To evaluate the effects of differences in host cellular immunity, we studied the dose-response relationship for infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) in two different rat strains, skewed towards T helper 1 (Th1, Lewis rats) or T helper 2 (Th2, Brown Norway rats) immunoregulation. Rats were exposed orally to different doses of SE after overnight starvation and neutralization of gastric acid. Animals were observed for clinical signs of disease, fecal excretion and SE load in spleen and cecum, histopathology of the cecum, hematology, and cellular and humoral immune responses. Exponential dose-response models were used for binary or continuous outcomes to analyze the experimental data. Cytokine patterns, antibody isotypes, and contact hypersensitivity tests confirmed that Lewis rats are Th1 prone, whereas Brown Norway rats are Th2 prone. The probability of infection per single SE cell was approximately 100 times higher in Brown Norway rats than in Lewis rats. Cellular immune responses were more pronounced in Lewis rats but antibody responses were higher in Brown Norway rats. When infected, colonization levels and inflammation are highest in the intestinal tract of Th2 skewed rats, but systemic infection is more intense in Th1 skewed rats. Successful colonization by only one or two SE clones resulted in a marked increase of neutrophil counts by a factor of two to three in both rat strains. Hazard characterization is one of the building blocks of microbiological risk assessment, as defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (1). Hazard characterization provides a description of the adverse effects that may result from ingestion of a pathogenic microorganism. When data are available, the hazard characterization should present quantitative information in terms of a dose-response relationship and the probability of adverse outcomes. Guidelines for hazard characterization have been published by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (2). To construct doseresponse models, the infectious disease process is usually considered a stepwise process involving a conditional series of events. Exposure to foodor waterborne pathogens may result in infection, defined as a condition in which the organism is able to establish itself in the host and actively multiply there. Methods to detect infection include but are not restricted to fecal excretion and seroconversion. Infection may be asymptomatic but may also lead to acute illness, typically gastroenteritis. Most patients recover uneventfully, but some may develop chronic sequelae or may die. Here, we concentrate mainly on the first stage of the infectious disease process, the relationship between the * Author for correspondence. Tel: 1(31) 30-2742826; Fax: 1(31) 302744434; E-mail: email@example.com. † Present address: Numico-Research B.V., P.O. Box 7005, 6700 CA Wageningen, The Netherlands. probability of infection and the ingested dose of pathogens in food or water. Dose-infection models as recommended by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization are based on several assumptions: (i) the single hit hypothesis, i.e., each inoculated organism has a (possibly very small but nonzero) probability of causing infection no matter how low the dose, and each surviving organism grows to produce a clone of cells; (ii) the hypothesis of independent action, i.e., the mean probability per inoculated pathogen to cause a (symptomatic or fatal) infection is independent of the number of pathogen cells; (iii) microorganisms behave as discrete particles and cannot be divided into units smaller than one; and (iv) microorganisms are randomly distributed in the inoculum (this assumption is a mathematical convenience but is not necessary; models for nonrandom distributions have been described (6, 16)). These assumptions lead to the family of single-hit models that are routinely used to describe microbial doseresponse relationships. The best known models are the exponential model, the beta-Poisson model, and the hypergeometric model (16). The outcome of exposure to pathogens is dependent on the ingested dose and is modulated strongly by the complex interactions among the pathogen, the host, and the food or water matrix. These interactions must be taken into account when analyzing available data sets or when extrapolating from available data to other exposure situations. In experD ow naded rom hp://m eridianenpress.com /jfp/article-pdf/67/9/258/0362-028x-67_9_2008.pdf by gest on 15 Sptem er 2020 J. Food Prot., Vol. 67, No. 9 INTRASPECIES VARIABILITY IN SE DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP 2009 imental situations, such as volunteer experiments, the conditions are well controlled and are typically chosen to reflect a homogeneous situation. The statistical uncertainty in the resulting dose-response relationship is only descriptive of that single combination of pathogen, host, and food matrix and may not be reflective of real-world exposure. Observational data sets, such as those generated by outbreak investigations, typically reflect a heterogeneous situation with regard to host characteristics and pathogen strains, and food matrices vary among outbreaks. The challenge is to pool different data sets together. Various questions should be addressed. Are all exposed individuals in a particular outbreak similar with respect to susceptibility to infection and illness? Are different strains of one pathogenic species in different outbreaks similar with respect to virulence and pathogenicity? Was the effect of the food or water matrix similar in different outbreaks? Some information can be derived from statistical analysis, but arbitrary decisions are difficult to avoid. To overcome these difficulties, a broad set of experimental data reflecting different combinations of pathogen, host, and matrix would be desirable. Ethical, economic, and logistic considerations restrict extensive experimentation involving humans, making laboratory animals an interesting alternative. Previously published dose-response studies in the Wistar Unilever (WU) rat indicated that the severity of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) intestinal and systemic infection and the aspecific immune responses (such as increased neutrophil counts in peripheral blood) and specific T-cell responses were highly dose dependent (7, 15). There is significant evidence that T cells, especially the T helper (Th) cells, can be subdivided into at least two subtypes based on different functions and cytokine profiles, Th1 and Th2 cells (10, 11). The subsets of Th cells do not derive from distinct lineages but rather develop from the same Th cell precursor under the influence of environmental and genetic factors acting at the level of antigen presentation. Among these factors, the early presence of interleukin (IL)-4 is the most potent stimulus for Th2 differentiation, whereas IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-g) favor Th1 development (4). Th cells recognize antigens using their specific antigen receptor (T-cell receptor) in the context of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages. Th1 cells release especially IL-2, IFN-g, and tumor necrosis factor a but not IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, whereas Th2 cells release in majority IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 but no IL-2 and IFN-g. Another probably better endpoint readout parameter for Th1versus Th2-mediated immune responses might be the detection of Th1and Th2-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes, although animal species differ with respect to this readout system. For the rat, IgG2b and IgG2c are Th1related isotypes, whereas IgG1 and IgG2a are Th2 related (3). The processes such as phagocytosis and cytotoxicity that are crucial for effective resistance to intracellular pathogens such as mycobacteria, Listeria, and Salmonella species are highly dependent upon IFN-g, which is produced especially by Th1 cells and natural killer cells. Th1 cells also seem to be crucial for contact-type hypersensitivity and delayed-type hypersensitivity and some forms of autoimmune diseases. In contrast, Th2 cells are especially involved in classical types of IgE-associated allergies and asthma and seem to be involved in the immune response against intercellular pathogens such as parasites and some fungi. The ultimate immunological effect depends partly on the balance between the different subsets of Th cells (Th1 versus Th2). Under physiological conditions, cytokines probably only transiently shift the balance along the Th1Th2 axis, without permanently fixing the Th phenotype (13). The extreme situation of a fixed Th1 or Th2 phenotype is seen only in severe pathological conditions. However, the ratio of these Th cell subsets determines whether the immune system is able to respond appropriately to specific stimuli from pathogens such as SE. Different studies in animals and humans have confirmed the crucial role for Th1-mediated immune responses in resistance to Salmonella infection. Pashine et al. (12) indicated that Th1 cells are a crucial part of the immune response to live Salmonella Typhimurium in mice. For this process, bacterial invasiveness but not persistence was required. De Jong et al. (5) demonstrated that IL-12–deficient patients suffer from very severe Salmonella infections. IL12 is a crucial cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells and macrophages leading to the stimulation of IFN-g production and Th1-dominated immune responses. A series of experiments were conducted in which rats with a different immunological genotype regarding Th1 and or Th2 skewing were evaluated for microbiological, hematological, immunological, and pathological changes following oral exposure to different doses of SE. Sensitivity analyses for many different kinds of immunomodulating agents revealed that Lewis (Le) rats were Th1 prone and Brown Norway (BN) rats were Th2 prone (14)


To the Editor:— Methohexital has proven extremely helpful in the office treatment of selective emotional disorders, thus making hospitalization unnecessary in many instances. Methohexital is a rapid and shortacting anesthetic, giving prompt recovery and having minimal, if any, aftereffects. It has greatly facilitated electroconvulsive therapy and can be used as an office procedure. It is superior to thiopental sodium, which is slower acting, gives a slower rate of recovery, and is associated with a greater incidence of side effects. Procedure:— patients are instructed to abstain from food and liquid on the morning treatment is to be given. Atropine, 1/75 grains, is administered subcutaneously approximately one hour prior to treatment. A 1% solution of methohexital is prepared by dissolving 500 mg in 50 cc of distilled water. The solution is administered intravenously by the drip method; occasionally a syringe is used. The amount required for satisfactory induction varies between 6 and


This paper presents a design methodology for optimal design of haptic devices, considering aspects form all involved engineering domains. The design methodology is based on parametric modeling, iterative and integrated design approach that leads to easier design space exploration for global optimal design and initial verification in the conceptual design phase. For global optimization, performance indices such as; workspace volume, isotropy, stiffness, inertia and control of the device were from all involved engineering domains were considered. To handle this complex and non-linear optimization problem, a multi-objective algorithm together with a new developed optimization function was used, to obtain a global optimum solution. A case study, where the methodology has been applied to develop a parallel haptic device is presented in detail in this paper. The results obtain from the test case model show significant improvements in the performances of the device.


In this paper, a novel method of conformal parameterization for triangular meshes is presented. Firstly, based on geodesic on a mesh, an algorithm constructing local barycentric coordinates is proposed. Then, these local coordinates are merged via a linear system to form a global conformal parameterization of the mesh. The conformal mesh parameterization method here can be viewed as a development of the shape-preserving method proposed by M. S. Floater. It avoids error of locally approximating the so-called geodesic polar mapping and hence giving better results. Experimental results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of proposed methods.


In this paper, the author solves the long term open problem of Kerzman on sup-norm estimate for Cauchy-Riemann equation on polydisc in $n$-dimensional complex space. The problem has been open since 1971. He also extends and solves the problem on a bounded product domain $\Omega^n$, where $\Omega$ either is simply connected with $C^{1,\alpha}$ boundary or satisfies a uniform exterior ball condition with piecewise $C^1$ boundary.


Using plant level data from a global survey with multiple time frames, one begun in the late 1990s, this paper introduces measures of supply chain integration and discusses the dynamic relationship between the level of integration and a set of internal and external performance measurements. Specifi cally, data from Hungary, The Netherlands and The People's Republic of China are used in the analyses. The time frames considered range from the late 1990s till 2009, encompassing major changes and transitions. Our results seem to indicate that SCI has an underlying structure of four sets of indicators, namely: (1) delivery frequency from the supplier or to the customer; (2) sharing internal processes with suppliers; (3) sharing internal processes with buyers and (4) joint facility location with partners. The differences between groups in terms of several performance measures proved to be small, being mostly statistically insignifi cant - but looking at the ANOVA table we can conclude that in this sample of companies those having joint location with their partners seem to outperform others.


[Read to the Section on Ophthalmology, Otology and Laryngology.] The question of haemorrhage after the excision of enlarged tonsils is still unsettled, and no single method for their removal is universally approved. Those looking to others for advice as to the dangers of the operation, must be bewildered by the extreme difference in opinion held by experts on this subject. There are those who, advocating the ideas of Schmidt and his sympathizers, discourage the use of all sharp instruments as dangerous to life; others, however, accepting the views of MacKenzie, insist upon the indiscriminate removal of enlarged tonsils by the knife. Safety, as we might expect, lies between the two extremes. Experience directed my attention to a middle course, and results demonstrated its advisability. My conclusions, with the reasons for forming them, the following cases will briefly explain: Case i. A laboring man of powerful build, and in the apparent


Taking examples from actual engineering, the technical difference between fieldbus and traditional distribution control system (DCS) was introduced, based on application of fieldbus in power monitoring system of power plant, some technical features and problems to be solved were summed up in this paper.


Located in the middle part of EW-trending Machaoying fault zone, the Hongzhuang Au deposit has resources of about 25 ton Au, making it one of the largest orogenic mesothermal-epithermal Au deposits hosted in volcanic rocks of the ~ 1. 8 Ga Mesoproterozoic Xiong'er Group in the Xiong'ershan terrane. Stable isotope data show that the metallogenic elements and ore-forming fluids of the Hongzhuang Au deposit were derived from a variety of sources, mainly from the mantle or lower crust and partly from the volcanic rocks of Xionger Group. The first stage( quartzpyrite) mineralization with the depth of about 1. 7 ~ 2. 71 km was mainly derived from magmatic fluid( 302℃, w( NaCleq) 4. 6% ~ 5. 7%), whereas the second stage with the depth of about 0. 9 ~ 1. 16 km( quartz-polymetallic sulfide) was partly mixed with some meteoric water( 112 ~ 150℃, w( NaCleq) 1. 7% ~ 2. 0%). Based on data obtained from recent research and exploration in such aspects as geological characteristics, ore-controlling factors and the genesis of the deposit, the authors hold that the Hongzhuang Au deposit is a typical orogenic-type hydrothermal gold deposit structurally controlled by EW-trending Machaoying fault, thus belonging to orogenic mesothermal-epithermal tectonic altered rock deposit formed in medium-late Yanshanian epoch and geodynamically corresponding to the transformation period of the tectonic system from NS direction to nearly EW direction in East China. Nearly EW-trending faults not only controlled the tectonic pattern but also served as the storage structure of large ore deposits. Because of the strong magma-fluid-tectonic activities, the Hongzhuang Au deposit had abundant sources at various ore-forming stages, varied metallogenic types and wide ore-forming space. As a result, there is huge potential for prospecting in the depth and the outskirts of the Hongzhuang Au deposit. The discovery of the Hongzhuang Au deposit in this area has certain guiding significance for gold and polymetallic prospecting.


Using a neural network potential (ANI-1ccx) generated from quantum data on a large data set of molecules and pairs of molecules, isothermal, constant volume simulations demonstrate that the model can be as accurate as ab initio molecular dynamics for simulations of pure liquid water and the aqueous solvation of a methane molecule. No theoretical or experimental data for the liquid phase is used to train the model, suggesting that the ANI-1ccx approach is an effective method to link high level ab initio methods to potentials for large scale simulations.


High performance aerospace vehicles that operate at high angles of attack are subject to unsteady separated flow fields that generate highly nonlinear aerodynamics. Experimental dynamic stall characteristics for wings with straight and highly swept leading edges are analyzed to provide insight into the underlying flow physics.


In many military and industrial applications, GaAs photovoltaic (PV) converters are connected in series in order to generate the required voltage compatible with most common electronics. Multimode optical fibers are usually used to carry high-intensity laser and illuminate the series connected GaAs PV converters in real time. However, multimode optical fiber illumination has a speckled intensity pattern. The series connected PV array is extremely sensitive to nonuniform illumination; its performance is limited severely by the converter that is illuminated the least. This paper quantifies the effects of multimode optical fiber illumination on the performance of series connected GaAs PV converters, analyzes the loss mechanisms due to speckles, and discusses the maximum illumination efficiency. In order to describe the illumination dependent behavior detailedly, modeling of the series connected PV array is accomplished based on the equivalent circuit for PV cells. Finally, a series of experiments are carried out to demonstrate the theory analysis.


Abstract : The dislocation content of each active slip system in a crystal is defined by its Dislocation Density Vector (DDV). Each DDV possesses signed screw and edge components having lengths equal to the length per unit volume of all dislocations of like sign lying in the slip plane, projected parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the slip direction. The length of the DDV is proportional to the length/unit volume of dislocations of like sign and its orientation is a measure of the edge-screw character of the population. To demonstrate this representation, we analyze a simulation of a micropillar of single crystal Ni deformed in compression. Finally, we discuss possible extensions of the analysis to determine parameters characterizing the motion of the distribution.


Hermit crabs are anomuran decapod crustaceans that have adapted to occupation of empty snail shells (and a few other types of cavities). Lack of calcification of the abdominal exoskeleton both allows and dictates the occupation of shelter not produced by the crabs themselves. Many animals utilize exogenous shelters, but almost all 800 species of hermit crabs are mobile while sheltered. The combination of mobility and protection afforded by this life style must contribute to the large numbers of these crustaceans found in virtually all marine environments, as well as on tropi cal terrestrial shores. The strong association between these crabs and their adopted shelters has greatly influenced almost all aspects of their biology. In most species, meta morphosis from larva to adult involves the assumption of morphological asymmetries associated with inhabitation of gastropod shells as well as behavioral changes as the free-swimming glaucothoe becomes a benthic, shell-seeking crab (3). Not surprisingly, most biological studies on hermit crabs have focused on the crab-shell association. Behavioral investigations on shell selection and shell exchange are obviously shelter-related, while the visual display systems utilized by these crabs (32, 46) are indirectly asso ciated with distribution of the shell resource. Most ecological studies have focused completely on the crab-shell interaction, and relatively little work has been done on the crabs as an element of marine ecosystems. Accord ingly, this paper only briefly reviews aspects of the crabs' behavioral ecology other than the crab-shell association and its influence on both individual behavior and population-related processes. While individual hermit crabs have been found in a variety of objects and some specialize in the use of scaphopod shells (some Py/opagurus spp.) (33) or even bamboo tubes


A description of the 1974 World Population Conference is presented in the form of a letter to the late Alan Guttmacher. The major problem faced by the world is how best to fit its limited resources to mans limitless potential for reproduction. Although much of the conference was mired in political differences this is not seen as cause for alarm because quick and simplistic solutions will not solve the problems. Such solutions will require dedicated complex and cooperative political action. Positive notes include the clarification of position by participating nations the respect gained by the U.S. in holding up its own population programs for scrutiny and the adoption of a World Population Plan of Action as a viable first step in a global attack on p opulation growth.


Wearable textile antennas are supposed to be integrated within the clothing or secured on the body. Therefore, the placement of the antennas and their orientation need to be carefully determined. In this paper, the interaction between a single band dipole textile antenna for wireless off-body communication applications with human body is examined. The simulations are performed by means of CST Microwave Studio with a single band 2.4 GHz patch dipole antenna as the radiating source. The effects of human body are taken into account and different antenna orientations, locations and distances from the body are also considered in this study. Results have clearly indicated that the human body has notably shifts the antenna resonant frequency and modifies the radiation pattern at the frequency investigated. Furthermore, the results obtained show that the SAR values are significantly influenced by the antenna orientation and position. SAR is increased by utmost 16 % when the textile antenna is horizontally orientated compared to antenna in vertical orientation.


In late Suharto-era Indonesia, "indigeneity" became a solution to the problem of political representation in popular natural-resource struggles. Using examples from Sumatra and Sulawesi, we examine how the concept of indigeneity was used as a means to strengthen community rights over and against state and corporate claims. In Sulawesi, scientists studied Togean Island peoples' "indigenous knowledge" as a way to affirm residents' rights to inhabit a new national park. In Sumatra, Sosa people became "customary law" peoples (masyarakat adat) as a means to claim rights to oil-palm lands that had been taken over by state and private corporations. In each case, the formation of communities as customary or indigenous was a response to the possibilities and limitations of political discourse in Indonesia, rather than a natural outcome of a certain affiliation between communities and land, place, or tradition. The political nature of this solution becomes apparent in comparing this contemporary strategy with the way claims made during the early Sukarno years in newly independent Indonesia. In 1950s Indonesia, "class" was the rubric that united communities in land struggles.


Ground effect machines (gems) are expected to play an important military and commercial role in the coming years. Practical machines have already been built and more are planned. These include GEM aircraft carriers and ocean liners capable of extremely high speeds. Supersonic vehicles of this type are foreseen for the 1980–90 era. Navigation requirements for fast ground effect machines differ from those for manned aircraft, missiles, orbital vehicles, or conventional ships. These differences and the reasons for them are discussed. Specific requirements for GEM navigation are delineated. It is shown how existing aids to navigation can be integrated into GEM navigation systems. A discussion of the part that might be played by navigation satellites such as Transit is included. The equipment needed by a fast (500 knots) GEM capable of transoceanic all-weather operation is outlined. On this basis, a prediction is made about the GEM guidance and navigation systems of the future. A brief account of the history of GEMs and a description of some of the machines now operational or planned is included.


STRENGTH COACHES HAVE A number of athlete-training exercises at their disposal. Sometimes coaches may avoid a particular exercise because the fundamentals of the exercise are difficult to teach. The front squat is one such exercise that is frequently overlooked because it can be difficult to teach if the coach does not have a weightlifting background. Like the back squat, the front squat exercise is used to develop the strength and hypertrophy of the lower body (6, 9, 15). Unlike the back squat, the front squat places more emphasis on the quadriceps and supporting muscles of the trunk (16). This is because the front squat requires the athlete to keep his or her trunk upright in order to maintain control over the barbell. Studies of the back squat show that maintaining an upright trunk while squatting will result in more leg extensor activity (11). Increasing the degree of trunk lean during the back squat versus the upright squat will result in more hip involvement (10, 11, 19). The fact that an athlete must maintain an upright trunk to control the bar, in addition to the emphasis that this places on the knee extensors and the trunk muscles, makes the front squat a good alternative to back squats in a conditioning program. This exercise has other benefits besides strength and hypertrophy. The front squat is performed to help teach the clean and jerk exercise (12, 15, 17). A properly performed front squat develops the balance and stability that is required for the receiving position of the classic clean (6, 7). The front squat allows a coach to provide variety in an athlete's lower-body workouts. Varying the exercises can prevent mental and physical staleness (8). Variety can ensure that the muscles are stimulated in different ways, forcing them to adapt to new stimuli (1). According to Bondarchuk (3), changing training methods will "encourage a situation where performance will improve at each stage of sporting development." Changing exercises may also prolong the amount of time an athlete can maintain peak form (3, 4). This is not to say that the back squat needs to be dropped from conditioning programs. Some variety needs to be included in conditioning programs, and the front squat is a viable alternative to the back squat. The front squat has some unique difficulties associated with coaching the exercise. This article will explore how to properly execute the front squat and how to identify and correct errors associated with performing the exercise. How the front squat can be used in an athlete's conditioning program will also be explained.


Besides the aging population in China, the following have become serious public health problems: increasing urban population, lifestyle changes and diabetes. We assessed the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in China between 2000 and 2014, and analyzed time trends to better determine the prevalence status of diabetes in China and to provide a basis for prevention and decision‐making.


In 1911 the author1 reviewed the literature on the utilization of various polysaccharides from plant sources and reported some experiments on the utilization of mannan derived from the tubers of Orchis and Edophia, popularly known as salep. It was then shown that this anhydride of mannose, common in the dietary of certain peoples in eastern Eurolje, was not hydrolyzable by enzymes of saliva, malt diastase, and pancreatic and intestinal juice, but t,hat in feeding experiments it disappeared almost completely from the alimentary tract in man, the coefficients of digestibility in four experiments on two subjects being in three cases 100 per cent and in the fourth 94 per cent. Digestion of salep mannan with fecal bacteria resulted in the production of appreciable amounts of sugar, as has since been shown by Okey 2 to be the case with inulin. There has never been any convincing evidence that carbohydrates resistant to the normal action of body enzymes can play a significant role in human nutrition, though attempts have been made to dem0nstrat.e a rise in the respiratory quotient after their administration, both in the case of inulin 3 and of agar-agar.4 The respiratory quotient after administration of 200 gm. of


This article examines economic policymaking in Indonesia from the eve of the 1997 financial crisis to 2005 and asks whether engagement with the IMF widened or narrowed the choices available to Indonesian policymakers. It argues that engagement with the Fund expanded the menu of policy options available to the government when the IMF could count on a powerful internal champion that was ready to use its relationship with the Fund to strengthen its own position in the domestic political game. However, the Fund's actions had the effect of constraining policy space during periods when the power of its internal champion was in decline, when a champion failed to materialize at all, or when trust between the Fund and the country authorities deteriorated rapidly. KEYWORDS: Indonesia, IMF, financial crisis, politics, policy space, conditionality, economic policy, technocrats. ********** This article examines Indonesia's pathway through the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998. The archipelago suffered by far the most traumatic experience of all the countries affected by the regional shock. Not only did Indonesia undergo the most severe economic contraction, it also experienced the worst political crisis, one that not only ended President Suharto's thirty-two years of rule but also precipitated the collapse of an authoritarian, single-party political system. In addition, Indonesia engaged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) longer than any of the other countries affected by the crisis--Fund programs were not terminated until 2003, six years and four presidents after their launch in late 1997. Thus, Indonesia makes for particularly fertile ground to study the nexus between Fund programming and policy choices in a variety of political settings. Rather than retelling the story of Indonesia's financial collapse and economic reconstruction--a story already recounted in a large and still-growing literature--I provide an account of Indonesia's pathway through crisis as seen through the lens of "policy space." I focus, following Ngaire Woods in her introduction to this issue, on whether engagement with the IMF widened or narrowed the choices available to Indonesian policymakers. I also examine how the Fund's position was itself affected by changes in policy space. The piece makes two arguments. First, it contends that the Indonesian government's engagement with the Fund expanded the menu of options available to policymakers when the IMF could count on a powerful internal champion within government, a champion that was ready to use its relationship with the Fund to strengthen its own position in the domestic political game. Second, I argue that the IMF's actions had the effect of constraining policy space during periods when the power of its internal champion was in decline, when a champion failed to materialize at all, or when trust between the Fund and the country authorities deteriorated rapidly. In these cases, the Fund was far more likely to use its leverage to block the government's independent policy initiatives. I begin by defining "policy space" before giving a brief background to the dynamics of economic policymaking in Indonesia and the evolution of its relationship to the IMF from the 1960s to the eve of the 1997 crisis. I then analyze the impact of Fund programming on policy space in Indonesia in the period from 1996 to 2005. Conceptualizing Policy Space The concept of policy space is often invoked in contemporary political discourse, but its meaning is rarely defined clearly. Currently, policy space is most often used in debates about how certain rules in the global economy--particularly those emanating from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its subsidiary agreements--constrain countries' policy options for medium- and long-term economic development. For example, Nancy Birdsall, Dani Rodrik, and Arvind Subramanian talk about the need for poor countries to have "enough space to craft their own economic policy" and "adequate room for policy autonomy and experimentation. …


The study is about the incidence of overtime hours in Finland. The investigation uses individual-level data from the manufacturing industries from 1989 to 1995. The results show that the hours of overtime divided by the number of total hours decline as an employee ages. The overtime hours decline in wage per straighttime hours and in straight-time hours. Males and newcomers tend to work more overtime, but leavers work less overtime. The overtime hours are definitely more frequent in the population of small establishments. The degree of tightness in regional labour markets had no overall impact on the incidence of overtime from 1991 to 1995. There are strong industry effects.


On the basis of postulates for the holographic description of gravity and the introduction of entropic force, for static sources we derive the universal law: the entropy of a holographic screen is equal to quarter of its area in the Planck system of units.


Effects of deformation and heat treatment on microstructure and hardness of a continuously cast aluminum alloy 6082 were investigated by means of optical microscopy and hardness tests.The results show that microstructure and property of aluminum alloy 6082 can be effectively improved by thermomechanical treatment.The hardness of the alloy processed by thermomechanical treatment and aging is much higher than that of the alloy after solution and aging treatment.No significant effect of deformation temperature on microstructure is observed and the microstructure is obviously affected by deformation amount.With the increase of deformation amount,the fine banding microstructure forms.The hardness of the alloy is obviously increased by deforming at 550℃ and aging at 170℃ for 8h.


There are two archetypal structures in Tess of the D'Urbervilles , namely, the circular structure and the Biblical tragic structure. The use of the archetypal structures reveals the tragic world outlook of the author.


Bringing together twenty-two essays by artists, critics and scholars, this anthology, as the editors note in their introduction, aims to address key issues in contemporary African art and visual culture while analysing the relationship between art, politics and culture in the production of a modern consciousness. Four sections on history, practice, identity, and cultural transaction provide a framework for the philosophical and critical perspectives of each author. Index, 5 p. Biographical notes on contributors. Circa 650 bibl. ref.


The fluctuating nature of wind energy has inspired researchers to look for a fast, efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The MPPT method aims to harness maximum power at varying wind speeds by adjusting rotor speed. Our contribution to the wind MPPT task is twofold. First, we use a predictive model to map the current operating point of the turbine speed and output power to the optimal operating point (i.e., optimal turbine speed for maximum output power). Second, we propose a Deep Reinforcement Learning based solution that provides adaptive speed control to reach the MPP fast and precisely. Our experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our method compared with the existing techniques.


A 32-year-old man with a rare orbital plasmacytoma and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection transformed into multiple myeloma (MM) with biclonal gammopathy accompanied by hepatoma is reported. The man was found to have a tumor at left supraorbital region by magnetic resonance imaging and the tumor tissue with neoplastic plasma cells invaded into the skull bone. Whole body single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) showed no significant abnormality elsewhere. The serological data revealed HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, anti-HCV negative and others were normal. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) showed a normal pattern. This patient received post-operative radiation therapy, with a total dose of 5,040 cGy. Six months later, abdominal sonography and CT scan revealed splenomegaly and multiple tumors in liver with typical vascular pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma. Through SPECT/CT, multiple bony lesions were found. Biochemistry data were abnormal, HBV viral load was high and HBeAg was positive. Serum IFE showed the biclonal gammopathy. Hepatitis viruses may be the important etiologic agents of monoclonal gammopathies. However, the interrelation between HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and biclonal gammopathies MM has never been reported.


Varietal development plays a crucial role in improving the overall yield of a crop and the impact assessment of a particular variety is essential to support this statement. Present study was carried out in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains (Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh) in India during 2017–18 to observe the response on the yield with the adoption of newly developed yellow rust resistant wheat variety HD 3086. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to establish a relationship between the rate of adoption and factors affecting the same. Households (1000) were surveyed through random sampling for the study. Punjab was found to have the highest adoption rate amongst the 3 states followed by Haryana. This study has observed an increasing trend in coverage of farm area under HD 3086 in Punjab and Haryana. However, in Uttar Pradesh creating awareness among the seed companies and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) centres was found imperative for the multiplication of HD 3086.


A new heat transfer enhancement method for a drag-reducing surfactant solution using a photo-rheological counterion was discussed. Surfactant and counterion concentration effect on heat transfer enhancement was investigated combining with rheological test. Surfactant/counterion concentration of 4 mM/5 mM was considered as an efficient concentration for heat transfer enhancement.


Parameters of the solar wind plasma and magnetic field in the magnetosheath are calculated for an anisotropic plasma model in the Chew–Goldberger–Low approximation. It is shown that in the case when the energy transfer between the perpendicular and parallel (with respect to the magnetic field) degrees of freedom is absent, the resulting temperature anisotropy may significantly affect the plasma density and magnetic field intensity profiles across the magnetosheath. However, in this case, the value of the temperature anisotropy (the ratio of the perpendicular to the parallel component of the temperature with respect to the magnetic field, T⊥/T‖) becomes unrealistic high. To bring agreement between the model values of the temperature anisotropy and experimental data, the existence of an intensive proton pitch-angle diffusion is assumed. In the case when the temperature anisotropy relaxation time is much smaller than the time taken by the solar wind plasma to move from the bow shock to the magnetopause, one ...


A new compact linear accelerator FLUTE is currently under construction at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in collaboration with DESY and PSI. It aims at obtaining femtosecond electron bunches ( 1 fs - 300 fs) with a wide charge range (1 pC - 3 nC) and requires a precise bunch length diagnostic system. Here we present the layout of a bunch length monitor based on the electro-optical technique of spectral decoding using an Yb-doped fiber laser system (central wavelength 1030 nm) and a GaP crystal. Simulations of the electro-optic signal for different operation modes of FLUTE were performed and main challenges are discussed in this paper.


The piezocone penetration test (CPTU) is an economic and efficient test to investigate the in situ hydraulic conductivity (k) of soils that is an essential parameter in geotechnical engineering. This article presents a modified theoretical method and an empirical curve to estimate k based on CPTU. The modified theoretical method is established on the cylindrical surface of pore water and the negative exponential distribution in dissipating pore pressure. Five indices are utilized to give a comparison between it and the proposed methods using data in the Yangtze Delta region, which reveals the accuracy of the proposed method. These approaches give the expression of a bi-linear relation defined by KD-BqQt, for undrained and drained soils, yet, from a pragmatic point of view, a simple ellipse curve may be suitable.


This paper discusses the role of statistics within an interdisciplinary program on real problem solving in elementary schools (through grade 8). We first describe some general features of the USMES (Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools) curriculum and some situations where the application of statistical principles and techniques can enter the program. Then we present our ideas concerning the kinds of statistical methods that are appropriate in this environment, and we discuss the use of this material with both elementary school students and elementary


Design and evaluation of implantable medical devices often relies on benchtop testing using physical models and animal studies. Although both methods are needed, they can be costly to implement and unable to represent patient-specific physiologic conditions. Computer simulations of blood flow in patient-specific anatomies offer an attractive alternative [1].Copyright © 2011 by ASME


A novel biocatalytic approach for the large-scale production of S-2-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid S-1 from its racemic ethylester rac-2 by enantioselective hydrolysis has been developed. S-1 is an important building block in the synthesis of PPARα and -γ agonists such as Ragaglitazar [NNC 61-0029 ((−)DRF2725)]. The development history comprises enzyme screening, biocatalyst and process optimization, and scale-up to pilot plant. The project was thereby highly interdisciplinary by combining biotechnology and chemistry technologies. The final process was successfully run on a 44-kg pilot scale in 43−48% yields and with high enantiomeric purities (98.4−99.6% ee).


The Nitik Kanjeng Ratu Pembayun manuscript is one of the collections of the Yogyakarta Sonobudoyo Library with the code PB C.71. In the manuscript is written the genealogical history of Kanjeng Ratu Pambayun, daughter of Pakubuwana 7 of GKR Pakubuwana. The lineage of his father and mother begins with the last Prabu Brawijaya in Majapahit. The manuscript also describes the leaders at that time whose personality can be an example for today. The aim of this study is to explain the personality of the Javanese leader in the manuscript of Nitik Kangjeng Ratu Pambayun. This is qualitative descriptive research in which the data are lines or sentences that describe the personality of the Javanese leader in the manuscript of Nitik Kangjeng Ratu Pambayun. The data source of this research is the manuscript of Nitik Kangjeng Ratu Pambayun. The collecting data method of this research is using philological research. The data analysis method is by descriptive analysis method and heuristics, and literary hermeneutics. The validating method in this research is by using semantic validity, while the reliability was conducted by using intrarater reliability. The result of this research shows the personality of Javanese leaders based on the manuscript of Wulangreh contained in the manuscript of Nitik Kanjeng Ratu Pembayun. The personality of the Javanese leaders based on the manuscript of Wulangreh contained in the manuscript of Nitik Kangjeng Ratu Pambayun is wise, patient, smart in all things, responsible, compassionate, fair, tolerant, and trustworthy.


The sporulating endophytic fungi isolated from Magnolia liliifera were identified to genus or species level using morphological characters. Non-sporulating isolates are generally termed as 'mycelia sterilia' and are grouped as 'morphospecies' based on similar cultural characters. Mycelia sterilia were grouped to 31 morphospecies and were further identified based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis. The 5.8S gene, ITS1 and ITS2 regions of rDNA from all morphospecies were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that MS88 were related to the genus Massarina (Lophiostomataceae), MS9, MS11 and MS47 to Xylaria (Xylariaceae), MS19 to Glomerella (Phyllachoraceae), MS25 to Hypoxylon (Xylariaceae), MS27 to Bionectria (Bionectriaceae) and the remaining 24 morphospecies were related to Phomopsis and Diaporthe (anamorphic Phomopsis).


The theme of this thesis are unconventional machining processes. In the introductory section there is a list of the machining processes and their classification. Further are in detail described four of different unconventional machining process. Described order: laser cutting, plasma cutting, abrasive water jet cutting and electrical discharge machining by wire. In the experimental part of this thesis is described the specific machining processes of matherials on different machines, using the previously mentioned processing operations. The conclusion is based on presenting the facts arising from the experimental task to describe advanteges and disadvantages of each machining process.


The authors deal with the design and efficient codebooks in terms of quality and complexity for code excited linear prediction (CELP) coding of speech. For this purpose, a transformed codebook approach is proposed and it is shown that several well-known CELP schemes can be formulated in this way. Comparative results are given for different transformation matrices, including a new method called fractional excitations. Another technique based on singular value decomposition (SVD) of the impulse response matrix is introduced. In this technique an innovation sequence appears as a linear combination of a set of eigenvectors with optimally vector quantized coefficients. Preliminary results are presented for this new SVD-CELP technique. The authors describe a multi-codebook approach which enabled a significant bit rate reduction of the speech coder submitted to GSM half rate standardization.<<ETX>>


Abstract Temperature modulated TGA (MTGA) was utilized to study the kinetics of lignin pyrolysis. Three industrial lignin preparations were investigated: softwood kraft lignin, hardwood kraft lignin, and Alcell lignin. Unlike conventional TGA, MTGA provides apparent activation energy (E a ) distribution curve using a single experimental run in a relatively short experimental time. Under Hi-Res conditions using a dynamic heating rate, the activation energies were higher than those determined using a constant heating rate. Likewise, small sample masses provided higher activation energies than those run with large sample mass. These effects can be eliminated by using a relatively large sample mass, > 10 mg. In this study, we discuss the effect of MTGA conditions on calculating E a distribution curves for lignin pyrolysis.


In this thesis, we address the problem of analyzing goal-directed human actions using the optimal control framework to model these actions. In an optimal control framework, the goals of the action are specified as a cost function whose terms represent the different, often competing, objectives that need to be realized in the course of the action. The relative weight given to the different terms will determine how these objectives are traded off when the human sensorimotor system minimizes the cost function. The cost functions corresponding to different actions are the basic building blocks in our representation. We view the human motor system as a hybrid nonlinear system that switches between different cost functions in response to changing goals and preferences.
In the context of this model, we address two problems. The first problem is the estimation of the unknown weighting parameters of a cost function from a segmented and labeled data set for an action. We show that the estimation of these parameters can be cast as a least squares optimization problem and present results for arm motions such as reaching and punching using motion capture data collected from different subjects.
The second problem is that of action recognition in which a stream of data is segmented into different actions, where the set of actions to be identified is pre-determined. We show that the problem of action recognition is similar to that of mode estimation in a hybrid system and can be solved using a particle filter if a receding horizon formulation of the optimal controller is adopted. We use the proposed approach to recognize different reaching actions from the 3D hand trajectory of subjects.


Various personal services in business play important roles in the success of current marketing field. Since 1980s, the boom in informational technology had an impact on the business world when the Internet began to penetrate the lives of millions of users. Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is a process of buying and selling products, services and information using computer networks and the internet. Thus, e-commerce has found its place and applicability inside the global economy. Through summarising and analysing personalised recommendation research, this paper presents an overview of personalised recommendation technique and proposes future research topics. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the characteristics of e-commerce and the global implementation stage. It identifies possible development trends for the future.


This paper discusses the important properties of wicking and wetting of recombinant battery separator media (RBSM) separators for valve-regulated Pb-acid (VRLA) batteries. The absorptive characteristic of a separator is one of the critical parameters required of separators. The ability of a separator to absorb, hold and release electrolyte has a direct influence on battery performance. The fibrous nature of the separator allows for various different design parameters. This paper discusses some of these design criteria.


Abstract This paper presents the design and experimental implementation of a dynamic surface controller for sideslip angle during autonomous drifting of a rear wheel drive vehicle. In this design, yaw rate is used as a synthetic input to control the vehicle's sideslip dynamics, and yaw rate is in turn controlled through coordination of the front tire lateral force (steering) and rear tire longitudinal force (drive). This input coordination is designed to increase rear tire saturation in order to maintain controllability of the vehicle via the front tire lateral force. This reflects a stability-controllability tradeoff that is characteristic of the steady state conditions corresponding to drifting and could have interesting applications to trajectory control when a vehicle's handling limits have been exceeded. The control technique has been implemented on P1, a student-built by-wire testbed, and shown to successfully achieve robust, sustained drifts.


Background: Plate fixation has become the standard operative method for fixing displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Over the years, TENS has also gained lot of attention due to its minimal invasive nature, smaller scar and reduced operative time. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcome of middle third displaced clavicle fractures treated either by plate or intra medullary TENS fixation using Constant Murley score and disability of the arm, shoulder and hand score. Methods: A prospective randomised study was conducted from January 2010 to September 2016 at our institute on patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. A total of 56 patients (TENS; n=25, plating; n=31), classified according to orthopaedic trauma association classification underwent midshaft clavicle fixation. They were followed-up for a minimum period of 1 year. Results: Length of the scar in the TENS group was significantly smaller when compared to the incision in the plating group (1.86±1.23 and 11.01±3.29 cms respectively, p<0.001). The Constant shoulder score measured at the end of 1 year was 90.77±9.01 for the TENS group and 92.63±6.04 for the plating group, not significant statistically (p=0.269). The mean DASH score was also not significantly different (p=0.552) between the TENS group and the plating group, at 6.01±11.09 and 6.32±10.33 respectively. Conclusions: In comparison with plate fixation, the nailing procedure is less invasive, requires smaller incisions and has a shorter duration of hospital stay with no statistically significant difference in terms of functional outcome. Hence, TENS technique is recommended for the fixation of displaced mid-shaft non-/minimal comminuted clavicular fractures, especially for young individuals and can be used as an alternative to plate fixation.


This paper responds to a request of Assembly Members Manny Díaz and Marco Firebaugh. It focuses on the young Californian, defined as those in the age group 16 to 24. We analyzed this group and at times broke it into two other groups: persons in the 16-to-19 age group and persons in the 20-to-24-age group. Our analysis used census data We found that the proportion of population in California which is young has decreased over the last two decades, particularly the share of those 20 to 24 years old. This can be explained by a decline of young adults as the tail end of the baby boom generation is replaced by the baby bust generation. The proportion of Hispanics and Asians in the young population has increased dramatically, while the proportion of young African Americans has remained constant since 1970. The share of Hispanics in the young population has more than tripled since 1970, the proportion of Asians has more than quadrupled, and the share of Whites has decreased by more than half. Generally, the level of educational attainment of the young population has increased, but the proportion of young people with very low levels of education (8 th grade or less) has also increased. The proportion of young Californians in the labor force has decreased since 1980, particularly during the last decade, and for age group 16 to 19, most likely due to higher school enrollment. Income levels of the young population have deteriorated over time. In 2000, about 38 percent of the young population was considered poor. This was a 50 percent increase from 1970. Metropolitan areas with the highest proportion of young people tend to also have the highest proportion of young Hispanics. These areas are Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, The proportion of out-of-school and out-of-the labor force young decreased between 1980 and 1990, but increased somewhat between 1990 and 2000, with a relatively higher increase in the proportion of young males 20 to 24 years old in this category. Most of the young neither attending school nor in the labor force are Hispanics, have lower levels of education, and are in the poorer income categories. Compared to 1980, there has been an increase in the share of out-of-school and out-of-the labor force population that resided abroad five years before to the census year. Metropolitan areas such as Bakersfield, Merced, Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, Stockton, Fresno and Los Angeles-Long Beach and Riverside-San Bernardino …


decline, and DLB. 2 Similar VH are also reported in CBS, which was originally observed in elderly and visually impaired people without psychiatric or neurological problems. However, a close resemblance between CBS and PD related VH is also suggested. Recent neuropathological and radiological studies revealed that VH in CBS are associated with hyperperfusion of the temporal cortex, striatum, and thalamus, as well as increased cerebral activation in the ventral extrastriatal region, while DLB patients with VH showed hypoperfusion or hypometabolism of the occipital cortex. It was also reported that PD patients with VH also have alterations in or decreased cerebral activation in the temporo-parietal, parietal, and occipital regions. Our patient showed atrophy of the bilateral parieto-occipital, occipital, and mild left temporal lobes and decreased cerebral perfusion in the parietal and frontal lobes, indicating that the VH in our case may be caused by dysfunction of these regions. Such VH are rarely experienced by normal people, but, once seen, some people may be convinced they are supernatural events. We neurologists pay attention to such reports, and note the similarity in content between ghost tales and VH, and pursue their mechanism of origin. In conclusion, we propose that some ghost sightings are actually VH in normal people, which occur very rarely but more frequently than we in the medical establishment think.


Insurance is a social device in which a group of individuals (insured's) transfer risk to another party(insurer) in order to combine loss experience, which permits statistical prediction of losses and provides for payment of losses from funds contributed (premiums) by all members who transferred risk. The insurance sector regulated according to the Industrial Policy passed by government industrial policy 1990 was the milestone for globalization as well as liberalization. In April, 1993 government set up a high power committee headed by Mr. R. N. Malhotra to suggest reforms in the insurance sector and make it more efficient and competitive. The committee recommended the establishment of a strong and effective insurance regulatory authority in the form of a statutory autonomous board on the lines of SEBI. In 1999, the Insurance sector opened up for private companies in life as well as Non-life Insurance companies. It was followed by the establishment of IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority) in April 2000. The foreign companies looked upon the untapped profit potentials in Indian insurance industry and rushed over here. Insurance industry in India has seen lot of changes since the opening of the sector for private participation. Industry has witnessed entry of a plethora of companies and is to witness many more to today. Every insurance company is required to maintain the minimum standard of capital and surplus as required by law.


Review(s) of: A portrait in his actions: Thomas Moore of Liverpool (1762-1840). Part 1: Lesbury to Liverpool, by Peter G. Bolt, Bolt Publishing Services Pty Ltd., Camperdown, 2010, pbk, ISBN 978 098035 796 7, 478 pp, $55.00.


Herein, we report the preparation of Cu-doped carbon dots (CDs) through a one-step hydrothermal carbonization using CuCl2·2H2O and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (EDTA) as precursors. As confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the Cu species chelates with the carbon matrix through Cu–N complexes. Using p-nitrophenol reduction as a model reaction, the catalytic activity and performance as a fluorescence indicator in the catalytic process are further examined. Results show that the synergistic effect, which may stem from the highly efficient catalysis activity of Cu and the electron-enhanced effect from graphite-like CDs, is responsible for the catalytic activity of p-nitrophenol hydrogenation reaction with the pseudo-first-order rate constant being 1.2 × 10−2 s−1. Interestingly, the catalyzed reduction process of p-nitrophenol can be tracked using fluorescence spectra of Cu-doped CDs by means of the Inner Filter Effect (IFE). The unique properties of the difunctional Cu-doped CD catalyst as well as the IFE sensing strategy will provide an ideal platform to monitor the catalytic processes.


Surface plasmon resonance(SPR) has been widely applied in various fields owing to its simplicity,low cost,no labeling,high selectivity,and real-time monitoring.SPR can be used not only for detecting analytes,but also determining kinetic parameters of molecular interactions.Interest in the development of SPR based immunosensors for the detection of low molecular weight pesticides in foods and environment has been rapidly increased over the last ten years.In this paper,the SPR principle and instrument types are briefly introduced.The category of recognized molecules immobilized on the SPR sensor surface,detection methods and their applications in pesticide detection are introduced emphatically.In addition,trends of SPR in the area of pesticide detection are also prospected.


In Forensic Image, the quality of a proper Biometric image Identification and Authentication Systems depends on its reliable and accuracy result. To get a noise-free fingerprint image, they are subjected to pre-processing and filtering tasks. In this paper, we propose a method which is faster and an efficient way to remove impulse noise and also we preserve the edges so that we obtain a finger print noise free image using B-Splines. The outputs are much better than the previously proposed linear, nonlinear filters methods both in terms of noise removal as well as edge preservation for forensic image


Purpose: To report a case of adult ocular leech infestation Case report: A 67-year-old male presented to the emergency department of Farabi Eye Hospital with the complaint of bloody tear. Slitlamp biomicroscopy of left eye revealed bloody lashes, bloody tear and a large black green foreign body attached to the inferotemporal bulbar conjunctiva. One cc of lidocaine 2% was injected directly to the body of leech. 10 minutes after injection, removal with forceps was retried. Conclusion: Ocular leech infestation must be considered as a differential diagnosis of bloody tear and hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Removal of leech after direct injection of lidocaine to its body seems to be a safe method.


Creating space for claiming and articulating difference is at the heart of discussions about sexual diversity. Yet, discourses of sexual diversity themselves sometimes entail normative and exclusive mechanisms. Using the concept of disidentification, this paper engages with counter-narratives from civil society actors supporting sexual and ethnic diversity in the Netherlands and Flanders that are critical of a dominant framework of "proper gayness". This framework prescribes a self-centred, coming-out logic that neglects and forecloses subjectivities that entail religiosity, commitment to ethnic community and queerness simultaneously. We coin ethnosexual subjectivity to analyse these civil society actor's critical, creative and sometimes affirmative accounts of queerness through inhabiting complex positions, and utilise the notions of space, specificity, and diversity. As co-producers of knowledge about sexual diversity, these actors employ the notions of "coming-in", "multiple-identification", and "self-acceptance" as a way to broaden the available space for sexual diversity, while being partly implicated in stigmatising politics of cultural and ethnic difference.


From the Publisher:
In-depth study and exercises for the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam. CCIE Practical Studies, Volume I focuses on the 1-day lab portion of the exam, largely regarded as the most difficult portion of the CCIE testing process. This book includes in-depth coverage for more than 70 lab scenarios, as well as information on how to design and implement basic to complex networks. Five CCIE simulation labs will test your knowledge and ability to perform in a timed environment.
Authored by CCIEs in collaboration with CCIE Program Managers In-depth coverage of routing protocols provides both great practical knowledge and exam preparation


Background: Dental caries is an infectious and transmissible disease that still represents as a significant public health
problems in many countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between dental caries and oral
infections (tonsillitis and candidiasis) as well as the relation to feeding type.
Material and methods: The study sample composed of 22 healthy children aged 2-5 years with full set of primary
dentition and had dental caries. The control group composed of 22 caries free children matching the study group in
age and gender. An information sheet from the parents was done to all children concerning general health, feeding
habits and frequency of oral infections (tonsillitis and oral thrush) during the last year. Children were examined
clinically using dmft index, oral microorganisms was sampled and cultured aerobically using blood agar, MacConkey
agar, chocolate agar and sabauraud,s dextrose agar.
Results: Children with dental caries were mostly bottle fed and showed higher frequency of continuous oral
infections. Regarding dental caries there were highly significant relations between caries activity and method of
feeding and types of microorganisms found in the oral cavity , also a highly significant relation was found between
method of feeding and frequency of oral infections. Children with dental caries had more types of oral
microorganisms compared to caries free children Candida, Strep.pyogenes, Strep. viridans, Strep.faecalis,
Strep.pneumonia, Staph.aureus, E.coli, Enterobacter ,Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were found in high
frequency among caries active children.
Conclusion: Types of microorganisms found in the oral cavity was affected by dental caries which in turn affect
frequency of infections. Breast feeding was predominant among caries free children and associated with lower rates
of oral infections compared with bottle feeding so public should informed about its long term effect on the general
health.


Abstract The aquatic environment is a vital resource for bioprospecting pharmacologically important natural products. Molluscs are known to harbour compounds with antimicrobial, antitumor and antioxidant activities. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate and methanol tissue extracts of two molluscs, Littorina littorea (L. littorea) and Galatea paradoxa (G. paradoxa). Agar diffusion and broth dilution assays were used to test for antimicrobial activity against nine microbes. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to determine antioxidant activity of the extracts. Extracts of both molluscs showed significant activity against all the bacteria strains tested but were inactive towards the fungus. The best antibacterial activity was recorded by methanol extract of L. littorea towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In comparison to ethyl acetate extracts, methanol extracts were more efficient in scavenging the DPPH radical. Methanol extracts of L. littorea had an IC50 of 0.37 mg/mL which was closer to that of the standard ascorbic acid drug (0.0048 mg/mL) than any of the other extracts. The findings of this work indicate that the tissue extracts of L. littorea and G. paradoxa are promising sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents that can be utilized for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes.


Stability is one of the important considerations in the design and control of haptic simulation systems because unstable behavior may cause damage on human operator or deterioration of realistic haptic feeling. In this paper, a basic theory on the passivity condition for the sampled-data system has been reviewed and energy relations on each subsystem of haptic simulation have been investigated. Based on this, we propose a novel energy bounding algorithm for stable haptic interaction control. The proposed energy bounding algorithm restricts the energy that is generated by the sample and holds within the energy consumable by the physical damping in a haptic device and makes the virtual environment and controller passive as well. This algorithm, therefore, guarantees the passivity condition of the haptic simulation regardless of sampling frequency. Experimental validation with a commercial haptic device has been presented.


The research productivity of economics departments and tenure-track staff (associate and full professors) in Slovakia is analyzed based on journal publications and citations extracted from the SSCI database. Results suggest that the current university system in Slovakia is ineffective in incentivizing associate and full professors to publish in peer-reviewed journals. The majority of tenure-track staff has done little or no research over the past twenty-six years. The research criteria imposed by the Accreditation Commission for awarding professors' titles are not fully enforced. Economics faculties have low-quality standards in hiring tenure-track staff. Finally, results suggest that the majority of tenure-track staff (93%) do not have sufficient research skills to supervise Ph.D. students.


According to the design idea of open system,a motion control system for the miniature CNC milling machine is developed.First,the configuration of hardware along with their working principle of the system is designed in detail.Secondly,according to the functional requirement,the software in PC for the control system is designed.Finally,it uses formula expressions library as matching and analysis tools,and integrating database technology to study the NC code compiling algorithm,and designs a customized NC code compiler for the control system.The NC code compiling algorithm has been demonstrated in the miniature CNC milling machine,and worked well.This algorithm provides reference for the innovative research of NC system.


A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of kharif 2011 and 2012 at ARS, Banswara to evaluate bio efficacy of clethodim 24% EC against grassy weed flora of cotton.The experiment was laid-out in Randomized Block Design with three replications having ten treatments and revealed that, theapplication of post emergence herbicide clethodim 24% EC @ 60 g a. i. ha -1 + NIS + AMS at 15-20 DAS was effective in controlling grassy weeds in cotton resulting in to increased bolls plant -1 (30.63) and boll weight (4.38 g), seed cotton yield (2178 kg/ha) over control but it was found at par with weed free check, clethodim 24% EC @ 48 g a.i. ha -1 + NIS + AMS, pendimethalin 30% EC @ 0.75 kg a. i. ha -1 ,fenoxaprop-P-Ethyl 9.3% EC @ 50 g a.i. ha -1 ,respectively. Application of clethodim 24% EC @ 60 g a. i. ha -1 + NIS + AMS at 15-20 DASwere recorded lowest weed population (20.33 and 21.93 m -2 ), lowest weed dry matter accumulation (14.88and15.03 g m -2 ) and higher weed control efficiency (50.14 and 61.61 per cent) at 30 and 60 DAS in the pooled analysis.


Abstract 756

Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been revolutionized by the introduction of retinoid-based chemotherapy. However, up to 20% of patients fail to achieve or maintain remission. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie treatment failure remains an important goal. We genotyped a common G>A polymorphism at position -1377 (rs2234767) in the core promoter of the CD95 cell death receptor gene in 707 subjects with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that included 233 patients with APL. We also tested the effect of the promoter variant on transcription factor binding and transcriptional activity. Compared to the GG genotype, carrier status for the A variant at position -1377 was significantly associated with worse prognosis in APL patients, but did not affect outcome in non-APL AML patients. In univariate analysis, APL patients who were GG homozygote were more likely to achieve complete remission (odds ratio (OR) 4.31, 95% confidence interval CI 1.44–12.9, p=0.009, Table) and had a better overall survival at 5 years (78% vs 64%, p=0.04) compared to heterozygotes and AA homozygotes. In multivariate Cox regression analysis that included performance status, WBC count, age, gender and secondary status in the model, carrier status for the CD95 -1377A allele (GA + AA) was a significant predictor of overall survival (OR 2.22 (1.23-4.02) p=0.007, Table) and was the strongest predictor of death within 8 weeks (OR 5.73 (2.26-14.49) p<0.0001, Table). Carriers were also significantly more likely to die from infection compared to GG homozygotes (21% vs 7%, OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.63–10.71, p=0.001). There was some evidence of an interaction between the CD95 variant and WBC count in that penetrance of the rare allele for poor outcome and infection-related death was stronger in patients with a higher WBC count at presentation. The A variant at position -1377 destroys a binding site for the stimulatory protein 1 (SP1) transcriptional regulator and is associated with lower transcriptional activity of CD95, demonstrating functional relevance of this common promoter variant. CD95 is a death receptor that regulates homeostasis in several tissues, including B and T lymphocytes. As such, differences in gene expression mediated by the -1377 variant could affect immune function. In conclusion, the G-1377A substitution represses CD95 expression by disrupting SP1 transcription factor binding and is significantly associated with poor prognosis and particularly early death in APL.

View this table:

Table 1.
Prognosis of APL cases stratified by CD95 -1377 genotype.

Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


A sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of 21 phthalate acid esters(PAEs) in foods by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was firstly proposed.Different separation and purification methods were selected according to the types of food,and the chromatographic conditions were optimized.Qualitative detection and confirmation were acquired by the extraction of characteristic ions,and the interferences due to the complex matrixes were effectively eliminated,thus avoiding the possibility of false positive results.The mass spectrometric fragmentation rule of PAEs was also discussed in detail.The calibration curves of 21 compounds were linear in the range of 0.1-100 mg/L with correlation coefficients not less than 0.999 2.The quantitative limits(LOQs,S/N=10) ranged from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg.The average spiked recoveries were in the range of 83%-106% at spiked levels of 0.10-10 mg/kg with relative standard deviations(RSDs,n=6)of 2.9%-5.5%.The method was successfully applied in the investigation of the PAEs distribution in foods and food packaging material of South China area,and the source of PAEs was also discussed in detail.


According to the definition of electric bridge sensitivity.It can be seen that Δn is the galvanometer deflection number that the relative change corresponds to the test resistance,so the greater the electric bridge sensitivity,the easier to determine electric bridge balance and the more accurate measurement results.Experiments for measuring the sensitivity of electric bridge,what value is suitable about Δn? This paper explores the relationship between galvanometer deflection and the electric bridge sensitivity by experimental methods.