The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) plays a critical role in the development of hypertension in response to elevated levels of angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II). Upstream circumventricular organs, regions lacking a blood‐brain‐barrier, sense circulating Ang‐II and in turn influence endocrine and autonomic control via efferent projections to the PVN. Despite progress in unraveling the function of the PVN in hypertension development, the underlying signaling mechanisms remain unclear. Notably, the majority of investigations have examined alterations in the PVN during established hypertension, which limits our understanding of temporal changes that may occur prior to elevations in arterial blood pressure. Based on this, we investigated key molecular targets in the PVN during the pre‐hypertensive phase of Ang‐II hypertension. C57Bl/6J male mice were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for chronic delivery of low dose Ang‐II (600 ng/kg/min). Brains were harvested for immunohistochemistry analysis of target molecules (n=3–4/group) at baseline (day 0) and pre‐hypertensive (days 3, 5, 7) timepoints. Histological analysis of synaptophysin, a marker for synaptic terminal innervation, indicated a progressive increase in immunoreactivity that peaked by ~10% within the first week of Ang‐II infusion (day 7 fold change: 1.1± 0.03 density/area, p<0.05); indicative of increased synaptic input to the PVN prior to elevations in arterial blood pressure. Previous findings have demonstrated that circulating arginine vasopressin protein (AVP) is elevated during chronic Ang‐II hypertension. Consistent with this, AVP immunoreactivity in the PVN was elevated as early as day 3 of Ang‐II infusion (day 3 fold change: 1.7 ± 0.09 density/area, p<0.05), and this response was sustained for up to 7 days (day 5 fold change: 1.4 ± 0.02; day 7 fold change: 1.3 ± 0.03 density/area, both p<0.05). Interestingly, we also observed synaptic end AVP immunoreactivity in the circumventricular subfornical organ very early during Ang‐II infusion (e.g. day 3 fold change: 1.2 ± 0.02 density/area, p<0.05), suggesting a possible feedback loop between the PVN and subfornical organ in AVP regulation. Unlike AVP, PVN oxytocin immunoreactivity was not changed during Ang‐II hypertension (e.g. day 7 fold change: 1.01 ± 0.08 density/area, p>0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate early molecular changes within the PVN prior to the development of Ang‐II hypertension including: 1) Gradual synaptic innervation of the PVN during the first week of Ang‐II infusion; 2) Very early Ang‐II associated elevations in PVN AVP expression, but not oxytocin; and 3) Potential alterations in the innervation of hypothalamic AVP fibers to the circumventricular subfornical organ in response to Ang‐II.


We analyze the economic determinants and effects of prior appropriation water rights that were voluntarily implemented across a vast area of the US West, replacing common-law riparian water rights. We model potential benefits and test hypotheses regarding search, coordination, and investment. Our novel data set of 7,800 rights in Colorado, established between 1852 and 2013 includes location, date, size, infrastructure investment, irrigated acreage, crops, topography, stream flow, soil quality, and precipitation. Prior appropriation doubled infrastructure investment and raised the value of agricultural output beyond baseline riparian rights. The analysis reveals institutional innovation that informs contemporary water policy.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.


The radiologist is expected to provide an accurate diagnosis on the basis of images. The treating physician bears the final responsibility and is expected to initiate effective therapy in a timely manner. 8. Conclusion: Given the plethora of publications in recent times, many readers only read abstracts. The conclusion stated in the abstract of the present meta-analysis is rather adventurous in view of the presented data (sensitivity: 74–83% for CT versus 80% for TUS): "In the era of MSCT, TUS is a modality that is no longer part of current imaging strategies for LE." If the authors take their own work seriously the contrary is true. There is no imaging procedure that can exclude LE. None of the official guidelines mention chest ultrasound for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Nevertheless, ultrasound is widely used in this setting. Given the equal value of chest ultrasonography and CT as evidenced from this meta-analysis, this attitude is likely to change very soon. Both methods should be used in a complementary manner, keeping in mind their advantages and limitations, and should be incorporated into guidelines. Currently we have two silver standards to visualise pulmonary embolism by imaging procedures.


290 in the cases that it was not). This is important when photographs are used as evidence to support the author's argument. Ultimately, Dash's work may be of greatest use to readers interested in the process of adaptation. Musical theater scholars less familiar with the intricacies of some of Shakespeare's plays will find food for thought, and musical theater directors may find useful points to inform their own artistic work.


The influence of different annealing process on microstructure of magnesium alloy thin plate cross-rolled after extrusion was studied. The result shows that the structure after extrusion plus cross-hot-rolling consists of the mixed grain structure or the lath structure. The final structure depends on the thin plate structure after extrusion. When the annealing temperature is higher than 350℃ and the holding time is more than 60min, a few large equiaxed grains become the cores of abnormal grain growth. They phagocyte near grains and make the mixed grain structure change to the large equiaxed grain structure. This is called as extrusion structure heredity. Extrusion ratio,extrusion temperature and extrusion speed are the assurances of obtaining equal equiaxed grain structure. And the mixed grain structure and the lath structure could be avoided. The best annealing process: the heating temperature 250~300℃, and the holdiing time 20~30min. In these process the alloy consists of equiaxed and refined grains. It has the best formability of hot drawing.


Corporate divestments on the stock markets have been studied since long, but the main focus of previous studies has been the firm level impact of divestments. We take this discussion to the industry level and argue that divestments, on average, are carried out in industries, where opportunities are low. These industries have low operating performance, gauged on capital expenditures, cash flow, sales growth, assets growth, profit margin, market to book value and research and development, compared to industries where there are no divestments. In addition to this evidence, we find that the merger and acquisitions activities, in which the target is in industries where divestments happened in last three years, bidders had less value created compared to mergers where the target industry had no divestments. Both, the low operating performance of industries post divestments and low value created by bidders having targets in industries where divestments happened, signal that industries where divestments take place have low opportunities ahead. This also implies that a corporate change can be interpreted as a signal for industrial change.


AbstractThis essay examines the impact of the Great War on the breeding and showing of pedigree dogs (the "dog fancy") in Britain. Hostility toward Germany led first to a decline in the popularity of breeds such as the dachshund, with both human and canine "aliens" targeted by nationalist fervor. Second, the institutions of dog breeding and showing came under threat from accusations of inappropriate luxury, frivolity, and the wasting of food in wartime, amounting to the charge of a want of patriotism on the part of breeders. Third, the paper shows how the "dog fancy" responded to this "agitation against dogs," turning on mongrels, stray dogs, and "useless" and unpatriotic humans, exposing deep divisions within the dog breeding community. By looking at the politics of the "dog fancy" in wartime, this paper extends the discussion of animals and national identity, arguing that while dogs could be used to articulate patriotic sentiments, their conditional citizenship meant that they were uniquely vulnerable at a time of national crisis.


On the basis of investigation on the cultivated land,the evaluation on the integrated soil fertilities of the basic farmland in Jiutai City in Jilin Province was made by the method of GIS technique,level analysis,integrated indexes etc.The results showed that the basic cultivated farmland of 2639000 hm2 in the whole city was divided into 6 grades,among which the integrated fertility index(IFI) of the cultivated land at the first grade was bigger than 0.85,and its area was 310900 hm2,accounting for 11.8% of total cultivated area;the IFI of the cultivated land at the second grade was 0.80-0.85,and its area was 857700 hm2,accounting for 32.5% of total cultivated area;the IFI of the cultivated land at the third grade was 0.75-0.80,and its area was 674500 hm2,accounting for 25.6% of total cultivated area;the IFI of the cultivated land at the forth grade was 0.70-0.75,and its area was 373700 hm2, accounting for 14.2% of total cultivated area;the IFI of the cultivated land at the fifth grade was 0.65-0.70,and its area was 275500 hm2,accounting for 10.4% of total cultivated area;the IFI of the cultivated land at the sixth grade was less than 0.65,and its area was 146500 hm2,accounting for 5.5% of total cultivated area.By adopting the method,the evaluation index system of integrated soil fertilities of the cultivated Land in Jiutai City was established.


Commentary on: The ASCEND Study Collaborative Group. Effects of n-3 fatty acid supplements in diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med 2018;379:1540–50.

Commentary by: Dr Emma F Magavern and Dr Teck Khong Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, London, UK

Series Editor: Dr Teck Khong, DTB Associate Editor Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, London, UK

### Key learning points

A large randomised control study with mean follow-up to 7.4 years found that daily supplementation with 840 mg of marine n-3 fatty acids (commonly known as omega-3 fatty acids), either with or without aspirin, did not decrease the risk of serious vascular, or specifically cardiovascular, events in patients with diabetes but without known cardiovascular disease.1

This randomised placebo-controlled multifactorial trial studied the effect of n-3 fatty acids daily for a mean of 7.4 years in 15 480 patients from the UK who had diabetes but without known cardiovascular disease.1 …


The article describes the lining of the 28 km long tunnel to a minimum thickness of 200 mm, giving details of the method and plant used. The concrete required a high workability to allow it to flow around the whole annulus of the 54 M long travelling shutter. It is also needed to have setting characteristics variably retarded to allow for transport up to 8 km into the tunnel. A minimum shutter stripping strength was required at 12 hrs. Because of the nature and scale of the operation, some imperfections were unavoidable. Plastering-type repairs were decided upon to avoid the possibilities of micro-cracking occurring in the linings when cutting back defects. A polymer-modified cementitious mortar was chosen for the repairs which were complicated by a major ingress of water into the tunnel. Dams had to be erected on both sides of the section to be repaired. (TRRL)


The article dwells upon coaching as a tool in the development of professional competences in training bachelors of pedagogical education, majoring in primary education. It proves that couching is a worthwhile technology that provides personal and values development that is constituents of the professional competence of the bachelor of education.


Abstract While the academic debate on whether the hermeneutical methodology of David Tracy is compatible with, complementary to, or antithetical to the theological method outlined by Bernard Lonergan, one program‐‐die Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX)‐‐has drawn aspects of its educational methodology from both sources for more than seventeen years. This essay presents an overview of how LIMEX has adapted Tracy's and Lonergan's methodologies into a synthesis that highlights the strengths of both approaches.


We develop a simple Core‐SOL‐Divertor (C‐S‐D) model to investigate the core and edge operational space. To construct the integrated C‐S‐D model, 0D core plasma model of ITER physics guidelines and two‐point SOLdivertor model are applied. To get the reasonable boundary condition at the core‐edge interface, we investigate the particle balance for the divertor, SOL, and core plasma region, respectively. Moreover, we apply the C‐S‐D model to LH transition phase of ITER and compare with the scaling model, which consists of the two‐point model and the SOL density scaling law. According to the above comparison, we find that the particle flux across the separatrix should be applied for the boundary condition in case of the transition phenomena. In addition, the oscillation of the divertor density at the LH transition is predicted. This oscillation has a possibility to have an effect on the divertor operation of ITER. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


There is an unsolved research problem in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology, i.e., no method is available to identify, quantify, and define the functional roles of each microbial cell at the same time. Tradition culturing method is not only time consuming but insensitive. Even with newly developed molecular biological technologies, there is still no way to rapidly identify and quantify all microorganisms in an environmental sample. To solve this problem, an new approach is proposed through the integration of targeting the genomic DNA repeats, microfluidic biochips, microdroplet formation in microchannels, single cell packaging, rapid cell lysis, single molecule detection. The finished platform will be able to meet the aforementioned research needs. This study has finished a prototype using the microfabrication technology in traditional micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) field, soft lithography, and microelectrode fabrication. Through this prototype, successful hydrodynamic focusing and rapid cell lysis have been achieved. The results suggest that it is feasible to lyse microbial cells in microfluidic biochips. This research also laid solid foundation for the ultimate goal of fabricating a prototype of Flow Omics – a rapid and high through-put platform for omic-type studies.


Seasonal surveys were conducted during 1998-1999 in Sinaloa, Mexico to determine the extent and activities of the artisanal elasmobranch fishery operating in the southeastern Gulf of California. Twenty-eight fishing sites were documented, the majority of which (78.6%) targeted elasmobranchs during some part of the year. Sharks numerically dominated sampled landings (65.0%, n = 2390), and catch rates exceeded those of rays during autumn-spring. The scalloped hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini, was the primary fishery target during these seasons, with most landings composed of early life stages. During summer, rays, especially Rhinoptera steindachneri, were numerically dominant (87.7%). Large sharks were of comparably minor importance in the artisanal fishery during all seasons. Catch composition was similar between spring and winter (SIMobs = 0.393, SIMexp = 0.415; P = 0.25), largely because the fishery mainly targeted "cazon" (sharks < 1.5 m total length) during this period (e.g., S. lewini, Rhizoprionodon longurio). Small size classes of large sharks and a wide size range of coastal sharks and rays were primarily observed. In addition, size composition of S. lewini and to a lesser extent, R. longurio decreased significantly between historic and contemporary landings. Local populations of these species should therefore be closely monitored.


A series of ethyl imidazo [1,2-a]pyridin-2-acetates was prepared by reaction between several substituted 2-aminopyridines and ethyl-4-bromoacetate. From these esters the corresponding acids were prepared and their anti-inflammatory activity was tested.


Using APDL language of ANSYS finite element analysis software,the solution program of the gun barrel dynamic stress was developed.The paper indicated the pivotal technique problems of the barrel dynamic strength design.It provides a foundation to realize the practical use and formalization of gun barrel design.


Gnidimacrin, a diterpene compound, the main antitumor component ofStellera chamaejasme L.,showed dose-dependint response to inhibit mouse leukemia L-1210 in vitro.It showed lower IC50s of cell growth and colony forming than that of vin-cristine (VCR). Gnidimacrin also inhibits cell proliferation of human cancer cell lines suchas Leukemia K562 and gastric cancers Kato-Ⅲ in vitro. The IC50s of cell growth andcolony forming of gnidimacrin were lower than that of Adriamycin.


Poverty affects a large proportion of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa and, far from decreasing, the proportion and numbers of poor people in Sub-Saharan Africa have actually increased over the last ten years. Policies to reduce poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and elsewhere are defying conventional wisdom. Single-focus solutions have proved ineffective. There is an urgent need to learn from both successful and failed experiences that have been tried elsewhere. This study provides an ex-ante assessment of the implementation of a cash transfer programme conditional on school attendance in 15 Sub-Saharan African countries. Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes have been tried in other regions, notably Latin America, with relative success. The two key characteristics of CCT programmes are that they simultaneously act upon the short and long term dimensions of poverty. Therefore we investigate here both the impact of a cash transfer on current poverty and the impact of conditioning the transfer upon school attendance.


This paper provides an example of an early warning system in relation to drug misuse. The â?~rapid auditâ?T reported here shows evidence of a spread of heroin use amongst young people which signals the need for action now to prevent this developing into a major problem. The report also suggests how a more systematic early warning system might be developed.


Four groups of monaural chinchillas, trained in behavioral audiometry, were exposed for nine days in a diffuse sound field to an octave-band noise centered at 4.0 k Hz. Each group (N = 4) was expos...


. Neutrosophic set and Neutrosophic Topological spaces has been introduced by Salama[5]. Neutrosophic Closed set and Neutrosophic Continuous Functions were introduced by


Photocatalytic degradation of a model azo dye, Orange II, was investigated over
bimetallic Cu-Ni/Ti02 photocatalysts. In the present study the introduction of Cu and
Ni onto Ti02 surface was with the intention to reduce the band gap of the
photocatalyst for enhanced visible light absorption via three methods: co precipitation
(CP), deposition-precipitation (DP) and wet impregnation (WI) methods with
different Cu:Ni mass composition (10:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9 and 0:10). The physical
and chemical properties of the modified Cu-Ni doped photocatalysts were
investigated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-Transformed Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR), Point of Zero Charge (PZC) determination, powder X-ray
Diffraction (XRD), BET surface area analysis, Field-emission Scanning Electron
Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), High
Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Diffuse Reflectance UVVis
Spectroscopy (DRUV-Vis) and Temperature-programmed Reduction (TPR). The
raw photocatalysts were activated by calcination at three different temperatures
(180°C, 200°C and 300°C) for 1 h duration.


Source code and class diagram are artifacts produced or updated during software development. However, when the scenario in which teams are distributed is considered, the temporal and geographical distances among individuals affect communication, creating inconsistencies and ambiguities about the software artifacts. These problems can be minimized by sharing contextual information of actions that occur on cooperation objects. This paper presents the DiSEN-CollaborAR, an approach to deal with context awareness on software artifacts. It provides resources to communicate what individuals have done over the software artifacts. This is possible by capturing contextual information that is represented, stored, processed and displayed. So, awareness elements, artifact context and traceability among software artifacts contribute to increase the understanding of the software artifacts and also the collaboration among distributed teams.


Inertial flow in porous media occurs in many situations such as flow in column reactors, in filters or near wells for hydrocarbon recovery. It is characterized by a deviation from Darcy's law. The existence and origin of different regimes, function of the microstructure and flow orientation, are still not well understood. We provide an in depth analysis of the flow structure to identify the origin of the deviation from Darcy's law using a theoretical justification. The role of the recirculation zones is highlighted.


Advanced well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) have poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. Biotherapy and targeted therapy are the main treatment options for these patients. Approaches to the 2nd and subsequent lines of treatment have not been developed to date. VEGFR blocker bevacizumab is actively studied in well differentiated NET. For well differentiated NET, it has been shown that an increase in VEGF expression is associated with metastasis and decrease in progression-free survival.


National Water and Sewerage Corporation and Loughborough University implemented a research project 'Livelihoods from Enhanced Water Access for the Poor in Slums' (LEAPS), funded under the DFID's Water Security for the Poor (REACH) Program. The overall aim of LEAPS was to improve water security for development growth for the urban poor and was implemented in Kampala slums in Uganda. Data was collected through community meetings, observations, focus group discussions, key informant and household interviews. This aided development of a slum-specific MUS framework. Key findings were (i) piped water was predominantly used for productive uses; (ii) access to water services was still perceived a challenge for some residents; (iii) community groups and households interested in MUS activities require start-up funding; and (iv) stakeholder organisations were willing to work with NWSC to implement the MUS framework. The developed framework could be adapted by utilities in other cities to enhance livelihoods for slum-dwellers.


Abstract The significant role of transglutaminase (TGase) in the setting of surimi led us to perform its preliminary characterization in sardine muscle. The time course of the reaction and the effect of enzyme level were studied. The temperature optimum was around 35°C and the thermal stability was studied in the 15-55°C range. Higher TGase activity was measured in sardine dark muscle than in the white muscle. A slow decrease of TGase activity during ice storage of sardine was recorded, but after eight days in ice it was about 50% of its initial activity. Cold storage of sardine for a short period did not affect TGase activity.


The enantiopure bridged bis-dioxine 4, a dissymmetric dicarboxylic acid exhibiting axial chirality, can easily be synthesized and serve as host for separating and/or transporting chiral guest molecules. Racemic 4 gives with (R)- and (S)-1-phenylethylamine the corresponding pure diastereomeric salts 7 and 8. The absolut configuration of the diacid 4 in the diastereomeric salt 7 containing (R)-1-phenylethylamine was confirmed to be R by X-ray crystal structure analysis, which also confirmed its concave nature. Release of the acid-sensitive pure enantiomers (R)-4 as well as (S)-4 was achieved conveniently by use of dry flash-chromatography on silica. The CD spectrum shows a positive Cotton effect of the (S)-enantiomer at 206 nm. The enantiomeric purity was proved by 1H NMR discrimination of the diastereomeric salts with (R,R)-1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diamine as the base. The dicarboxylic acid (R)-4 can be used as chiral auxiliary as demonstrated by the difficult resolution of racemicN,N-di-tert-butyl-1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diamine 9.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)


We examine both experimental and simulated data of the optical transmission response of nanohole arrays in metal films to bulk and surface refractive index changes. We compare the signal-to-noise performance of the following three different analysis methods: the conventional peak shift method, a normalized-difference integrated-response method that is commonly used in 3-D plasmonic crystals, and an integrated response (IR) method. Our IR method shows a 40% and 90% improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for bulk and surface binding tests, respectively, compared with the direct measurement of the transmission-peak wavelength shift, promising improved sensing performance for future nanohole-array sensor applications.


The ability of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to make a reliable shock decision during cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) would improve the survival rate of patients with out-of-hospit...


The interlayer stacking of thirty-three two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) that derive from five boron-containing, "connectors" and seven hydrocarbon "linkers" was evaluated with a Molecular Mechanics (MM) approach, employing the MM3 potential of Allinger et al. Several of these COFs have been synthesized previously, whereas others are proposed structures. This comprehensive study allowed us to classify the nature of COF stacking in terms of potential energy surfaces (PES) and, further, to determine the origin of these surfaces in terms of combinations of repulsive electrostatic and attractive dispersion forces. None of these 2D COFs stack in the exact eclipsed configuration traditionally assigned to these materials; instead, adjacent layers adopt surprisingly similar small offsets (1.5–2.8 A). For verification, PES of selected, important interlayer offsets were obtained using more accurate Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and shown to produce similar offsets to those derived from MM. The symmetry of the 2D COF networks allows the offsets to be accommodated in several degenerate directions, precluding the formation of interlayer stacking patterns with pervasive long-range order, such as staircase, helical, or zigzag arrangements. Although these offsets are often small relative to the size of the COF unit cell, they are sufficient to impede the filling of COF pores with large "guests", such as fullerenes. Finally, we use a combination of topological, compositional, and interaction parameters to provide a simple correlation that allows researchers to predict inter-layer offsets and interaction energies without performing any molecular simulations. Uncovering such design principles should pave the way to target the creation of COFs with prescribed structures and charge transport properties.


Objective:To evaluate the reasons and the deal ways of the recurrent retinal detachment after silicone oil tamponades and improve the success rate of vitrectomy. The records of a consecutive series of 31 eyes with redetachment of retina after silicone oil tamponades surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Results:68% eyes showed recurrent inferior detachment.In 28 of 31 eyes the retina was reattached(90%) after secondary surgery.The postoperative visual acuity was improved in 13 eyes,reminded no change in 16 eyes and reduced in 3 eyes.In 21 of 16 eyes the retina was reattached(76%) after removal of silicone oil. Conclusions:Silicone oil-tamponaded eyes showed recurrent inferior detachment.The main causes of redetachment for silicone oil-tamponaded eyes were preretinal membrane proliferation.The techniques of preretinal membrane peeling,retinotomy,endophotocoagulation and tamponades can be effectively used in combination to treat the redetachment of retina after the silicone oil tamponades surgery.


In applying an approximate boundary condition to the problem of the interface between the solar wind and the geomagnetic field (Beard, D. B., Phys. Rev. Letters, 5: of the problem. Therefore the resulting differential equation was valid only in the planes of symmetry. The correct approximate equation is given. (W.D.M.)


Postoperative mortality has traditionally been defined as death within 30 days of surgery. Such mortality after rectal cancer resection has declined significantly during the last decades. However, it is possible that this decline can be explained merely by a shift towards an increase in 90‐day mortality.


Complexation between globular proteins (bovine serum albumin, bovine pancreas ribonuclease, and chicken egg lysozyme) and a number of synthetic polyelectrolytes was studied by quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) and electrophoretic light scattering in dilute electrolyte solution. For each polyion-protein pair, there is a well-defined critical pH at which binding commences (pH,). At this pH, QELS reveals fast and slow diffusion modes corresponding to free protein and complex, respectively; the relative amplitude of the latter increases with pH in the case of polycations, with opposite pH dependence for polyanions. Further pH change produces phase separation at a second well-defined point (pH+). The electrophoretic mobility of the polymer begins to change at pH, and moves toward zero as pH approaches pH+. These results are discussed in terms of (1) the role of protein "charge patches" as binding sites and (2) the alternative possibilities of intra- and inter-polyion


This paper discusses the dynamics of disequilibrium in a single market where both price and quantity change in response to disequilibrium. We describe the nature of the adjustment path under a wide variety of assumptions, noting in particular the properties of stability in the large and in the small and the existence of limit cycles.


The corrosion inhibition effect of red apple (Malus domestica) fruit extract for mild steel in hydrochloric acid was investigated by gravimetric and electrochemical methods at 30–60°C. Inhibition efficiency increased with the increase in concentration and temperature. Polarization curves indicate that the extract functions as mixed-type inhibitor. The adsorption of the extract onto mild steel surface followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Chemisorption mechanism is proposed based on the trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature. Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations have been used to provide insights into the mechanism of interaction of the major extract components with mild steel. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT


The world is deep in a flood tide of debt. Do we care, and what can we do about it? Debt is inextricably linked to economic growth. Whether in the form of government, business or household credit, debt can fuel economic growth, and economic growth can increase the propensity to borrow. And when growth is too weak, credit can be used to stimulate it. The cumulative effect of credit use by the various sectors of an economy is a rise in its overall debt. While economic prosperity is often credit-financed, higher levels of debt appear connected to lower future economic growth. Almost all debt accumulations have been hard to reverse, most have involved tough policy choices, and some notable ones have ended badly. In this whitepaper, we discuss the state of global debt, how it came to be, where it may lead, and what we believe portfolio implications to be.


One of the most critical problems that affect the analysis of orbiting radar sounder data is the presence of spurious surface clutter returns. These are due to off-nadir echoes related to surface topography which may be detected as (or mask) actual subsurface targets. The detection of such returns is usually carried out manually through a visual comparison between actual radargrams and surface clutter simulations obtained using available digital elevation models (DEMs). This is an inherently subjective and time-consuming task, which may reduce the scientific return of the data. In this paper, we address this problem by proposing a novel technique for the automatic detection of surface clutter returns in radar sounder data. The proposed method is made up of three steps: 1) the simulation of surface clutter returns using available DEMs; 2) the automatic coregistration between radargrams and simulations; and 3) the extraction of surface clutter returns from the coregistered radargrams. The coregistration step is performed in two phases: 1) a coarse registration based on the detection of the first return line on both input radargrams and 2) a fine registration based on B-spline deformation. The proposed technique is robust to radargram geometric deformations (e.g., due to ionospheric effects) and allows the generation of different types of outputs (e.g., coregistered simulations, binary clutter maps, and false-color compositions) that can both greatly support the scientific community in the manual analyses of radar sounder data and drive the development of reliable automatic methods for high level processing. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proven on two data sets acquired on different areas of Mars by the Shallow Radar instrument.


This paper is concerned with developing parallel computati on l methods for two-phase flow on distributed parallel computers; techniques for linear solvers and nonl i ear methods are studied, and the standard and inexact Newton methods are investigated. A multi-stage preco nditi ner for two-phase flow is proposed and advanced matrix processing strategies are implemented. Nu merical experiments show that these computational methods are scalable and efficient, and are capable of simulating large-scale problems with tens of millions of grid blocks using thousands of CPU cores on paral lel computers. The nonlinear techniques, preconditioner and matrix processing strategies can also be ap plied to three-phase black oil, compositional and thermal models.


Early rounds of tariff negotiation in the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) entailed bilateral negotiations between countries on commodities for which each country was the other's principal supplier. This note applies this rule to negotiations between industrial and developing countries over non-tariff barriers to international trade. It concludes that such negotiations could offer developing countries significant improvements in access to industrial markets.


An O( nL)-time algorithm is given for finding an optimal prefix-free binary code for a weighted alphabet of size n, with the restriction that no code string be longer than L. An 0 (nLlogn)-time algorithm is given for the corresponding alphabetic problem, which is equivalent to optimizing a dictionary of n words, implemented as a binary tree of height h I: L with all data in the leaves.


Disposal of the dead within occupied buildings of the Middle Bronze Age Levant, or intramural burial, offered inhabitants a way of closely interacting with the physical remains of the deceased. Residential burials provided permanent spatial connections between the living and the dead and served as loci of social memory for the intergenerational household. Drawing on archaeological evidence from Tel Megiddo, this article presents a model for residential burial and social memory focusing on the diversity of body disposal methods. Burials inside the settlement varied significantly in terms of type and architecture, body disposal methods, and grave goods. In several cases, burials were reopened periodically to reposition corpses while others were never disturbed. The author argues that the high degree of diversity within this mortuary corpus relates to differential social roles of the deceased after burial, and that mourners' close encounters with deceased bodies transformed the status of the dead in a complex and protracted sequence of funerary rituals.


Large 3D model repositories of common objects are now ubiquitous and are increasingly being used in computer graphics and computer vision for both analysis and synthesis tasks. However, images of objects in the real world have a richness of appearance that these repositories do not capture, largely because most existing 3D models are untextured. In this work we develop an automated pipeline capable of transporting texture information from images of real objects to 3D models of similar objects. This is a challenging problem, as an object's texture as seen in a photograph is distorted by many factors, including pose, geometry, and illumination. These geometric and photometric distortions must be undone in order to transfer the pure underlying texture to a new object --- the 3D model. Instead of using problematic dense correspondences, we factorize the problem into the reconstruction of a set of base textures (materials) and an illumination model for the object in the image. By exploiting the geometry of the similar 3D model, we reconstruct certain reliable texture regions and correct for the illumination, from which a full texture map can be recovered and applied to the model. Our method allows for large-scale unsupervised production of richly textured 3D models directly from image data, providing high quality virtual objects for 3D scene design or photo editing applications, as well as a wealth of data for training machine learning algorithms for various inference tasks in graphics and vision.


Throughout the world, poor people suffer more from illness and die younger than the more privileged. Poor people face greater exposure to many health threats, and when they fall sick they are much less likely to receive adequate care. Socioeconomic factors account for the bulk of the global burden of disease and death. In high-income countries, the estimated incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is 10/100 000, whereas in low-income countries it is 20 times higher. Today's great health challenge is equity: accelerating health progress in poor and socially excluded groups.


In order to detect the presence of the primary user signal, spectrum sensing is a fundamental requirement to achieve the goal of cognitive radio (CR). This ensures the efficient utilization of the spectrum and to avoid interference from secondary users to primary holders. This paper addresses the problem of energy detection of on signal in weakly correlated noise over fading channels, By using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) parameters of cognitive radio network such as probability of false alarm, detection probability, mis-detection probability with locally optimum detector.


One of the aspects of the ontological relation I the Other is viewed and analysed in the article. The research allowed confirming the importance of the Other component for the development of a person and his or her self-determination. The given theoretical statements indicate the research of the ontological relation I the Other.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the previous larger‐scale climate policy studies to the local jurisdiction level to evaluate local land use planning capacity for climate change.Design/methodology/approach – This paper evaluated 53 recently developed local comprehensive land use plans in California and analyzes how well these plans recognized the concepts of climate change and prepared for climate change mitigation and adaptation.Findings – The descriptive results show that local land use plans reflect very low awareness and little analysis for climate change; however, the actions for climate change varied widely in scope and content in their plans.Originality/value – This paper provides policymakers important empirical evidence to improve local land use planning capacities for climate change.


The first two successive formation constants of the trivalent rare earth metals with the propionate ligand were determined by a potentiometric method. A comparison was made of the trends in the stability constants of the propionate ligand with the rare earth series with the trends observed for several other ligands. Attempts to explain some of the trends were summarized. (auth)


The Disc Jockey (DJ) software system Mixxx is presented. Mixxx makes it possible to conduct studies of new interaction techniques in connection with the DJ situation, by its open design and easy integration of new software modules and MIDI connection to external controllers. To gain a better understanding of working practices, and to aid the design process of new interfaces, interviews with two contemporary musicians and DJ's are presented. In contact with these musicians development of several novel prototypes for DJ interaction have been made. Finally implementation details of Mixxx are described.


The utility model relates to a multifunctional uneven bar. The uneven bar comprises cross bars 1, fastening screws 2, vertical bars A3, vertical bars B4, vertical bars C5, wrist bands 6 and fixing seats 7, and is characterized in that: each telescopic vertical bar consists of two fastening screws 2, each vertical bar A3, each vertical bar B4 and each vertical bar C5; the upper end of each vertical bar C5 is connected with each cross bar 1; the lower end of each vertical bar C5 is connected with the upper end of each vertical bar B4; the lower end of each vertical bar B4 is connected with the upper end of each vertical bar A3; each vertical bar C5 can vertically move in each vertical bar B4; each vertical bar B4 can vertically move in each vertical bar A3; the two fastening screws 2 are arranged on each vertical bar A3 and each vertical bar B4 respectively; each fixing seat 7 is arranged on the lower part of each vertical bar A3; and two wrist bands 6 are arranged on each cross bar 1. The utility model has the advantages that: the uneven bar has a simple structure and slip resistance, is reasonable in design and is used in an independent or combined mode, the height of the uneven bar can be freely adjusted, and the training efficiency and comfort degree of an athlete are improved.


The microwave radiation from low-density plasmas following ohmic heating discharges in the B-3 stellarator has been studied. The observed spectrum was found to be consistent with a calculated spectrum of synchrotron radiation from runaway electrons accelerated by the applied electric field. The deviation of the radiation frequency from the electron cyclotron frequency is attributed to Doppler shift caused by motion of the emitting electrons along the magnetic field. The maximum observed frequency deviation corresponded, within 10 per cent, to the maximum electron velocity which was kinematically possible, over an electron energy range extending from 25 kilovolts to almost 1 MeV.


ABSTRACT IMPACT: This work sheds diagnostic insight on patients with idiopathic rare disease and has the potential to further their care and treatment as a result. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Correct diagnosis is imperative to treating patients with idiopathic, suspected genetic conditions, yet sequencing approaches leave up to 70% of these patients undiagnosed. We sought to improve diagnosis rates for a cohort patients referred for sequencing by characterizing deleterious variants within the 5'UTR. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We retrospectively analyzed whole exome sequencing (WES) data from 472 unsolved rare disease patients within the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine to identify variants within the 5'UTR that affect the presence of upstream open reading frames (uORFs). uORFs are short regions (typically 30bp - 600bp) that typically influence downstream gene translation by sequestering ribosomes. We specifically searched for variants with the potential to disrupt existing uORFs or introduce new uORFs within the 5'UTR, and developed a pipeline to annotate these variants with information including GnomAD allele frequency and gene loss of function intolerance (pLI) score. To aid in variant interpretation, we applied two deep learning tools to predict variant impacts on transcript ribosome load (TITER and FramePool). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Our pipeline identified a median of 21 variants per patient that were predicted to have a deleterious impact on the translational efficiency of protein coding transcripts, primarily by introducing new start codons within the 5'UTR or by altering the Kozak consensus of existing start codons. A median of 10 of these variants occur upstream of haploinsufficient genes with an existing disease association. We also identified a subset of variants that are predicted to introduce translationally active N-terminal extensions to protein coding transcripts, with the potential to disrupt protein localization and processing. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This work demonstrates that analysis of 5'UTR variants can be incorporated into existing WES pipelines, and identifies a group of variants with potential significance to patient disease. Further experimental evidence is necessary to ascertain the pathogenicity of these variants.


A challenging book by one of Ireland's most creative social thinkers, this explores the 'civil war for the mind, body and soul of Ireland'. Ranging from the radicalism of Wolfe Tone and James Connolly to the quest for conciliation between Irish nationalism and Ulster unionism, Fennell creates a powerful synthesis of the complex strands of Irish socialism, regionalism, democratic liberalism, and Catholicism.


Since its emergence, the field of human factors has been engaged in an ongoing debate regarding the scientific essence of the discipline. Many observers believe that the crux of the debate centers upon the link between human factors and design factors, or performance-design interaction. Presenters in this symposium offer a series of perspectives on this theme, in relation to: (1) emphasis on behavioral considerations in design of complex automated systems (Meister); (2) emphasis on contextual specificity in teaching of design (Moray); (3) an ecological analysis of human-environment interaction as an integrated system (Flach); and (4) core principles of human factors science centered upon performance-design interaction (Smith). The rationale for this symposium rests upon the widespread belief that the relationship between performance and design represents the defining issue of human factors science. That is, through its focus on functional integration of performance and design, human factors departs from the traditional dissected treatment of these phenomena by psychology and engineering. Therefore, the status of human factors science as an integral discipline may be considered to rest upon the answer to the question of how and why human behavior and performance vary in relation to design factors in the performance environment. Papers presented in this symposium provide insight into this question from a number of different perspectives.


The goal of this paper is to determine the impact of transition on the total factor productivity (TFP) in Croatia. Hypothesis of our paper is that transition had a positive impact on the growth rate of TFP and its share in the GDP growth. We employ growth accounting methodology to estimate TFP and structural break tests to estimate total number and location(s) of structural break(s) in the estimated TFP series. In order to test for the robustness of our results we combine different sets of assumptions and derive 18 different TFP series. The fundamental results of the paper imply that transition had a positive effect on the TFP growth rate, but it did not have statistically significant effect on the relative importance (share) of TFP in GDP growth rate. Structural break tests have indicated two statistically significant break locations in the TFP growth rate data. The first break in 1979 is closely connected with overall slowdown of growth, while the second break location in 1993 can be attributed to the transition reforms. Estimated locations of the structural breaks are robust over all 18 estimated TFP series. The basic conclusion from this research is that transition reforms have managed to spark the growth of the overall economy as well as TFP, but the relative importance of the TFP vis a vis other growth factors such as human or physical capital did not significantly change.


The results of a detailed study of the performance of 40-Gbit/s optical transmission over standard single-mode fiber with alternate-phase return-to-zero (AP-RZ) modulation formats are presented. While in the highly dispersed propagation regime, the use of RZ format signals with alternate phase between adjacent pulses can lead to a significant reduction in nonlinear interaction between pulses, allowing increased launch powers and, hence, increased transmission distances, this has not been systematically investigated. In this paper, we investigate the use of AP-RZ formats, both numerically and experimentally, to explain and quantify the effects of varying the peak-to-peak phase modulation, the amount of precompensation at the transmitter and the presence of multiplexer prefiltering for the case of wavelength-division multiplexing systems with high spectral efficiency. It is shown that, while the use of pulses with alternate /spl pi//2 rad phase shifts minimizes the build-up of shadow pulses in the zero bit slots due to intrachannel four-wave mixing, the best overall performance is obtained with /spl pi/ rad peak-to-peak phase modulation. We show experimentally, for the first time, that the optimum value of precompensation to minimize intrachannel nonlinear distortion is dependent on the signal format used.


This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of cosmetics manufactured with retinol, hyaluronic acid and defined cell culture media 4 (DCCM4) on facial skin care. All testing cosmetics were raised to hyaluronic acid, β-glucan, by 0.2% in the same addition. Also we prepared three kinds of testing cosmetics. Distilled water was used as solvent of ingredients in hyaluronic acid testing cosmetics, retinyl palmitate were added to hyaluronic acid testing cosmetics to 10,000 IU/g for retinol testing cosmetics, and DCCM4 was used as solvent of ingredient in DCCM4 testing cosmetics. To achieve evaluation of efficacy, 30% glycolic acid peeling was applied to facial skin of 32 study participants once a week during 4 weeks. By home care, the skin conditions were measured for the analysis of wrinkle, pigmentation, moisture and skin tone before and after treatment after applying it 84 times twice a day for 6 weeks. In the change of facial skin between 32 study participants, the moisture increased, but no significant difference among study group. For the wrinkle, DCCM4 was in great decrease below and around their eyes, which there was a significant difference (p<.01). For the pigmentation by polarized light, DCCM4 was in great decrease on their nose and cheeks, below and around their eyes, which there was a significant difference (p<.05, p<.01, and p<.001). For the pigmentation by ultraviolet light, DCCM4 was in great decrease on their forehead and cheeks, below and around their eyes, which there was a significant difference (p<.05, p<.01, and p<.001). For the skin tone, DCCM4 was in great increase on their forehead, nose and cheeks, below their eyes more than retinol and HA, which there was a significant difference (p<.01). As a consequence, cosmetics manufactured with DCCM4 can be used for improving skin aging, and it is expected to carry out more systematic and effective studies in the future.


Scientists have been communicating about climate change, water science and the significance of their research findings to society for decades. Yet we stand in 2012 with little abatement in real terms of greenhouse gas emissions and unsustainable water resources management, with adverse outcomes on associated ecosystems in the majority of catchments in agricultural and urban environments, including a high proportion in the Murray Darling Basin. Clearly the community of scientists and science communicators have not been heard in a way that has provided enough motivation for government policy makers and corporate Australia to move on mass, to change the way they view the world and effectively address climate change and water management. Communication is about hearing as well as being heard. There are many views about how the earth's resources should be used and by whom. Messages will be lost to the ether if they are not on a wavelength that is audible to the audience. A science message may not be heard even though it is of vital importance to the maintenance of our water resources, atmosphere, and ecosystems. Decisions on water resources management and climate change abatement are made within cultural, historical, economic and political bounds. Science communicators need to understand the contexts and frames of reference of various decision-makers and tailor messages accordingly, setting the right pitch, amplitude and frequency. This paper will outline some options for how science communicators can facilitate the holy grail of change, based on the experience of the author as both a senior public servant responsible for policy development and as a research facilitator and mediator for university and government employers.


1. Review Papers.- 1.1 Standard Stars.- The Choice of Standard Stars.- (Papers on stellar radial velocities may be found on pp. 583 and 587.).- The Use and Abuse of Standard Stars.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 353 and 357.).- 1.2 Parallaxes and Proper Motions.- Trigonometric Parallaxes and Their Calibration.- The Determination of Fundamental Proper Motions.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 36 - 381 and 601.).- 1.3 Information Obtained from Binary Systems.- Positional Astronomy and Stellar Masses.- Masses, Radii and Luminosities from Analysis of Eclipsing Binaries.- The Calibration of Interferometrically Determined Properties of Binary Stars.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 385 - 401.).- 1.4 Stellar Classification.- The MK Classification and Its Calibration.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 403 - 415.).- 1.5 Abundances.- How Precise are Spectroscopic Abundance Determinations Today?.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 417 - 443.).- 1.6 Stellar Rotation.- Determination of Stellar Rotational Velocities.- 1.7 Angular Diameters.- Measuring Stars with High Angular Resolution: Results from Narrabri Observatory.- Measuring Stars with High Angular Resolution: Current Status and Future Prospects.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 447 - 459.).- 1.8 Spectrophotometry.- The Role of Space Observations in the Calibration of Fundamental Stellar Quantities.- Stellar Absolute Fluxes and Energy Distributions from 0.32 to 4.0 ?m.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 463 - 479.).- 1.9 Photometry.- Approaches to Photometric Calibrations.- Calibration in Temperature of Photometric Parameters.- The Calibration of Photometric Determinations of Abundance.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 485 - 565.).- 1.10 Model Atmospheres.- Fundamental Parameters and Models Of Stellar Atmospheres.- (Related papers may be found on pp. 569 - 581.).- 1.11 Data Banks and Summary.- Standard Values and Information in Data Banks.- Calibration of Fundamental Stellar Quantities: Summary and Conclusions.- 2. Contributed Papers.- The Microfiche of Standard Stars.- Standard Astronomical Sources for the Space Telescope.- The Open Cluster M67 as A Fundamental Standard of Reference for Stellar Properties.- White Dwarf Candidates for Trigonometrical Parallax Determinations.- The Absolute Magnitudes of the Nearby Stars: Calibrations of Mean Luminosity Relations.- Fifteen Years of Statistical Parallaxes by the Principle of Maximum Likelihood.- An Empirical H? -Luminosity Calibration.- The Wilson-Bappu Effect for Mg II k-Line Emission Widths.- The Influence of an Outflowing Gaseous Stream on the Determination of Masses of Semidetached Binary Systems.- The Absolute Dimensions and Masses of IQ Persei.- Un Diagramme Fondamental Luminosite-Type Spectral Pour Les Etoiles Doubles.- Visual Binaries and the Calibration of the Main Sequence.- Rotational Properties and Synchronization in Early-Type Close Binaries.- UV Standard Stars by the Variable Procrustean Bed Approach.- MKJ and MSS Classification of Solar-Type Stars within 100 Parsecs of the Sun: Preliminary Results.- UV Spectral Classification of B Stars.- Spectral Anomalies in the Hyades and Pleiades and in Field Stars with Active Chromospheres.- A New Analysis of the Abundance Standards ? Herculis and ? Scorpii.- Elemental Abundances of Normal Sharp-Lined B and A Stars from Optical Region Analyses.- The Relation between the Anomalous Cn Strength, ? Cn, and [Fe/H] Abundances.- On the Gravity Determination from Carbon Star Spectra.- A Note on the Calibration of Effective Temperatures.- The Be II ? 3l30 A Region in the Spectra of Vega and Sirius.- Mount Wilson Spectra of Standard Stars.- About the Photometric Calibration of IUE High Resolution Spectra: Quantification of the Order-Overlap for the SWP Camera.- Determination des diametres stellaires par occultations. Technique de reduction.- Standard Stars for the Comparison of Methods of Diameter Determination.- A Comparison of Direct and Indirect Methods of Determination of Stellar Angular Diameters.- Problems Concerning Planck's Blackbody Law.- Effective Temperatures of Stars with "Standard" Angular Diameters.- Faint Secondary Standards for Spectrophotometry and the Energy Distributions of Horizontal-Branch A-Stars.- High Precision Solar Radiation Data for ??3300 - 12500 A.- The New Observing Station at the Pic Du Midi Observatory for the Absolute Calibration of Stellar Radiation.- The Status of the Absolute Calibration of Stellar Fluxes between 912 and 1200 A.- Secondary Standard Stars in the Four-Color System.- A Preliminary Luminosity Calibration of the uvby,? Systems for Supergiant F-Type Stars.- On Photometric Standards and Color Transformation.- An Empirical Calibration of the Stromgren System for Late-Type Stars.- Analysis of uvby Photometry and Low-Resolution Spectrophotometry of B-Stars.- The Stability and Accuracy of the uvby System.- On the Calibration of the uvby Photometric System for Late-Type Stars.- Steps toward A Physical Calibration of UBV Photometry.- Calibration of Photometric Systems from Homogeneous Spectrophotometric Data.- An Improvement in the Visual Surface-Brightness Scale for B5 - F5 Main-Sequence Stars.- The Response Function S(?) of the UBV Color System - A Problem Again and again?.- On the Observational Determination of OB Standards.- An Effective Temperature Calibration of A uv-Visual Photometric Index for "Normal" Non-Supergiant Stars.- The Determination of Teff for Candidate Standard Stars Based on Comparison with Model Atmospheres.- The Effect of Metallicity and Pulsation on the Infrared Colors of Luminous M Giants.- The Temperature Scale of G and K Subgiants.- On the Accuracy of Infrared Photometry.- Mv and Teff of B-Type Stars as Derived from 13-Color Photometry.- The Estimation of the Electron Density ne with a Narrow-Band Photometric System Calibrated by Model Atmospheres.- A Reddening and Metallicity-Free Temperature Estimator for Late M Giants.- On the Homogenization of Photometric Data.- Spectroscopic Gravity Estimates for Late-Type Giants: Arcturus as an Example.- The Temperatures of G and K Stars.- The Chemical Evolution of the Galactic Disc, Investigated by Abundance Analysis of F Stars: A Progress Report.- LTE-Blanketed and Unblanketed Models for SDO Stars.- The Zero-Point of the IAU Standard Velocity System.- Precise Radial Velocities and Radial Velocity Standards.- Standard Pulsars: Probes for the Calibration of the Galactic Continuum Background Temperature and the Electron Density of the Interstellar Medium.- The Calibration of Stellar Spectra Used in Measurements of the Generalized Compton Shift.- Recent Trigonometric Parallax Measurements of Mk Late-Type Spectral Standard Giant Stars.- The Determination of Extinction and Temperature for the Central Star of the Planetary Nebula NGC 40.- The Microfiche of Standard Stars.- Resolution Passed by the Participants Discussion of Suggestion by Code.- Closing Remarks by R. Hanbury Brown, President of the IAU.- Pictures of participants.- Random Quotes.- Name Index.- Object Index.


For the overall growth of any nation, it is important that both men and women of that country are educated but sadly the global female literary figures depict a very sad picture. The female literacy rate is quite low worldwide. In South Asia there exists huge gender gap with low literacy of females. In countries where over all literacy rates are comparatively low, male/female and urban/rural disparities are also large. Women's literacy is the crucial importance in addressing wider issues of gender inequality. In a country like India, 70 women are literate for every 100 literate men. The present paper would try to explore how women who have limited access to education worldwide can be benefitted by distance education. Women who are full time house wives, who have never had access to formal education or had to give up school at early stages of their lives etc can take to distance education since it allows them to sit at home and study for a programme without jeopardizing their marriages or abandon their children. The paper would focus on the education sector in J&K which has remained one of the worst hit sectors and how distance education can help women seek education who are living in this conflict-hit area and have no access to education. Distance education can also help streamline the education sector. This will certainly help in nation building and may also serve as an instrument for development and lead to empowerment and social upliftment of women in Jammu and Kashmir.


Given a polygonal region containing a target point (which we assume is the origin), it is not hard to see that there are two points on the perimeter that are antipodal, that is, whose midpoint is the origin. We prove three generalizations of this fact. (1) For any polygon (or any compact planar set) containing the origin, it is possible to place a given set of weights on the boundary so that their barycenter (center of mass) coincides with the origin, provided that the largest weight does not exceed the sum of the other weights. (2) On the boundary of any 3-dimensional compact set containing the origin, there exist three points that form an equilateral triangle centered at the origin. (3) For any $d$-dimensional bounded convex polyhedron containing the origin, there exists a pair of antipodal points consisting of a point on a $\lfloor d/2 \rfloor$-face and a point on a $\lceil d/2\rceil$-face.


The goal of this work is to describe the system evolution after ion-molecule interaction. We combine different quantum chemistry and statistical mechanics approaches in order to give extended description of the process. Herein we report on a recent study of the fragmentation mechanism of neutral, singly- and doubly-ionized furan molecule in the gas phase.


Using phthalic anhydride,diphenylamine,4-aminoantipyrine and europia as basic materials,through several reactions,tri(N,N-Diphenyl-phthalamic acid)(1,10-phenanthroline) Eu(III) [Eu(PPA)3Phen] and tri(N-antipyrine-4-yl-phthalamic acid)(1,10-phenanthroline) Eu(III) [Eu(APA)3Phen] were obtained.Structures of the lignds and complexes were comfired by 1HNMR and LC-MS.Their UV-spectra,photoluminesecent spectra,lifetime of phosohorscence,TG curves and electrochemical performance were studied.The results showed UV spectra character of Eu(PPA)3Phen and Eu(APA)3Phen is nearly identical with their ligands.The two complexes have strong photoluminescence at 613nm,which are assigned to special emission of Eu3+.Eu(PPA)3Phen have three lifetimes of around 0.45μs,Eu(APA)3Phen have those of 650μs.TG analysis indicates mass loss of Eu(PPA)3Phen is 10% from 30℃ to 260℃,and the mass loss of Eu(APA)3Phen is 5% in the scale of 70℃-240℃.Both of Eu(PPA)3Phen and Eu(APA)3Phen have a irreverse oxide potential value at round 0.86V.


The microflora of the intestinal tract is vital to many physiological functions, mainly fermentation and processing of dietary components, control of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, development of the immune system, and protection against pathogens. Plant extracts have potential for treatment options that protect commensal or beneficial microflora in the intestines while eliminating pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Pinus brutia (Turkish red pine) bark extract containing phenolic compounds on some commensal and pathogenic bacteria from the intestinal microflora using a microdilution method. P. brutia bark extract did not completely inhibit any intestinal bacteria. However, the extract showed a potential inhibitor activity on Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus from 75 µg/mL, on Escherichia coli and Fusobacterium nucleatum from 150 µg/mL, and on Clostridium perfringens from 300 µg/mL concentrations (P<0.05). Commensal bacteria were observed to be less sensitive to the extract than those of the pathogenic strains. The extract stimulated moderately the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum from 75 µg/mL dose (P<0.05). The extract did not show any activity on Lactobacillus acidophilus. A potential inhibitor activity was observed for Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus casei at 600-2400 µg/mL (P<0.05). As a conclusion, P. brutia bark extract, at 75-300 μg/mL dose range, had a potential to restrict pathogenic bacteria in the intestines while protect commensal or beneficial ones. Specified effects might be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic content.


ABSTRACT A controversy exists over the legal authority of juvenile court judges to apply contempt power to incarcerate nondeliquent youths. The decisions by reviewing courts reflect three distinct approaches to contempt power. One approach gives juvenile court judges unlimited legal authority to incarcerate status offenders for disobeying court orders. A second holds incarceration for contempt to be inappropriate and contrary to legislative directives under each state's Juvenile Court Act. A third strikes a "middle-ground," in which incarceration of nondeliquent youths for contempt is permissible within narrow legal parameters. Resolving the conflicts created by these disparate approaches likely will require federal court intervention.


Coliform bacteria are suspected to come from faeces. As a result, their presence in various places ranging from drinking water, foodstuffs or other ingredients to human needs are not expected. This research aimed to describe bacterial contaminations, depot sanitations, equipment sanitations, worker hygiene, raw water quality, and refill drinking water in Barrang Lompo island in 2017. The observational research applied descriptive approach. Water samples collected grab from the drinking water depot taps, then examined using Most Probable Number (MPN) method. The results showed that three of six depots have qualified drinking water quality. Raw water samples from all depots indicated that none were eligible. The samples examined contained gram-negative bacteria. The types of bacteria that grew on the sample were Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aerogenosa. In the environmental sanitation depots and worker hygiene, there was no one eligible. Sanitary appliances were all eligible and there were depots that used reserve osmosis methods and used combination methods between reserve osmosis and ultraviolet light. It was concluded that almost all samples of drinking water were contaminated by bacteria. Owners and depot workers were advised to improve and implement better hygiene and sanitation.


The use of literary works such as the Novelle of the " Novellieri mino ri" (minor novelists) as a historical source is possible and also legitimate provided that the analysis is tackled by the historian with all the tools and caution necessary. The historian ought to have a profound understanding of the society to which the literary work belongs, without regarding the latter as the exclusive source of knowledge, but only as part of common action towards greater awareness. This article is focused on the role of parish priests, monks and peasant priests in the Tuscan countryside between Trecento and Quattrocento through the works of minor writers. The novelle are used as an expression of the authors' mind, as a source which mirrors the way in which Sermini, Sercambi and Sacchetti perceived reality and the society, myths and fantasies of their time without forgetting an essential element, the fact that this works represent a mirror of the true reality.


OBJECTIVE: To construct the eukaryotic expression vector of recombinant human BAG3(WT) and BAG3(ΔPXXP) and establish FRO cell lines that can stably express EGFP-BAG3(WT) and EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP).METHODS:The recombinant vector pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(WT) and pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP) were constructed by gene clone,and the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(WT) and pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP) were transfected into FRO cell with Lipofectamin.The stable transfectants were screened by G418.The expression of EGFP-BAG3(WT) or EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP) were detected by inverted fluorescence microscope.RESULTS:Human full length BAG3(WT) and BAG3(ΔPXXP) eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed,selected by G418,and transfected cell lines were established.Green fluorescence was expressed in FRO cell.EGFP-BAG3(WT) was expressed in cytoplasm,and EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP) was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus.CONCLUSION:The FRO cell lines stably expressing pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(WT) and pcDNA3-N-EGFP-BAG3(ΔPXXP) are constructed successfully and respectively,in order to provide useful cell models for further research.


Our aim in the present article is to introduce and study types of retraction of one dimensional manifold. New types of geodesics in one dimensional manifold are presented. The deformation retracts of one dimensional manifold into itself and onto geodesics is deduced. Also, the isometric and topological folding in each case and the relation between the deformations retracts after and before folding has been obtained. New types of conditional folding are described.


The primary purpose of this research is to characterized four series of azobenzene with different substituents to be employed as azobenzene-liquid crystal composite mixture in optical storage devices. Firstly, the azobenzene substituents effects on liquid crystallinity were observed under polarising optical microscope and their phase transition temperatures were confirmed by calorimetric study. After that, photoisomerisation studies were conducted in solution form by using UV–Vis spectrophotometer in order to measure the time required for cis–trans isomerisation in thermal back relaxation process. In azobenzene with fluorine addition, monofluoro azobenzene with ester functional group gave smectic-A and nematic phases with thermal back relaxation around 22 hours. Better results were obtained by azobenzene with olefinic terminal chain; the presence of alkene enhanced the thermal back relaxation to 45 hours due to the unsaturated bonding in the molecule, capable of photo-crosslinking. However, incorporation of group-17 elements such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine in the olefinic azobenzene shorten the thermal back relaxation time although smectic-A and nematic phases were generated. Prototype of optical storage devices created showed good stability with high contrast display due to their thermal back relaxation and mesophases. This study is a bold step to tailor the property of light-sensitive azobenzene to make them suitable for optical storage device applications. Presented data give rich information about structure property relations where one can able to control the molecular structure using light.


Filmmaker Moussa Sene Absa's 1996 film Tableau Ferraille ('Scrap Heap') astutely examines the contemporary conundrums of issues faced by women in present day Senegal. The title leads to many literal and metaphorical allusions that become more apparent as the film progresses. Absa's work refutes contemporary western stereotypes about African women to expose a feminist transformative agenda that posits female subjecthood as an original conceptualization of the African female subject.


Changes in soil microstructure are important for understanding the macro-behavior of soil. Studies in the past have mainly focused on analysing variations under isotropic and one-dimensional consolidation. The present study aims to investigate the microstructure evolution of saturated clay under cyclic shearing. Cyclic triaxial tests are carried out under different magnitudes of effective confining pressure, cyclic deviator stress, and overconsolidation ratio (OCR). The soil microstructure is determined through the scanning electron microscope and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests. It is observed that there is a threshold cyclic deviator stress, above which the soil specimens show significant plastic strain and eventually fail. The threshold value is found to increase almost linearly with the increase of effective confining pressure and OCR. On the other hand, when the cyclic deviator stress is higher than the threshold value, some large pores appear even though the total pore volume is kept constant (undrained condition under cyclic loads). With the appearance of some larger pores, the soil skeleton becomes weaker and eventually fails.


In this talk we will discuss some new perspectives from geometry and topology on data analysis with complex networks. Two particular examples will be provided, with one from combinatorial Hodge Theory in applications of preference aggregation on networks; and the other from classical Morse theory in explorations of energy landscapes of complex networks, from social networks to transition networks in protein folding. Such examples is perhaps just on the fringe of a long road toward mathematics for data science.


The purposes of this study were to study the effects of activity organizing model for developing prosocial behavior of students based on cognitive behavior modification. Subjects used in the study consisted of 29 first year students who were majoring in biology at the Faculty of Education, selected through purposive sampling technique. The instruments used in this study were activity organizing model for developing prosocial behavior of students based on cognitive behavior modification, self report form, and evaluation form. The research findings were as follows: 1. After intervention, the students can evaluate themselves to help other people, have beneficial behavior to other people, to make sacrifice and to do the great things voluntarily. 2. The students were satisfied with activity organizing model for developing prosocial behavior of


Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), frequently co-participants in inflammatory states, are two well recognized inhibitors of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Previous reports have concluded that the inhibitory effects of these two autacoids on pancreatic β cell function are not related because indomethacin, a potent prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, does not prevent IL-1β effects. However, indomethacin is not a specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and its other pharmacologic effects are likely to inhibit insulin secretion independently. Since we recently observed that IL-1β induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression and PGE2 synthesis in islet β cells, we have reassessed the possibility that PGE2 mediates IL-1β effects on β function. By using two cell lines (HIT-T15 and βHC13) as well as Wistar rat isolated pancreatic islets, we examined the ability of two COX-2-specific antagonists, NS-398 and SC-236, to prevent IL-1β inhibition of insulin secretion. Both drugs prevented IL-1β from inducing PGE2 synthesis and inhibiting insulin secretion; adding back exogenous PGE2 re-established inhibition of insulin secretion in the presence of IL-1β. We also found that EP3, the PGE2 receptor subtype whose post-receptor effect is to decrease adenylyl cyclase activity and, thereby, insulin secretion, is the dominant mRNA subtype expressed. We conclude that endogenous PGE2 mediates the inhibitory effects of exogenous IL-1β on β cell function.


Traffic signal control is one of the most cost-effective means of improving urban mobility. Signal control can be categorized as pretimed, actuated, and adaptive. Among these, both pretimed and coordinated actuated controllers deploy multiple signal timing plans to account for traffic demand changes during the day, whereas adaptive control changes the timing plan in real time according to traffic conditions. In the case of pretimed and coordinated actuated signals, morning peak traffic would differ from that of the off-peak such that it would be better to use two distinctive signal timing plans. Traffic engineers often determine such time-of-day (TOD) breakpoints manually by using 1 or 2 days' worth of traffic data. A few recent studies developed statistical and heuristic methods for TOD breakpoints by using archived traffic data. These approaches determined the breakpoints through minimization of within-cluster distance and maximization of between-cluster distances. Thus, the clusters do not directly reflect the performance of timing plans and often result in only local optimal TOD breakpoints. One method is based on a genetic algorithm (GA) that optimizes TOD breakpoints with explicit consideration of signal timing performance at a representative intersection. The proposed method implements two-stage optimizations: outer loop for TOD breakpoints and inner loop for timing plans of corresponding intervals. The proposed approach is implemented on a network consisting of three coordinated actuated signalized intersections. The convergence graphs of both inner-and outer-loop optimization indicate that the GA-based algorithm obtains breakpoints within a relatively small number of iterations. Also studied was the performance of the proposed approach for a varying number of breakpoints (i.e., four to eight). The results, based on a microscopic simulation program, Sim Traffic, indicated that six breakpoints outperformed the other numbers of breakpoints considered.


An electron spin resonance (ESR) study has been made of radicals trapped in polyisobutylene irradiated at 77 K. It is concluded that only the -C(Me)/sub 2/-CH- radical remains after heat treatment above 213 K. This radical shows a very sharp doublet ESR spectrum with hyperfine splitting of about 2.2 mT. A broad doublet ESR spectrum observed without warming, which was previously assigned as -C(Me)/sub 2/-CH- is explained as a mixture of a doublet and a triplet.


Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to play an integral role in prevention of transmission of infection in the healthcare setting. The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of universal precautions for control of infection among health care workers.Methods: Cross sectional study were conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi during the period of November 2018 to January 2019.  151 paramedical staffs were included as study population. Sampling method was consecutive sampling.Results: The present study included 151 paramedical staffs, based on our criteria about knowledge of PPEs, 88.7% (134) of participants had the knowledge, while 11.3% (17) did not have. 77% (116) of paramedical staffs received formal training while 23.2% (35) didn't. 95.68% had the knowledge about PPEs who received training (116), while out of untrained person 65.71% already had knowledge about PPEs which is statistically significant. Departments which always use PPEs are emergency (50%) followed by pathology (16.6%) and Neurosurgery (13.3%) which is statistically significant. Those who frequently use PPEs, 89.6% had knowledge while 10.4% did not have. 85.4% of paramedical staff change gloves between procedures on same patient. Non availabilityof  PPEs inhibit maximum percentage of Paramedical staffs 72% towards use of PPEs followed by lack of  information and education 12% and uncomfortable PPEs 5%.Conclusions: Proper training should be provided to healthcare workers for universal precaution. Information about universal precaution can be spread in the form of posters in different wards.


Includes descriptive metadata provided by producer in MP3 file: "Vanderbilt University launches "Shape the Future," a five-year $1.25 billion campaign to provide support for the University's continued leadership in teaching, healing and the expansion of knowledge."


Micro-channel heat sink with groove structure has been optimized by using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The thermal resistance and pumping power characteristics of the micro-channel heat sink have been investigated numerically. For optimization, four design variables, i.e., the ratios of the groove depth to the micro-channel height, the groove pitch to the micro-channel height, the groove diameter to pitch, and the micro-channel width to height, are selected. The thermal resistance and the pumping power are the objective functions. The Navier-Stokes and energy equations for laminar flow and conjugate heat transfer are solved using a finite-volume solver. Grooved micro-channel shows decrease in thermal resistance and increase in Nusselt number over smooth micro-channel. The thermal resistance in a grooved micro-channel is lower than that in a smooth micro-channel for a fixed pumping power.


A study of fission gas diffusion in graphite including the diffusion mechanism and its relation to graphite structure and history is described. The parameters of crystallite size and perfection, pores, degree of graphitization, and radiation damage to the graphite lattice are of chief concern. The diffusion study involves the measurement of fission gas release from graphite during postirradiation heat treatment. The study is restricted to the diffusion of Xe/ sup 133/ in graphite powders. (H.G.G.)


This study was initiated by the Gay Men's Health Project. The objectives of the study are to describe existing service provision for men working in prostitution in Ireland, and to determine the perceived needs of male prostitutes. The study also sets out to highlight the issue of male prostitution in Ireland. The results are based on the replies of twenty seven respondents to a detailed questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent to agencies which may come into contact with men working in prostitution for them to both complete themselves and distribute to appropriate clients.

The men who participated in the research ranged in age from under seventeen years to forty-five years. The majority had experienced homelessness. Drug taking was common among the majority of the men interviewed while over a third inject or have injected drugs. The report recommends that a specially designated project for men working in prostitution be established under the auspices of the Gay Men's Health Project, Eastern Health Board. The report also makes recommendations regarding youth homelessness, addiction services for those working in the sex industry and a review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) 1995 Act.


We use data from Washington State to examine two stages of the teacher pipeline: the placement of prospective teachers into student teaching assignments and the hiring of prospective teachers into their first teaching positions. We find that prospective teachers are likely to complete their student teaching near their college and hometowns but that prospective teachers' student teaching positions are much more predictive of their first teaching positions than their hometowns. This suggests that student teaching assignments may contribute to the "draw of home" in new teacher hiring. We also find that more qualified prospective teachers tend to student teach in more advantaged districts, suggesting that patterns in student teaching assignments may contribute to the inequitable distribution of teacher quality.


In Japan, it has long been a common practice among corporations to issue new shares at par value and offer them to shareholders without underwriting agreements. However, in January 1969, Nihon Gakki (a musical instrument maker) successfully offered new shares at the market price through underwriting agreements. Other corporations followed suit and the capital raised through this method in fiscal year 1972 amounted to ¥861 billion, accounting for more than 65 percent of the total capital raised during the year. At present, over 70 percent of Japanese corporations raise new equity capital at the market price via the negotiated underwriting method. Almost all underwriters employ a "firm commitment" agreement, in which the underwriter agrees to purchase the whole issue from the firm at a particular price for resale to the public. The agreement is normally signed on the day before the issue announcement, at which time the offering price to the public is specified. As soon as the offering price is filed with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the underwriter is precluded from selling the shares above this price. Though the offering price initially was highly discounted, between 1970 and 1980 this discount rate gradually decreased from 15 percent to 5 percent of the daily stock price (see Table 1). The final settlement with the underwriter usually takes place fourteen to nineteen days after the registration statement becomes effective. At that time, the company receives the proceeds of the sale, minus the underwriter's fee. This fee, which is usually fixed at 3.5 percent of the money to be raised, consists of a compensation fee, a managing fee, a sales fee, and a brokerage fee, none of which can be separated on the contract.


Software agent technology has been intensively explored in the past three decades. It is explicitly or implicitly applied in many systems. Software agent research covers a wide range of area which makes it challenging for new researchers to comprehend the peculiarities and complexities of the technology. Consequently, this paper provides a concise overview of software agent research, modeling, and development. It summarizes and analyzes more than 100 sources of publication including research papers, articles, and books. The aim of the paper is to provide a quick start to new researchers in software agent and multi-agent systems. The paper offers the following contributions: (1) it determines the milestone achievements of software agent conceptualization, modeling and development platforms, (2) it defines the related terminologies of the field and reveals their redundancies, (3) it summarizes the multi-agent systems technology and finally, (4) it explores the current active research topics in software agent and multi-agent systems.


In this collection of essays, Bhargava answers important questions related to Political Theory and its aims. The aim of political theory, he says, is not only to clear up conceptual muddles but to reason systematically and ethically about some of the major social and political problems we face, to illuminate which ethical values are relevant to the context and why, and to give some direction to what we should do. Using the tools of political theory, he tells us the value and dangers of multiculturalism, the significance of political secularism in religiously diverse societies, the continuing relevance of some socialist ideas and explains why modernity must not be viewed only as a monolithic, homogenizing process.He asks what, if any, the cultural injustices of colonialism are and how we should respond to them, assesses the value of institutions such as Truth and Reconciliation in societies that have gone through violence and injustice on a massive scale, argues why it is urgent to jettison stereotypes of one another held by religious and secular persons, clarifies the importance of free expression in democratic societies, and how the state should act amidst growing intolerance and offers a morally complex reflection on 9/11. The book also includes philosophical essays on the methodology of social science.


Nowadays,with the rapid development of the world agriculture economy,American has built up the new econo- my development model in agriculture which is represented by knowledge,informatization,internationalization,harmoniza- tion,sustainability and no cyclical economic crisis.And it is the highest phase of the development of current agriculture, has already brought or will bring the great impact to the world.Realizing the characterizes of the American new economy in agriculture as well as the impact of world agricultural development may certainly play an essential role in establishing and implementing the agricultural policy,and advancing the socialist new-village construction strongly.


Original Research Article Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the ascitic fluid fibronectin level to differentiate malignant from nonmalignant ascites. Method: This observational, cross sectional type study conducted in Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from September 2014 to February 2017. During the study period of total 60 patients (30 patients with malignant ascites and 30 patients with nonmalignant ascites) were enrolled for the study. Results: Mean ascetic fluid fibronectin was found 0.50±0.15μg/ml in malignant ascites group and 0.22±0.07μg/ml in nonmalignant ascites group. Mean ascitic fluid fibronectin was found 0.64±0.11 μg/ml in positive for malignant cell group and 0.45±0.17 μg/ml in negative for malignant cell group. The mean difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) between two groups. Sensitivity of cut off value of ascitic fluid fibronectin ≥0.22 μg/ml was 82.86%, specificity 96.0%, accuracy 88.33%, positive and negative predictive values were 96.67% and 80.0% respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed on the usefulness of fibronectin in the differential diagnosis of ascites and these data and findings suggest that fibronectin may have potential value to differentiate malignant from nonmalignant ascites.


SARA MADAAN,1,2,† KEVIN KEOMANEE-DIZON,1,† MATT JONES,1 CHENYANG ZHONG,1 ANNA NADTOCHIY,1 PETER LUU,1 SCOTT E. FRASER,1 AND THAI V. TRUONG1,∗ 1Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA 2Current address: Google Inc., Mountain View, California 94043, USA ∗Corresponding author: firstname.lastname@example.com †These authors contributed equally to this Letter.


With the ever so growing boundaries for security in the cloud, it is necessary to develop ways to prevent from total cloud server failure. In this paper, we try to design a Game Strategy Block that sets up rules for security based on a tower defence game to secure the hypervisor from potential threats. We also try to define a utility function named the Virtual Machine Vitality Measure (VMVM) that could enlighten on the status of the virtual machines on the virtual environment.


Nadolski, R. J., Slootmaker, A., & Hummel, H. G. K. (2009). Exploring Architectures for Fast and Easy Development of Immersive Learning Scenarios. Presentation given at Online Educa. December, 3-4, 2009, Berlin, Germany. [For Powerpoint-version of this presentation. Please see
http://www.slideshare.net/rob.nadolski/exploring-architectures-for-fast-and-easy-development-of-immersive-learning-scenarios ]


The paper analyzes the current status of the logistics market of Guangzhou,comments on and compares the achievements of the established enterprises therein,and proposes countermeasures for the major problems.


Objective
To study the influence of excessive iodine intake on the 99Tcm-pertechnetate uptake function of thyroid and explore the related mechanism.

Methods
A total of 150 male Wistar rats were divided into normal iodine group (NI group) and 4 high iodine (HI) groups (10HI, 50HI, 100HI and 500HI group) with completely random method. Each group included 30 rats. Rats in HI groups were intragastrically administrated with different concentrations of KIO3, and rats in NI group were administrated with the same amount of distilled water. After a 7 d HI diet, each group was randomly divided into 3 subgroups: 7 d group (HI diet for 7 d), 10 d group (HI diet for 7 d + limiting iodine for 3 d) and 14 d group (HI diet for 7 d + limiting iodine for 7 d). All rats were given 1.85 MBq 99TcmO4-, then the thyroid glands were isolated and weighed 20 min post-injection. The radioactive counts were measured and the thyroid uptake percentage activity of injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) of 99TcmO4- for each sample was calculated. Sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression level was analyzed by Western blot. One-way analysis of variance or Welch test was used to compare the differences among groups, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was also used.

Results
At the same observation time, the %ID/g of 99TcmO4- and NIS expression among different HI groups were statistically significant (F values: 48.825-119.219, all P 0.05). Significant differences of %ID/g of 99TcmO4- and NIS expression were found among different time subgroups in 50HI, 100HI and 500HI groups (F values: 10.442-90.408, all P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the concentration of iodine correlated negatively with %ID/g of 99TcmO4- and NIS expression (rs values: -0.853 and -0.950, both P<0.01), while the %ID/g of 99TcmO4- and NIS expression was positively correlated (rs=0.925, P<0.01).

Conclusions
Excessive iodine intake can inhibit thyroid uptake of 99TcmO4- in rats, which is associated with the down-regulation of NIS expression. The degree of inhibition correlates positively with iodine concentration, and correlates negatively with NIS expression. The degree of recovery of NIS and %ID/g of 99TcmO4- may relate to the time of limiting the iodine intake.

Key words:
Thyroid gland; Sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m; Iodine; Rats; Sodium/iodide symporter


Courses teaching fundamental concepts and methodologies in biochemistry and molecular biology can be beneficial for both undergraduate and graduate students alike. Should these courses be taught differently and separately to students of different levels? Anecdotal evidence has shown that students prefer pairing with someone of the same academic level. However, retention of main ideas in a peer learning environment has been shown to be greater when partners have dissimilar abilities. In our "Manipulation and Expression of Recombinant DNA" course, which can be taught as an advanced Biochemistry/Molecular Biology course, we tested the hypothesis that there will be enhanced student learning when lab partners are of different academic levels. Learning outcomes were met by both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of pairing. Average undergraduate grades on every assessment method increased when paired with graduate students. Many of the average graduate student grades also increased modestly when paired with an undergraduate. Attitudes toward working with partners dramatically shifted. The work presented here suggests that offering dual‐level courses benefit students of all levels. This format is useful for institutions that wish to offer "boutique" courses where student enrollment may be low, but specialized equipment and faculty expertise is needed.


A COMPARATIVE TEST WAS CONDUCTED WITH PANCHROMATIC AND COLOR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS USED IN ANALYTICAL TRIANGULATION AND TOPOGRAPHIC PRODUCTION. ALTHOUGH THE TEST WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETELY SCIENTIFIC IN NATURE, IT WAS CONDUCTED UNDER ESTABLISHED COMMERICIAL PRODUCTION PROCEDURES. THE DIFFERENCES IN AERIAL TRIANGULATION ACCURACIES BETWEEN THE TWO METHODS WERE NOT SIGNIFICANT, NOR DO THE STEREOPLOTTING ACCURACY COMPARISONS CONCLUSIVELY PROVE THAT COLOR FILM WILL PROVIDE MORE ACCURATE MAPPING. HOWEVER, THE SIDE BENEFITS OF THE TEST INCLUDE INVESTIGATIONS OF PROPER GROUND TARGETING RPOCEDURES, USE OF AERIAL-CAMERA LENS-DISTORTION CORRECTION PLATES, BOTH IN THE DIAPOSITIVE PLATE PRODUCTION AND THE STEREO PLOTTING INSTRUMENT, AND INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS OF THE PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN THE TEST ON THE ATTRIBUTES OF COLOR FILM. THESE OBSERVATIONS, MANY OF WHICH PROVE TO BE INTANGIBLE TO THE EVERYDAY STEREO PRODUCTION, MAY BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RESULT OF THE ENTIRE TEST OPERATION. /PE/


Address for correspondence: Alicja Romaszkiewicz, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 1a Kliniczna St, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland, phone: +48 54 349 25 81, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Received: 21.03.2017, accepted: 1.10.2017. Nail dermoscopy (onychoscopy) is useful in diagnosis and treatment follow-up of the nail mixed infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans


M. labrosus and M. ramada by Leray (1968), Thong (1969) and Cassifour (1975). However, cellular characteristics were not sufficiently well defined at this level, and these data did not describe primordial germ cells or make any distinction between oogonia and spermatogonia. Early germ cells were studied by electron microscopy chiefly on freshwater species such as Oryzias (Hogan, 1973 ; Satoh, 1974 ; Grier, 1976), Poecilia (Grier, 1975), Carassius (Kanobdee, 1975 ; Remacle et al., 1977), Brachydanio (Baumeister, 1976), Salmo (Upadhyay, 1977). Investigations on marine species are rather scarce (Squalus : Holstein, 1969 ; Spicara : Carrillo and Zanuy, 1977 ; Scyliorhinus : Dobson and Dodd, 1977) and provide neither information concerning primordial germ cells nor comparison between oogonia and spermatogonia. It thus seemed of interest to use electron microscopy to define the cytological characteristics of early germ cells in the juvenile and the yound golden-grey mullet Mugil (Liza) auratus.. '


The author reviewed the nurse job evaluation status in the process of implementing nurse position management system. She also described the focus and limitations of nurse job evaluation index system at home and abroad. It would provide a reference basis for further study on the nurse job evaluation index system, which should reflect the nurse career development, performance assessment and hospital nursing management level.