Coefficient of permeability is the important material property in the Darcy equation of fluid flow through porous media. Coefficient of permeability is determined by the size of pores, tortuosity of flow channels, porosity, and the nature of the fluid. Mineralogy of shales influences permeability primarily through the size and shape of the particles. Small and filmy particles produce small and highly tortuous pores, whereas large and thick plates or equidimensional grains produce large pores with small tortuosity. The contribution of the fluid to the coefficient of permeability is not limited to the effects of its density and viscosity. The nature of the fluid in which the shale is formed or the fluid that flows through the shale can influence the size, shape, and arrange ent of the particles. In general, the mechanical or physico-chemical mechanisms that promote aggregation increase permeability and those that cause dispersion tend to decrease it. The interaction and bonding of the fluid or organic and inorganic complexes in the fluid with the surface of pores, through such mechanisms as electro-osmotic back-flow, appear to have a secondary influence on the permeability of clays. The effect of the same factors on the permeability of low porosity materials such as shales are unknown. The observed values of the coefficient of permeability for End_Page 1445------------------------------ shales are in the range of 10-7 to 10-12 cm/sec. The change in permeability, with void ratio is expressed as ^Dgr log k = ^Dgre/Ck. The parameter Ck is directly related to the void ratio. For clays, values of Ck range from 0.5 to 4. For shales, the Ck values are in the range of 0.02 to 0.5. Permeability of fissile shales is expected to be highly anisotropic as compared to massive shales that have a more random fabric. However, permeability anisotropy in shales has not been extensively investigated. At shallow depth, the permeability of shale formations is strongly influenced by discontinuities such as fissures and joints. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1446------------


In recent years, with the further promotion of the concept of quality-oriented education, universities and middle schools have set up a system to further implement the high-quality humanistic quality work proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, comprehensively promote the process of education modernization, continuously improve the quality of personnel training, and provide high-quality and high moral talents for the society. Based on the first perspective of college students, this paper explores the implementation mode of innovative education in the bridging stage between high school and university.


INTRODUCTION: Despite the use of embolic protection and improvement in surgical technique for carotid interventions, perioperative cerebral microembolization is still relatively common. Susceptibility to microembolization is largely uncontrolled and the effects remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that inflammation may play a role in this process and sought to identify plasma markers predicting embolization in patients undergoing carotid interventions. METHODS: Patients scheduled for carotid interventions at an academic center were prospectively recruited to the study. MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed prior to and within 48 hours following the procedure and used to identify new cerebral microemboli. Blood samples were collected at the time of intervention prior to carotid interrogation (Pre) and at 24 hours following intervention (Post). Plasma was isolated and analyzed by a 27-plex Luminex assay. The assay was performed in triplicate and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (S...


Surface recombination effects are studied in non-passivated non-self-aligned and self-aligned NpN InP-GaAsSb-InP double heterostructure bipolar transistors (DHBTs) down to submicrometer emitter dimensions, and over current densities ranging from 10 A/cm/sup 2/ to 100 kA/cm/sup 2/. The present study is motivated by the drive to scale InP DHBTs for higher speeds and integration densities. Self-aligned InP-GaAsSb-InP DHBTs are characterized by weak emitter size effects (ESEs), and periphery recombination currents are found to be very nearly identical to published results for InP-GaInAs SHBTs despite the major differences in emitter junction band alignments ("type-II" versus "type-I") and injection mechanisms (thermal versus hot electron injection). The correspondence of measured periphery currents in both systems indicates that ESEs are dominated by a mechanism common to InP-GaAsSb and InP-GaInAs devices: this requirement is fulfilled by the direct electron injection from the InP emitter mesa sidewalls onto the extrinsic base surface. Consideration of band alignments and surface depletion effects at the extrinsic base surface is used to explain the commonality of emitter size effects in InP-GaAsSb and InP-GaInAs devices.


NEW MATERIAL:The title compound of the formula (R is ≥14C alkyl group). USE: Antitumor agents. PROCESS: 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosyl-cytosine-5'-phosphoric acid (ara-CMP), preferably in the form of triethylammonium salt, is dissolved in an organic solvent, e.g. N,N'-dimethylformamide, which will not inhibit the reaction, and dissolved in a 14W23C alcohol, e.g. tetradecanol or stearyl alcohol, preferably in a molar amount of 2W4 times that of ara-CMP at room temperature for 1W24hr. The organic solvent is used in an amount of 1W10ml per m mole of the ara-CMP. COPYRIGHT: (C)1980,JPO&Japio


The plane wave theory of fluid-embedded viscoelastic plates is often used in waveguide applications, and to estimate wall thickness and sound velocities in plates and pipe walls. In normal-incidence through-transmission measurements, downward frequency shift, signal amplification, and distorted beam patterns, as compared to plane-wave theory, have been observed for resonant peaks in frequency bands near certain Lamb modes. These phenomena are here studied using three models, accounting for 3D description of the transducer's sound field. Finite element modelling, angular spectrum modelling, and a combination of these, are used to simulate the signal propagation through a system consisting of a piezoelectric transducer and a water-embedded steel plate. This includes description of the transducer (its electro-acoustical coupling, vibration, and radiation in water), excitation of viscoelastic leaky Lamb modes in the plate, and the subsequent transmitted sound field in water. The models, capable of accurately describing the measured sound field phenomena, are used to investigate the observed deviations between measurements and plane-wave theory, by varying Poisson's ratio for the plate over the range 0.01 - 0.49.


In this study, the researchers used qualitative surveys to explore potential teaching candidates' preliminary perceptions of self as teacher and examine how roles are identified, defined and constructed in the context of a tutoring lab that provides support to English Language Learners. Prospective candidates' perceptions of their tutees, children whose cultural identities and backgrounds differ from their own, are also examined. Findings indicate participants' teaching identities and conceptualizations of their roles as teachers became more specific and elaborated over the course of the semester. Additionally, the significance of multiple practicum experiences in diverse settings for ongoing identity development and for developing knowledge about culturally and linguistically diverse school children was also clear.


Memory reactivation during NonREM-ripples is thought to communicate new information to a systems-wide network. Cortical high frequency events have also been described that co-occur with ripples. Focusing on NonREM sleep after different behaviors, both hippocampal ripples and parietal high frequency oscillations were detected. A bimodal frequency distribution was observed in the parietal high frequency events, faster and slower, with increases in prefrontal directionality measured by Granger causality analysis specifically seen during the fast parietal oscillations. Furthermore, fast events activated prefrontal-parietal cortex whereas slow events activated hippocampal-parietal areas. Finally, there was a learning-induced increase in both number and size of fast high frequency events. These patterns were not seen after novelty exposure or foraging, but occurred after the learning of a new goal location in a maze. Disruption of either sleep or hippocampal ripples impaired long-term memory consistent with these having a role in memory consolidation.


Metal-mediated polymerization is fast becoming an essential tool for the fine control of macromolecular architecture. Advanced Catalysis demonstrates how the field of transition metal-catalyzed polymer syntheses has moved beyond the simple use of single-site catalysts to new applications and "advanced" techniques of architectural control. This book defines and presents "next generation" techniques and trends for polymer architecture control for an immediate grasp on the future of this exciting field.


Ideal spherical nonagglomerated Ni particles (mean diameter 0.62–1.12 μm) were prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of NiCl_2 aqueous solution in the presence of 0.1 mass% of Pd, Cu, or Ni in an H_2–N_2 atmosphere at 900 °C. Incomplete reduction of the NiCl_2 aqueous solution in the absence of additives was observed under the same conditions. Differential thermal and thermal-gravimetric analyses revealed a decrease in initial reduction temperature of NiCl_2 from 375 to 275 °C by the addition of Pd, Cu, or Ni. The morphology of Ni particles was analyzed using scanning tunneling microscopy. The surface roughness of Ni particles was found to be controllable by addition of appropriate additives.


A strong relation between cancers and radiation exposure has been reported. Radiation may damage DNA in the cell. Therefore, radiation protection program must be applied in the radiology department. Morover, the radiographer should have high level of awareness and risk assessment for radiation. Personal radiation monitoring is one of the main radiation protection, especially for pregnant worker and her fetus. This study was conducted to evaluate the application, awareness and risk assessment levels of radiation protection among radiographers at hospitals in Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. This was a descriptive study, applying a cross sectional survey at hospitals in Yogyakarta. The subjects were radiographers of both governmental and private hospitals. There were 101 respondents from a total of 124 radiographers. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using Chi Square test. The study revealed that 69.3% of the respondents had low application level of radiation protection, 19.8% did not know the meaning of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), 50.5% were not aware of Inverse Square Law. The study also reported that 36.6% of the respondents did not know the amount of radiation that entered their body last year, 61.4% of radiographers thought that the risk assessment of radiation was not enough, 18.8% of radiographers were never use any radiation monitoring device, and 90.1% stated that there was no additional protection or radiation monitoring to the pregnant radiographer. However, there were no significant differences between duration of working, type of imaging modality, academic level, and training course for radiation protection. In conclusion, there was no difference in the application, awareness, and risk assessment levels of radiation protection among the radiographers at hospital in Yogyakarta Special Region between duration of working, type of medical imaging modality, academic level, and training on radiation protection. In addition, the application, awareness, and risk assessment levels of radiation protection were not sufficient. Key words: radiation protection – ALARA – radiographer – hospital – risk assessment


The aim of this paper is to describe the development of the 2013 Zagreb Declaration on Person-centered Education and Training and to provide additional information on the action point areas identified during the Declaration's development process. It is a living document and further suggestions for refinement at our annual Geneva Conferences are welcome. The current health profession educational system, including educators and professional role models, is dominated by professionals trained and practiced in a biomedical system of care focused on the diseases of individuals. There is less emphasis on their personal values and choices within a holistic care paradigm. There is a need for reorienting the education of medical and other health professionals towards person centered approach. Main areas of action include: enhancement of the conceptual bases of professional training and public education; analysis and optimization of the organization and culture of educational institutions; selection of educators and students who are suited to the goals and responsibilities required of health professionals; and promoting curricular developments that have person-centered guiding principles'.


After briefing the development of audio system,this article explains the necessity of sound source extraction.New methods of extraction of sound sources from the original recordings of aircraft cockpit using short-time Fourier analysis/synthesis technology and linear prediction analysis/synthesis technology are proposed.The main theory and extracting steps of the two methods are discussed in detail.Two case studies are conducted to describe sound extraction of extending landing gear using short-time Fourier analysis/synthesis,and aerodynamic hiss extraction in flight using linear prediction analysis/synthesis from original recordings.The case studies and technology development reveal that short-time Fourier analysis/synthesis is more common and applicable to most sound sources,and linear prediction analysis/synthesis is more suitable to noise extraction.The two technologies can also be used for audio system developments of other vehicle simulators.Therefore,they possess important value in engineering application.


Teaching file, the latest teacher evaluation model, falls into three categories of process file, result file and presentation file, which have their own distinctive characteristics. Writing down reflective views is the way of establishing teaching files. We can resort to interview, grade evaluation form and feedback in evaluating the teaching file with its range of application.


To accomplish the ultimate goal of Practical Arts Education efficiently, application of teaching and learning materials that fits the characters of every single chapter and adequate actual training environment for performing the practical learning are required. Nevertheless, the most important thing is providing teaching and learning materials which fits the content of the chapter. At present, teaching and learning materials of 'Making Electrical Parts' in 5th grade is not efficient. There can be many reasons, but if the students understand the function and character of electrical elements more clearly, the goal of 'Making Electrical Parts' unit can be more easily achieved than now. The purpose of this study was to examine the adequacy and propriety of the newly developed materials teaching and learning materials for understand of the function and the character of electrical elements by applying the materials on the educational field. According to the research, the students who studied with newly developed learning materials were fascinated and performed practical learning more seriously, and showed the higher accomplishment than the students who learned with the method of theoretical explanation. Also, the teachers who applied the materials in real field valued the adequacy and property of the material. To combine the learning attitude of the students, results of accomplishment and the opinions of teachers, newly developed teaching and learning materials were adequate to understand the function and character of Electronic elements.


An extensive data base of box core x-radiographs, bottom photographs, and box core faunal data has been employed to establish the relationships between dissolved oxygen content and (1) sediment fabric, (2) biogenic structure distribution and size trends, and (3) faunal composition and species richness in three "anoxic silled basins" of the California continental borderland. Sediments of anaerobic environments are generally well laminated, whereas those of aerobic and dysaerobic environments are completely bioturbated. Intermediate, partially bioturbated sediments are produced near the present dysaerobic-anaerobic boundary by short-term temporal fluctuations in the position of the dysaerobic-anaerobic boundary. Although distribution of burrow types observed in x-radiographs does not show significant control by variations in dissolved oxygen, average size of burrows decreases markedly with decreasing oxygen. In terms of surface biogenic structures, most aerobic and upper dysaerobic sea floors are dominated by tracks and trails, but lower dysaerobic sea floors are characterized by burrow openings. No surface biogenic structures were observed on anaerobic sea floors. Regular and irregular echinoids dominate sea-floor surfaces in aerobic and upper dysaerobic environments, whereas polychaetes, ophiuroids, holothurians, small arthropods, and gastropods are common on lower dysaerobic sea floors. No surface-dwelling organisms were visible on anaerobic bottoms. Box core faunal analysis indicates that species richness generally decreases with increased depth and decreasing oxygen until it reaches near zero at the dysaerobic-anaerobic boundary. The most abrupt decrease in species richness occurs at the shelf-slope transition. These observations are highly supportive of criteria cited by Rhoads and Morse (1971) and Byers (1977) for distinguishing anaerobic facies from more oxygenated facies in ancient strata. However, their criteria for distinguishing between ancient aerobic and dysaerobic facies are not as definitive. Paleontologic criteria, biogenic structure size trends, and other rock characteristics are useful for establishing paleo-oxygen gradients but not for determining specific paleo-oxygen concentrations as there are no abrupt oxygen-controlled changes in these parameters above the anaerobic-dysaerobic boundary.


We report the discovery of amniotic eggshells and theropod teeth from the Late Cretaceous period in Morocco. The megaloolithid family represents the only known dinosaur egg remains in the north part of Africa and attests indirectly to the occurrence of sauropod dinosaurs (titanosaurids) in the Maastrichtian of Africa.


This chapter addresses the following question: What are the requirements for deregistering an aircraft registered in Germany subject to a mortgage registered in the German Aircraft Mortgage Register if the aircraft is being sold to a buyer in a foreign country, particularly if the foreign country has not ratified the Geneva Convention 1948? The registration and de-registration of aircraft raises complex questions of national and international law. There may be inconsistencies between German de-registration law and the Geneva Convention and policies may differ significantly from one EU Member State to another as is the case with respect to the registration of aircraft owned by non-European owners. As aircraft transactions, registrations and de-registrations involve several jurisdictions, particularly in case of commercial aircraft, it would facilitate these transactions if the same standards applied to registrations and de-registrations of aircraft throughout the EU in the interest of the creation of a single market. Keywords: aircraft registration policies; EU Member State; Geneva Convention 1948; German Aircraft Mortgage Register; German de-registration law; international law


Background: Chinese traditional culture is the root and soul of the Chinese nation and the spiritual support of the Chinese people. It has rich cultural carriers and appears in daily life in a variety of forms. Although people do not specifically study traditional culture, they always know some about traditional Chinese painting, Peking Opera and shadow puppet. It is this sense of cultural identity that makes Chinese traditional to the emotional resonance the public. Chinese traditional culture is the spiritual power of It has integrated into Chinese people's daily life and formed people's values and personality The pace of social development is accelerating, and traditional is constantly adapting to social New media are


Clinical efficacy of a smartphonebased integrated online real-time diabetes care system in Type 2 diabetes patients The article published by Ku et al. presented the results of a pilot study determined to evaluate the impact of a smartphone-based integrated online real-time diabetes care system on metabolic control of Type 2 diabetes patients. The use of the system over 12 weeks led to a significantly greater improvement of HbA1C in the intervened group than in the control group (−1.9 1.6% in the intervened group vs –1.0 1.0% in the control group). The study team collected and analysed a large amount of data, leading to an interesting and important debate. Nevertheless, I make one comment focussed on the level of Hb1c decrease that may contribute to a further and more detailed discussion of the issue. The meta-analysis of the six studies related to this intervention topic also cited by the authors showed a mean difference of HbA1c in the intervened patients of −0.40% (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.69 to −0.11%), and subgroup analysis showed a similar effect with −0.33% (95% CI −0.59 to −0.06%; P = 0.02) in the mean difference in studies where patients' baseline HbA1c levels were less than 8.0%. The highest mean difference found in a particular study involved in the analysis was −1.9%, but after 1 year of the intervention. Figure 2 of the article demonstrates the HbA1c changes in each patient. My attention was drawn to two patients in the intervention group (one with HbA1C over 12% and the second with HbA1c around 11% at baseline) who showed a HbA1c decrease of more than 4% (actually almost 5%) within 12 weeks of the study. From a clinical point of view, such a reduction during a limited period is very unusual. It can hardly be reached even with multiple daily insulin regimen therapy introduction (considered the most potent way of diabetes treatment) or insulin dose adjustment. It would be interesting to know the clinical and biochemical characteristics of these two patients. The authors stated that no therapy intensification changes were made in the intervened group, but it is sometimes difficult to be fully controlled in the insulin therapy patients. Thus, it would be valuable to analyse the smartphone-based system's impact on non-insulintreated study patients only. With respect, we suggest providing such an analysis or taking this comment into consideration if the continuation of this important study is planned.


Using the method of discourse analysis and the theory of Balance of Power as a media for analysis of this paper seeks to find out why and how the increase in Iranian military power threatens the hegemony of the United States in the Middle East. Significant increases in Iranian military power are thought to threaten US interests in the Middle East. Post-revolution of Iran under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 has turned this country into a new political and military power. Since then, relations between Iran and the West, especially the United States, are becoming more tense. Iran's policy on nuclear weapons has triggered an arm of race in the Middle East. Even Iran is considered to threaten the stability of the region's security. Especially the security of the United States allies in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia emerged as one of Iran's main opponents in the Middle East region. One vote with a colleague of the United States, the Saudis have always denounced all Iranian political and military policies. Given the enormous importance of the United States in the Middle East, as well as its responsibilities to the security of its allies in the Middle East, various ways in which the United States has secured its hegemony. Like strengthening alliances with its Middle East allies by way of massive military supply of weapons.


Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the birds in the Colombian Caribbean is still meager. Coastal wetlands are among the less studied environments in the area and one of the most important for their high bird richness. Since 1998, inventories and monitoring of the bird populations of the lower part of the Sinu river have been made. Until July 2005, 296 bird species have been recorded for the area, 41 of which are new for this part of the Caribbean; in addition, new wintering localities were noted for eight migratory species. Breeding records were obtained for 98 species. Three species are threatened at some level and six have a restricted geographic distribution. New records for the area are explained in terms of the limited previous knowledge of the region's avifauna.


THE EXTENT TO WHICH TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE ACCIDENT SITUATION ON 2-WAY MAIN ROADS WOULD BE INFLUENCED BY RECOMMENDED SPEEDS WAS EXAMINED. RECOMMENDED SPEEDS WERE INTRODUCED EXPERIMENTALLY ON TWO RURAL TEST ROADS (ONE IN SOUTH WEST GERMANY IN THE HILLS AND ONE IN NORTH GERMANY ON THE PLAINS). THE RANGE OF RECOMMENDED SPEEDS WAS CHECKED AND ESTABLISHED ACCORDING TO EIGHT RULES. THE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME WAS BASED ON A LONG-TERM COMPARISON OF SPEED BEHAVIOUR BEFORE AND AFTER INTRODUCTION OF THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS AND WAS SUPPLEMENTED BY ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS WHICH WERE CARRIED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM SPEED MEASUREMENTS INDICATED THAT ON ALL SECTIONS THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS LED ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES TO AN INCREASE IN THE "15%-SPEED" (I.E. THE SPEED AT WHICH 15% OF DRIVERS TRAVEL) AND TO A DECREASE IN THE "85%-SPEED" (I.E. THE SPEED AT WHICH 85% OF DRIVERS TRAVEL). IN OTHER WORDS, THE INTRODUCTION OF RECOMMENDED SPEEDS DID NOT LEAD TO A TIGHTENING OF THE SPEED SPECTRUM. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RESULTS OF THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION INDICATED THAT THE ACCIDENT RATE WAS TENDING TO DECREASE; INDEED THE DECREASE ON THE ROAD IN THE HILLY COUNTRYSIDE WAS QUITE SIGNIFICANT. DRIVING ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS IN STRAIGHT TRAFFIC SHOWED A MARKED DECREASE. A SURVEY OF THE DRIVERS ON ONE OF THE STRETCHES INDICATED THAT THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS, WITH THEIR NON-OBLIGATORY CHARACTER, WERE GREATLY PREFERRED TO MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS WHICH HAD TO BE ADHERED TO UNDER THE LAW.


A unique computer-aided detector is presented that determines the mechanical and electrical qualities of single-phase and three-phase induction motors. Measurements of voltage, current, power factor, active power, and reactive power as well as evaluations of centrifugal switch and airgap eccentricity, i.e., misalignment between rotor and stator, of induction motors can be rapidly conducted, and test results are available on the screen within a few seconds. The feasibility and usefulness of this detector are impressively demonstrated through application examples. >


Due to the high computational burden and the high non-linearity of the responses, crashworthiness optimizations are notoriously hard-to-solve challenges. Among various approaches, methods like the Successive Response Surface Method (SRSM) have stood out for their efficiency in enhancing baseline designs within a few iterations. However, these methods have limitations that restrict their application. Their minimum iterative resampling required is often computationally prohibitive. Furthermore, surrogate models are conventionally constructed using Polynomial Response Surface (PRS), a method that is poorly versatile, prone to overfitting, and incapable of quantifying uncertainty. Furthermore, the lack of continuity between successive response surfaces results in suboptimal predictions. This paper introduces the Multi-Fidelity Successive Response Surface (MF-SRS), a Gaussian process-based method, which leverages a non-linear multi-fidelity approach for more accurate and efficient predictions compared to SRSM. After initial testing on synthetic problems, this method is applied to a real-world crashworthiness task: optimizing a bumper cross member and crash box system. The results, benchmarked against SRSM and the Gaussian Process Successive Response Surface (GP-SRS)—a single-fidelity Gaussian process-driven extension of SRSM—show that MF-SRS offers distinct advantages. Specifically, it improves upon the specific energy absorbed optimum value achieved by SRSM by 14%, revealing its potential for future applications.


BACKGROUND
Preclinical studies in myeloid neoplasms have demonstrated efficacy of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal protein inhibitors (BETi). However, BETi demonstrate poor single agent activity in clinical trials. Several studies suggest that combination with other anti-cancer inhibitors may enhance the efficacy of BETi.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
To nominate BETi combination therapies for myeloid neoplasms, we used a chemical screen with therapies currently in clinical cancer development and validated this screen using a panel of myeloid cell line, heterotopic cell line models, and PDX models of disease. We utilized standard protein and RNA assays to determine the mechanism responsible for synergy in our disease models.

RESULTS
We identified PIM inhibitors (PIMi) as therapeutically synergistic with BETi in myeloid leukemia models. Mechanistically, we show that PIM kinase is increased after BETi treatment, and that PIM kinase upregulation is sufficient to induce persistence to BETi and sensitize cells to PIMi. Further, we demonstrate that miR-33a downregulation is the underlying mechanism driving PIM1 upregulation. We also show that GM-CSF hypersensitivity, a hallmark of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), represents a molecular signature for sensitivity to combination therapy.

CONCLUSION
Inhibition of PIM kinases is a potential novel strategy for overcoming BETi persistence in myeloid neoplasms. Our data supports further clinical investigation of this combination.


13 During slow-wave sleep, neurons of the thalamocortical network are engaged in a slow 14 oscillation (<1 Hz), which consists of an alternation between the active and the silent states. 15 Several studies have provided insights on the transition from the silent, which are essentially 16 periods of disfacilitation, to the active states. However, the conditions leading to the synchronous 17 onset of the silent state remain elusive. We hypothesized that a synchronous input to local 18 inhibitory neurons could contribute to the transition to the silent state in the cat suprasylvian 19 gyrus during natural sleep and under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia. After partial and complete 20 deafferentation of the cortex, we found that the silent state onset was more variable among 21 remote sites. We found that the transition to the silent state was preceded by a reduction in 22 excitatory postsynaptic potentials and firing probability in cortical neurons. We tested the impact 23 of chloride-mediated inhibition in the silent state onset. We uncovered a long duration (100-300 24 ms) inhibitory barrage occurring about 250 ms prior to the silent state onset in 3-6% of neurons 25 during anesthesia and in 12-15% of cases during natural sleep. This inhibitory activities caused a 26 decrease in cortical firing that reduced the excitatory drive in the neocortical network. That chain 27 reaction of disfacilitation ends up on the silent state. Electrical stimuli could trigger a network 28 silent state with a maximal efficacy in deep cortical layers. We conclude that long-range 29 afferents to the neocortex and chloride-mediated inhibition plays a role in the initiation of the 30 silent state.


In this paper, we present a methodology for the selection of reach length in unsteady, one-dimensional models of open channel flow. Using computational experiments, we determined an appropriate reach length for 425 combinations of channel and flow parameters. For each combination of parameters, we refined the finite difference grid until numerical error was reduced to 1.0% of a high resolution solution. We generated a set of dimensionless parameters and used regression analysis to relate channel and flood properties to an appropriate computational reach length.


Crises in various part of Nigeria bring about high number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) especially in the northern part of the country due to the Boko Haram Insurgency. The IDPs rely on humanitarian assistance for survival since they lost their means of livelihood. For them to get such assistance, their conditions need to be known by the general public in other to come to their rescue. Part of the press responsibility in the society is to effectively inform the citizens about happenings in their localities and the country as a whole. A UNICEF report indicates that there are 2.5 million malnourished children in the various IDP camps in Nigeria and about three hundred of them will die unless they are aided while, Doctors without Borders say at least 30 of them die every day. This highlights one serious condition in the IDP camps especially in Borno state due to the Boko Haram Insurgency which displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes. This paper analyzed Daily Trust and the Nation newspapers reports on the situation of the IDPs in the various camps across the country in other to determine the kind of role they play in highlighting their condition and soliciting support for them as well as the kind of agenda they set. Findings indicate that the situation in the various IDP camps has been highlighted by the two newspapers. They as well proffer solutions to effectively tackle the challenges. However, there is need for the newspapers to give more prominence to issues surrounding the management of the IDP camps in order to make it more transparent to minimize or eradicate corrupt practices to ensure better life for the IDPs and prevent the death of mal-nourished children. Keywords: Analysis, News Reports, Daily Trust, The Nation, Boko Haram Insurgency and Internally Displaced persons (IDPs)


• Current Turkish Thought; • the Middle East Studies Association (of North America) 's B u l le t in ; Development Studies, issued by Middle East Technical Univers i ty , Ankara; • the Journal of the American Oriental Society; Turcica (Paris, 1969); and • significant Inst i tute of Current World Af fa i rs reports by Richard D. Robinson. One wonders why the books of • Harr is , Lederer and Spector on Communism are not listed on page 4; or • Aydemir s Tek Adam (page 29); or • studies by Okyar and Reed from Minerva; or • Syziliowicz s on student unrest , Erdemli, and on education and modernization; or • others by Hasan Basri Qantay, Magnarella, Makal, Reed, Schimmel and D.E. Webster (pp. 74 f f . ) . There appear to be few er rors or misprints in th is handsomely bound work. Slips were detected in Items 220, 462, 557, 565, 585, 1026, 1034, and 1158 duplicates 1135. Hopefully, the author, who is Near East Area Specialist at the L ibrary of Congress, will continue this most useful series. Such b ibliographies become ever-more essential to scholars increasingly less able to keep up with the growing volume of publications on politics in Tu rkey . It is one of the most important and fascinating countries in our interdependent wor ld . Its people and their development offer challenging experiences and models as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal A ta t i i r k ' s b i r t h and continue their experiments with democracy in the 1980s. Howard A. Reed, Universi ty of Connecticut


ABSTRACT This article analyzises how food was used in Fellini's films. The analysis is introduced by references to the early stories written by Fellini for Marc'Aurelio and to the dreams noted by the director in Il libro dei sogni. In films, food describes the social context (from the hunger represented in the films in the 1950s to the televised excesses of Ginger and Fred). Food also takes on symbolic meanings: hunger is also a need for love, the need to fill one's loneliness and the preparation of food is an expression of the desire to take care of others. In the article a periodisation of Fellini's filmography is proposed that distinguishes three phases: hunger, lack of appetite, and disgust. The examination of the presence of food suggests an interpretation of Fellini's oeuvre that is very far from the stereotypical image of his films widespread in large part of the public.


Despite the wealth of research that exists in the area of death, grief, and loss, the scarcity of literature examining the impact upon social work practitioners is troubling. This article initially draws upon a case study to explore this impact through the theoretical framework of disenfranchised grief. Further comment is made regarding the possible factors that have led to the profession as a whole experiencing disenfranchised grief. The article concludes by arguing that practitioners are best served through the use of "super-vision," which enables them to not only examine their practice but also their response to death, grief, and loss.


Objective In order to evaluate the implementation effect about measures of measles control and discuss strategies of accelerating measles control in Guizhou province.Methods Analyzing coverage rate investigated of routine immunization,coverage rate of measles vaccine(MV)supplementary immunization activities(SIAs),status of reporting and investigation about school entry requirement,epidemic situation from National Notifiable Diseases Reporting System(NNDRS)and Measles Surveillance System(MSS)from 2003 to 2006 in Guizhou province.Results Coverage rate of routine immunization increased.The provincial incidence confirmed of measles had decreased by 97.5%.The implementation of school entry requirement had prevented measles outbreak in kindergartens and primary schools.After SIAs,Measles surveillance and laboratory test ability had improved.Conclusion The effect of measures which aim at measles control was remarkable in Guizhou province from 2003 to 2006.In order to come true the goal of elimination measles,follow-up MV campaign immunization after three or four years of SIAs should be conduted.Rubella control should be integrated into the strategy of measles elimination.


An important transition area of river ecosystem,riparian zone is the most active area with material transportation and energy conversion in the river bank environment.Riparian zone as an important part in the river ecosystem,is a hot topic in the study of river ecology around the world.This paper makes a review on the researches in the definition,scope,characteristics and functions of the riparian zone,and presents the progress and results of theoretical researches in this regard.The paper provides a more extensive theoretical basis for further study.


This paper presents a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) topology to realize single-ended to differential conversion with no need for a dummy amplifier. The proposed structure includes a Common-Gate Common-Source (CG-CS) topology incorporating an input impedance modification path which allows a large photodiode capacitance. Accordingly, the TIA is designed in 0.35-µm CMOS technology and post-layout simulations show that the circuit can be used in wideband optical communication systems. Consuming 10mW from a 3.3 V supply, the circuit has 2.25 GHz bandwidth and 56.1 dB gain rendering possible a 400 fF capacitance at the input node of the TIA. The input-referred noise of the circuit is lower than 15.5 pA/√Hz and the integrated input noise current is less than 0.6 µA. The TIA demonstrates a gain and phase imbalance of less than 1.5 dB and 5 degrees respectively in the entire bandwidth of interest.


Using the information providing method of the life beans for the database for saving the information there are many green coffee, database includes the attribute information that at least the control information of the baking method of each raw beans in the identification information of each raw beans, expression curer and associate additional information associated with the production of each raw beans are got up.In addition, making the terminal installation (200) of user read message code that the side in address information to the database server (100) of the identification informations of given life beans and the attribute information for being stored with given life beans is converted to and extracting identification information or address information.Furthermore, when terminal installation (200) sends the request of given life beans attribute information according to identification information or address information, from the attribute information for extracting given life beans in database server (100) and terminal installation (200) are sent it to.In addition, the control information for including in attribute information is sent to curer (300) by terminal installation (200), and output device is made to export additional information.


Objective: To validate a method of measuring angular depth of insertion (aDOI) as well as positional depth of each electrode contact in a cochlear implant by using intraoperative postinsertion skull radiographs. Study Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Intraoperative postinsertion radiographs obtained from 18 cochlear implant recipients were chosen for analysis. One high-resolution computer tomography scan of the head with the electrode in place was also analyzed. One cadaveric temporal bone with an inserted electrode provided additional data for analysis. Intervention: aDOI and position of each electrode contact were measured from the radiographs using readily available software. High-resolution computer tomography imaging of the cochlea and electrode were reconstructed in three dimensions and used to simulate head rotation during intraoperative radiographs. The cadaveric temporal bone was imaged by x-ray at various acquisition angles. Main Outcome Measures: We evaluated the error introduced in measuring aDOI by assessing intra- and inter-rater variability. We also evaluated the error introduced by x-ray acquisition at nonstandardized angles by analyzing the three-dimensional construct and the cadaveric temporal bone. Results: The concordance correlation coefficients for intrarater (0.991) and inter-rater (0.996) variability in aDOI measurement were excellent. The error introduced by nonstandardized x-ray acquisition angles was only −12.5 degrees to +15.8 degrees even at the limits of clinically relevant head rotation. Conclusions: The intraoperative postinsertion radiograph is sufficient for estimating positional depth of electrode contacts and the aDOI. This measure is robust in the face of nonstandardized x-ray acquisition angles, and shows good intra- and inter-rater variability


The use of excess energy from the planned renewable electricity generation system of Graciosa Island, Azores Archipelago, has been examined focussing on its use as energy source for mobility concepts. Battery-electric vehicles with different load management and vehicle-to-grid schemes as well as renewable power methane fuelled vehicles have been considered against a baseline scenario featuring conventional diesel vehicles. The simulation results include related costs and carbon dioxide emissions as well as the size of energy storage and amount of backup fuels needed. Both alternative vehicle types can benefit from using excess energy and may significantly reduce the need for imported fossil fuels. MOTIVATION Graciosa is to be provided with a power system based mainly on photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy. This system will include stationary sodium-sulphur battery storage and a diesel backup generator and will produce electricity covering about 85% of demand by renewable sources. Sizing of the components will lead to an excess energy of about 30% of the total electricity produced. The current concept focuses exclusively on the supply of stationary loads. In this paper the possibility of using the excess energy in regards to mobility concepts will be the topic of discussion. APPROACH Graciosa Energy System Boundary conditions for this work are to use excess electricity from the island-wide grid produced by renewable sources during time of fully charged stationary batteries and of excessive supply only. Time series of excess power and energy for an average year with stationary battery capacity of 18 MWh, 1 MWp installed PV and 9 MW of wind power are shown in figure 1. This system is planned to be installed in 2013 [1]. The current power supply is covered by wind energy (15%) and diesel generators (85%) and has to supply a maximum load in the island grid of slightly less than 3 MW for about 4,500 inhabitants. Figure 1: Excess power (blue, left scale) and cumulated excess energy (orange, right scale) for the electricity generation system envisioned for Graciosa Island [1]. Excess power strongly fluctuates being zero more than 60% of times and reaching 6 MW peaks. The energy curve shows low availability of excess power between hours 4000 and 6500 (mid June to end of September) but a more or less constant supply on a weekly scale from hours 7000 to 3000 (October to April). 6th International Renewable Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition (IRES 2011), Berlin 2011, November 2627, Oral Presentation, O. Arnhold: "Mobility Concepts Using Excess Power from Proposed Renewable Energy Supply System on Graciosa Island, Azores Archipelago" Total annual excess energy amounts to 10.4 GWh which is 43% of electricity demand on Graciosa. Excess power peaks at 6.2 MW, averages 1.2 MW and is zero at 5413 hours per year (62% of time). In case excess energy is not sufficient for the mobility concept considered the deficit may be covered by imported diesel fuel. Propulsion Concepts In this paper conventional diesel-powered vehicles are the baseline scenario. In addition to this, two alternative propulsion concepts are examined: Battery-electric vehicles and cars with renewable power methane (RPM) fuelled internal combustion engines. These concepts are investigated in detail regarding fuel demand. Depending on the particular circumstances the amount of excess energy used and fuel to be imported is determined. Economic feasibility is checked using a detailed cost model and CO2 emissions are estimated. 1 Diesel Internal Combustion Engine (Diesel) The baseline concept considered in this paper consists of a fleet of conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines powered by diesel fuel. 2 Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEV) Battery-electric vehicles comprise an electric motor and an electrochemical energy storage system. Greatest advantage is the absence of local pollutant emissions and the ability to use locally produced electricity while current obstacles preventing market penetration are high battery cost and resulting low range. On an island as small as Graciosa (8 by 12 km) single trips of more than 60 km are unlikely which favours BEVs. 3 Renewable Power Methane Fuelled Internal Combustion Engines (RPM) Methane is main constituent of natural gas. Its high hydrogen to carbon ratio makes it the cleanest hydrocarbon fuel. Due to its similar combustion properties other hydrocarbons e.g. petrol, are easily substituted by methane. In our scenarios methane is produced from hydrogen and carbon dioxide via the Sabatier reaction:


Developments in analytical techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, 1H-, 13C-NMR, FT-MS, e.g.) are progressing rapidly and have been driven mostly by the requirements in the healthcare and food sectors. Simultaneous high-throughput measurements of several analytes at the level of the transcript (transcriptomics), proteins, (proteomics), and metabolites (metabolomics) are currently performed, producing a prodigious amount of data. Thus, the advent of omic studies has created an information explosion, resulting in a paradigm shift in the emphasis of analytical research of biological systems. The traditional approaches of biochemistry and molecular cell biology, where the cellular processes have been investigated individually and often independent of each other, are giving way to a wider approach of analyzing the cellular composition in its entirety, allowing achieving a quasi-complete metabolic picture.


The management and palliation of asphyxia from lesions in and around the trachea is a common clinical situation encountered by laryngologists. Prevention of critical airways obstruction is always paramount in the management of such patients. However, this is not always possible, either because of the rate of progression of the disease process or by nature of its late recognition and referral. Obstruction to the airway above the thoracic inlet may, in the first instance, be adequately dealt with by a conventional tracheostomy or by per-oral endotracheal intubation. Not infrequently the obstruction lies at a lower level for which neither a tracheostomy nor intubation are appropriate. In some cases the obstruction can be reached by one of these conventional approaches, but the tube cannot be maintained in situ with safety. In these cases resection and reconstruction may be feasible, but all too often it is not, and the surgeon is faced with a very difficult clinical situation. In the past, metallic prostheses have been used for long-term tracheal intubation. Harkins (1952) developed a solid vitallium stent for use in the upper trachea. Pagliero and Shepherd (1974) used a stainless steel coil, whilst Clarke (1980) modified a Souttar tube which he said could be placed at a much lower tracheal level. None of these prostheses has proved to be totally satisfactory mainly because of their poor tissue biocompatibility at this site. Another serious disadvantage is their relative inflexibility, which makes insertion dangerous and the construction of an appliance to deal adequately with carinal or left main bronchial problems an impossibility. In 1965 Montgomery introduced silicone rubber T-tubes for the maintenance of an adequate tracheal airway. His tubes are available in a range of diameters to suit all age groups and are supplied with either a short or a long inferior limb. His experience with this prosthesis over several years, supported by that of Cooper et al. (1981), confirmed that silicone was the best material currently available for the construction of tracheal prostheses. Unfortunately the lack of length of the inferior limb limits the application of this prosthesis to obstructions of the trachea around the thoracic inlet and above. The carbon dioxide laser has introduced another dimension to this problem in that it enables relatively safer endoscopic resection of obstructing lesions in the trachea (Laforet et al., 1976). However, the technique requires considerable expertise, not all hospitals possess the equipment, and most importantly in nearly all cases the result is temporary and repeated laser therapy is required. The advent of the carbon dioxide laser has produced its own unique complications. Reports of tracheo-bronchial tree explosions and endotracheal tube fires caused by the laser


Over the last three years the Virginia Highway Research Council has directed a research effort toward improving the method of determining the moisture content of soils with a nuclear gage. The first task in this research was the determination of the correct moisture calibration curve for the nuclear gages being used (Troxler Models 227 and 2401). Forty-three soils sampled from the three physiographic areas of Virginia and having optimum moisture contents ranging from 5% to 40% were tested. It was found that for the Model 227 gage two calibration curves produced better results than did one calibration curve. With one curve the standard error was 2.7 pef (0.04 g/cc), while for two curves the errors were 1.4 and 1.7 pef (0.02 and 0.03 g/cc), which are judged to be acceptable for compliance testing. From an investigation of the physical and chemical properties of the soils tested it was concluded that the separation of the two curves could be based on optimum moisture content, and that the separation value should be 21%. At this point in the study, the testing of the Model 227 gage was discontinued because the Virginia Department of Highways had replaced all of these gages with the Model 2401. The Model 2401 gage requires only one calibration curve, which has a standard error of 1.7 pef (0.03 g/cc). Using this gage and its single calibration curve, five moisture standards were developed.


ABSTRACT This report summarizes the mathematical and pedagogical content of the Square One TV library (155 programs) after three seasons of production, relating that =tent to the three goals of the television series. It also provides a rundown of the shows, with a complete specification of each segment's show number, content, description, format, length, and other information. The goals of the series are: (1) to promote positive attitudes toward, and enthusiasm for, mathematics; (2) to encourage the use and application of problem solving processes; and (3) to present sound mathematical content in an interesting, accessible, and meaningful manner. A complete statement of goals, a list of the 155 Square One TV shows with emph,es, and further detail of the analysis of segments according to goals 2 and 3 are appended. (KR)


Uniform pricing policies practiced by state monopoly liquor systems are not consistent with a stated objective of revenue-maximization from liquor sales. If some residents in a monopoly state buy alcoholic beverages in neighboring, lower-priced states, the monopoly state could increase revenues by lowering prices in the appropriate border counties. The empirical analysis looks at Ohio and finds that residents tend to purchase fewer and less expensive bottles of liquor in state-run stores which border states with lower liquor prices. The result is several million dollars a year of lost revenue to Ohio.


The paper presents a study in the field of art and design education and focuses on looking for ways to improve the effectiveness of education through establishing a set of consistent professional tasks and identifying the interdisciplinary relationship. The paper outlines patterns of the design education process. The objective of the study is to analyse the interlinkages between abstract tasks, life drawings and graphics design exercises that demonstrate individual creativity of students.


Theory of codes with rank distance was introduced in 1985, which can be applied to crisscross error correction and also used to build some cryptographical schemes. We know that the existence of perfect codes is an interesting topic in coding theory; as a new type of codes, we consider the existence of the perfect rank distance codes and prove that there are no non-trivial perfect codes with rank metric.


BCG is a live attenuated vaccine derived from Mycobacterium bovis. It can give rise to several cutaneous complications including benign and malignant tumors. There are many reports about tumors arising in vaccination sites, especially those of small pox and BCG vaccinations. Reported tumors are basal cell carcinoma, dermatofibroma, melanoma, pilomatricoma and so on. Piloleiomyoma is a rare soft tissue tumor arising from arrector pili muscles. Clinically, piloleiomyomas appear as firm dermal papules and nodules with skin colored, pink, or reddish-brown surfaces. We experienced a case of piloleiomyma arising in a BCG vaccination site, which has not been reported in previous literature. Although several hypotheses have been propsed, there are no identified causes of leiomyoma. Trauma by the vaccination, persistent inflammation, wound healing process, or antigenic stimulation of the innoculation agent could be the possible causes in this case. (Korean J Dermatol 2008;46(5):670∼673)


The synthesis, characterization and study of the properties of the cyclopalladated compounds [Pd{(η5-C5H5)Fe[(η5-C5H3)C(Me)N(C6H4-4-Me)]}Cl(L)] and [Pd{(η5-C5H5)Fe[(η5-C5H3)CH2NMe2]}Cl(L)] (L=PPh3, PPh2Et, PPhEt2 or PEt3) are reported. The comparison of the electrochemical and electronic properties of these compounds has allowed us to elucidate the influence of the phosphine and chelate ligands upon the environment of the FeII. As a first approach to clarify the factors affecting the properties of these complexes, molecular orbital (MO) calculations using the PM3(tm) semiempirical method were also undertaken. [Pd{(η5-C5H5)Fe[(η5-C5H3)C(Me)N(C6H4-4-Me)]}Cl(PPh3)] (3a) and [Pd{(η5-C5H5)Fe[(η5-C5H3)CH2NMe2]} Cl(PPh3)] (3b) have also been characterized structurally. Complex 3a is triclinic, space group P, with a=12.795(2), b=11.534(2) and c=11.267(2) A and α=106.660(10)°, β=98.660(10)° and γ=94.500(10)°; compound 3b is monoclinic, space group P21/a, with a=13.650(3), b=19.678(4) and c=10.169(2) A and α=γ=90.0° and β=94.69(2)°. In both cases the molecules contain a [5,5] bicyclic system formed by a five-membered palladacycle and the C5H3 ring of the ferrocenyl moiety.


To report efficacy of arthroscopic technique as an alternative to the opening technique. We report a case of arthroscopic osteosynthesis for Tillaux fracture. This was a 14-year-old adolescent diagnosed with Tillaux fracture on the left side. The arthroscopic assisted reduction and fixation were carried out using two double threaded compressive screws. After 2 years of follow-up the patient did not have complications and failures, and she had complete recovery of joint mobility, and reported high satisfaction with the result. Although the described technique has a longer learning curve, we showed the possibility of performing the entire procedure without opening the fracture site. The outstanding result and lack of complications might be related to the arthroscopic approach that is less aggressive to the soft tissue, and preserve the periosteum. Although a longer followup is needed, this technique allowed a more physiological recovery to our patient.


The mouse is a tool very commonly used in computer dealing, however it may result in an overload of the forearm muscles and chronic painful conditions when used for prolonged periods. This study aimed at testing if a new mouse, designed under biomechanical principles of the hand and wrist, might be associated with a reduced overload in comparison with an ordinary mouse. Twenty healthy computer users participated in a crossover study in which muscular activity of the trapezius, extensoris radialis carpus and polix flexoris muscles were was recorded surface electromyography during simple activities like playing Solitaire or moving over worksheets. Questionnaires about the appearance of symptoms in the upper limbs were completed after the use of each mouse. By integrating the electrical sign during the periods of acquisition, the muscular effort could be quantified and statistically compared. Only the extensoris radialis carpus showed statistically significant reduction of muscle activity with the new mouse, and only during Solitaire playing. The positioning of the wrist with the new mouse allowed the maintenance of the extension of this joint with less muscle effort. Its routine use may serve as a strategy to prevent the appearance of pain in computer users as well as symptomatic control on those who have already developed some sort of local injury.


Optical dipole traps (ODT) with far-off-resonance laser are important tools in more and more present cold-atom experiments, which allow confinement of laser-cooled atoms with a long storage time. Particularly, the magic wavelength ODT can cancel the position-dependent spatially inhomogeneous light shift of desired atomic transition, which is introduced by the ODT laser beam. Now it plays an important role in the state-insensitive quantum engineering and the atomic optical clock. To verify the magic wavelength or the magic wavelength combination for D2 line transition of cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) atoms, we calculated and analyzed the light shift of the 133Cs 6S1/2 - 6P3/2 transition for a monochromatic ODT, and also the 87Rb 5S1/2 - 5P3/2 transition for a dichromatic ODT with a laser frequency ratio of 2:1. Also a dichromatic magic-wavelength ODT laser system for 87Rb atoms is proposed and experimentally realized by employing the quasi-phase-matched frequency doubling technique with telecom laser and fiber amplifier.


The formation of a small incendiary spark at atmospheric pressure is identified with the transition from a weakly to a strongly ionized plasma. It is shown that initial gaseous ionization produced by avalanches and/or streamers always creates a high‐temperature ideal electron gas that can shield the applied voltage difference and reduce ionization in the volume of the gas. The electron gas is collision dominated but able to maintain its high temperature, for times long compared to discharge events, through long‐range Coulomb forces. In fact, electrons in the weakly ionized plasma constitute a collisionless independent fluid with a thermodynamic state that can be affected directly by field or density changes. Accordingly, with metal electrodes, cathode spot emission is always associated with the transition to a strongly ionized plasma. Neutral heating can be accomplished in two different ways. Effective dispersal of the electrons from the cathode leads to electron heating dominated by diffusion effects. Co...


The fourth industrial revolution is taking the oil and gas business by storm. Many companies have increased resources for developing and using big-data analytics and machine learning to catch the wind that could bring the fragrance of the new economy. In a conversation with management of a major service company, I learned that the downturn made them want to shift from a position as a capital-intensive stimulation service provider to that of a higher-profit-margin data-service provider. Though no one sees the actual physical oilfield services—such as pumping, measurement, and chemicals—as in decline, technology development in these areas may take a back seat to artificial intelligence. That said, technological innovation is not a privilege exclusive to scientists and high spenders in research and development but is often the work of good engineers. Integrating and applying existing (or even old) technologies to do the things we know how to do better is our operational model in many ways in this low- price environment.
 If we do not feed the right data to the machine-learning process, we are not doing justice to the smart machines we build. An example of the right data is downhole pressure, particularly during acid fracturing. We do not know whether we routinely conduct high-rate matrix acidizing or acid fracturing unless we have reliable downhole pressure data. Otherwise, we may dissolve a large rock mass in an undesirable manner and location, failing to optimize stimulation design.
 The other technology area to improve in stimulation is the measure of diversion. We have been using particulate diverters for ages. Now, we need such products to function under more-challenging conditions. Instead of diverting from matrix, we want them to divert from fractures. Advanced experimental equipment and testing procedures are necessary to gain better quantitative information to determine what size diverter pill is appropriate to build sufficient pressure for inducing new fractures.
 Matrix-stimulation techniques predominantly rely on chemicals to attack the rock and mechanical tools to place the chemicals. The aspect of physics-enhanced chemical reactions has not caught many eyes, though it has been around for a while. Some oil-production increases have been reported after earthquakes. Geophysicists provided plausible reasons, but petroleum engineers only explored such applications superficially. Not every well can be hydraulically fractured nor every rock dissolved by acids. We need all the help we can get in this kind of situation. Combining acoustic waves with chemicals for stimulation definitely should be studied more. It is encouraging to see people persevere in pursuing continuous improvements in stimulation technologies by going back to the shelf.
 Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.
 SPE 191981 Introduction of Real-Time Flow Measurements Opens New Paths To Overcome Challenges Encountered During the Acid Stimulation of Extended-Reach Wells by Laurie Duthie, Saudi Aramco, et al.
 SPE 192069 Development and Application of Key Equipment of CO2 Waterless Fracturing by Lichen Zheng, PetroChina, et al.
 SPE 193723 Effective Matrix Acidizing Based in Chelating Agents: A Case Study in Romanian Heavy-Oil Reservoirs by Emil Panait, OMV Petrom, et al.


Objective
To investigate the intensity of HBsAg and HBcAg expression in liver tissue of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its clinical significance.

Methods
A total of 994 HBV infected patients underwent liver biopsy and histopathological examination. The expression of HBsAg and HBcAg in liver tissue was detected by histoimmunochemistry. Patients were divided into HBeAg(+ )/HBVDNA(+ ), HBeAg(-)/HBV DNA(+ ) and HBeAg(-)/HBV DNA(-) groups according to HBeAg and HBV DNA levels; patients were divided into <2×normal (ULN) group, 2-<5×ULN group and ≥5×ULN group according to the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The histologic activity (A), fibrosis (F), the expression of HBsAg and HBcAg in liver tissue and their correlations with clinical features were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors affecting the expression of HBsAg and HBcAg in liver tissue.

Results
Among 994 HBV infected patients, 941 cases (94.67%) were intrahepatic HBsAg positive and 553 cases (55.63%) were intrahepatic HBcAg positive; 403 cases (40.85%) were ≥A2 in histologic activity and 371 cases (36.09%) were ≥F2 in fibrosis. The degree of A and F was the highest in HBeAg (-) / HBV DNA (+ ) group, followed by HBeAg (-) / HBV DNA (-) group, and was the lowest in HBeAg (+ ) / HBV DNA (+ ) group. The intensity of intrahepatic HBsAg expression was significantly different among three groups (χ2=6.299, r=-0.760, P 0.05). There was significant difference in F among different groups of intrahepatic HBcAg intensity (χ2=12.352, P<0.01), but not in A. The degree of F was the highest in intrahepatic HBcAg negative group. There was significant difference in intrahepatic HBcAg intensity among different groups of ALT level (χ2=16.349, P<0.01), but not in intrahepatic HBsAg intensity. The intrahepatic HBcAg intensity in ALT <2×ULN group was lower than that in other two groups.

Conclusions
Most of patients with chronic HBV infection are intrahepatic HBsAg positive and more than half of them are intrahepatic HBcAg positive. The intrahepatic HBsAg intensity is not associated with A and F, but correlates with HBV DNA level. The intrahepatic HBcAg intensity is not associated with A, but it is negatively correlated with F and positively correlated with positive HBeAg expression, HBV DNA level and ALT level.

Key words:
Hepatitis B, chronic; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Hepatitis B core antigen


Background: Zinc deficiency can induce a state of endothelial activation which is characterized by a pro-inflammatory, proliferative and procoagulatory milieu that favors all stages of atherogenesis. Much less attention has been paid to micronutrients, and particularly to zinc. The aim of the study was to determine the alterations of serum zinc levels in patients of Ischemic heart disease and to correlate the variations with parameters of oxidative stress so as to determine the antioxidant potential of zinc in protection against atherosclerosis. Research design: The study included 50 non diabetic chronic ischemic heart disease patients and 50 normal healthy individuals, in the age range of 4075 years. All the subjects were evaluated for serum zinc, super oxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein( LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol estimations. The results obtained were statistically compared with the normal healthy control subjects. Results and Discussion: As compared to the control group, the patient group showed lower serum zinc (p<0.001) and Superoxide dismutase levels (p<0.001) but higher serum MDA levels (p<0.001) signifying the underlying oxidative stress. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDLc, LDLc, were significantly higher but the HDLc was lower highly significantly in the patient's group as compared to normal control subjects. Statistically insignificant variations of serum zinc levels were observed with the age of the patients and the duration of the disease. Conclusion and Recommendations: Zinc deficiency induces oxidative stress and can progress to atherosclerosis. A timely supplementation with the required amount of zinc can prevent the onset of oxidative stress induced endothelial dysfunction and its progression to atherosclerosis. Introduction Atherogenesis is a complex process involving mechanical, chemical and biological factors. [1] Recent insight into the basic mechanisms involved in atherogenesis indicate that deleterious alterations of endothelial physiology, also referred to as endothelial dysfunction, represents a key early step in the development of atherosclerosis and is also involved in plaque progression and the occurrence of atherosclerotic complications. Most, if not all risk factors that are related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, including traditional and nontraditional risk factors, are also found to be associated with endothelial dysfunction[2]. Many of these risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking are associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species or increased oxidative stress.[3] Hence increased oxidative stress is considered a major mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and may serve as a common pathogenic mechanism of the effect of risk factors on the endothelium.[4] [Illustartion-1] There is evidence that certain antioxidant nutrients and adequate antioxidant enzyme activities may protect against atherosclerosis by preventing metabolic and physiologic derangements of the vascular endothelium [5]. Of particular interest is zinc, because it may function as an antioxidant and membrane stabilizer [6]. Epidemiological studies suggest that in some population groups lower serum levels of zinc are inversely associated with coronary artery disease [7]. Mechanisms of the protective function of zinc in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, including vascular cell injury or dysfunction and the inflammatory response, are not yet clear[8]. Zn is required for structural and functional integrity of more than 2000 transcription factors and 300 enzymes. Therefore, almost every signaling and metabolic pathway is in some way dependent on at least one, and often several, Zn-requiring proteins [9]. There is evidence suggesting that zinc can act as an endogenous protective factor against atherosclerosis WebmedCentral > Research articles Page 3 of 13 WMC003695 Downloaded from http://www.webmedcentral.com on 13-Sep-2012, 05:45:40 PM by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL by cells or transition metals [10]. Because of its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties, zinc appears to be crucial for protection against cell-destabilizing agents such as inflammatory cytokines and polyunsaturated lipids [11]. Because zinc is a micronutrient with indirect antioxidant activity, it might be relevant to assess its role in the Atherogenesis. The objective of the present study was to determine 1. The variations of serum zinc levels in patients of Ischemic heart disease as compared to control subjects 2. The correlation between serum zinc levels and the degree of oxidative stress and 3. The potential use of serum zinc levels as predictors of underlying endothelial dysfunction in predisposed individuals.


This paper is to investigate whether markets assess corporate bonds riskier if their issuers have lower ESG (Environmental Social Governance) scores. For the study we used the corporate yield curves of Refinitiv further segmented by credit rating. The added risk of the ESG factor was measured in the time horizon of 2015 to 2020. It has turned out that in the USA in the group of the best debtor companies by Moody's investors expected companies with the lowest ESG scores to provide a 35 basis point higher risk premium compared to their counterparts with the highest ESG scores. This statement is also valid for the E, S and G-rating separately. In line with another trend, the riskier your credit rating category, the lower is the risk premium caused by the lack of responsible management.


Traumatic ruptures of Achilles tendon become more frequent in the last few decades because of the increased sport activities. This fact urges the orthopedics to search for more effective methods with lower patient morbidity and shorter period for recovery. The conclusions of the study prove very low complication rate, short period for recovery and patient satisfaction after any of the presented minimally invasive techniques. It makes percutaneous minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture preferable method in the daily traumatology practice.


Schiff bases are aldehydelike compounds in which an imine group replaces the carbonyl group. They are widely used for industrial purposes and also exhibit a broad range of biological activities. This study represents the synthesis of a new series of ( E ) - N -benzylidene-5-bromo-2-chloropyrimidin-4-amine derivatives (6a-l). The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by different spectral studies. All these new compounds screened for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and in vitro antioxidant activities. Structure–activity relationship analysis demonstrates that hydroxyl groups on the aromatic ring contribute critically to the antioxidant activity. Compounds 6k, 6j, 6dand 6e showed significant radical scavenging and compounds 6d, 6e and 6f showed good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory


Lower-limb ulcers represent a debilitating phenomenon with a prevalence of 3% in the people over 65 years old. The ulcers are particularly severe in diabetic patients where they tend to become chronic non-healing wounds, leading to a series of clinical complications. Nowadays, although surgical revascularization remains the gold standard therapeutical option for wound healing, many new therapeutic approaches are under development to facilitate and accelerate the recovery of the injured tissues. In this context, the use of growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells and autologous fibroblasts are acquiring increasingly importance. Based on these evidences, this study was aimed to test one of the proangiogenic factors, HGF, on hVW-MSCs isolated from human arteries and compare the differentiation potential between hVW-MSC and the stromal counterpart (dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts).HGF effect on hVW-MSCs was studied; proliferation, migration, motility, angiogenic induction and modulation of tissue remodeling and inflammation markers were specific areas investigated. HGF was also tested on MSCs recovered from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA-MSCs). Furthermore, assays of angiogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential were established on hVW-MSCs, dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.HGF stimulates migration, motility and angiogenic differentiation of hVW-MSCs, but it has no effect on proliferation and tissue remodeling and inflammation markers. Results on AAA-MSCs show that HGF decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines and positively modulate some markers involved in tissue remodeling. Finally, hVW-MSCs own a higher angiogenic and adipogenic commitment compared to dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.The combined use of HGF and hVW-MSCs, especially because of their high differentiation potential, represents a promising therapeutic strategy, in order to facilitate the healing of unresponsive vascular ulcers.


The more active use of prices in the planned management of the economy has increased the need for the interdependence between price formation and national economic planning in its physical and value forms. For a long time, prices were regarded as something formal, while in planning the determination of physical indices was the dominant theme, and not enough attention was devoted to the question of improving the value form of planning. The attitude toward this question has now radically changed. However, the lag in the elaboration of the methodology of the value form of national economic planning, including prices, has not yet been overcome. Thus, as before, only physical balances are used rather than physical-value product balances; there is no planning balance of the production, distribution, and consumption of the social product in value terms; a number of value indices in the plan are elaborated without regard to the physical utilization of the resources reflected in them; and disparities arise between physical and value indices and between plan targets based on value indices and existing prices.


1Parties. The back–bone supporting implementation of the treaty and subsequent measures adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) is composed of the various scientific subsidiary bodies and expert groups established by the Conference. Example of such scientific body is the POPs Review Committee, established under Article 8 of the Convention. The POPs Review Committee (POPRC) conducts a scientific review of proposals submitted by Parties for the listing of additional chemicals to be subjected to the Convention and makes recommendations for such actions to the COP. The proposals for listing have to be grounded on a comprehensive set of scientific information describing the chemical identity and structure, as well as providing evidence that the chemical is persistent in the environment, bio–accumulates and bio–concentrates, has high toxicity or eco–toxicity, is available in measurable concentrations in biota, and has a potential for long–range transport. Such scientific information includes data on half–life in various media, toxicity and eco–toxicity data, environmental and bio–monitoring data, as well as environmental fate properties and modeling results. After the POPRC decides that the proposed chemical fulfils the screening criteria according to the Annex D of the Convention, its comprehensive risk profile is elaborated. All Parties are invited to contribute detailed scientific information, as per Annex E of the Convention, which is compiled and evaluated by the POPRC. Hence, scientific support and global information exchange and integration are instrumental for the work of POPRC. Experts of the various scientific committees and expert groups are typically nominated by the respective Parties and they are channeling the best available knowledge from their respective countries for the benefit of all. According to their ability, Parties are supporting targeted research activities as triggered by the Convention, and share their findings with the others. These scientific obligations of the Parties are outlined in Article 11 of the Convention that states that Parties shall, within their capabilities,


Understanding the Internet topology and its modeling is important for many applications. In this paper we focus on a local area of the Internet topology at the scale of a country, to study its properties and characterize this local topology. We discuss our results compared to usual assumptions on the properties of Internet topology. Our study shows non trivial results. As a fractal, we find on a small scale of the Internet topology, some properties of the entire Internet like the power-law degree distribution and a weak density.


Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore young adults' perceptions of stepfamilies headed by gay and lesbian couples. Undergraduate students read a brief vignette describing one of four family units (gay stepfamily, lesbian stepfamily, heterosexual stepfamily, or biological family). After reading the vignette, students rated their perceptions of the family unit using the First Impressions Questionnaire (FIQ; Bryan, Coleman, Ganong, & Bryan, 1986), which consists of six subscales: Social Evaluation, Potency, Satisfaction/Security, Personal Character, Activity, and Stability. The results revealed that students perceived the biological family to be less active than the gay, lesbian, and heterosexual stepfamilies. In addition, the biological family was rated as more stable than the heterosexual stepfamily, and the lesbian stepfamily was rated as being more satisfying/secure than the heterosexual stepfamily.


Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The aim of the current systematic review study was to clarify the effect of garlic on hydatid cyst in vivo and in vitro.

We performed our analyses up to Feb 20, 2021, in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We systematically searched five English databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid and Cochrane) and four Persian databases (Scientific Information Database [SID], Iran Medex, Iran Doc, and Magiran) with appropriate syntax. The data was extracted from the relevant articles and analyzed.

From 160 studies obtained by initial search, nine studies were selected for further analysis. Among 6 in vitro study, 3 (50%) used methanolic extract, 2 (34%) hydroalcoholic and chloroformic extract, and 1 (16%) chloroformic extract. Two (67%) studies used BALB/c mice, and one study (33%) used Swiss albino mice. The method of treatment of mice in all studies was oral. The results showed that garlic has mild to potent effect on hydatidosis and this effect was more considerable in vitro than in vivo.

Based on the results of various studies, it can be concluded that Allium sativum extract can be used as a suitable alternative to drugs such as Albendazole or can be used as complementary treatment to reduce the dose of the current drugs.


Security testing still is a hard task, especially if focusing on non-functional security testing. The two main reasons behind this are, first, at the most a lack of the necessary knowledge required for security testing, second, managing the almost infinite amount of negative test cases, which result from potential security risks. To the best of our knowledge, the issue of the automatic incorporation of security expert knowledge, e.g., known vulnerabilities, exploits and attacks, in the process of security testing is not well considered in the literature. Furthermore, well-known "de facto" security testing approaches, like fuzzing or penetration testing, lack systematic procedures regarding the order of execution of test cases, which renders security testing a cumbersome task. Hence, in this paper we propose a new method for generating negative security tests by logic programming, which applies a risk analysis to establish a set of negative requirements for later test generation.


Background: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce antitumor effects in vivo. This antitumor effect is associated with T cell infiltration but the effect of IL-12 on the steps of T cell migration into the tumor tissue has not been fully elucidated. This study focused on the effect of IL-12 on the tumor growth and the metastasis and on the expression of E-selectin, an adhesion molecule which is activated endothelial specific in its expression. In addition, we studied whether the expression of E-selectin is associated with the TNF-, a cytokine that its production is increased by IL-12 and has functions inducing a variety of adhesion molecules. Methods: Mice of C57BL/6 strain were injected with Lewis lung cancer cells followed by either IL-12, TNF-, or normal saline by intraperitoneal route. Twenty eight days after tumor cell inoculation, metastatic nodules of lung were enumerated and immunohistochemical staining of the subcutaneous tumors were performed with monoclonal antibodies to CD4, CD8, CD16, and E-selectin. In IL-12 treated mice, the subcutaneously implanted Lewis lung tumors were decreased in size and the metastases were also decreased in number compared to control mice. On tumor tissues, increased infiltration of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ cells were oberved in IL-12 treated mice compared to control mice. In control mice, E-selectin was absent on tumor vessels, but the expression of E-selectin was increased on tumor vessels of IL-12 treated mice. Administration of TNF- increased not only the expression of E-selectin but also infiltrations of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ cells on tumor tissues. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that IL-12 inhibits tumor growth and metastases through infiltrations of inflammatory cells in mouse model of Lewis lung carcinoma and E-selectin may playa role in inflammatory cell recruitment on tumor tissue following IL-12 administration. Also, TNF- may have a role as a mediator responsible for the IL-12 induced expression of E-selectin.


Recent work in this laboratory in connexion with a study of idiopathic hypercalcaemia in infants has necessitated the estimation of the magnesium content of serum. For this purpose it was decided to use the Kunkel application of the magnesium-titan yellow lake formation (Kunkel, Pearson, and Schweigert, 1947). Despite repeated attempts it was found impossible to produce coloured solutions in which the red lake was sufficiently stable to permit of reliable colorimeter readings.


This paper presents a study on the heat affected zone (HAZ) fracture toughness of submerged arc welded (SAW) joints of 40 mm thick Ti treated StE 355 grade offshore steel. The CTOD values measured on 34 mm thick SENB specimens taken from multipass 1/2K joints were compared with the values obtained from 8 mm thick SENB specimens with simulated microstructures of CGHAZ at {minus}10 C (a/W=0.5). Single and double thermal cycles were used to simulate various thermal treatments which HAZ may experience during welding. The microstructural examination of these simulated specimens show the presence of the local brittle zones (LBZ) in the CGHAZ in spite of the steel being Ti-microalloyed. The CTOD fracture toughness testing of the simulated specimens can produce toughness values not affected by the mechanical heterogeneity (strength mis-match between weld and base metals) provided the microstructure of interest has been simulated correctly. Seven different thermal simulations were examined, one single cycle and six double cycles. The peak temperature of the first thermal cycle was always above 1,350 C and cooling time (800--500 C) was about 40 sec. The peak temperature of the second thermal cycle was varied between 700 and 1,025 C and cooling time was 40more » sec as well which reflects the situation in the multipass HAZ of the real joint adjacent to the fusion line. The measurement of fracture toughness and metallographical examination prove that a second thermal cycle below AC{sub 1} and between AC{sub 1} and AC{sub 3} does not improve the lowest toughness values of the unaffected CGHAZ. The CTOD results of the simulated and real weld specimens show similar toughness values in terms of stable crack initiation (CTOD at {Delta}a=0.2 mm). However, the CTOD values obtained after stable crack growth ({delta}{sub u} or {delta}{sub m}) show no correlation between both sets of data.« less


The PLN officer in charge of recording kWh meters is sometimes unable to photograph them because men discovered that the houses were unoccupied and their fences were locked. Due to these circumstances, the calculation of the current month's electricity consumption is equated with the previous month, and customers can be harmed. The purpose of this research is to take a physical photo of the kWh meter showing the electrical power consumption and send it to WhatsApp. Firstly, it needs to set the timer on the DS3231, which determines the date for activating the esp32-cam to take kWh meter pictures and upload them to the server. Next, esp8255 downloads those photos from the server. Finally, esp8255 sends them to the WhatsApp application. In this study, the results were obtained in the form of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart home device system. The WhatsApp application is a notification media, taking pictures of analog kWh meters in 3–5 seconds with throughput, reliability, and availability values of 189 bps, 96%, and 95.97%, respectively.


The line planning problem in rail is to select a number of lines from a potential pool which provides sufficient passenger capacity and meets operational requirements, with some objective measure of solution line quality. We model the problem of minimizing the average passenger system time, including frequency-dependent estimates for switching between lines, working with the Danish rail operator DSB and data for Copenhagen com-muters. We present a multi-commodity flow formulation for the problem of freely routing passengers, coupled to discrete line-frequency decisions selecting lines from a predefined pool. We show results directly applying this model to a Copenhagen commuter rail problem.


In this study felling and skidding damage to natural regeneration were investigated in a selectively logged stand in the Hyrcanian forest of Iran. Felling and skidding operation was performed by chainsaw and cable skidder. Before and after felling and winching operation natural regeneration (amount, species, growing stage and damages) were inventoried from systematic plot sampling in the logged compartment. The results showed 16.9% of regenerations were damaged by logging operation that 4.8% of regenerations were damaged by felling operation, while 12.1% were damaged by winching operation. The results indicated that percentage and intensity of felling and winching damages on natural regeneration were increased with increasing of height of regeneration.


Evaluation of taphonomic sample bias in tempestites is an important prerequisite for paleoecologic analysis in storm-dominated shelf settings. Data from tempestites in the Upper Cambrian Bison Creek Formation of southern Alberta indicate that size, sorting greatly influences trilobite relative abundance patterns. Shifts in relative abundances of taxa both within and between beds are matched by changes in trilobite size. That is, collections fall into two intergrading types of assemblage which are dominated by taxa which reach large and small adult sizes, respectively. These shifts in dominance are interpreted as taphonomic variability within a single trilobite biofacies. Biofacies differentiation is expressed as abrupt changes in relative abundance patterns that are independent of trilobite size. Qualitative general models for size-sorting in tempestites are developed. Size-sorting in graded tempestites produces vertical shifts in relative abundances of taxa that mimic those expected in short-term autogenic ecologic succession. Size-sorting between beds in a single section could lead to an overestimation of the number of biofacies present. Size-sorting between proximal and distal portions of a depth gradient might generate abundance patterns that mimic those expected for 'depth-related communities', even in the complete absence of any underlying ecologic differentiation. The models represent taphonomic null hypotheses which must be rejected prior to making paleoecologic inferences in storm-dominated shelf environments. 0 Taphonomy, tempestites, Trilobita, Upper Cambrian, paleoecology.


Increasing fuel prices and the increasing environmental awareness has led to an increasing importance of truck aerodynamics in the automotive transport sector. At highway speeds the aerodynamic drag of a truck leads to 40% of the total fuel consumption, making aerodynamic improvements an important field of possible fuel consumption reduction. For a typical truck 35% of this drag is generated by the base of the truck due to the large wake area and the turbulent flow behavior behind the truck. Different aerodynamic devices have been developed in the past to reduce this area of turbulence and in this thesis an active systems has been analyzed.


The present paper is intended to study the seasonal effect of the artificial wetlands on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus ingredients in the secondary effluent Acorus gramineus Soland,Phragmites australis and Cyperus alternifolius.While the Phragmites australis and Cyperus alternifolius were artificially buried deep in 0.3 m media in vertical flow wetland and rooted in 0.15 m media in the surface flow wetland,the media were composed of gravel of 1 cm in diameter,the two systems can be built in concrete ponds deep in 0.5 m×3.0 m,whose bottom gradient accounts for 1%.Such artificially constructed wetlands can be used to purify the secondary effluent from a university sewage-treating plant. In proceeding with our research,we have worked out the removal efficiency of the total nitrogen and total phosphorus in different seasons and in a two-day period of the hydraulic residence time.Our experiment results show that the removal efficiency of the total nitrogen and total phosphorus by the vertical flow wetland proves better than that of the surface flow one.The removal efficiencies of the total nitrogen by vertical flow in spring,summer and autumn,winter are 65.6%,86.0% and 47.6%,whereas via surface flow they are only 53.8%,73.4% and 34.0%.While the removal efficiencies of the total phosphorus in three phases by way of vertical flow are 62.3%,86.6% and 41.1%,they are only 47.4%,43.0% and 16.5% by surface flow.According to the seasonal difference of the total phosphorus removal efficiency,the best removing efficiencies take place in summer and autumn,then followed by spring,with the last efficiency followed in winter.In comparison with the surface flow wetland,the removal efficiency of the vertical flow constructed wetland tends to be similar for all the seasons.Its average removal efficiency in winter is only 16.5%.The analysis also shows that the artificially constructed wetland is feasible to treat the secondary effluent and proves to be more satisfactory for water quality control in the landscape lakes or canals.


Sharing economy platforms have contributed to the global economy by opening up previously un-tapped sources of income. However, the on-demand nature of many dominant sharing economy platforms probl...


Introduction. Anomalies of the roots of the lumbar spine are often not diagnosed at the preoperative stage and may cause technical difficulties during performing decompression‑stabilization surgeries of spine.Purpose of the study. To study the clinical features of patients with anomalies of the lumbar roots on the background of de‑ generative diseases of the spine, to develop techniques to protect abnormal nerve roots from damage during TLIF/PLIF.Materials and methods. Performed retrospective analysis of the results of treatment of 9 patients whom were done TLIF/PLIF for degenerative‑dystrophic diseases of the lumbar spine in the period from 2018–2019 was. The distribution of changes detected in the spine was carried out according to the classification of Schizas, Meyerding and Neidre & Macnab.Results. The study group of patients was 0.63 % of all operated patients using the TLIF/PLIF technique (n = 1432). Developmental anomalies of the nerve roots were not identified during routine MRI in all patients. In six patients (66.7 %), radicular pain manifested in two dermatomes; intraoperatively, these patients had conjoint roots (Ia). Three pa‑ tients (33.3 %) had radicular pain in several (>2) dermatomes. The root tension sign (Lasegue sign) was negative in eight (88.9 %) patients. The intensity of the preoperative pain syndrome in the leg averaged 6.44 (VAS), in the back 6.11, and in the postoperative period it decreased to 0.7 and 2.1, respectively.Conclusion. Clinical preoperative markers for the presence of root anomalies can be two‑dermatomal radicular mani‑ festations in the presence of a single‑level process, as well as the absence of a Lasegue sign in severe radiculopathy. Intraoperative detection of anomalies requires a balanced approach to the choice of the method of surgical intervention from the surgeon. To prevent iatrogenic damage of anomaly roots at the stage of surgical treatment, it is necessary to change the preoperative planning strategy in favor of choosing the contralateral side for interbody fusion. In addition, root traction and interbody distraction should be minimal.


Background: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) is an increase in the upper body venous pressure caused by obstruction or stenosis of the Superior Vena Cava (SVC), which causes congestion of the head, face, upper limbs, neck and upper body. The main etiology has been reported to be tumors of the lungs or mediastinum, and aortic aneurysm.


The article reflects the current requirements for the study of «Otorhinolaryngology" against the background of the introduction of the European system of education into the Ukrainian one. In order to optimize the learning process and for the most effective mastering practical skills by students, a constant introduction of qualitatively new methodological support: guidelines, tests, computer technology, training videos, are needed.


Primary Goal: Send important sensor data from payload to SV following an event trigger as quickly as possible with high data integrity


● Climate change and global warming are accelerating crop loss and also the spread of plant diseases ● Bacterial pathogens infections in crop plants are one of the main causes of agricultural yield loss and early detection is crucial to improve plant diseases management ● Using quantitative Raman spectroscopy, an algorithm has been developed to detect and quantify bacterial infection much quicker and earlier than other existing methods ● New method is non-invasive and can be implemented in a portable Raman system to be used on crops in commercial agricultural farms