-resolving functions of these cells. It is well established that astrocytes contribute to inflammation by secreting a broad range of pro-inflammatory mediators, proteases, and cytotoxins. However, evidence is accumulating that astrocytes are also critical for resolution of inflammation by removing debris and secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. In addition, the heterogeneity of astrocyte immune responses has recently become evident. The original concept of a bimodal functional state of astrocytes involving resting and activated cells is gradually being replaced by multimodal models based on recent advances in molecular techniques. For example, A1 and A2 activation states of astrocytes have been described [1]. The A1 pro-inflammatory phenotype is observed after systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to animals, and it can be induced in vitro by coapplication of microglia-derived mediators interleukin (IL) 1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and complement protein C1q. A1 astrocytes express high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxins. A1-like activation has also been reported for astrocytes from Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice and aging human astrocytes [2]. Meanwhile, A2 astrocytes are observed after brain ischemia in vivo. They are characterized by upregulated growth factors, and therefore contribute to resolution of inflammation and CNS repair. Likely numerous other types of astrocyte activation exist associated with both physiological and pathological CNS processes (for review see [3]). The heterogeneity of astrocytes is not limited to their immune responses. It is important to point out that astrocytes contribute to diverse physiological processes by modulating concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular space, secreting antioxidant molecules, and participating in synapse formation and elimination. They interact closely with neurons through metabolic coupling involving the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle, and also participate in the glutamate–glutamine cycle supporting glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. In addition, astrocytes are part of the neurovascular unit that regulates cerebral blood flow and maintains the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Astrocytes adapt to different CNS environments, leading to significant spatial heterogeneity of the astrocyte population within a healthy brain. Furthermore, during brain development and aging, varying CNS environments result in temporal changes in astrocyte morphology and most, if not all, of their diverse functions listed above (for recent comprehensive reviews of astrocyte functions and heterogeneity see [3–7]). Due to their active contribution to a broad range of nervous system pathologies, astrocytes have been proposed as targets for therapeutic interventions (reviewed in [4,7–9]). Although most homeostatic functions of astrocytes become dysregulated in pathological states, this article only considers modulation of astrocyte neuroimmune functions as a therapeutic strategy.


Energy‐efficient Zigbee‐based wireless sensor network (WSN) occupies a major role in emergency‐based applications. The foremost drawback of such applications is maintaining the battery power because frequent changing is not possible in those conditions. In the earlier days, several researches created new model MAC protocols in terms of increase the lifetime of the WSN. But still, there is a research gap particularly in emergency applications. In order to improve the lifetime of such applications, we introduced a novel hybrid MAC protocol, namely, special purpose energy‐efficient contention‐based hybrid MAC (SPEECH‐MAC) protocol. This protocol includes dual hop concept considerably to save the energy. Both the single hop network and the dual hop networks are developed, and the results are analyzed. Prioritization mechanism for SPEECH‐MAC protocol is introduced to analyze the emergency conditions in detail. In summary, according to the simulation, the calculated parameters are total residual energy, end‐to‐end delay, packet drop, packet delivery ratio, and network throughput.


The purpose of this study is to evaluate: the technology and procedures used to alert the public in the event of a chemical release; the management practices associated with these processes; and the relationship between the facility, emergency system characteristics, and system effectiveness. Data from surveys and secondary sources are used to compare existing public alert and notification systems to the state-of-the-art technology, procedures, and management practices. The research assesses problems and constraints that would interfere with a timely and effective emergency warning and determines where significant improvements can be made in public alert and notification systems or chemical emergencies. 213 refs., 6 figs., 6 tabs.


Hot air drying is an alternative technique to either maintain or increase bioactive compounds in agricultural products because temperatures can be controlled. The effects of different hot air oven drying temperatures and times on the physicochemical changes, bioactive compounds (capsaicinoids, phenolic and flavonoid profiles and contents) and antioxidant activities in dried 'Super Hot' chili fruits were evaluated. The chilies were dried in a hot air oven at low (60–100 °C) or high (120–160 °C) temperatures for 30, 60, 120 min and at 12–13% moisture content (MC). The main compounds presented in chili fruits were capsaicinoids, limonene, pinene, tocopherol and oleic acid, regardless of drying temperature and time. Although the total flavonoid contents decreased during the drying process, the total phenolic contents increased (38–51%), and capsaicinoids, the primary pungent compounds, increased six-times at 120–160 °C compared to the fresh chilies. The phenolic profiles showed that chlorogenic acid was the most stable and abundant amongst the nine quantified phenolic compounds. In the flavonoid profile, both rutin and quercetin can be detected at a high temperature of 160 °C, with a decreasing trend. The main pungent compounds, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, were found to increase compared to the fresh chilies, especially at 12–13% wet basis (w.b.). Although the antioxidant activities (ABTS• + and DPPH•) of dried chilies at all temperatures decreased with increasing drying time, these activities were still detected. Therefore, drying chilies at 160 °C (120 min) can not only maintain the capsaicinoids, phenolics and flavonoids that can be utilized by the pharmaceutical and food industry, but can also reduce the production time.


A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for analysis of some structurally related sedatives and anticonvulsants has been developed. The method uses a single step extraction of the sample with dichloromethane. Quantitation involves the use of an internal standard. Qualitation is based not only on relative retention time but also relative peak area ratloing at two or more wavelengths, Changes in relative retention times with changes in eluting solvent composition are also discussed.


Abstract : This document presents safety fundamentals relevant to operatio s with almost all materials capable of sudden release of chemical energy and chemical products that may be harmful or dangerous. These fundamentals are intended primarily as training topics and as guides for evaluating safety programs in t e fields of explosives, propellants, pyrotec nics, and the like. W HILE HE FUNDAMENTALS WERE DEVELOPED AS TRAINING AI S IN A RESE RCH ND D VELOPME T ORGANIZATION, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THEY ARE APPLICABLE O ALMOST ANY OPERATION WITH DANGEROUS MATERIALS. (Author)


Abstract 5501 Relapse is a major cause of treatment failure of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). DLI (Donor lymphocyte infusion) and TKI (Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors) are the two standard treatment options in this setting but reports comparing their long-term outcomes are scarce. Between 1993 and 2012, 28 patients underwent DLI and 18 patients received TKI for chronic or advanced phase relapse of CML at our institution. Chronic hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular relapses were considered as chronic phase relapses. Accelerated phase and blast crisis relapses were considered as advanced phase relapses. Overall survival (OS), failure free survival (FFS) and cumulative incidence of failure (CIF) were analyzed retrospectively and for these analyses, failure was defined as lack of response, relapse or intolerance requiring change in treatment. This study had Institutional Research Ethics Board approval. Among18 patients treated with TKI, 15 patients received imatinib, 2 received dasatinib and 1 received nilotinib as the first line treatment. In DLI group, number of infusions per patient ranged between 2 and 4. Patients in the DLI group were more likely to be transplanted during the 1st chronic phase of disease (86% vs. 56%, p =0.008), with bone marrow stem cells (100% vs. 56%, p = p =0.002). Patients in the TKI group are more likely to be treated during advance phases of relapse (39% vs. 7%, p =0.018). Type of donor, age at stem cell transplant or relapse and prior acute or chronic GVHD were not different between the groups. No patients received reduced intensity conditioning or T-cell depleted grafts. 64% of patients treated with DLI and 83% treated with TKIs achieved complete molecular response (CMR).  21% of patients initially treated with DLI required further treatment with TKIs after a second relapse. In the TKI group, no patients were later treated with DLI, but one required a change from imatinib to dasatinib due to intolerance. The incidences of treatment failures in DLI and TKI groups were 43% and 28% respectively. At a median follow up of 146 (range, 40-220) and 70 (range, 9-139) months respectively, 9 (32%) in the DLI group and 6 (33%) in TKI group have died. when chronic phase relapses were analyzed separately 7 (21%) in the DLI group and none from the TKI treated group have died.  Mortality was higher in advanced phase relapses with 2 (100%) patients in the DLI group having died without achieving any response, and in the TKI group; 4 (57%) patients achieved CMR but eventually 6 out of 7 (86%) patients have died at a median time of 9 (3-114) months. In multivariable analysis, advanced phase of relapse was associated with shorter OS (HR=109.7; 95% CI, 12.2-985.3; p= New onset or worsening of GVHD was significantly higher in the DLI group (68% vs. 6%, p=0.001). Among the patients treated with DLI, development of post DLI GVHD was associated with better OS (HR=0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-0.99; p=0.048), FFS (HR=0.3, 95% CI, 0.11-0.88; p=0.027) and lower CIF (HR=0.32; 95% CI, 0.1-0.96; p=0.04). Prior history of chronic GVHD was associated with higher FFS in DLI treated patients (HR=0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.89; p= 0.03), but did not have significant effect on OS (HR=0.32, 95% CI, 0.08-1.3; p=0.1) or CIF (HR=0.43; 95% CI, 0.143-1.28; p=0.13). In conclusion, TKIs appears better than DLI in CML patients who had relapsed in chronic phase after myeloablative T-cell-replete HCT. Outcomes were poor in advanced phase relapses irrespective of modality and novel strategies need to be explored in this group of patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Some power supplies are better suited to system use than others. System-ready power supplies simplify the assembly, programming, debugging and operation of test systems. The key attributes of a system-ready supply go beyond versatile output capabilities to include sensing and measurement functions, a choice of interfaces, compact size and high power density. A system-ready supply will make it easier for you to develop and integrate your test system.


We extend the Paging Problem to the case in which the items that are stored in the cache memory represent information about a graph. We propose on-line algorithms for two dierent connectivity problems in this context, for particular classes of graphs and under dierent cost assumptions. In the Path-paging problem we assume that the cache contains edges of the graph and queries to be answered are of the kind \report a path from i to j"; to answer the query it is necessary to have in memory all the edges of a path from i to j. In this case the answer to a query is not a single piece of information stored in memory. In the Connectivity problem the edges of the transitive closure of a given graph are stored in memory and we want to answer connectivity queries. In order to positively answer connectivity queries of the type \is i connected with j?", it is possible to answer the query even if the cache does not contain the edge (i;j). Most of our algorithms are optimal and fairly simple.


Vermiculite, a hydrated Mg/Al/Fe silicate mica-like clay mineral with a laminate structure. Vermiculite is a very versatile material. It has the remarkable ability to expand to many times its original volume (exfoliation) when heated (>300 ° C). The majority of applications call for vermiculite in its exfoliated form, and it has a wide range of applications that take advantage of its significant properties such as low bulk density, low thermal conductivity, odor-free, chemical inertness, easy handle and fire resistance. These properties make vermiculite a promising material for use as high-temperature insulating refractory material in the metallurgical industry. The service (working) temperature of vermiculite-based refractories is about 1100-1150 °C. In order to increase the working temperature and to produce a wide range of vermiculite-based refractory products, refractory binders and fillers (e.g. alumina cement, fire clays etc.) are added to the lightweight vermiculite. In this paper, we briefly mentioned the application of vermiculite as a high temperature insulating refractory material.


As the installment of TAR-northern line becomes visible, the purpose of this paper is to introduce the formation process of international railway network in the Korean section which takes in charge of the starting point of northern line and to make a suggestion on the direction for the improvement of international railway network in north-eastern Asia in the future.


The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) defines a preceptor as a "full-time, part-time, or volunteer faculty or practitioner (usually a pharmacist) who serves as practitioner-educator and oversees students in pharmacy practice experiences within the curriculum."[1][1] An


The man age ment of asthma poses a unique chal lenge to the prac tic ing phy si cian. Part of this chal lenge is that despite appar ently good ther apy, the inci dence and death rate from asthma are con tinu ously ris ing. 1 Peri odi cally, con sen sus con fer ences come out 2 but seem to be rarely fol lowed even by those who take the time to read them. One of the most impor tant points com mon to these reports is that asthma is a name given to a group of patients with a con di tion dif fer ing in cause, sever ity, and response to treat ment. 2 Asthma is defined as a chronic inflam ma tory dis order with inter mit tent nar row ing of the air ways or as a con di tion char ac ter ized by wide varia tions, over short peri ods of time, in resis tance to the flow in intrapul-mon ary air ways. This resis tance to flow or impedance or obstruc tion is due to a reversi ble bron chial hyper sen si tiv ity that is pro duced by a com bi na tion of bron chio lar smooth mus cle hyper tro phy and con traction , exces sive secre tion of a vis cous mucous, and inflam ma tion. 3-7 How ever we define asthma, it must be remem bered that it is most likely not one entity. Rather, the air way obstruc tion dis or ders are het ero ge ne ous with respect to cause, sever ity, pre domi nant mecha nism, and response to ther apy. This het ero ge ne ity has become the basis for the height ened drug devel op ment, which has and will change the ther apy of the future. 4 In addi tion, it is becom ing appar ent that there are geno types as well as phe no types among asth matic patients. 8 The lat ter explain why for some asth mat ics, ster oids are especially effec tive, while oth ers respond excep tion ally well to anti cho liner gics or have a major leu ko tri ene involve ment, involve IgE, or have one of the many pos-si ble trig gers. The com mon denomi na tor of the patho gene sis of asthma …


This note studies the influence of a financial transaction tax and transaction costs on the optimal production and hedging strategies of a duopoly. Firms are exposed to demand uncertainty that leads to price risk and can hedge their risk exposure on a forward market. However, the forward position is subject to transaction costs. We investigate two settings: first, we explore the Cournot duopoly with a simultaneous hedging opportunity; second, we analyze the case with a sequential forward market. We show that in both settings transaction costs lead to a less competitive market and that prices increase as the producers limit their output.


Today, the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) still holds an essential position in medical treatments and other healthy problems in China. With the improvement of living standards, people places more requirements for TCM. Habitat losing is a main factor in threatening TCM species, and the unsustainable use is another factor. Although the endangered proportion of TCM wildlife species is less than 5%, it is more than 20% in mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. According to a review on the trends of 112 commonly used TCM species, 22% of them has been endangered and 51% is declining rapidly (vulnerable). To prevent such situation to continue, it is suggested that (1) to establish a system to evaluate TCM sustainability, (2) to control unreasonable farming, (3) to promote researches on policies and techniques for sustainable use, (4) to have effective management of TCM trading, and (5) to improve the advertisement of TCM products.