Backfill is an integral part of an underground mining operation. Its two main purposes are safety of the underground openings, and environmental remediation by use of mill tailings as a construction material underground. Backfill will play a vital role in the process of ore extraction in deep mining, as a solution to rock stability issues. Depending on the mining method used, backfill provides a working surface, stabilises stope and pillar walls, as well as the surrounding rock mass, and controls caving of stope backs. The economic feasibility of many mining techniques depends on the ability to place competent backfill in the underground voids to ensure safe working conditions. Portland cement is primarily used to solidify backfill, which represents a major cost in mining operations. In addition, the manufacturing of cement raises environmental considerations because it produces a considerable amount of CO2 emissions. Therefore the search for additives which allow for a reduction in the required cement content in backfill has been ongoing for decades.
Acti-Gel® is a highly purified magnesium aluminosilicate that acts as a high performance anti-settling agent and rheology modifier used in a wide variety of water-based industrial applications. Previous studies have shown that as an additive in paste backfill, it results in improved strength and flow properties, such as friction loss and segregation. Since additives may perform differently in a hydraulic system with various backfill materials, it is recommended to conduct controlled laboratory testing on the additive with the materials and binder used at each specific mine site. This is done to determine the additive's suitability for use in a given underground mine's backfill operation, in order to ensure the integrity of the flow properties as well as the resulting backfill matrix.
This paper presents the results of a study conducted at the CanmetMINING Sudbury Laboratory to investigate the feasibility of Acti-Gel®, as a cost-effective additive for underground hydraulic backfill applications. The materials and binder used in the study were from two of Vale's Operations in the Sudbury Basin; Coleman Mine and Creighton Mine. The materials were first physically characterised, followed by the preparation of samples to determine optimal dosages of the additive for strength development required for Vale's hydraulic fill compliance. In addition, specialised laboratory pilot studies to determine Acti-Gel®'s effect on flow properties were conducted. It was found that at a low dosage of 0.03 wt%, Acti-Gel® delivered enhanced performance in unconfined compressive strength tests as well as in the pilot-scale flow tests. A significant reduction in binder content could be realised with addition of Acti-Gel® at the Coleman and Creighton Mine operations. The economic benefits of such a binder reduction are also discussed in this paper.


115 Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of metronomic chemotherapy with all-oral combination of low-dose etoposide/capecitabine in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes.

METHODS
From June 2008 to April 2012, 22 women with MBC were enrolled and 16 patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. Treatment consisted of capecitabine (1,400 mg/m2 daily, taken in 2 oral doses) on days 1-14 and oral etoposide ( 30 mg/m2 daily ) on days 1-7 . Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks unless disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred or patient consent was withdrawn. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + SD≥24 weeks); secondary endpoint was toxicity and time to progression (TTP). Tumor response was evaluated by RECIST criteria, and adverse events were evaluated by NCI-CTC AE v3.0.

RESULTS
Sixteen patients were included and received 145 cycles of chemotherapy, with a median of 7 cycles (range, 2-26 cycles). One of the 16 patients had partial response (PR 6.25%), 10 showed stable disease (SD 62.5%) and 5 had progression of disease (PD 31.25%), with a clinical benefit rate of 50% (CR + PR + SD≥24 weeks). Median TTP was 5.0 months (range, 1.5-20 months), and mean TTP was 6.06 months. Adverse effects were mild, and the main adverse effects were leucopenia (13%) and fatigue (13%). All patients are survival till now.

CONCLUSIONS
An all-oral combination of low-dose etoposide plus capecitabine is a new regimen and has showed effective in treating MBC patients and can be well tolerated. It's very economic compared with most other schedules today. It is worthy of further study on a large scale, especially in the developing countries.


Generalized granuloma annulare is a distinctive dermatosis characterized by skin papules distributed in annular and arcuate patterns, one to five cm across with slightly protruding borders, occurring as more than ten examples on at least the trunk and either upper or lower or both extremities. The question of an association between generalized granuloma annulare and other internal diseases has been a matter of debate for many years. We report the second case of generalized granuloma annulare associated with hypothyroidism demonstrating a complete remission of the skin lesions after thyroxine therapy.


Sweetpotato black rot(Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis et Halsted) is one of the major restrictive factors in sweetpotato production,and which has caused serious yield losses and quality decrease in the world,it is very difficult to eradicate this disease.The integrated control systems are the main measures to prevent this disease.It was pointed out that application of the resistant varieties was most economic and effective method approach to control this disease.So studies on black rot of sweetpotato resistant were carried out for many years.Describes the identification,screening and evaluation for resistance to black rot of sweetpotato germplasm,and resistance identified inheritance pattern and the genetic character,and breeding utilization of black rot resistant germplasm in sweetpotato were introduced.The perspectives and advice of study for resistance to black rot in sweetpotato have been prospected in this paper.


This paper is the second of a set of two papers that address the issue of earthquake-induced liquefaction potential. In the present study, a probabilistic approach is taken to analyse field liquefa...


Objective To realize the characteristics of primary airway epithelial cells transfected with Ad-elafin,and to research of the expression of Ad-elafin in these cells.Methods The primary airway epithelial cells was employed in this study, and then was transfected with Ad-elafin.The GFP expression in airway epithelial cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy,the authors have examined the effect of human elafin on the transcription and secretion protein with the light density integral of Northern blot hybridization membrane from cellular RNA and ELISA techniques.Results:The GFP expression was observed in airway epithelial cells transfected with Ad-elafin for 24 hours,and almost 80% cells has been expressed GFP for 96 hours,the concentrations ranging from(2.2±0.4) ng.mL-1 and(8.8±1.7) ng.mL-1resulted in a significant increase in the secreted elafin protein as measured in the cell supernatant,and also the light density integral of Northern blot hybridization membrane ranging from 0.42±0.05 and 0.86±0.09 resulted in a significant increase in the transcription elafin gene as analyzed in cellular mRNA.Moreover the elafin protein secreted and mRNA expressed in a time-dependent manner.Conclusions:The human elafin gene can be expressed and elafin protein can be secreted in the human primary airway epithelial cell with transfecting Ad-elafin.


Lower respiratory infections are the second most common cause of life-years lost globally (1). In developed countries, hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common, is often associated with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation (2), and is associated with appreciable mortality (3). Hospitalizations for CAP cost more than 10 billion annually in Europe (4) and more than $10 billion annually in the United States (3). Pneumonia occurs when components of the innate immune system fail to clear a pathogen from the lower respiratory tract (5). Although local and cytokine-mediated systematic inflammatory responses may help clear bacterial pathogens, they may also cause harm. Local inflammation exacerbates pulmonary dysfunction by impairing alveolar gas exchange; severe systemic inflammation contributes to sepsis and end-organ dysfunction (6). Pneumonia is the most common cause of ARDS (2, 7), an often fatal complication characterized by a dysregulated immune response (8, 9). Systemic adjunctive corticosteroid therapy may attenuate the inflammatory response (10, 11) and, by doing so, reduce the frequency of ARDS, length of illness and hospital stay, and possibly even mortality. However, previous systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials have failed to establish a conclusive benefit (12, 13), and current clinical practice guidelines do not recommend systemic corticosteroid therapy for CAP (14, 15). In light of recently published randomized trials (16, 17), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy for patients hospitalized with CAP. Methods Data Sources and Searches A previous Cochrane review with similar inclusion criteria identified studies up to December 2010 (13). Using the Medical Subject Headings terms "pneumonia" and "corticosteroid", we replicated the search strategy of that review (13) for MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (13) from 1 January 2010 to 24 May 2015. We manually searched the reference lists of included studies and existing systematic reviews as well as all articles citing the included studies on Google Scholar. Study Selection Eligible studies, reported in any language, randomly assigned adults with CAP to oral or intravenous corticosteroid therapy versus placebo or no treatment. We excluded studies of ventilator-associated pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, or Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and studies limited to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eligible studies reported on at least 1 of the following outcomes: duration of hospitalization, time to clinical stability, all-cause mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or development of ARDS. Two teams of 2 reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts in duplicate, obtained full texts of articles that either reviewer considered potentially eligible, and determined eligibility from the full texts. Data Abstraction and Quality Assessment Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. For all phases of the project, reviewers resolved disagreements by discussion and, as necessary, in consultation with a third reviewer. In addition to measures of potential benefit, reviewers extracted data on possible harms, including rehospitalization, hyperglycemia requiring treatment, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms (including delirium, psychosis, and mania). For studies reporting outcomes at more than 1 time point, we abstracted data closest to 30 days from randomization. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the certainty of evidence (also known as quality of evidence or confidence in evidence) for each outcome and for the entire body of evidence (18). Certainty of evidence takes into consideration the study design (in this case, randomized clinical trials); risk of bias, precision, consistency, and directness of the evidence; and the possibility of publication bias. A modified Cochrane instrument (19) provided the structure for assessing the risk of bias of the primary studies. We applied recently published methods to assess the effect of loss to follow-up (20, 21). Publication bias was assessed through visual inspection of funnel plots. We used optimal information size calculations as an objective measure of imprecision for grading evidence, with an of 0.05 and a of 0.80 (22). Data Synthesis and Analysis We used random-effects models for all analyses (MantelHaenszel risk ratios [RRs] for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous variables). We hypothesized that the following would be associated with a larger treatment benefit: publication before 2000, greater pneumonia severity, longer duration of corticosteroid therapy (>3 vs. 3 days), and higher risk of bias. Conversion of nonparametric data to means and SDs was based on recently established methods (23). We conducted sensitivity analyses omitting studies in which means were estimated from medians and omitting 1 study that was stopped early for a large effect (24). We defined severe pneumonia according to commonly used criteria (if available) in the following order of preference: Pneumonia Severity Index score of IV or V (25), CURB-65 (Confusion, Urea nitrogen, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age 65 years or older) score of 2 or greater (26), fulfillment of 1 major or 3 minor criteria from the 2007 consensus guideline from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) (14), a score of 3 or greater using British Thoracic Society criteria (27), fulfillment of 1 major or 2 minor criteria from the ATS 2001 rule (28), and meeting 1 of the ATS 1993 criteria (29). We used authors' classification of severe pneumonia when objective scoring was not available, and we classified individual studies as meeting the criteria for severe illness if at least 70% of patients had severe pneumonia at baseline (when data were available) or if mortality was at least 15% in the control group (when severity at presentation was not reported) (25). Analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.2.7 (Cochrane Collaboration). Heterogeneity was assessed using visual inspection of the results, a test for heterogeneity, and the I 2 statistic (30). We calculated 95% CIs with the HartungKnappSidikJonkman method, which is based on a t distribution (31, 32). To estimate the absolute effects of the intervention on relevant outcomes, we sought large observational studies providing best estimates of these outcomes in the absence of corticosteroid therapy in representative patients with CAP (33). Reliable observational data were available for mortality (34), need for mechanical ventilation (35), admission to an ICU (35), ARDS (36), and rehospitalization (37). When observational data were not available, we used the median absolute effect from the control groups of trials (33, 38). As per GRADE guidelines, we then applied point estimates of relative effects and the associated CIs to estimate the absolute effects of the intervention. Role of the Funding Source This study received no external funding. Results The literature search identified 3281 unique citations plus 3 studies identified from references 39 through 41 and 6 studies included in the previous review (2 of which were ineligible) (13) (Appendix Figure 1). We included a total of 13 randomized, controlled trials (2005 patients), with 9 studies not included in the previous review (Appendix Table 1). Appendix Figure 1. Summary of evidence search and selection. Appendix Table 1. Study Characteristics Study Characteristics Primary studies were conducted mostly in Europe, and only 1 received funding from the pharmaceutical industry (42). Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 784 hospitalized patients, most of whom were men at a median age typically in the early 60s (Appendix Table 1) (3437). Patients received corticosteroid treatmentdexamethasone (43), prednisone (16), prednisolone (42, 44, 45), methylprednisolone (17, 46), or hydrocortisone (24, 3941, 47, 48)ranging from 1 dose (48) to 10 days (24). A placebo was used in the control group in all studies. Follow-up ranged from in-hospital to 60 days from enrollment (Appendix Table 1). Studies often excluded patients at high risk for adverse effects from corticosteroids, including those with gastrointestinal hemorrhage within 3 months (16, 17, 24, 40, 41, 45, 47), those with immunosuppression (16, 17, 24, 4044, 4648), and pregnant women (16, 4043, 47) (Appendix Table 1). Risk-of-Bias Assessment Five of 13 trials enrolling 70.4% of the total sample had low risk of bias (Appendix Table 2). Loss to follow-up was rare: 10 trials had complete follow-up, and only 1 had attrition greater than 5% (39) (Appendix Tables 3, 4 and 5). Worst plausible assumptions about the outcomes of patients lost to follow-up did not materially change the results. Appendix Table 2. Quality Assessment: Low Versus High Risk of Bias Appendix Table 3. Mortality Data Appendix Table 4. Outcome Data Appendix Table 5. Safety Data We were not able to detect publication bias for any analysis; however, only 1 outcome (all-cause mortality) was addressed in 10 or more studies and was thus evaluable using funnel plots (Appendix Figure 2). Appendix Figure 2. All-cause mortality associated with corticosteroids in community-acquired pneumonia. RR = risk ratio. Outcomes All-Cause Mortality In 12 trials that addressed all-cause mortality, 79 of 997 (7.9%) patients died in the control groups compared with 52 of 977 (5.3%) in the corticosteroid groups (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.01]; I 2= 6%; moderate certainty) (Figure 1 and Appendix Figure 3). The subgroup analyses suggested that the effect varied according to severity of CAP. An apparent mortality benefit was observed in trials th


Equality, imposed by the discourse of law, together with an obligation in the origin of saying, turns the sense homogeneous and ignores the inequality within social formations, excluding subjects with low literacy degree. This practice is observed in this article from the perspectives of Discourse Analysis, Literacy and Psychoanalysis of the theories, so that the paradox of coexistence of equality in inequality in the constitution of the subject may be considered.


Schizophrenia is a common mental disorder with a complex polygenic mode of inheritance. Ongoing advances in molecular genetic technology and biostatistics analysis are now making progress in mapping the susceptibility genes of schizophrenia. We present an overview of current progress in the genetic susceptibility of schizophrenia: (1) The traditional strategy and approaches for studying the molecular genetics of schizophrenia. (2) The linkage studies by genome-wide scan (3) The association studies of candidate genes, identified on the basis of three hypotheses of schizophrenia pathogenesis. (4) New strategy for seeking the susceptible gene related to schizophrenia by the novel multi-loci based analysis methods.


As the demand for mobile data traffic increases and cellular network capacity is reaching its theoretical limit, using the unlicensed spectrum is deemed unavoidable. The deployment of the unlicensed spectrum can be a beneficiary solution to increase the capacity of the network and to reduce the cost of the licensed bands that is required. However, the extension of a cellular network, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), over the unlicensed spectrum also entails the requirement of a reliable coexistence between other technologies that freely access the unlicensed bands and mainly Wi-Fi. To enable the equal sharing between the so called License Assisted Access (LAA) - LTE and Wi-Fi a number of mechanisms has been introduced by the regulations imposed by standardization organizations such as 3GPP. The process followed by these mechanisms mainly focuses on the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. However, link adaptation is another key factor that can enable high spectral efficiency, reduce the detrimental effect of non-synchronous communications, and increase the overall performance. To this end, in this paper we investigate the contribution of link adaptation in case of LAA-LTE and Wi-Fi coexistence. In particular, we propose a number of enhancements in Wi-Fi link adaptation to increase its adaptability both in terms of changing channel conditions and in terms of LAA-LTE coexistence. Our results show that LAA-LTE can equally and fairly share the channel with Wi-Fi and that the proposed improvements can significantly increase the Wi-Fi performance whether operating alone or coexisting with LAA-LTE. Finally, a detailed description of the fundamental differences in link adaptation between the two technologies is described shedding light to the performance difference noticed.


During the late Qing Dynasty, supplements of Chinese newspapers outside China often carried stories and novels in Chinese, especially those ones in classical Chinese, which is of great literary value that cannot be overlooked for studying Chinese fiction and its history. This paper purports to prove this viewpoint by introducing some stories and novels carried in the newspaper Singapore.


ABSTRACT. Despite the recent addition of more than ten new antiepileptic drugs on the market, epilepsy remains poorly controlled in almost 30% of patients. For this subgroup of patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a viable option. More recently, it has also shown promise in treatment-resistant depression. This article discusses VNS's history, current applications, and potential to treat chronic neurologic and psychiatric disorders.


with diaminodiphenylsulfone. Cutis 1974; 13: 869–871. 3 Predivelle J, Logan R, Russell-Jones R. A comparison of dapsone with 13-cis-retinoic acid in the treatment of nodular cystic acne. Clin Exper Dermatol 1988; 13: 67–71. 4 Prussick R, Shear NH. Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 35: 346–349. 5 Kenneth EG. Dapsone and sulfapyridine. Systemic drugs for skin diseases. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1991: 247–264.


The microwave properties of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3-Ba(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics were investigated. Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 has a low sintering temperature. However, the Q value is too low for application requirements at microwave frequencies. A new composition, Ba(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3, which shows a positive temperature coefficient of resonant frequency was used as a compensator to improve the dielectric properties of the complex perovskite-type ceramic. Both sintering and crystallization of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3-Ba(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 were accelerated compared to those of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 alone. The Q value at microwave frequencies was also improved. The dielectric ceramics with Ba(Co, Ni)1/3Nb2/3O3 system were found to be fired at a low temperature below 1400° C and to have a low temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf and high Q value. Dielectric properties of the ceramic resonator made of Ba(Co0.6Ni0.4)1/3Nb2/3O3 are a dielectric constant of 31, Q value of 10000 at 9 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf of -4 ppm/° C.


TUNIS (Toronto UNIversity System) is a portable operating system that is compatible with Version 7 of UNIX (a Western Electric trademark). In general a program that executes under the UNIX "kernel" can as well run under TUNIS. The format of TUNIS files is the same as that of UNIX, so TUNIS and UNIX should be transparently interchangeable (except for minor caveats).


Beans are an important food in the world and are present on the tables of Brazilians almost daily. The harvest of these grains occurs seasonally during the year, and hence, steps after harvesting are essential to maintain product demand. However, the drying and storage conditions may alter the characteristics of the beans, reducing their economic value and their acceptability to consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of storage time on the chemical, technological and enzymatic parameters of black beans dried at three temperatures (30, 45 and 60 °C) and stored for 225 days in conventional woven polypropylene bags. The results show that the increase in storage time leads to a lower protein solubility, and a decreased content of tannins, lipids and proteins; and an increased cooking time, fat acidity, and the enzymatic activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. These parameters are important in the quality control of beans for consumption and as a raw material for the food industry. The quantity of broken grains and the grain roughness index are only influenced by the drying temperature regardless of the storage time of 225 days.


SPECT system with a co-registered x-ray CT image allows the fusion of functional information and morphologic information. In this study, a pinhole collimator SPECT system sharing a CdTe detector with a CT was designed. Geant4 application for tomographic emission (GATE) v.6 was used for the design simulation. Sensitivity and spatial resolution were measured to evaluate the system characteristics on an ideal condition. A pinhole collimator was designed to obtain high spatial resolution and better sensitivity. The diameter of the collimator was 0.5 mm, and the distance from the center of the field of view (CFOV) was set to 25 mm. The source to detector distance was set to 69 mm. The acquisition time of each projection was 40 seconds, and 60 projections were obtained for tomographic image acquisition. The reconstruction was performed using ordered subset expectation maximization (OS-EM) algorithms. The total system sensitivity was measured in cps/kBq, and the spatial resolution was defined by the full width at half maximum (FWHM) from the point spread function (PSF) of the point source image. Modulation transfer function (MTF) was also measured from the PSF. The spatial resolution of the system calculated from the FWHM of Gaussian fitted PSF curve was 0.48 mm, and the sensitivity of the system measured 0.354 cps/kBq from a Tc-99m point source. A phantom study was performed to verify the dual modality system design. The system will be built as designed, and it can be applied for the pre-clinical imaging system.


BACKGROUND: Several groups have suggested a potential causative role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the development of high-grade gliomas (HGG), while others have not found any evidence of CMV in these cancers. We used 3 different molecular technologies to assay for the presence of CMV DNA, mRNA and protein in tumor tissue and blood samples of patients with HGG. METHODS: Part A: Fresh-frozen tissues from 27 glioblastomas (GBM) were analyzed for CMV by real-time PCR of US17. Part B: Prospective study of patients with newly-diagnosed HGG (grades III or IV) who underwent standard chemoradiation. Plasma and serum were collected at baseline, and plasma at follow-up visits. FFPE tumor tissue was analyzed for CMV proteins by genetically validated immunohistochemistry (IHC), in-situ hybridization assays targeting 1E1/2 and pp65, and by real-time PCR for US17 (tissue and plasma). RESULTS: Part A: CMV was detected in 0/27 fresh-frozen GBM tissue samples using real-time PCR. Part B: Eighteen patients with HGG (12 grade IV, 6 grade III) were enrolled. CMV tissue testing was negative in all samples by both probes for in-situ hybridization, both antibodies for IHC (n = 11 available samples), and CMV US17 real-time PCR (PCR successful in 8/14 samples). Serum CMV IgG avidity index was positive (0.55-0.82) in 8/15 cases, consistent with rates in the general population. CMV was detected in baseline plasma samples of 3/16 patients and in 1 single follow-up sample. All other plasma samples were negative for CMV (n = 34). CONCLUSION: CMV was not detected in any HGG tissue. Half of the patients with HGG did not have an exposure to CMV prior to their diagnosis, and viremia was rare at presentation and follow-up. An independent, unbiased investigation of CMV positivity rates using a central reference laboratory with standardized tissue samples and controls is warranted before further consideration of CMV-targeted therapy in HGG.


Many estuaries in the world are ungauged. The International Association of Hydrological Sciences completed its science decade on Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB) in 2012 (Hrachowitz et al., ). Prediction on the basis of limited data is a challenge in hydrology, but not less so in estuaries, where data on fundamental processes are often lacking. In this paper, relatively simple, but science‐based, methods are presented that allow researchers, engineers, and water managers to obtain first‐order estimates of essential process parameters in estuaries, such as the estuary depth, the tidal amplitude, the tidal excursion, the phase lag, and the salt water intrusion, on the basis of readily obtainable information, such as topographical maps and tidal tables. These apparently simple relationships are assumed to result from the capacity of freely erodible water bodies to adjust themselves to external drivers and to dissipate the free energy from these drivers as efficiently as possible. Thus, it is assumed that these systems operate close to their thermodynamic limit, resulting in predictable patterns that can be described by relatively simple equations. Although still much has to be done to develop an overall physics‐based theory, this does not prevent us from making use of the empirical "laws" that we observe in alluvial estuaries.


AT TWO recent advanced liposuction seminars (AAD 2001 and 2002), the experienced panels of dermatologic surgeons were asked if they routinely take patients off oral contraceptives (OCP) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prior to liposuction. The unanimous answer was no, assuming a negative family history for thromboembolic events and no extenuating circumstances such as prior deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This question was later repeated to 50 dermatologic surgeons attending a session called "Pearls and Pitfalls of Tumescent Liposuction." (AAD 2001) Most (85%) did not routinely stop OCP's or HRT prior to tumescent liposuction. Neither the panelists nor the attendees utilize general anesthesia and all respondents perform tumescent liposuction according to AAD and ASDS guidelines. The standard of care among our dermatologic colleagues then is to allow the patient to continue estrogen therapy prior to tumescent liposuction. This issue elicits three questions: 1) Do our patients undergoing tumescent liposuction ever experience venous thromboembolism in the perioperative period? 2) What is the risk of thromboembolism for women on low-dose oral contraceptives or HRT in general? 3) Is this risk increased in the perioperative period of tumescent liposuction? In examining the first issue, several studies have documented the safety of tumescent liposuction, including three large retrospective surveys of dermatologic surgeons revealing no deaths. 1–3 No deaths have been reported to the ASDS clearinghouse on liposuction fatalities from 1995 through February 2000. 4 The largest and most recent survey is a retrospective study of 63,490 cases performed by dermatologic surgeons over a six year period. 3 In this survey, there was one report of DVT and four reports of pulmonary embolus. It is highly probable that these cases of pulmonary embolus developed from an occult DVT of the lower extremity since the majority of cases of pulmonary embolus develop from a deep venous thrombosis. 5 In the earlier surveys of 9448 and 15,336 patients, respectively, there were no cases of pulmonary embolus or DVT reported. 1,2 Kaminer, in a recent tumescent liposuction council bulletin, commented that he was aware of 4 cases of liposuction deaths by dermatologists over the last 18 years. 6 Two were from inhalation or intravenous anesthesia, one from bupivocaine toxicity and one from a pulmonary embolus. So it appears that rarely, cases of deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolus do occur, with the potential for very serious sequelae. It is incumbent upon dermatologic surgeons to minimize risk to the patient whenever possible and to maintain the safety of our cosmetic procedures. What is the general risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women on oral contraceptives or on hormone replacement therapy? The highest rate of VTE occurs with the use of higher levels of estrogen. 7–9


Objective To prepare and observe the character of 5-fluorouracil-loaded polyactic acid nanoparticles [PLA(5-Fu)-NP],and to study the inhibitive effect in lens epithelial cell proliferation in vitro.Methods PLA(5-Fu)-NP were prepared by a double emulsion technique,and the particles were characterized for size,modality,encapsulation efficiency,and in vitro release.The third passage lens epithelial cells were divided into four groups:PLA(5-Fu)-NP、original 5-Fu、blank nanoparticles and control.Four doses of 5-Fu were tested:0.5 mg·L -1、2.5 mg·L -1、12.5 mg·L -1、62.5 mg·L -1.After 24 h、72 h、120 h、168 h,the cells growth conditions were observed with light microscope and evaluated by MTT colorimetry.Results PLA(5-Fu)-NP had an average diameter of about (191.000±0.202) nm and a drug loading of 8.1%.After a fast release (about 383%) during the first day,a more gradual drug release was sustained about 20 days.Both PLA(5-Fu)-NP and original 5-Fu could inhi- bit the proliferation of lens epithelial cells in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.The inhibitive effect of PLA(5-Fu)-NP was more effective than original 5-Fu after a period of time.Blank nanoparticles had no cytotoxicity on lens epithelial cells.Conclusion PLA(5-Fu)-NP can be proposed as a potential controlled and targeted ophthalmic delivery system for the treatment of posterior capsular opacification.


The objective of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of the barrel assembly-recoil mechanism of military cannons when using air springs and hydraulic dampers of nonlinear characteristics in their recoil mechanisms. The nonlinear characteristics of the damper and spring and the recoil mechanism orientation introduce extra nonlinearity to the dynamic model of the system. An extremely nonlinear model of the barrel assembly is derived and solved using Runge-Kutta 4 method to provide the dynamic response of the barrel assembly upon firing. The simulation results using the data of a Howitzer M114 cannon are presented for recoil mechanism orientation ≤ 50 degrees and number of recoil elements up to 4. The performance of the recoil mechanism is evaluated through the minimum and maximum displacements of the barrel assembly, the settling time of its response upon firing and the steady-state error of its time response. The analysis shows that the it is possible with the suggested recoil elements to obtain barrel assembly response similar to that of a critically damped second-order system. It is possible with proper selection of the recoil assembly parameters to decrease the maximum barrel displacement to only 14 mm without undershoot and the settling time to about 2 seconds with steady-state error as small as about 1 mm .


This review covers U.S. industry statistics, exploration, minemill developments, market, embargo situation, demand, and supply. International aspects, particularly in Australia, Canada, France, and South Africa, are reviewed as well as U.S. (9 tables) (DLC)


Conventional wide-area video surveillance systems use a network of fixed cameras positioned close to locations of interest. We describe an alternative and flexible approach to wide area surveillance based on observation streams collected from mobile cameras mounted on buses. We allow a "virtual observer" to be placed anywhere within the space covered by the sensor network, and reconstruct the scene at these arbitrary points. Use of such imagery is challenging because mobile cameras have variable position and orientation, and sample a large spatial area but at low temporal resolution. Additionally, the views of any particular place are distributed across many different video streams. Addressing this problem, we present a system in which views from an arbitrary perspective can be constructed by indexing, organising, and transforming images collected from multiple streams acquired from a network of mobile cameras. Our system supports retrieval of raw images based on constraints of space, time, and geometry (eg. visibility of landmarks). It also allows the synthesis of wide-angle panoramic views in situations where the camera motion produces suitable sampling of the scene and metaphors for query and presentation that overcome the complexity of the data.


Objective To characterize the katG and inhA genetic variations in multi drug resistant isolates of M. tuberculosis. Methods The amplicons were cloned and sequenced by ABI 377 automatic sequencing system. Results All isolates of M. tuberculosis with MIC for INH ≥1 μg/ml had point mutations and insertion in katG gene. Fourteen of 15 isolates (86.7%) had 463 codon (Arg→Leu) and 315 (Ser→Asn/Thr) mutations. Nine of 13 mutation positions were not reported previously. All 18 isolates with MIC≥1 μg/ml had one or more variations in inhA. The variations consisted of one or more base pairs deletions or point mutation. Each strain had its unique mutation. Seven of 10 isolates had both katG and inhA mutations. Conclusion Genetic variants of M. tuberculosis are significantly different from those of foreign strains.


Influence analysis has been the subject of intense investigation, particularly since the emergence of online social networks. While early studies have focused on identifying global influencers, recently the attention has been enlarged to consider influence from the most diverse perspectives; e.g., topic-based influence propagation has been extensively analyzed and several important results have been obtained. A perspective that has not received sufficient attention is the study of personalized influence analysis; personalized here means the capability of influencing a specific user. Guo et al. have identified this as an important problem, noting that other kinds of influencers (such as the global ones) are not necessarily good individual influencers. The goal of this paper is to fill this gap by proposing a mechanism to identify personalized influencers. Unlike prior studies that heavily rely on topic similarities, we incorporate interaction histories, referred as exposure conformity, in learning influence propagation probabilities. We propose a random-walk algorithm to tackle the problem. We have empirically validated the effectiveness of our algorithm by comparing it against several widely-used baseline techniques. Finally, our findings contribute additional insights in support of the need for personalized influence analysis. Our findings also show interesting properties with respect to influence depending on the position of the individuals we are personalizing on.


The classification of any group of organisms passes through three overlapping yet more or less distinct phases that are commonly referred to as alpha, beta, and gamma taxonomy. In the first or "alpha taxonomy" phase, emphasis is on finding and describing species and provisionally arranging them in comprehensive genera. Typical publications of this phase are descriptions of new species and catalogs of nominal species. In the second or "beta taxonomy" phase, emphasis is on arranging the species in a good natural classification. Typical publications of this phase are revisions and monographs. In the third or "gamma taxonomy" phase, emphasis is on interpreting the diversity within a group. Typical publications of this phase are, for example, genetic or ecological studies that attempt to explain intraand interspecific variations.


We present a comparison between lens cavity filters and atomic line filters, discussing their relative merits for applications in quantum optics. We describe the design, characterization, and stabilization procedure of a lens cavity filter, which consists of a high-reflection coated commercially available plano-convex lens, and compare it to an ultra-narrow atomic band-pass filter utilizing the D2 absorption line in atomic rubidium vapor. We find that the cavity filter peak transmission frequency and bandwidth can be chosen arbitrarily but the transmission frequency is subject to thermal drift and the cavity needs stabilization to better than a few mK, while the atomic filter is intrinsically stable and tied to an atomic resonance frequency such that it can be used in a non-laboratory environment.


The invention discloses a sintering machine, a sintering pallet and a side sealing device. The sintering machine comprises a main frame, a discharge mechanism, a crusher and a mineral aggregate conveyer, wherein the main frame is provided with a sintering bin, a distribution mechanism, an ignition furnace, a heat insulation furnace, an air box, a rail, a mounting rack, a windshield wall, an ash bucket, an ash clearing valve and a pusher; the main frame is positioned above the air box and provided with the sintering pallet; the sintering pallet is supported on the rail through pallet wheels; the sintering pallet comprises a pallet body and pallet breast boards, wherein a heat insulation piece and a grate positioned above the heat insulation piece are arranged in the pallet body; the palletbreast boards are arranged at two sides of the pallet body; and a sealing plate is fixed at the bottom of the pallet body through a sealing plate mounting member, and the inner lateral surface of thesealing plate is in contact with the outer lateral surface of the windshield wall at the top of the air box. The sealing plate is fixed on the sintering pallet, so that only the sealing plate on eachsintering pallet is examined and maintained, halting maintenance is not needed, and equipment operation and maintenance costs are reduced.


The corrosion behavior of an austenitic stainless steel (UNS S30400) has been characterized in a 10,000 hour test conducted in hydrogenated, ammoniated water at 260°C. The corrosion kinetics were observed to follow a parabolic rate dependency, the parabolic rate constant being determined by chemical descaling to be 1.16 mg dm-* hr-lh. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in combination with argon ion milling and target factor analysis, was appIied to provide an independent estimate of the rate constant that agreed with the gravimetric result. Based on the distribution of the three oxidized alloying constituents (Fe, Cr, Ni) with respect to depth and elemental state, it was found that: (a) corrosion occurs in a non-selective manner, and (b) the corrosion film consists of two spinel oxide layers - a ferrite-based outer layer ~io.zFeo.s)(Feo.ssCro.o5)204 on top of a chromite-based inner layer (Nio.zFeo.p)(Cro.7Fe~.~)~O4. These compositions agree closely with the solvi phases created by immiscibility in the Fe304-FeCr204 binary, implying that immiscibility plays an important role in the phase separation process.


Pharmacological activities in vivo of the Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. lyophilized leaf juice (Sv-SL) were studied. Oral administration of 0.5 to 2 g/kg of Sv-SL to rats and mice induced ptosis, reduced spontaneous motility and dyspnoea despite that the LD50 value was found to be 11.30 (10.04 «12.71) g/kg. Treatment in mice with Sv-SL (1 and 2 g/kg) did not alter the latency and increased sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Antinociceptive activity of Sv-SL was evaluated by nociception assays of acetic-induced writhing and by formalin tests. Antiinflammatory activities were evaluated by tests of croton oil or carrageenin induced edemas, in ear and paw of mice, respectively. Sv-SL (1 and 2 g/kg) caused a dose-related reduction of writhing responses. At the same dose, Sv-SL caused: a) inhibition of 91 and 89%, respectively in the formalin test (2nd phase); b) reduction of 58 and 61%, respectively in ear edema induced by croton oil and c) decrease of 24 and 31%, respectively in paw edema induced by carrageenin. Thus, S.virgata was able to decrease the reaction to pain stimuli and to inhibit the inflammatory edema. KEY WORDS: Sesbania virgata, toxicity, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory activities.


A three-phase grid-connected inverter with high efficiency soft switching is proposed,which uses only one auxiliary switch and can realize zero voltage switching(ZVS) operation for all switching devices,as well as can suppress the anti-parallel diode reverse recovery voltage.Space vector modulation(SVM) strategy can be adopted for this inverter with the main and auxiliary switching devices operating at the fixed and same switching frequency.The soft switching process of this inverter is analyzed,and the design procedure for resonance parameters is described.A 20 kW prototype is built to verify the theory,and efficiency of the inverter with full load can attain to 98%.


Nowadays, microrobots are considered appealing mobile carriers for clinical therapies. In this sense, high expectations against unmet medical challenges have been created around microswimmers that combine autonomous navigation with enhanced abilities to perform specific tasks. Neurodegenerative disorders are incurable diseases that have a huge impact on the quality of life for millions of people. To date, protein disaggregation (i.e., dissociation of mature protein fibrils on the origin of the given illness) has been discussed as targeted therapy by means of nonautonomous nanoparticles. Here, self‐propelled light‐driven single‐component micromotors based on concave BiVO4 microspheres are used to disaggregate protein fibrils. Efficient disaggregation is proved to be promoted by the micromotors' intrinsic on‐the‐fly generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the helical trajectories observed for these single‐component micromotors are thought to be probably behind the uniform distribution of ROS, leading to enhanced protein dissociation. This conceptually promising application of light‐driven micromotors with efficient photocatalytic ROS production and distribution can be extended to alternative ROS‐based photodynamic therapies against lung or skin cancer, among others.


Abstract Kadam is a fast growing tree species in Bangladesh. The main aim of this study is to observe the influence of tree age of kadam on chemical pulping. In this research 8, 18 and 30 years old kadam wood were pulped under different active alkali of 16, 18 and 19 % maintaining 25 % sulphidity and its effect on chemical composition, kappa number, pulp yield and delignification was investigated. The result shows that the content of extractive, lignin, alpha-cellulose and hemicellulose increase to different content along with the increase of tree age. There are also some differences of pulping properties with different tree age. Pulp yield of 8 years old kadam is higher than other ages of kadam trees. The hand sheets were made and the physical strength properties likely tear, tensile and burst were evaluated at two freeness level. The pulps produced from 8 year kadam tree obsessed reasonable strength properties. These could be used for producing moderate quality writing, printing and wrapping papers. Pulp wood of 8 years kadam is more suitable for pulping, compared to that 18 and 30 years.


The invention provides a web page classification method and web page classification equipment. The web page classification method comprises the following steps of: acquiring a web page address of a web page to be classified; querying a previously acquired address information classification library according to the web page address of the web page to be classified, wherein an address prefix, an address postfix and/or a sub-path of the known web page address and mapping relation with web page categories are stored in the address information classification library; if learning that the address prefix, the address postfix and/or the sub-path matched with the web page address of the web page to be classified exist through query, determining the web page category corresponding to the matched address prefix, address postfix and/or sub-path to be the category of the web pages to be classified.


Reported is an experimental demonstration of the mid-infrared extension of supercontinuum in a 1.9 μm suspended core chalcogenide fibre, the zero dispersion wavelength of which is shifted to 1.9 μm, i.e. into the transparency window of standard silica fibres. Based on the well-known long-pulse regime of supercontinuum generation in silica fibre, a low-cost optical quasi-CW source at 1.53 μm has been converted and shifted into a large number of interacting femtosecond solitons localised up to 2.1 μm. This optical source, called a soliton gas, allows the pumping of a 50 cm long chalcogenide microstructured fibre near its zero dispersion wavelength, thus leading to an efficient extension of a mid-infrared supercontinuum beyond 2.4 μm.


Abstract This study aims at investigating the role of customer relationship management systems (CRMS) on Jordanian telecommunication companies' performance. The study develops conceptual model that links CRMs with performance in Jordanian telecommunication companies. A self-administrated questionnaire has been designed as data collection instrument. Using the convenient sample, 300 questionnaires were distributed to customer service employees in Jordanian telecommunication companies. After editing, only 140 questionnaires were valid for analysis. The quantitative method has been adopted in the study such as descriptive analysis, regression models, and hypothesis testing methods. The findings show that there is a significant effect of CRMS dimensions on Jordanian telecommunication companies' performance. Moreover, each CRMs dimension (system quality information quality, system usage, and user satisfaction) has a significant effect on Jordanian telecommunication companies' performance. Based on the study model, the study provides practical lessons in applying CRMS to improve organizational performance in telecommunication companies.


The dynamic response of reinforced concrete pavement,due to a moving load on the surface of the pavement,is investigated using the Fourier series and Fourier transformation technique.The pavement rested on Winkler viscoelastic foundation is treated as laminated slab with a width of B and infinite value in length.The dynamic response solutions of the pavement under a moving load are derived,and the integral.Numerical results are obtained using the inverse Fourier transformation.The results are consequently used to analyze the influence of load velocity on the displacement and bending moment.


Range-gated laser imaging technology as a way of underwater detection featuring long detecting distance has a very wide range of applications in underwater exploration, reconnaissance, rescue and other fields. Digital image enhancement algorithm has been proved to have a significant effect to further improve the image quality of underwater range-gated laser imaging system. Based on lab's previous research on underwater range-gated laser imaging technology, we realize the local non-linear enhancement algorithm on FPGA hardware platform, which obtained real-time underwater laser range-gated imaging enhancement. Experiments were carried out in 18m long pipes full of water to compare and analyze several enhancement algorithms together. The results showed that the local non-linear enhancement algorithm in the paper significantly improved image quality compared to the conventional methods.


ABSTRACT Nowadays, the electric power networks comprise diverse renewable energy resources, with the rapid development of technologies. In this scenario, the optimal Economic Dispatch is required by the power system due to the increment of power generation cost and ever growing demand of electrical energy. Thus, the reduction of power generation cost in terms of fuel cost and emission cost has become one of the main challenges in the power system. Accordingly, this article proposes the Grey Wolf Optimization-Extended Searching (GWO-ES) algorithm to provide the excellent solution for the problems regarding Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch (CEED). It validates the robustness of the proposed algorithm in seven Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) test bus systems, which combines the wind turbine along with the thermal power plant. Furthermore, it compares the performance of the proposed GWO-ES algorithm with conventional algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolution (DE), and GWO. Next, the article emulates a valuable convergence analysis and justification for the quality of CEED through the GWO-ES algorithm. Finally, the result was compared to four other conventional algorithms to assure the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in terms of fuel cost and emission cost reduction.


Web personalization systems are designed to improve user experiences by offering tailor-made services like web recommendations, adaptive web sites, web-enabled learning platforms, personalized web search etc. based on user interests and preferences recorded at log files of web, proxy servers or browsers. Personalization has varied applications through fittest solution meeting the model complexity and prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose a framework to discover meaningful user browsing pattern on the web and convert the identified pattern into knowledge involving the web site being analyzed. Supervised machine learning techniques are used for discovering patterns of potential interests. Both single-valued, Bayesian inference & two-valued representations (belief & disbelief pair) Dempster-Shafer is proposed for inference and comparative precision identification. Proposed model thus addresses identification of browsing pattern that are known or expected in prior as well new pattern formation. Also, pattern analysis technique aims at identifying comparative performance of two approaches of pattern analysis.


The purpose of this study was to determine
the actual direction of littoral transport along the north shore of Santa
Rosa Island in the vicinity of Pensacola Beach, Florida. To accomplish this
objective the sand tracer method was used for the study. Visual observations
and instrument recordings of the environment factors were also made during
the tracing operations. The investigation covered a time span from September
14, 1976 to March 12, 1977.
(PDF contains 68 pages.)


Abstract The concepts of value-in-use and value-in-exchange have provided the theoretical foundation for scholarly thought since antiquity. The latter has exerted particular influence in economic and business thought since the time of Adam Smith. However, several value-related research streams have, more recently, drawn attention to the contextual and experiential nature of value creation and determination, shifting primary attention to the importance of value-in-use. The convergence of these streams can be seen in the transcending conceptual framework of service-dominant (S-D) logic and its service-ecosystem perspective. Despite its origination in marketing, S-D logic increasingly represents an interdisciplinary endeavour. This commentary elaborates S-D logic's conceptualization of value—'a change in the viability of a system'—by capturing the nature of value through four propositions: (1) value is phenomenological, (2) value is always co-created, (3) value is multidimensional and (4) value is emergent. It also provides some specific suggestions for how future scholarly work can contribute to the further refinement of the understanding of value.


Work life balance becoming an area of growing concern in the Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services sector (ITeS). The present paper provides a greater understanding of the work-life balance of women employees in IT and ITeS industries. An experiential survey of 80 IT employees and 80 ITeS employees was carried out. Both the sub-sectors were evaluated on five sub-scales- workload and responsibility, work environment, feelings about work, family dependents and absence from work. The sector wise regression analysis demonstrated that feelings about work, family dependents and absence from work are strong contributors to a sense of balance for an employee. However, no significant relationship has been obtained between work environment and work-life


Objectives: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of web-based mindfulness training for carers of people with 8 spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Randomized controlled feasibility study with three-month follow-up. 10 Setting: Community setting. 11 Participants: S pouses/family caregivers of people with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain were recruited via the 12 direct care team and advertisements. Participants were aged over 18 years (no upper age limit), with internet 13 access for the duration of the study. Participants were randomly allocated to an eight-week online mindfulness 14 training intervention ( N =28), or to receive eight weeks of psychoeducational materials on SCI and chronic pain 15 ( N =27). 16 Interventions: An established web-based, mindfulness training course was delivered over eight weeks. 17 Participants completed ten minute mindfulness practices, twice per day, six days per week, totaling 960 minutes. 18 The control group received a weekly email with psychoeducational materials (based on the established elements) 19 on SCI and pain, for eight weeks. 20 Main Outcome Measure: Depression severity. 21 Results: Mindfulness reduced depression severity more than psychoeducation at T2 (mean difference = -.891, 22 95% CI [-1.48, -.30]) and T3 (mean difference = -1.96, 95% CI [-2.94, -.97]). Mindfulness training also reduced 23 anxiety at T2 (mean difference = -.888, 95% CI [-1.40, -.38]) and T3 (mean difference = -2.44, 95% CI [-3.20, - 24 1.69]). 25 Conclusions: Results indicate that internet-delivered mindfulness training offers unique benefits, and is viable 26 for caregivers of people with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain. Further work should explore the feasibility of 27 combined education and mindfulness training incorporating both patient and caregiver, for optimum benefit.


Weapon project planning (WPP) plays a critical role in the process of national defense development and establishment of the future national defense force. WPP faces the backgrounds of various uncertainties, intense inter-influence of weapon systems and involves modelling, assessment, and optimization procedures. The contents of this paper are mainly divided into three parts: first, the WPP processes are analyzed, and related elements are formulated to transform the qualitative problem to mathematics form; second, the value evaluation model of WPP solutions is proposed based on two criteria of total capability gap and total capability dispersion; third, two robustness optimization models are constructed based on the absolute robustness criterion and the robustness deviation criterion to support the robustness optimization process under multi-scenario. Finally, a case is studied to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed models and approaches.


The primary objective of this study was to determine water use efficiency (WUE) and pepper yield under differ-ent irrigation and fertilization regimes. For this purpose, a three-year field experiment was conducted with pepper, grown in a plastic house in the Skopje region. Four experimental treatments were applied in this study. Three of the treatments were drip fertigated (DF1, DF2, DF3), while the last one was furrow irrigated with conventional application of fertilizer (ØB). The results obtained clearly showed that treatments DF1, DF2, and DF3 resulted in significantly higher marketable and dry pepper yield in comparison to treatment ØB. Also, drip fertigation frequency at four and two days (DF2 and DF1) resulted in 9.6 % to 13.6 % higher marketable and 17.6 % to 20.1 % dry pepper yield when compared with drip fertigation scheduled by tensiometers (DF3). Also, our results indicate that drip fertigation is an effective prac-tice in achieving significantly higher WUE. Namely, WUE was 2.50, 2.47, 1.99 and 1.54 kg/m3 for the treatments DF1, DF2, DF3 and ØB, respectively.


The disruption of ordinary life by a deadly pandemic, an outrageous display of police violence, and a tumbling economy have left Americans isolated, frozen, and terrified. For many, the television screen has become the only contact with the outside world and the only source of entertainment. In recent years, cable television networks have drawn our attention by deep content and expert presentation. At this time, two cable series have debuted that are novel and far from our usual preferences for content. The two series are The Plot Against America and Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. The plots of the two series are notably similar in time period and focus on subcultural groups. The possible reasons for their timeliness and for their relevance to today's issues are explored.


One of the ways to use graphene in field effect transistors is to introduce a band gap by quantum confinement effect [1]. That is why narrow graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with width less than 50nm are considered to be essential components in future graphene electronics. The growth of graphene on sidewalls of SiC(0001) mesa structures using scalable photolithography was shown to produce high quality GNR with excellent transport properties [2-7]. Such epitaxial graphene nanoribbons are very important in fundamental science but if GNR are supposed to be used in advanced nanoelectronics, high quality thin (<50nm) nanoribbons should be produced on a large (wafer) scale. Here we present a technique for scalable template growth of high quality GNR on Si-face of SiC(0001) and provide detailed structural information along with transport properties. We succeeded to grow GNR along both [1-100] and [11-20] crystallographic directions. The quality of the grown nanoribbons was confirmed by comprehensive characterization with high resolution STM, dark field LEEM and transport measurements.


A phenomenological, imaginary potential is incorporated into resonating-group calculations for the $p+\ensuremath{\alpha}$ system. The introduction of this potential allows, at energies above the reaction threshold of 18.35 MeV (c.m.), a more detailed comparison with experiment than was possible with previous resonating-group calculations. The calculations are compared with elastic scattering differential-cross-section data, polarization data, and spin-rotation-parameter data which exist between 23 and 75 MeV (c.m.). From this comparison it is concluded that a Majorana component whose strength varies with energy is very likely present in the imaginary potential.


The present study was performed with the purpose of exploring views of middle school students about the effective teacher characteristics. For this purpose, qualitative research method was used. The study included 27 middle school students enrolled at different middle schools in Ankara, Turkey. In the study, content analysis method was utilized. According to analysis results, three major themes named "Professional Qualifications," "Professional Values," and "Human Values" were identified depending on middle school students' views. The findings were interpreted in the light of relevant literature.


In this paper,the element-free method(EFM) is used to study the large deflection analysis of thin plates.The corresponding geometric stiffness matrix is derived,using the moving least-square method and variation principle.Numerical Results show that the method possesses a higher accuracy as compared with the finite element method for the large deflection analysis of thin plate.


The task of measuring dispensed liquid volumes in microtiter plates commonly used for large test series of serums with volumes smaller than 50 µl has not been solved satisfactorily. Several methods to measure the volume before dropping into the micro-testtubes do exist. But for a reliable determination that a drop has really been pipetted and to measure it no method is known. The developed solution bases on scene structuring and image processing. This solution allows to measure the dropped liquid volume directly in the microtest-tubes, even if the microtiter plates are moving. The method uses specially generated structured image backgrounds and the optical properties of the liquid itself. A camera of appropriate size and parameters snaps a digital image of the micro test tube and transfers this image to the computer. Because the generated background structure is known and the optical properties of the liquid drop destroys this structure, the location and the borders of the drop can be determined using developed image processing procedures. Knowing the location of the drop, the area covered in the micro test tube and the physico-chemical properties the volume can be calculated with the desired precision. Different background structures can be used.


We have created the C6 Web Tool that uses an underlying metric to compare the chemical similarity of two crystallization conditions and by extension the similarity of two crystallization screens. With over 220 crystallization screens currently available for purchase, it is difficult to know what each screen contains and when it is appropriate to use that screen. The C6 Web Tool can be found at http://c6.csiro.au and is available to the crystallization community at no charge. In addition to measuring the similarity of conditions and kits, the C6 Web Tool also provides the means to examine the conditions of a crystallization kit (or kits) in novel ways. Using the C6 Web Tool, researchers can efficiently select appropriate screens to use throughout the various stages of a crystallization project.


Combining the reality in Northwestern Polytechnical University(NWPU) and the characteristics in Operating System(OS) course,this paper purposes the cultivation objective of OS course in NWPU,which is "to solidify the foundation,to be keen on practice,to strengthen the ability".This paper mainly discusses the research and practice about teaching philosophy,contents and methods of OS course in NWPU.


An oscillator device, optical deflector and image forming apparatus using the optical deflector are provided. An oscillator device includes an oscillation system having an oscillator and an elastic supporting member, a detecting member for detecting oscillation amplitude of the oscillator, a driving member for driving the oscillator, and a control unit for generating a driving signal for driving the oscillator and for supplying the driving signal to the driving member, wherein the control unit reciprocally sweeps a driving frequency of the driving signal so that a resonance frequency of the oscillation system is included within a frequency range swept, wherein the control unit determines a resonance frequency based on at least two frequencies with which an oscillation amplitude value obtainable by the reciprocal sweeping reaches a maximum, and wherein the control unit generates the driving signal based on the determined resonance frequency.


In the interactive processing of texts, the reader has to elaborate the word, sentence, concept and text-level processes simultaneously in order to establish meaning relations with the text. To achieve this purpose, the reader has to develop word, sentence and discourse-comprehension skills. In foreign language, the development of these skills requires some basic vocabulary and grammatical knowledge of the language. This way, the reader must reach a linguistic threshold to be able to read texts in foreign language


The main culprit of car hard fraud is using social media to recruit people through a legal method of recruiting part-time jobs and engaging them in crimes. Through this, criminals intentionally cause traffic accidents targeting vehicles that violate the law and acquire insurance and settlement money from the victim driver or insurance company. As a result, the purpose of the study is to present measures to prevent insurance leakage and increase insurance premiums for auto insurance subscribers.
The method of research is to identify the status and trend of insurance fraud by the Financial Supervisory Service, identify cases of auto-hard fraud based on Internet and domestic and foreign research data, and identify what measures insurers are taking to prevent damage to insurance fraud.
As a result of the study, car-hard fraud is causing an accident by intentionally colliding a vehicle that violates traffic laws. Through this, the high proportion of the victim drivers' negligence and the fact that the perpetrator claims to be a negligence accident are exploited by the insurance company. Insurance companies are responding by establishing a system that can detect habitual criminals, but it is less efficient in crime prediction and detection, and it seems that there is a limit for insurance companies to respond to and detect first-time criminals. Therefore, it was derived that it is possible to prevent insurance fraud only by preparing countermeasures through a more scientific and detailed approach.
In conclusion, car-hard fraud are becoming increasingly intelligent, and as a result, it is difficult to arrest criminals, so crimes are on a continuous increase. In order to eradicate such crimes, a control tower should be created under the Financial Supervisory Service to predict and arrest insurance fraud crimes. The first offender of a fraudulent crime using a car has a limit that cannot be arrested. Therefore, a detective system should be established to approach from the recruitment stage through social media, participate in crime execution, secure evidence, and request an investigation to an investigative agency. Car fraud criminals target vehicles that violate traffic laws, so if an accident occurs in violation of traffic laws, the driver is obligated to receive compliance education from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, and The punishment regulations should be revised so that criminals can be reasonably punished.


Introduction of electric-heat conversion and heat transfer/storage (EHCHTS) units into power systems is a feasible solution to reduce the curtailment of renewable energy resources in power systems and supply heat in a green way simultaneously. However, different transmission natures of heat and electricity make it complex and difficult to analyze and optimize the power system with EHCHTS units. This paper constructs a heat current model of a district heating network including an EHCHTS unit and applies Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws to deduce the corresponding heat transport matrix, which is further integrated with the admittance matrix network equation of power systems to construct a unified power flow model of the power system with EHCHTS units. On this basis, the optimization cases show that the EHCHTS unit reduces the wind power curtailment from 22.9% to 13.4%, and most importantly, the heat transfer constraints should be carefully constructed and integrated into the entire system model for accuracy. Besides, heat storage capacity improvement, heat transfer enhancement, and thermal insulation performance upgrade all effectively reduce the total coal consumption and the wind power curtailment simultaneously.


This paper has three points as follows. First, description of Dokdo in curriculum commentary and school level systematic Dokdo education method will be discussed. Second, through comparison between curriculum commentary and current textbooks, the differences in descriptions of Dokdo will be pointed. Finally, a proposal for improvement will be suggested. According to the result of contents analyzing of an auxiliary Dokdo textbook and problem identifying, the followings are necessary to each school level. At elementary school level, learning of easy subject such as natural environments and geographical characteristics of Dokdo, at middle school level, understanding the lives of residents in the south-eastern coastal areas of Korea related to Dokdo, at high school level, establishing a view of history and territory with the will of protecting Dokdo, suitable for future-oriented Korea-Japan relations are needed. Clearly identifying Japanese claims of sovereignty over Dokdo and Education on this islet, equipping our students with corresponding logic, having the Japanese realize inappropriateness and irrationality of his own claim and education, and keeping the international society informed of this are included in the ultimate goal of Dokdo Education. To do this, Dokdo researchers and front-line teachers have to engage themselves in Dokdo Education, closely linked with each other through constant communications.


The frame of automobile electric power steering(EPS) control system was presented,the control mode utilized steering wheel torsion and automobile speeed signal input was built.The EPS controller,used a high speed MCU chip and function approach way,realizes the control of motor current effectually.The model was verified by experiments.It has a perfect work performance and can provide obvious assist force.


Three new species of coniferous woods from the Jurassic of Rajmahal hills are described. These are referred to three different genera, viz. Mesembrioxylon, Cupressinoxylon (Taxodioxylon), and Dadoxylon (Araucarioxylon). Mesembrioxylon and Cupressinoxylon are reported from this area for the first time.


Background: Dyslipidemia is associated with atherosclerosis and hypertension. Hyperlipidemia leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and decreases the lumen diameter, whilst increasing the arterial wall resistance and contributing to hypertension. The aim of study was to examine the association between demographic factors, biochemistry factors and hypertension. Methods: The sample consisted of 203 dyslipidemia patients. Data were collected from the medical records of dyslipidemia patients who visited the Golden Jubilee Medical Center, Mahidol University from 2006-2009. All patients' follow-ups were based on medical record data through 31 December 2013, looking at survival time of hypertension among dyslipidemia patients. Results: The results showed that an increase in age corresponded to a fasting blood sugar increase. The body mass index was not related to the total cholesterol level. The increasing body mass index was associated with a HDL-C decrease and a triglyceride and fasting blood sugar increase. The follow-up study was 91.73 months showed that dyslipidemia (at 64%), dyslipidemia and hypertension (at 16.7%), dyslipidemia and impaired fasting blood glucose (at 9.4%), dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired fasting blood glucose (at 9.9%) all increased. Using a Kaplan Meier analysis of the median survival time of hypertension among dyslipidemia patients (the amount of time after which 50% of the dyslipidemia patients have hypertension), it was found that only the age variable was statistically significant (p=0.001). The median survival time of hypertension among dyslipidemia patients aged ≥ 55 years olds was 64.10 months shorter than in patients aged < 55 years old. Conclusions: Age was significantly associated with survival time of hypertension among dyslipidemia patients. Policy makers and health promotion campaigns need to address the early screening of dyslipidemia patients, especially the aging population. The general public also needs to be aware of the consequences of the risks after dyslipidemia, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus.


Background: Conventional pulsed dye laser(PDL) have been one of the standard therapies for vascular lesions. Recently, a 532nm diode laser has become available as an alternative to PDL. Objectives: We compared the effect and safety of a PDL(VBeam perfecta. ⓡ , Candela, Irvine, California, USA) and 532nm diode laser (IRIS. ⓡ , Ilooda, Suwon, South Korea) for the treatment of vascular lesions in Korean patients Methods: Twenty-seven patients, consisting of 63% women and 37% man, mean age of 47.1(range: 15-90) years, were diagnosed as telangiectasia, rosacea, facial flushing, nevus flammeus and hypertrophic scar. Patients were randomized for the treatment of one half of the lesion with a PDL and the other half with the 532nm diode laser for a total of 1 to 6 treatments at 4-week intervals. The assessment of effectiveness was mean change in mexameter scores and 7-point telangiectasia grading system, investigator``s and patients`` clinical assessments. Results: Baseline erythema was much improved on both treated sides. The difference of the degree of improvements were not statistically significant. There were no remarkable side-effects, with the exception of transient purpura and pain on PDL-treated side. Conclusion: Using this split-study module, we suggest that 532nm diode laser is also effective and safe as PDL for vascular lesion in Korean patients.


It is an ancient theoretical and practical problem concerning the relation between morals and people's happiness.Its core lies in solving the conflict between the moral behaviour and man's happiness.Now with the rapid social economic development,with more money in hand people's material living level enhances.But their feeling of happiness decreases.The weakening of sensing a feeling of happiness in modern man originates from the lack of social capital based on morals.People neglect the important role of morals in deciding happiness.


The adult psychotherapist model of staffing is considerably strengthened by a clinical directorate management structure with a specific local pay scale for psychotherapists. When such arrangements exist they are usually welcomed by clinicians and managers. One reason for this Is that they make it possible to ensure that services maintain good clinical standards while meeting the managerial objectives of the unit or trust. Underlying the success of these arrangements is the fact that by promoting separation and individuation they give services a firm identity. This is good for the service itself and also for the unit or trust as a whole, because separation and individuation are the basis of co-operation and integration.


In [13], it was shown that if T is a C.0 contraction with finite defect indices oo > OT > ST, then {T)" = {4(OT): SS E H?. In this note we shall extend this result to oo > 67 > ST and show that { T)" and H X is isometric isomorphic, and moreover such an operator is reflexive. Introduction. In this note we use the notations, introduced in [9], without explanation. For a bounded linear operator T on a separable Hilbert space H, the collection of all subspaces of H invariant for T is denoted by Lat T, and the weakly closed algebra generated by T and I is denoted by AT. An operator T is called reflexive if every bounded operator A satisfying Lat A D Lat T belongs to AT' When T is a special C.0 contraction, the AT and { T}" were investigated by some mathematicians (for unilateral shift see [2] and [11], for C0 contraction see [1], [8], [14]). In place of C.0 contraution T with defect indices 87s = n, ST = m (necessarily n > m) we can consider S(O) on H(O), which is defined by HI(8) = H,2 E OHm2 and S (O)h = PH(eg)Xh(X) for h in HI(8). In this case, for every 4 in H X, 4(S (O)) determined by .p(S (O))h = PH(0)ph for h in H (O) belongs to AS(O) ([9] and [10]). If n = m m, then S (0) has several properties in common with a unilateral shift. Preliminaries. For an n x m (om > n > m) inner function, Nordgren ([5] for x > n > m) and Sz.Nagy ([6] for oo > m) showed that there are an n x m normal inner function N = diag(v,, V2, V * ' Vm) (cf. (1) of [12]), and bounded n x n matrices Av, and ?\a over H I and m x m matrices A and A' over H X satisfying AO0 = NA, A = = rI,, and AM = AMA = 121m for some q, in HI such that ?i A vm = 1 (i = 1, 2). Setting Received by the editors August 12, 1977 and, in revised form, October 12, 1977. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 47A45.


The culture of Northern Shaanxi is a part of Chinese culture and has distinct area character.It has passed through three phases according to the development of history,that is,from immemorial to Qin and Han dynasties;from Wei and Jin dynasties to Song Liao Jin and Yuan dynasties;Ming and Qing dynasties.The characteristic of Northern Shaanxi culture includes its openness,diversity,military and primitive.All the characters endowed culture of Northern Shaanxi with vitality and charming.


AbstractThe first Norwegian Chiefs of Police were appointed in the four main cities during the latter part of the 1600s. The first office was established in Trondheim in 1686, then Bergen in 1692, Christiania in 1744, and finally Christiansand in 1767.
This article deals with the establishment of the police in Christiansand, when Christian VII appointed Mauritz Antonius Schweder Chief of Police in the city. Schweder had already been appointed as a bailiff in Christiansand in 1764, and from 1767 he was both bailiff and Chief of Police. But Schweder's time in office was a turbulent one, and the conflict surrounding his office escalated so much as to finally end in the retraction of his professional appointment by the Supreme  Court in Copenhagen. This article focuses on the trial against Schweder: the many accusations against him, his defense, and the ruling of the Supreme Court, thereby shedding light on a lesser known part of the legal history of the early Norwegian Police.


The applicability of the ANSI loading guide for power transformers is limited to ambient temperatures above 0 degrees C because the thermal model does not account for variations in the oil viscosity and winding resistance. A practical calculation method based on the bottom-oil temperature and the surface temperature at the top of the cooling duct has been developed. Results indicate that the proposed thermal model could provide a sound basis for calculating the overload capacity for ambient temperatures below 0 degrees C or for severe overloads of short duration. >


A method for detection of genetic diseases caused by point mutations was developed using FokI, one of the class-IIS restriction enzymes whose recognition site is separated from the cutting site. A special hairpin adapter containing both a double strand (ds) recognition domain and a single strand (ss) domain(s) was designed. FokI bound to the ds domain of such an adapter, but could not cleave the ss domain unless it was paired with a complementary region of the target ssDNA. By specifying the proper complementary sequence of the ss domain in the adapter, we could distinguish the mutant DNA from wild type DNA depending on the number of mismatches introduced at the cutting region. When one mismatch was introduced at the FokI cutting region, FokI could cut the mismatched dsDNA very efficiently regardless of the location of the mismatch on the cutting region. FokI cutting efficiency, however, decreased dramatically when two mismatches were introduced. Especially FokI did not cut the DNA when the two mismatches were more than one nucleotide apart on the FokI cutting region or three mismatches were introduced. This result can lend itself to development of convenient test kits or automation of the genetic disease screening procedure.


A new method is reported for the synthesis of rac-allocoronamic acid hydrochloride (5), from the readily available oxazolone 1 via the 1,3-dehydro amino acid derivative 2, diazomethane addition, photolysis and acid hydrolysis.


An alloy is provided, the The alloy is formed in the shape of a band and has a nanocrystalline structure, in which at least 50 volume% of the grains have an average size less than 100 nm, a hysteresis loop with a central linear portion of a remanence J


In order to evaluate aortic wall sclerosis in hypertension, the authors studied the following two parameters of carotid pulse tracing and ascending aortic wall distensibility by using cine magnetic resonance (MR) in 15 age- and sex-matched normal volunteers (NC) (mean age, fifty-four years old) and 15 hypertensive patients (HT) (mean age, fifty-four years old). As the parameters of carotid pulse tracing, they measured the interval from aortic second heart sound to dicrotic notch (A2-DN), and the height from dicrotic notch to top/total height of carotid pulse tracing (b/a ratio). Ascending aortic distensibility was calculated from the following formula: (max area - min area) / (min area x pulse pressure) A2-DN interval was lower in HT than in NC (18.4 ± 7.9 vs 31.5 ± 9.2 ms, P < 0.01). The b/a ratio was lower in HT than in NC (0.34 ± 0.07 vs 0.44 ±0.09, P < 0.01). Ascending aortic distensibility was lower in HT than in NC (2.08 ± 1.37 vs 7.26 ± 2.51 × 10-3 mmHg-1, P < 0.01). In conclusion, ascending aortic wall sclerosis is advanced in hypertension. A2-DN interval and b/a ratio measured by carotid pulse tracing are useful indicators in evaluating the ascending aortic wall distensibility in hypertension.


In model transformations, where source models are automatically translated into target models or code, termination is necessary for the transformation to be well defined. There are a number of specific termination criteria that can be used when specifying model transformations by graph transformation, though termination is undecidable in general. Unfortunately, and particularly for large and heterogeneous specifications, it is often not possible to use a single termination criterion. In this paper, we propose an approach that applies different criteria to suitable subsets of rules so that termination can be shown locally using the most suitable technique for each subset. Global termination then follows if certain causal dependencies between rules in different subsets are acyclic. The theory is developed at the level of typed attributed graphs, and is motivated and illustrated by a case study translating UML activity diagrams to CSP.


T O PREDICT the future is always a hazardous task and one that should be undertaken with a great deal of hesitancy. The recent trend, however, of automobile fatalities' has been so definitely and consistently upward that it is difficult to avoid raising this issue: What can we expect from the automobile as an instrument of death in the near future, say I928? Unless a radical change occurs in conditions influencing automobile accidents during I928, past experience indicates that the automobile will be responsible for not less than 22,7002 and not more than 27,300 fatalities.3 This prediction is based on a study of two series of automobile fatality figures.4 One of these series was obtained from the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce,5 the other was gathered as far as possible directly from original sources. The first series covered the period from I9I7 to I926, inclusive. It was found that both a straight line and a compound interest curve could be fitted fairly closely to the entire series of data. Forecasting on the basis of the straight line trend, I928 holds in store approximately 23,500 automobile fatalities. A forecast on the basis of the logarithmic line indicates that in I928 there will be probably 26,000 automobile fatalities. Of these two forecasts it was found that the latter probably is the more accurate.


In this paper, discusses the school bus problem, given the mathematical model of route optimization, put forward an improved cuckoo search algorithm. Finally, take school bus routes running problem of Gansu Normal College for Nationalities as an example, the algorithm was experimented and the experimental results show that the algorithm to be successful.


Objective:To summarize clinical application of respirator after coronary artery bypath grafting and related nursing experience.Method:116 cases had been analyzed retro spectively.Result:None died from mechanical ventilation,8 cases show pulmorary complications,3 cases atelectasis 2 cases pnewmothorax,3 cases show pulmonary infection.All cured after adjustment of respirator and application of antibiotics.Conclusion:Effective application of respirator after coronary artery bypath grafting can improve survival ratio of patients.


Considered main risks in aeronautical systems. Based on analysis of aviation events in 2009–2013 years, defined the main causes that increase the level of aviation risk. All risks are reasons of aviation accidents or incidents. In case of increasing intensity of flights additional risks are appeared or main risks have increased influence. Process of monitoring risk level and timely reduction of it are very important. Based on the analysis of methods of increasing of capacity of the ATC sector and airfield, proposed methods of reduction risk influence due to increasing of traffic.


ABSTRACT This case study describes the process of designing and implementing a museum school program about race and suggests a number of recommendations for creating meaningful interactions with visitors about complex topics. Education staff at the San Diego Museum of Man set out to teach students about race as a social construct, sharing science that debunked race as biological fact, defining race throughout history as a means to maintain power, and examining ways in which race impacts their lives. After initial piloting, the staff soon realized that the discussion-based program was not meeting its goals of engaging students in meaningful dialogue. Through reflection and evaluation, the museum refined its approach to most aspects of the experience: from educator training, gallery content, to facilitation. This learning process provides a number of lessons learned that can be applied to the development of educational programs across disciplines and museum types related to dialogue-based offerings.


Abstract Construction waste is the main waste generator in the Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta Regions. Its impacts on the environment in these two regions have become a serious problem to society. To minimize resource consumption and in accordance with worldwide environmental protection, construction waste management is urgently needed. Therefore, this paper conducts analysis in construction waste problems and challenges in the Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta Regions. Structured interviews were conducted. Suggestions to improve construction waste management in these two regions are given in this study.


We have injected an intense relativistic electron beam into the atmosphere and observed the beam in visible light caused by direct beam excitation of air molecules. This light, primarily emission in the Ni 2nd positive system, was delayed with respect to the beam current by ∼6 ns. Streak photographs show that the beam consisted of a single current filament which oscillated about its initial direction as it propagated through the atmosphere, and that the beam had the characteristic trumpet-like shape. Beam and net current monitors were used to determine the beam current and the plasma return current. The net current was also predicted using a simple circuit model to represent the beam propagating in the atmosphere and agreed well with the measured net current.


FIELD: checking process systems. SUBSTANCE: system such as process system has each of its functional units checked up individually according to their response to their respective safety devices. The latter inform each other about their check-up condition and in case of malfunction of at least one functional unit or safety device at least one final element important from the standpoint of safety is actuated. System checking device is characterized in that each functional unit is given its own safety device and that all these safety devices are interconnected so that malfunction of any of functional units or safety devices actuates at least one final element important from the standpoint of safety. EFFECT: enhanced check-up quality; facilitated procedure. 16 cl, 3 dwg


A causal model of direct and indirect linkages from role stressors to voluntary turnover was tested for 391 managerial-professional employees. Path analysis supported the hypothesized sequence from...


The traditional ways of accessing government services are limited to the office location, spatial dimensions and official hours, tile e-government services are not related to a specific location but distributed in terms of access anytime and anywhere within an area enriched with the internet and computer technologies. Citizen's satisfaction plays an important role in e-government success. This paper is based on interviews with 15 international citizens through qualitative research on the satisfaction of e-government services of foreign residents who are living and working in Korea.


Abstract Aims Adolescent suicide is a severe public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and adolescents who are victims of bullying have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours. However, detailed global data concerning the association between bullying victimisation and suicide are lacking; thus, further multicontinental studies exploring the association of bullying victimisation at different frequencies and types with suicidal behaviours are urgent. Methods The data were extracted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) (2010–2017) conducted in 40 LMICs (n = 151 184, mean age: 14.77 years, s.d.: 1.59, 54.2% females). Data concerning past-30-day bullying victimisation, past 12-month suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicidal attempts) and other adverse health behaviours or outcomes were collected. Chi-square tests were used to explore the correlations among the main variables. A multivariable logistic regression and stratified logistic regressions were conducted to assess the associations. Results The overall prevalence of bullying victimisation, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicidal attempts were 28.72, 12.64, 11.84 and 10.79%, respectively. The results showed a positive association of different frequencies and types of bullying victimisation with suicidal behaviours: suicidal ideation (odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 2.06–2.87), suicidal plans (OR = 2.69, 2.28–3.17) and suicidal attempts (OR = 3.23, 2.73–3.82). Adolescents also reported the effects of being made fun of because of their religion: suicidal ideation (OR = 1.63, 1.41–1.88), suicidal plans (OR = 1.44, 1.24–1.66) and suicidal attempts (OR = 1.73, 1.50–1.98). Moreover, these associations varied among teenagers of different gender and body mass indexes (BMIs) and were stronger among males and adolescents who were underweight, overweight or obese. Conclusions Different types of bullying victimisation were positively related to suicidal behaviours; these associations varied among adolescents by gender and BMI. This study offers a theoretical basis for the identification of adolescents at a high risk of suicide and is beneficial for informing effective psychological interventions for constructing sound school environments, improving adolescents' mental health and reducing the risk of suicide to promote health in LMICs and globally.


The present invention discloses a packaging container having one kind of cylindrical collar (2a) for (2), which package comprises: grouping sets of seats (5) for receiving a syringe (2); drums (6 ); and a sealing cover (8), for sealing the drums. According to the invention, comprising a plate package (7), the plate (7) disposed proximate to the syringe body before the barrel (6) sealed (2) a flange (. 2A); the plate (7) comprises: at least one of a surface (7a), arranged in the first surface of the flange (2a) in contact; and at least one second surface (7b), the second surface (7a) opposite the first surface of the cover ( 7) side, the selected distance between the first surface (7a) and the second surface (7b) is such that when the first surface (7a) against the flange (. 2A), a second surface ( 7b) in contact with or in close proximity of the closure (8).


ABSTRACT A/chicken/FJ/G9/09 (FJ/G9) is an H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (H9N2 AIV) strain causing high morbidity that was isolated from broilers in Fujian Province of China in 2009. FJ/G9 has been used as the vaccine strain against H9N2 AIV infection in Fujian Province of China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of FJ/G9 with natural six-way reassortment, which is the most complex genotype strain in China and even in the world so far. The present findings will aid in understanding the complexity and diversity of H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus.


In the present paper, a model of wear mechanism of Al2O3/WS2 with polyether ether ketone (PEEK)/BG plastic has been presented. An amorphous Al2O3 oxide layer with a tungsten disulfide modifier has been characterized by the Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Energy Dispensive Spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and XRD analysis. The addition of WS2 to the acid bath reduces the friction coefficient of the Al2O3/WS2-PEEK/BG friction pair. The technology applied to receive the Al2O3/WS2 layer, with appropriately selected conditions, allows us to obtain a tribological layer that enables the delivery of WS2 solid lubricant during friction.


To improve the stiffness and strength of the top carriage of large caliber gun,the finite element model of top carriage and cradle under three kinds of typical working conditions was built.The static stiffness and strength were analyzed to find out the problems existing in the top carriage.The optimal weight coefficient of each working conditions was obtained by orthogonal test,and the topology optimization method was employed to search for optimal material distribution.The plate shape was redesigned,and the top carriage's layout of stiffeners was modified.The size optimization method was used to determine the thickness of the main panel size.Optimization results show that under the conditions of the structure mass decreasing,the stiffness and strength of top carriage have different degrees of improvement under each working conditions,and the overall structure and fire load transmit are more reasonable.


Abstract In this interview with Dervila Cooke, Maryam Madjidi primarily discusses her autobiographical text Marx et la poupée (2017). She speaks of her literary influences and stresses the importance of having journeyed far away from both France and Iran and having stayed away for a long time, in order to be able to write about exile with the necessary balance. She points to the dense foundational texts that are interwoven into the finished object. Politically, Madjidi emphasizes the French-washing that she and other immigrant students underwent during their induction into French school. She speaks of the "entreprise de nettoyage" in "classes d'initiation," and of what one could hope for in place of such a system. She promotes the notion of welcome ("accueil") over the concepts of assimilation or integration. She speaks of her second work, Pour que je m'aime encore (2021), which she was writing at the time of this interview. She notes the boredom she experienced growing up in the Parisian suburb of Drancy, of the ghosts of WW2 that haunt it, and of the invisible walls between Paris and its suburbs. Lastly, she emphasizes her wish to use more humor in her work, while still dealing with serious material.