Abstract The influence of faculty on student academic and affective development is well-documented. Positive interactions with faculty are related to increases in student retention, GPA, and well-being, but less is known about how student-faculty interaction relates to students' spiritual development. Drawing upon faith development theory and considering relevant college impact theories, this study uses a national, longitudinal dataset to examine how in- and out-of-class interactions with faculty can predict students' spiritual outcomes in college, specifically students' meaning-making and spiritual quest, paying close attention to gender differences. Initial findings reveal that although students experience lecture pedagogies most frequently when faculty use student-centered and spiritual pedagogies in the classroom, both men and women show gains in their spiritual outcomes. Additionally, outside of class, when faculty encourage student spiritual exploration and act as spiritual role models, students are more likely to show growth in their spiritual quest and meaning-making outcomes. The conclusion explores the relevance of these findings for faculty, student affairs staff, and future research.


tive configurations and compared their performance with a traditional correlator. Using a self-modelocked Tisapphire laser running at 800 nm we measured the autocorrelation first with a Michelson interferometer, nonlinear crystal and PMT (Fig. 2a). Next we again used the Michelson interferometer arrangement but substituted the LED in place of the nonlinear crystal and PMT. With this arrangement we were able to record fringe-resolved interferometric autocorrelations for a few tens of milliwatts average power (Fig. 2b) and measured an intensity autocorrelation with only 350 pW of average power incident on the LED. The chirp apparent on the pulse measurements presented in Fig. 2b and later in Fig. 2c is not a consequence of the measurement technique but arises because, for technical reasons, the conventional autocorrelation (Fig. 2a) was made with use of an output from the opposite end of the laser resonator to that used for the other measurements. Finally we recorded an autocorrelation (Fig. 2c) with an entirely novel device that used a Wollaston prism to provide a variable relative delay between two orthogonally polarized components of the laser pulse (Fig. 3). The pulses were then recombined interferometrically at the LED and a correlation signal was obtained by scanning the prism laterally across the input beam. This autocorrelation technique is unique because it requires no Michelson interferometer arrangement or partially reflecting optics and the optical path follows one direction throughout the system. CTuS4 3:30 pm


Our goal is to measure carbon balance of our southern California desert ecosystems, with a particular focus on teasing apart weathering of inorganic C and mineralization of organic C, versus sequestration by native desert communities in the face of soil and vegetation disturbances to place solar electricitygenerating projects. We will: 1) develop techniques to assess caliche layering and amounts, 2) assess exchange dynamics and rates of inorganic and organic C using natural abundance ratios of C and O in the dominant ecosystems of southern California deserts that are potentially subject to solar power development, 3) and design baseline datasets and models to quantify C exchange between soils and atmosphere in southern California deserts that are potentially subject to solar power development. Goals 1 and 2 will be undertaken in conjunction with the project proposed by Dr. Cameron Barrows on the Niche modeling for identifying potential impacts of renewable energy projects and the monitoring to asses those impacts across the region, and goal 3 will focus on quantifying exchanges in a wellcharacterized site (Boyd Deep Canyon) so as to be able to utilize a broader database background, and a site proposed for study by Dr. Alfredo Martinez-Morales, where we would be able to asses in an integrative way, the performance of solar PV and understand the potential impacts of solar development on the carbon balance including the species of the Salton Sea.


In Blanchard et al (Topological complexity. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.20 (2000), 641–662), the authors introduced the notion of scattering and a weaker notion of 2-scattering. It is an open question whether the two notions are equivalent. The question is answered affirmatively in this paper. Using the complexity function of an open cover along some sequences of natural numbers, we characterize mild mixing, strong scattering and scattering. We show that mildly mixing (respectively strongly mixing) systems are disjoint from minimal uniformly rigid (respectively minimal rigid) systems. Moreover, assuming minimality we show that a dynamical system is full-scattering (respectively mildly mixing or weakly mixing) if and only if it is strongly mixing (respectively IP*-transitive or $\mathcal{D}$-transitive), where $\mathcal{D}$ is the collection of subsets of $\mathbb{Z}_+$ with the lower Banach density 1.


OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the efficacy of Ormeloxifene for dysfunctional menorrhagia (DUB). METHODS Eighty five women aged 30 to 51 years who attended the outpatient gynecology department with complaint of heavy menstrual flow were recruited for the study. Ormeloxifene (60 mg)was given orally twice a week for first 12 weeks and then once a week for up to next 12 weeks. Menstrual blood loss measurements using pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), blood hemoglobin (gm/ dl) levels and endometrial thickness were the main measurements to evaluate the efficacy of therapy. Statistical analysis was done using a paired 't' test and ,z' test. RESULTS - The median difference between pretreatment and post-treatment PBAC score of 97.2 was statistically significant (P<O.OOl). The difference in mean hemoglobin concentration of 1.31 gm/ dl between pretreatment and post-treatment levels was also statistically significant (P<O.OOl, 95% CI= 0.389 to 2.23). Seventy four out of 85 subjects (87.05%) showed a reduction in endometrial thickness as assessed by trans vaginal sonography(TVS). Only se out of 85 (8.2%) women needed hysterectomy. CONCLUSION - Because of convenient dosage schedule and higher cost-benefit ratio, ormeloxifene is an effective drug therapy in dysfunctional menorrhagia.


In this paper, we propose a MOSFET-type biosensor in which an extended gate is formed on the bottom of silicon microfluidic channel across the (111) silicon sidewall. Electrical characteristics of the sensor were measured in the solution containing streptavidin-biotin protein complexes. The connection between MOSFET and micro-fluidic channel system could be achieved with the proposed device, offering merits of isolation between the device and solution, compatibility with the integrated circuit technology and applicability in the micro total analysis system. The device was fabricated on the basis of the semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication and micro-electro mechanical system technology. Au was used as the extended gate metal to form a self-assembled monolayer of thiol which was used to immobilize streptavidin and biotin. Atomic force microscopy was used to observe the presence of biomolecules on Au electrode.


In this paper we propose to simultaneously detect lane and pavement boundaries by fusing information from both optical and radar images. The boundaries are described with concentric circular models, whose parameters are compatible and will result in better conditioned estimation problems than previous parabolic models. The optical and radar imaging processes are represented with Gaussian and log-normal probability densities, with which we successfully avoid the ad hoc weighting scheme carried on the two likelihood functions. The multisensor fusion boundary detection problem is posed in a Bayesian framework and a joint maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate is employed to locate the lane and pavement boundaries. Experimental results have shown that the fusion algorithm outperforms single sensor based boundary detection algorithms in a variety of road scenarios. And it also yields better boundary detection results than the fusion algorithm that took advantage of existing prior and likelihood formulations.


MicroRNA-214 Promotes Renal Fibrosis Independent of TGF-b MiR-214 expression increases inmodels of renaldisease,butthefunctionofrenalmiR214 is unknown. Here, Denby et al. report that miR-214 antagonism is renoprotective in a mouse model of tubulointerstitialfibrosis, in contrast to reported profibrotic effects in models of cardiac ischemia. Notably, renal expression of miR214 does not require TGF-b activity inmice. Indeed, inhibition of TGF-b enhances the renoprotection afforded by genetic deletion of miR-214. Overall, these results suggest that miR-214 mediates tissue-specific fibrotic effects and further study of themechanisms regulating miR-214 expression in kidney may uncover treatment options to reduce renal ischemic injury. See Denby et al., pages 65–80.


This paper presents a novel, fast optimization technique that is especially suitable for the design of microwave filters. For the discretization of the structure, the well established Finite Integration Technique (FIT) is used. A recently published two step Model Order Reduction (MORe) technique computes the poles and residuals of the structure's impedance matrix as well as its sensitivity to the geometry parameters. The actual optimization is then performed in the reduced order space of the poles and residuals. This significantly reduces the number of full-wave simulation runs, that is usually associated with the optimization of filters.


After sorting out Mesozoic geological events in the lower Yangtze area the authors suggested that there existed two relatively independent orogenic movements in the Dabieshan and lower Yangtze areas during the Indosinian and Yenshanian periods, especially the Yenshanian large-scaled lithospheric thinning process in the lower Yangtze area and the relevant mineralization. Comments are also made on deep-seated ore-prospecting work.


Paper describes the sources and extent of income instability among a representative sample of South Korean farm households during 1965-70. An index of income insta bility is included in a consumption function to estimate its effects on savings-consumption behavior. Authors con clude that households studied saved larged amounts and that part of this savings was due to unstable income.


Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are often used as drug-carrying particles for targeted therapy of tumors. Studying their effects on cell activity and mechanical properties is of great significance for the targeted treatment of tumors. In this paper, we used a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescent labeling to study the mechanical properties of cells after the endocytosis of MNPs. Colon cancer cells SW480 were selected to co-culture with MNPs with a particle size of 50 nm, and the cell viability was measured and systematically analyzed under different conditions. The results showed that the safe dose of MNPs to colon cancer cells SW480 was 50 µg/mL, and when the amount exceeded 50 µg/mL, the cell viability decreased significantly. Increase the concentration of MNPs step by step within the safe dose of 0-50 µg/mL. Through the analysis of a large number of data measured by AFM, the results show that the mechanical properties of cells change significantly with the increase of MNPs concentration. In this paper, the experimental results are analyzed by comparing concentration gradients. The concentrations are set to 0, 30, and 50 µg/mL , respectively, to verify the influence of MNPs on the mechanical properties of cells.


For off-road vehicle applications, the construction of drivetrain system has usually been largely dominated by the mobility requirements. With the growing demand to have a multi-purpose on/off road vehicle with improved manoeuvrability over deformable soil, particularly at higher speed, the challenges opposing vehicle designers have become more complex. In addition to the conventional mechanical torque distribution devices, active torque distribution (ATD) systems utilise active differentials to control the drive torque independently distributed to each driving wheel and accordingly provide active control of traction and yaw moment. In this paper the multi-wheeled off-road vehicle performance and control is presented and different critical aspects are summarised and critically discussed.


Strongly coupled data assimilation (SCDA), such as using atmospheric observations to update ocean analyses, is critical for properly initializing Earth System models to predict subseasonal to decadal timescales. We show that a Kalman filter with a linear emulator of the coupled dynamics can be used to efficiently assimilate observations with SCDA. A linear inverse model (LIM), trained on 25 years of Climate Forecast System Reanalysis gridded data, is used to assimilate observations daily during an independent 7‐year period. SCDA sea‐surface temperature (SST) analysis errors are reduced over 20% in global‐mean mean‐squared error relative to a control experiment where only SST observations are assimilated with an SST LIM. The analysis improvements enhance forecast skill for leads of at least 50 days. In contrast, extratropical Northern Hemisphere 2 m air temperature forecast errors increase for coupled data assimilation in these experiments, despite reduction during the training period.


The purpose of this study was to investigate perception of risks among South Korean female college students within the process of purchasing apparel products through the Internet. The study was implemented by descriptive survey method using questionnaire and subjects consisted of 324 South Korean female college students. Findings of the study showed that the purchasing process particularly regarding delivery and security issues seemed to be a strong concern. On the other hand, unique selection such as apparel brands only available through the Internet was a strong appeal to 37.7% of subjects. Factor analysis profiled risk perception as: 1) Internet Shopping Selection Preference, 2) Delivery Problems and Lack of Security 3) Product Quality and Characteristics 4) Return Policy Difficulties and 5) Fair Prices. Discriminant analysis showed Factors 1, 2 and 3 were significant in helping to differentiate among Non-Purchasers, Fewer-purchasers and Many-Purchasers. Factor 1 and 3 helped differentiate among respondents relative to age range. Across all types of purchasers, offering unique selections of cutting edge fashions and improving risk perception relative to delivery and security concerns seemed important for gaining greater market share. Being able to delivery quality products and communicate product characteristics would be a powerful competitive edge to add to the incentive of convenience in shopping for apparel on the Internet.


Nowadays, there are many different methods for the treatment of cancer, such as traditional surgical resection and radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The popularization of molecular targeted therapy drugs has gradually been applied to the field of clinical oncology. Tumor precision medicine can combine with individual disease genetic information, diagnosis and treatment, so that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is more targeting and specificity. Liquid biopsy is a new noninvasive detection technique that is used to monitor the state of a tumor or transplanted organ in a patient by collecting body fluid (including blood, saliva, sweat, and secretions). Knowing and applying this detection technology in clinical is particularly prominent in the diagnosis of the tumor. This paper reviewed the biological characteristics of liquid biopsy and its application in the treatment of common tumors.

Key words:
Malignant tumor; Application; Liquid biopsy; Circulating tumor cells; Circulating tumor DNA; Precision medicine


A structured approach to the design of Space Exploration Systems is fundamental to creating a coherent and sustainable global exploration effort. In fact an extensive robotic and human settlement on the Moon will be achieved only if suitable services will be provided in support of the lunar exploration and exploitation activities. This is even more valid when taking into account the fact that, settlements on the Moon will not be completely autonomous from Earth and therefore will rely on its support in terms of strategic resources and consumables. Among the different services, like crew and cargo transportation to and from the Moon and industrial logistics for lunar resources on Earth, communication and navigation systems will represent the backbone of any architecture from the early stages of exploration up to the utilization phase. Implementation of a Lunar Navigation and Communication (LNC) System represents a floor capability of any lunar utilization infrastructure by providing basic service to lunar assets. Since the timescale of human lunar exploration extends for several decades, the demand of NavCom services is expected to grow alongside the complexity of the entire lunar exploration system of systems. This chapter presents an analysis into what the future needs of human lunar exploration will be and proposes a system designed to fulfill those needs.


We present a framework which allows forwarding schemes to evolve in order to adapt to a changing and a-priori unknown environment. The framework is inspired by genetic algorithms: at each node a genotype describes the forwarding scheme, a selection process fosters the diffusion of the fittest genotypes among the nodes, new genotypes are created by combining existing ones or applying random changes.


—The mineralogy and contents of major and trace elements (including REE+Y) in bulk samples and separate size fractions of caviar-like ironstones from the Kamysh-Burun deposit (Kerch iron province) are studied to estimate the contributions of different REE+Y species to the total budget. The analyzed ore samples contain MREE adsorbed on Fe3+-(oxy)hydroxides, as well as LREE authigenic phosphates. The predominant rhabdophane-type (Ce(PO4)⋅nH2O) phases are enriched in La, Pr, Nd, and Ca, depleted in Ce, and free from Th. The REE carriers belong to solid solution series of two main types: LREE(PO4)·nH2O – (Ca,Ce,Th)(PO4)·H2O (rhabdophane-like phase and brockite) or LREE(PO4)·nH2O – (Ca,U,Fe3+)((PO4),(SO4))·2H2O (rhabdophane-like phase and tristramite). REE phosphates occur most often in the ≤ 0.25 mm fractions of ironstones, where average and maximum ΣREE contents (Xav = 606–1954 ppm; Xmax = 769–3011 ppm) are comparable with the respective amounts in the Chinese industrial clay-type REE deposits. The Kerch ores are commercially attractive unconventional resources of highly demanded Pr and Nd: they can be extracted at relatively low costs, due to high Pr/Ce and Nd/Ce ratios, while low Th and U reduce the environmental risks from stockpiled wastes.


Background: The AIIMS Bhopal has been established under PMSSY to provide the quality health care services. However, since the inception of hospital services from November 2014 till the month of October 2016 a total of 53 patients died due to various causes. The objective was to find out the different causes of death and its documentation at a tertiary care hospital in order to establish common causes of mortality and reporting errors in standard documentation of the death and feedback in this regard. Methods: This is a retrospective study with evaluation of death certificates in 53 deaths. The errors were analyzed as per the Haque's scale and the scale devised by the authors. Results: The major cause of death reported was multiorgan failure where more than one system was affected As per the Haque's scale the errors reported were for Grade 0 in 0%, Grade 1A in 31.03%,Grade 1B in 100%,Grade II in 79.31%,Grade III in 68.97%,Grade IV in 79.31% and Grade V in 62.07% of total death certificates. Conclusions: The certifying doctors must be adequately trained and/or fill the death certificate under the supervision of experts to ensure proper entries to avoid any kind of contraventions, confusion and conflicts.


We demonstrate high-speed direct-modulation of InAs/InGaAs quantum dot lasers grown on on-axis (001) silicon. The devices exhibited a 12.5 Gbit/s NRZ operation and a 25 Gbit/s PAM-4 operation confirmed from eye diagrams and BER measurements.


This paper examines the distribution and interpretation of independent indicative clauses and changed conjunct mode (e-conjunct) clauses in Plains Cree.1 The traditional description of these two modes has been that the former, as part of the independent order, represents a matrix clause, while the latter, being part of the conjunct order, represents an embedded clause (Wolfart 1973, Dahlstrom 1991, among others).


In this paper, a Kalman filter-type model is used to extract a global stochastic trend from discrete non-synchronous data on daily stock market index returns from different markets. The model allows for the autocorrelation in the global stochastic trend, which means that its increments are predictable. It does not necessarily mean the predictability of market returns, since the global trend is unobservable. The performance of the model for the forecast of market returns is explored for three markets: Japan, UK, USA.


Purpose: Combined surgery technique for high rate percentage of success in trans-canalicular dacryocystorhinostomy or a balloon dilatation technique alone.

Methods: In this approach, transcanalicular endoscope with micro drill performing surgery like usual, dilatation of the opened channel with balloon dilatation and following injection of Healon-5 in the lacrimal duct are employed to reduced the risk of failure. This method is investigated through the two cases. Percentage of success of balloon catheter overall is estimated between 25% to 90% depends on the partial or complete obstruction. In the most of these cases of failure, cannulation was not possible because of complete obstruction. This problem might be solved by using micro drill before balloon dilatation technique.

Results: In 2 cases, no more epiphora after 6 months follow-up were observed. (100 % of success rate was achived by 2 patients). However, more cases are needed to show the real succes rate.

Conclusions: Performing transcanalicular DCR using micro drill and following balloon dilatation of the naso-lacrimal duct following an injectable product like Healon-5 or healon-gv (by which will hold the nasolacrimal duct open and will stay in the duct for a short period) can diminish the failure of balloon dilatation technique. In this way, the forming of synechia in all the duct from the punctum to the end of the distal duct will be reduced.


In describing the recent excavations at Zakro (Annual of the British School at Athens, vii. p. 121 ff.) I stated that the pottery found there could not be fully published yet. Pending the resumption of its study, however, three vases of exceptional excellence, which were copied in Candia by Monsieur E. Gilliéron, may be made known. One of these (No. 1) was found in fragments in the principal house (A) of the Lower Town (ibid. p. 129 ff.), which yielded also the hoard of sealings published in the previous issue of this Journal. The precise findspot was the doorway between the rooms 3 and 5 (v. plan, ibid. p. 131), which. I believe to have contained a stairway of two flights leading to an upper level or storey. These rooms were full of collapsed ruin, among which the fragments of this vase were dispersed. I offered a special reward, and had all sherds dug out of this house minutely examined; but about a third of the vase was not recovered. Part of a second vase (lip and neck) of precisely similar character came from the same rubbish. The other two vases (Nos. 2, 3) figured in the accompanying Plate (XII.) were built up from fragments found in the Λάκκος (Pit I.) on the western spur (ibid. p. 126) among countless sherds of Bronze-Age pottery of the best Cnossian period.


The fragmentation of gas clusters of argon, nitrogen and methane during ionization by electron impact have been examined. Clusters were formed when the gas flowed through the supersonic nozzle into the vacuum. A molecular beam was selected from the supersonic jet by the skimmer, then it reached the analyzer of the quadrupole mass spectrometer Hiden Epic 1000. The ionization of the gas was carried out in the molecular beam by the intrinsic ionizer of the detector with an electron energy of 70 eV and in the supersonic jet by an electron beam (10 keV). A comparison of mass spectra obtained by both methods with different parameters of the supersonic jet has been done. The difference of the obtained cluster distribution has been substantiated; the disadvantages of using the classical configuration of quadrupole mass spectrometry have been analyzed. Dependences of the percentage composition of the recorded flows have been obtained. Distinctive "magic" cluster numbers have been found.


This study investigates the financial and environmental benefits of incorporating a grid-connected photovoltaic system with a net metering scheme on a residential scale. A residential unit of 140 square meters is considered with a mean load of 15 kWh and a yearly maximum load of 3.19 kW. In accordance with the data from Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO), the residential unit has a monthly average consumption of around 450 kWh and a Cost of Energy (COE) of 0.074 USD (July 2020 – July 2021). "Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources" (HOMER) software is operated to run numerous simulations and attain optimized results. Evaluation of said results indicates a significant decrease in the Net Present Cost (NPC) and COE. Moreover, the presented architecture has a Renewable Fraction (RF) of 88.6 percent as opposed to 0 percent in the present system. Consequently, a significant fall in greenhouse gas emissions is also witnessed.


Blue light-emitting diodes with p-GaN and p-AlGaN barriers have been numerically studied. The results show that when the traditional p-GaN barriers were replaced by p-AlGaN barriers, improved light output power and efficiency droop were observed.


PURPOSE: An inductor of an integrating process is provided to reduce the size compared with a conventional helix inductor in order to increase characteristic coefficient at high frequency as well as to increase mutual inductance. CONSTITUTION: The inductor of the integrating process includes the first metallic wiring(31), the second metallic wiring(32), a dielectric layer and inductor metallic line(34) and a plurality of contacts(33). The first metallic wiring is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The second metallic wiring is coupled with the front surface of the semiconductor substrate which is not coupled with the first metallic wiring. The dielectric layer and inductor metallic line is formed between the first metallic wiring and the second metallic wiring alternatively and confirms electric isolation between them. The contacts confirms the electrical coupling between the first metallic wiring, the second metallic wiring the inductor metallic wiring.


Abstract A child's diet should be composed of appropriate nutrients to achieve optimal nutritional status, and though there is a substantial evidence base for child feeding recommendations, developing countries continue to face challenges regarding optimal child feeding. This paper describes an ethnographic study undertaken in rural northern Ghana to explore community perceptions of what 'counts' as food for children and the impact this had on the nutrients they received. Fifteen households with children under 5 years were purposively selected. In‐depth interviews were held with 25 mothers, 7 fathers and 8 grandparents within these households as well as 2 diviners. Participant observations were also undertaken. Findings show that satiety rather than nutrition was the key consideration in adult choices about a child's diet. The community regarded carbohydrate‐based meals as food, but considered protein, vitamins and mineral‐based foods as nonessential elements of a child's diet, and important sources of these nutrients were regarded as treats.


The Late Mesozoic magmatic province is a prominent feature of the South China Block (SCB). However, the tectonic regimes associated with the magmatism are still elusive. A combined anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and gravity study has been carried out to determine the fabric patterns and shape at depth of the Dayunshan‐Mufushan composite batholith in the north‐central SCB. This is a companion paper to Part 1 that presented the structural and geochronological data of this batholith. The magnetic fabrics in the batholith interior predominantly reflect magma flow structures. Two distinct patterns of the magnetic lineations are defined, around NNE‐SSW and WNW‐ESE trends for the early‐stage and late‐stage intrusions of the batholith, respectively. The gravity survey reveals that the early‐stage intrusion has a main feeder zone located below its northern part, while several linear feeder zones trending NNE‐SSW are inferred for the late‐stage intrusion. Integrating all results, a two‐stage construction of the batholith with distinct tectonic regimes has been established. It is concluded that the early‐stage intrusion experienced a southward magma transport during its emplacement, partially assisted by far‐field compression from the north at ca. 150 Ma. Conversely, the emplacement and exhumation of the late‐stage intrusion was accommodated by a NW‐SE crustal stretching involving a lateral magma expansion above the multiple feeder zones (likely corresponding to extensional fractures) and ductile shearing during 132–95 Ma localized mainly along the Dayunshan detachment fault. Finally, we discuss the geodynamic linkage between the paleo‐Pacific subduction and the Late Mesozoic tectonomagmatism in the SCB.


Several studies document that past returns and past trading volume predict shortterm stock returns. This study considers two new variables: the past number of trades signed as purchase and sale. These variables also predict weekly US stock returns and contain information that is distinct from past returns and past trading volume. Combined trading strategies outperform strategies based on past returns and past trading volume alone. A form of market inefficiency, lagged information dissemination, best explains the predictive power of the past number of signed trades. It cannot be explained by overreaction, biased self-attribution or systematic risk. I also find that the return predictability varies across exchanges and after tick size reductions. Several studies including Hasbrouck (1988, 1991a and 1991b) demonstrate that informed trading activity and dealer inventory costs can explain firm-by-firm spread width. Madhavan and Smidt (1991) and Hasbrouck and Sofianos (1993) show that informed trading activity and dealer inventory can also explain how individual trades impact the stock price. My study explores whether proxies for past informed trading activity and past dealer inventory constructed from order flow can predict future one-week stock returns. In a comprehensive dataset covering the major exchanges from 1993 to 2002, it considers 4 items: past informed trading proxies, past dealer inventory proxies, past returns and past trading volume. I find that past returns, past informed trading and past trading volume make distinct and economically relevant contributions to future returns. Past dealer inventory proxies make little or no contribution. It is a puzzle why variables constructed from observed order flow can predict future returns. The common theoretical perspective is to assume that they do not predict returns. For example, Kyle (1985) and many studies that follow assume that market makers set prices so that expected returns are zero given observed order flow. However, these same studies also conclude that informed traders place trades over time so that information dissemination is lagged. Intuitively, if the zero expected returns assumption is violated, agents could infer the direction of informed trading by observing order flow. Because information disseminates slowly, these inferences imply future informed trading in the same direction. In turn, these inferences can then predict future price changes. This form of market inefficiency can be large because an informed trader's private information may include the existence of new product markets, knowledge of acquirers, or entry by rivals. My study shows that Kyle's assumption is often violated and contributes to the literature of short-term return predictability. I find that inferences can be made about the actions of informed traders during the lagged process of price adjustment. In turn, agents can use these inferences to predict future returns. Moreover, these returns are permanent and cannot be explained by overreaction or biased self-attribution. The empirical results of this study, which are based on a comprehensive TAQ database that spans 1993 to 2002, can be summarized as follows:


1\. An introduction to continuum electrostatics 1
1.1 The Poisson-Boltzmann equation 2
1.2 The Analytical Continuum Solvent (ACS) 4
2\. Folding 13
2.1 An off-lattice Monte Carlo method for protein folding 13
2.2 Folding in vacuo 17
2.3 Folding in solution 25
3\. Titration 31
3.1 Titration of a single, rigid protein structure 31
3.2 Conformational relaxation 58
3.3 Titration of an ensemble of protein conformations 66
4\. Outlook 79
4.1 Improving the Monte Carlo folding 79
4.2 Improving the Monte Carlo titration 80
Appendix 83
Bibliography 109


Pseudomonas fluorescens is predominantly a soil microbe that commonly inhabits the vicinity of plant roots. Owing to its nutritional versatility, this bacterium is widely utilized in biotechnological processes and is an important model system to delineate molecular mechanisms that eventually culminate into adaptations to diverse ecological niches. Here, we discuss how P.fluorescens invokes a variety of metabolic stratagems to combat such toxic metals as aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca). While metabolic reprogramming resulting in the production of oxalate helps sequester Al, Fe is essentially immobilized as oxides in association with lipids. The enhanced generation of bicarbonate (HCO3) and an asparate (Asp) – derived chelator, promote the detoxification of Ca and Ga respectively. This intricate modulation of metabolic networks that is central to the survival of P.fluorescens lays the foundation to utilize this microbe and/or its products in metal waste management technologies, CO2-entrapment processes and metal chelation therapy.


SQTTEXT is an ORACLE SQL*Forms application that allows a programmer to view and edit all the Structured Query Language (SQL) text for a given application on one screen. This application is an outgrowth of the prototyping of an on-line system dictionary for the Worldwide Household Goods Information System for Transportation-Modernization decision support system being prototyped by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, but it can be applied to all SQL*Forms software development, debugging, and maintenance. The system dictionary and SQTTEXT were written in version 2.3 of ORACLE's application generator, SQL*Forms. SQL*Forms greatly simplifies users' access to ORACLE databases, but the design of the tool should be friendlier to those programming, debugging, and maintaining SQL*Forms applications. Because SQL*Forms version 2.3 forces the programmer to view each component of a program through a window specific to that component, it is impossible to get an overview of the whole application at one time. The SQTTEXT application allows experienced ORACLE programmers to increase their productivity by allowing access to all Structured Query Language (SQL) text within a SQL*Forms application via one screen. The SQTTEXT application is based on the eight ORACLE Integrated Application Processor (IAP) tables that store information about SQL*Forms applications. The SQTTEXT applicationmore » displays the trigger level, trigger name, and SQL text associated with triggers, and also displays block names, base table names, and the SQL text for WHERE/ORDER BY clauses. This report provides a step-by-step explanation of how to use SQTTEXT, descriptions of the IAP tables, and a listing of the SQTTEXT code.« less


There is proposed a simple design of an unstable laser resonator with a continuous rectangular aperture of an output beam. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the discharge laser cavity and it was used to study numerically the performance of a fast-flow technological C02 laser with such type of resonator which, as it has been shown, possesses good perspectives.


An effort is made to compile data available from China's existing population records, deriving them through indirect estimates of fertility levels at different points in time and particularly during the last 30 years. An attempt is also made to determine at what level fertility started to decline and the pace at which the decline progressed in subsequent years. 3 types of data were used: data on age sex distribution of the population from 1953 and 1964 censuses; data on age sex distribution of population from sample surveys of 1975 and 1979; and vital statistics records from 1964-79. Crude birthrates were estimated from the age distribution by using Reverse Survival Rate Method, the Census Survival Method, and Rele's Method. Although the fertility estimates obtained by the different methods varied, they indicated that fertility declined from a level of about 37% in 1949 to about 34% during the period of 1958-63, and then slightly increased during the 1963-68 period. After 1968, the marked decline in fertility was observed. During the 1943-48 period, fertility declined due to the effects of the 2nd World War and the War for Liberation. Generally, the population growth in China in the past 30 years can be divided into 4 stages. The characteristics of the medium growth period, 1950-57, was high fertility associated with fast declining mortality. The average growth rate of population kept at a level of about 22%. Fertility declined unnaturally during the low growth period, 1958-61, mainly due to the economic problems. The baby boom period of 1962-69 was associated with economic recovery, an increase in marriages, and the desire on the part of more couples to have children. Fertility was very high during this period with the crude birthrate reaching 43% in 1963. During the period of fertility decline, 1969 until the present and mainly after 1972, fertility greatly declined primarily because of the family planning program. Along with the decline in the crude birthrate, fertility patterns also changed. A sample of registration data from 1 Shanghai district is given in a table. This district is very advanced in fertility control, but its pattern may suggest the pattern of fertility decline in the whole country in coming years. In all 3 selected years--1952, 1964, and 1979, the fertility peak occurred in the age group 25-30 years. It was a city pattern. In rural areas, the mean age at marriage and the fertility peak usually are 3 or 4 years earlier. The factors responsible for the fast decline of mortality in China were the improvement in economic status, sanitation, nutrition, and medical care. The target of the Chinese government is to reduce the fertility level gradually and control the population size to 1200 million by the end of 2000 and, in the long run, to acheive the population size of 700-800 million.


The author reports on the expansion of pure and even aged Abies alba Mill. stands in Vallombrosa (Reggello, Italy) since the XIV th century up to the middle of the XX th century. Their present condition is examined. The aim of future management will be to preserve the landscape characterised by pure fir stands on a limited area for historical and cultural reasons, and to help the natura1 evolution towards mixed stands in the other areas.


We report a novel Li4Ti5−xWxO12−xBrx (x = 0.025, 0.050 and 0.100) anode material simultaneously doped with W6+ and Br− ions prepared by a simple solid-state reaction in air, aiming to significantly improve electrical conductivity of Li4Ti5O12. Our theoretical calculation predicts that codoping with W6+ on the Ti4+ site and Br− on the O2− site can remarkably narrow down the band gap, and thus facilitate the electron transport in the lattice of LTO. The comparative experiments prove that W & Br-codoped LTO exhibits higher electrical conductivity compared with undoped LTO as expected, thus leading to improved rate capability and specific capacity. Particularly, Li4Ti5−xWxO12−xBrx (x = 0.05) exhibits the best rate capability and cycling stability with an outstanding capacity retention of 88.7% even at 10 C rate after 1000 cycles. This codoping strategy with high valence transition metal and halide ions holds promise to be applied to other insulating cathode materials suffering from inferior electrical conductivity.


Purpose To investigate the predictive value of contrast enhanced multi-slice computed tomography(MSCT) in gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) of different risks by analyzing the MSCT manifestations of high-risk,intermediated-risk and low-risk of GISTs.Materials and Methods The contrast enhanced MSCT scanning data of 57 cases of primary GISTs confirmed by pathology and compared with different risk of pathologic findings were retrospectively studied.Analyzing the MSCT features based on histopathological classification of the different risk groups and using statistics to compare the differences.Results All GIST cases were single lesion at single region,including 27 low-risk,12 imtermediated-risk and 18 high-risk lesions.GISTs which including different size,surrounding fat interspace,enhanced pattern and appearance vessel-like artery shadow at arterial phase between different risk groups were statistically different(P0.05),while growth pattern,shape,calcification and ulcer,plain scan density,CT values of arterial and venous phase,ΔCT(arterial phase-plain scan) and ΔCT(venous phase-plain scan) were without statistical difference(P0.05).Conclusions There are differences of contrast enhanced MSCT findings between different risks of GISTs.Large GIST lesions with irregular shape,significant heterogeneous enhancement and appearance vessel-like artery shadow at arterial phase are prompting high-risk lesions.We should synthesize multiple MSCT imaging findings while evaluating the risk of GISTs.


ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the students' perception towards the use of English as a medium of instruction. This study, thus, explore the influences of English as a medium of instruction on classroom interaction. The data were collected through classroom observation, interviewing ten students who were chosen randomly and giving the questionnaire to whole students in a science program class. The basic framework of English as a medium of instruction was proposed by Schutzehofer and Mathelitsc (2009). The data from the interview were transcribed and interpreted to answer the research questions. The classroom observation data was supported by fulfilling the classroom observation sheet which was adopted from Joyce, Bruce, and Weil (1992). For analyzing the questionnaire, Likert Scale was applied in gaining the result. Based on the students' interview, this study reveals that 88,9% students had positive perception towards the use of English as a medium of instruction. The data was supported by the result of the questionnaire that almost all of students gave their positive perceptions to the use of English as a medium of instruction in the classroom. The influences of English as a medium of instruction were also revealed in the students' positive attitudes. Based on the classroom observation, most students were active, serious, and enjoying the teaching and learning process. The data was supported by findings from the students' interview that eight of nine students felt the positive influences towards the use English as a medium of instruction. Based on the findings, it is recommended that teachers can implement the English as a medium of instruction in developing students' English ability and students' interaction in the classroom.
Keywords: English as a Medium of Instruction, Perception, Language Learning, Students' Achievement.


We carried out simultaneous measurements of electrical resistivity and thermal expansion of the heavy-fermion compound URu 2 Si 2 under pressure using a single crystal. We observed a phase transition anomaly between hidden (HO) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordered states at T M in the temperature dependence of both measurements. For the electrical resistivity, the anomaly at T M was very small compared with the distinct hump anomaly at the phase transition temperature T 0 between the paramagnetic state (PM) and HO, and exhibited only a slight increase and decrease for the I ∥ a -axis and c -axis, respectively. We estimated each excitation gap of HO, Δ HO , and AFM, Δ AFM , from the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity; Δ HO and Δ AFM have different pressure dependences from each other. On the other hand, the temperature dependence of thermal expansion exhibited a small anomaly at T 0 and a large anomaly at T M . The pressure dependence of the phase boundaries of T 0 and T M indicates that there...


Polycystic ovarian syndrome( PCOS) is a common heterogeneous endocrine disease of childbearing age women with complex and diverse clinical manifestations and complications in patients. The etiology of PCOS is not yet clarified,and polymorphisms of related genes of androgen and insulin biosynthesis and metabolism may be associated with the pathogenesis,because hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance are the main pathophysiological changes of PCOS patients. In order to further explore the complexity of the pathogenesis of PCOS,here is to make a review of the researches of the relationship between polymorphisms of related genes and PCOS in recent years.


The present work devotes to study the delocalization effect of 5f electrons for the actinide elements Th to Es using the quantum mechanical calculation based on the full symmetry group. Follow the definition of quantum mechanics for delocalization effect, it is founded that the variation of the delocalization energy and atomic volume for elements Th to Es is in the opposite tendency each other. The energy gap of HOMO- LUMO and atomic volume for elements Th to Es is nearly the 1 to 1 mapping, and they are the source and image one another.


PURPOSE: A pile automatic welding apparatus capable of being easily assembled and disassembled, and a pile welding method using the same are provided to weld piles without dislocation and to level the apparatus, thereby preventing failures in welding. CONSTITUTION: A pile automatic welding apparatus (10) capable of being easily assembled and disassembled includes a rail unit (20), a revolving conveyor (30), a welding torch holder (40), and a centering band (50). The centering band simultaneously sets the leveling of the rail unit and centers the welding portions of an upper pile and a lower pile. The rail unit at the outer diameter of the pile guides the movement of the revolving conveyor into the revolution of the rotating conveyor. The rotating conveyor is detachably installed at the rail unit, and revolves along the circumference of the upper pile. The welding torch holder is detachably connected to the revolving conveyor, and supports a welding torch.


Stability of 18 amino acids in common feed kitchen feed was examined during a period of three days and at three storage temperatures: 5, 20 and 30 °C. An extra 20% (round 1) or 50% (round 2) of each amino acid were added to the feed. None of the amino acid concentrations were affected when feed were stored at 5 °C. At 20 or 30 °C, contents of glycine, ornithine, hydroxyproline, alanine, tyrosine, isoleucine, proline, ammonia and total bacteria count increased in comparison to initial values. Furthermore, contents of arginine decreased when feed was stored at 20 or 30 °C.


This paper investigates the diffraction of light by apodized apertures. The diffraction equation is solved numerically starting with an apertured plane wave or Gaussian beam. A function chosen to characterize spatial intensity modulation is then plotted versus Fresnel number for differing amounts of apodization so that the benefit gained thereby may be quantitatively assessed. In addition, the energy loss incurred due to insertion of an apodized aperture in front of an existing hard aperture is determined.


ions as less perfect, in the order of knowledge. 7. THE CATHOLIC PuSITIUl Olroumnraiioatt make It Imperative to mention the place held by Catholic sociologists as regards the aforementioned oontroversey• It Is well to note that while they vary to some degree on unessentlals, their position will conform In general to the system that this paper holds to be tree* We shall use the term scholasticism as meaning the middle path between the two extremes when we say that their position Is of a scholastic nature* Catholics by their religious beliefs have a very definite view of man In society. The positivist objects saying that this will not allow him to be empirical slnoe he Is not able to be strictly objective. However, It Is easily pointed out that everyone has a definite view of the same subjects, and the Catholic Is hampered no more by his beliefs than anyone else Is by the things he holds as true. Catholics do not differ In that they have such a view but In that Its content Is different. To what extent. If any Is this affecting their sociology? It Is folly to deny any Influence as much as It Ls to say that the sociology of a catholic Is completely, and In all respects, a running over, as It were, of his religious doctrines. The answer ls not as evasive as It may seem, since the nature of such a philosophy put Into sociology will be Illustrated. Catholics, as It has been stated, are noted for taking the general path between the two extreme forms of


A modified fiber-orientation tester uses polarization processing of reflected light from paper to provide both surface and subsurface fiber-orientation angles. This makes possible both thickness-direction and cross-machine-direction profiling. Results obtained from two Fourdrinier machines show that subsurface angles are not well represented by a trended average of felt and wire surface angles. In fact, they can lie outside the range of surface angles and change sign unexpectedly. Sign changes suggest that the cross flows on the wire responsible for fiber misalignment may have strong shearing components that could be important to formation and hard-to-handle dimensional stability issues such as cockle. Results from office papers made on two Fourdrinier machines show significant difference in subsurface fiber-orientation-angle behavior. These include results from two papers from the same machine differing in grammage by only 10 g/m (gsm).


: Hyponatremia is a multifactorial physiogical disorder characterized by serum sodium concentration less than 135 mmol/litre and contributing to 15-30% human blood osmoregulatory disorders. It may be euvolemic, hypovolemic or hypervolemic. The factors like severity, symptoms and nature of onset determines the type of treatment to be followed. Hypovolemic hyponatremia is normally treated by normal saline while 3% NaCl and fluid restriction are significant for euvolemic hyponatremia. Hypervolemic hyponatremia responds well to fluid restriction and diuretics. Judicious use of drugs like vaptans may help in treatment of hyponatremia. This review paper attempts to highlight a systematic approach towards diagnosis and management of hyponatremia.


In late 2013, the Supreme Court rendered a decision involving the issue of whether the contents of an investment prospectus is contractually binding if it differs from the contents of the trust agreement provided to the investor under an investment trust agreement. In this case, the plaintiffs claimed damages against financial companies on the grounds that the asset management company, without the plaintiffs' prior consent, changed the transaction counterparty to Lehman Brothers Asia, which was different to that stated in the investment prospectus. Further, they stated that the sales companies sold more than W20 billion ($18.5 million) of beneficiary certificates for the fund without considering the possibility of such change in transaction counterparties, and therefore, since the plaintiffs were provided information which made it impossible for them to be aware of the relevant facts (due to the different investment subject and investment limit from those contained in the investment prospectus) such acts constituted tortious conduct and default of contractual obligations.


This study presents the results of hybrid energy storage system (HESS) and improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm simulation analysis undertaken to improve the smoothing performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) plant installed in the ship power system. Frequency hierarchical control algorithm is used to assign high-frequency oscillation part to the supercapacitor and low-frequency oscillation part to the battery. Meanwhile, improved MPPT algorithm is also used to limit the maximum output power of PV plant, which can reduce the necessary installed capacity of HESS further. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified under a typical ship power system model.


The last decades of astronomical observation have opened the new interdisciplinary field of extra-solar planetary research. Up to this date around 500 exoplanets were detected, most of them with masses in the range of Jupiter. With improved technology the mass detection limit has been reduced to planets consisting of a few Earth masses. Planets with a structure similar to Earth but being more massive are called Super-Earths, such as Corot-7b (approx 5ME and 1.6RE, Queloz et al. 2009). Recently, questions have been raised about the ability of SuperEarths to sustain active plate tectonics, similar to Earth. Valencia et al 2007 and O'Neill and Lenardic 2007 have investigated the ability of Super-Earths to overcome lithospheric stresses and to deform plates, but both derived opposite conclusions.


Simple Summary Sézary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic and incurable variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic CD4+ lymphocytes in the blood, lymph nodes, and skin. With the exception of allogenic transplantation, no curative chance is available to treat SS, and it is a priority to find new therapies that target SS cells within all disease compartments. This review aims to summarize the more recent analyses conducted on skin- and blood-derived SS cells concurrently obtained from the same SS patients. The results highlighted that skin-SS cells were more active/proliferating with respect to matched blood SS cells that instead appeared quiescent. These data shed the light on the possibility to treat blood and skin SS cells with different compounds, respectively. Moreover, this review recaps the more recent findings on the heterogeneity of circulating SS cells that presented a series of novel markers that could improve diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of this lymphoma. Abstract Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive variant of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic CD4+ lymphocytes—the SS cells—mainly in blood, lymph nodes, and skin. The tumor spread pattern of SS makes this lymphoma a unique model of disease that allows a concurrent blood and skin sampling for analysis. This review summarizes the recent studies highlighting the transcriptional programs triggered by the crosstalk between SS cells and blood–skin microenvironments. Emerging data proved that skin-derived SS cells show consistently higher activation/proliferation rates, mainly driven by T-cell receptor signaling with respect to matched blood SS cells that instead appear quiescent. Biochemical analyses also demonstrated an hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, a targetable pathway by multiple inhibitors currently in clinical trials, in skin SS cells compared with a paired blood counterpart. These results indicated that active and quiescent SS cells coexist in this lymphoma, and that they could be respectively treated with different therapeutics. Finally, this review underlines the more recent discoveries into the heterogeneity of circulating SS cells, highlighting a series of novel markers that could improve the diagnosis and that represent novel therapeutic targets (GPR15, PTPN13, KLRB1, and ITGB1) as well as new genetic markers (PD-1 and CD39) able to stratify SS patients for disease aggressiveness.


The objective of this paper is to examine right to food in the Indian context. We analyse the right to food in terms of availability, accessibility, adequacy and sustainability. These are examined in terms of equity and justiciability. The study is different from the earlier studies on food security as it is based on human rights approach. The issue of food is approached from the rights perspective. Progress is examined in terms of availability, accessibility (physical and economic). policies and Programmes are scrutinized in terms of obligation to respect, protect and fulfill (facilitate and provide).


Nowadays internet users can receive massive amounts of information every day. Providing users with personalized news that they are concerned about together with improving their reading interest has become a hot and difficult research topic. Long-term interests of users are usually relatively stable, but short-term interests are easy to change, and usually related to hot events in a certain period of time. Existing research on news recommendation methods usually focuses on learning long-term interest representations of users and omits the short-term one. In this paper, a news recommendation system based on user's long-term and short-term interests is proposed. The proposed method learns the long-term interest representation from all the articles that the user has browsed, and at the same time, by finding the users whose long-term interests are most similar to the user in history, it learns the news type representation they have recently read together as the short-term interest representation of the current user. Finally, the long-term interest representation vector and the short-term interest representation vector are jointly considered to obtain the final long-term and short-term interest representation. Extensive experiments are conducted to show the efficiency of the proposed model in improving the accuracy of the news recommendation system.


Objective To construct prokaryotic expression systems of Staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA) gene and its mutants, and to determine the activity changes of recombinant expression products before and after mutation shown by cytotoxicity, promoting lymphocyte proliferation and inhibiting tumor cell growth. Methods sea gene with no signal peptide sequence of S. aureus strain ATCC13565 was amplified and then cloned by using high fidelity PCR and T-A cloning method. The site-specific mutants of sea gene using mutant primers as well as prokaryotic expression systems of the sea gene and its mutants were constructed. Ni-NTA affinity chromatography was performed to extract the expressed target recombinant proteins. The cytotoxicity to Vero cells of the recombi- nant proteins was measured using TCID_(50) titration method. MTT colorimetry was applied to examine the effects of the recombinant proteins at different dosages on promoting proliferation of mouse splenocytes and inhibiting growth of tumor cell lines KB and HL-60. Results The similarity of nucleotide sequence of the cloned sea gene was 100% as compared to the reported SEA sequences and the expected mutation of codons in each seven mutants at the scheduled positions was proved. All the recombiant protein expression outputs of sea gene and its mutants took approximate 52% of the total bacterial proteins. The TCID_(50) of rSEA's cytotoxicity to Vero cells was 4.1μg while the TCID_(50) values of the recombinant of sea gene mutants was 5.8-23.5μg, respectively. One and fiveμg/ml of rSEA and its five mutant proteins rSEA/H187A, rSEA/H225A, rSEA/D227 A, rSEA/H187A/D227A and rSEA/ H225A/D227A showed remarkable effects to promote proliferation of mouse splenocytes (P0.05). The activities of promoting mouse splenocyte proliferation of 10 and 20μg/ml rSEA and the five mutant proteins were similar to that of 100μg/ml PHA (P0.05). The supernatants or the mixture of supematant and splenocytes stimulated by 5-20μg/ml rSEA or each five mutant proteins efficiently inhibited the growth of KB and HL-60 cells (P0.05). Conclusion Since rSEA/H225A, rSEA/D227A and rSEA/H225A/D227A display lower cytotoxicity, stronger pro- moting of splenocyte proliferation and inhibiting tumor cell growth, the recombinant proteins of three mutants are potential candidates for leukogenic and anti-tumor SEA associated drugs.


One of the goals of the European energy policy is to reach the ''20-20-20'' targets which by 2020 foresee a 20 % increase in energy efficiency, a 20 % reduction in CO2 gas emissions and a 20 % increase in power production from renewable energy sources. As a result there will probably be a substantial increase in the share of renewable (and dispersed) energy sources in final consumption and accelerated investment in renewable energy sources and their integration into the electric power system. The nominal power of distributed generation (DG) is relatively small and it is not concentrated in just one part of the network but throughout it. Due to their limited power, DG sources are connected to the distribution network. Their production depends on a number of factors and is difficult to predict. Inclusion of a large share of DG in the distribution network was not planned when the network was designed. As DG affects network operation, some difficulties may be expected. One of the first ones is most likely to be violation of the set limits because of the changes in network voltage. The paper is structured as follows. First, changes taking place in power network due to DG connection are described. To follow are a description of the impact of DG on the network voltage states and analytical determination of its impact on the voltage. Possible voltage control strategies with DG are shown by means of network simulations. The paper end by comparing losses incurred in different voltage-control regimes.


The traditional techniques of image capture, scanning, proofing, and separating do not take advantage of colorimetry and spectrophotometry. For critical color-matching applications such as catalog sales, art-book reproductions, and computer-aided design, typical images, although pleasing, are unacceptable with respect to color accuracy. The limitations that lead to these errors have a well-defined theoretical basis and are a result of current hardware and software. This has led us to a re-examination of the traditional graphic reproduction paradigm. A research and development program has begun that will alleviate the theoretical limitations associated with traditional techniques. There are four main phases: (1) Multi-spectral image capture, (2) Spectral-based separation and printing algorithm development, (3) Implementation on press, and (4) Systems integration with data and image archives. This paper describes this new paradigm, summarizes recent research results, and considers implementation opportunities.


Skeletal muscle p70S6 kinase is a downstream component of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and a primary regulator of translation initiation and protein synthesis. Skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPKα 2) is a metabolic sensor of cellular energy status, an upstream regulator of mTOR, and has been recently identified as an inhibitor of muscle protein synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine if p70S6K and AMPKα 2 activity are diminished in conditions associated with muscle wasting (i.e., spinal cord injury). Soleus muscle was collected from male Wistar rats 10 weeks following complete T4‐5 spinal cord transection and in control sham operated rats. We utilized immunoprecipitation methods to measure p70S6 kinase and AMPKα 2 activity. Paraplegia was associated with a significant soleus muscle atrophy (33%, P < 0.05). p70S6K activity was significantly reduced following 10 weeks of spinal cord transection (50%, P < 0.05). Whereas, we found that basal AMPKα 2 activity was not altered (415 ± 55 vs. 452 ± 67 pmol·g−1·min−1, P = 0.67, intact and spinal transected, respectively). We conclude that translation initiation in skeletal muscle is inhibited in a rat model of paraplegia since p70S6K activity was significantly reduced. Further analysis is necessary to determine if AMPK activity plays a role in muscle wasting, possibly affecting the protein synthesis rates and muscle cell size during the acute phase of spinal transection.


Abstract The present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship of Academic Stress with parental aspirations and parental attitudes. Differences among boys and girls in science and humanities stream were studied with regard to academic stress and aspirations and attitudes of the parents of the adolescents. The sample of the study comprised of 120 students of both the sexes studying in twelfth grade in four selected senior secondary schools of Ludhiana city. The results revealed that science and humanities students do not differ significantly as for as academic stress is concerned. Parental aspirations were found to be similar for all adolescents irrespective of their stream of study or gender whereas parental attitude was found to be more positive towards the education of boys studying science as compared to girls.


Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are natural processes occurring in the brain. However, overproduction of ROS and RNS may occur during aging and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and disorders such as stroke. Phenolic compounds constitute a large class of phytochemicals that are widespread in the plant kingdom and known to have antioxidant capacities. This study aimed to determine the radical scavenging capacity and reducing power, as well as the polyphenolic content in fruits and leaves of blueberries and lingonberries growing in Newfoundland. We determined the potential neuroprotective effect of extracts against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is believed to contribute to disorders such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. We found that extracts of fruits and leaves of blueberry and lingonberry plants have high levels of total soluble phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, and flavonoids. Overall, the levels of these compounds were significantly higher in the leaves of these plants versus the fruits. Total antioxidant capacity, in terms of radical scavenging activity and reducing power, were much higher in the leaves of both plants as compared to their fruits. We then tested the effects of the extracts against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, a pathological process partially involving overproduction of ROS and RNS. Brain-derived cortical cell cultures from neonatal rat pups were prepared and grown for 9-16 days in vitro. Cells were exposed to glutamate (100 μM) for 24 hours. Glutamate-exposed cells displayed morphological alterations such as disrupted cell bodies, and increased dark punctae, which is often indicative of condensed nuclei and delayed cell death. Glutamate caused a ~23% cell loss after 24 hours as determined by the amount of DAPI-positive nuclei. A specific NMDA receptor blocker (AP5) was used to determine the contribution of this receptor type to cell damage. While lingonberry fruit extract did not provide protection from glutamate toxicity, blueberry fruit extracts were protective. Cultures treated with leaf extracts of lingonberry and blueberry showed no cell loss in the presence of glutamate, indicating a strong protective effect of both the leaf extracts. The overall greater protective effect of leaf extracts was in correlation with the levels of phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Treatment with AP5 (NMDA receptor blocker) gave us positive results and the cell death caused by 100 μM glutamate was suppressed, but the trend was not clear enough to make any conclusion. Recent studies have analyzed antibody staining against alpha-synuclein, a protein involved with Parkinson's disease, after glutamate exposure. These studies helped us raise a set of questions on the various factors leading to increased expression of alpha-synuclein and allowed us to get some preliminary data. I have measured levels of lactate in the culture media from different conditions which may be indicative of altered cell health. Overall, these findings suggest that berries or their components may provide protection to the brain from various pathologies such as stroke, trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. This protective effect of berry extracts may be due to a decrease in oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, or other damaging mechanisms caused by exposure to glutamate.


Businesses are under pressure to increasingly consider sustainability as an integral part of the enterprise and business model. Nature-based solutions (NBS) definitions reflect that sustainability can be improved by implementing NBS. These NBS require tailored business models. Therefore, this study aims to conceptualize a holistic business model canvas capturing the sustainability contributions ofNBS. Methodically, the new Canvas is proposed based on an extensive literature review, and the application and testing are carried out on NBSs implemented in the proGIreg project's three European Living Labs. As a result, by building on the Business Model Canvas (BMC) by Osterwalder and Pigneur as well as various modifications to capture the core concepts of sustainability and NBS, a new BMC for NBS is proposed—the nature-based sustainability Business Model Canvas (NB S BMC). It consists of 14 building blocks and offers a holistic overview of NBS business models considering the multi-faceted character of NBS. The case studies show that the NB S BMC can be applied to different contexts independently of their location and content orientation. Although this study development puts an emphasis on NBS, it can also be applied to capturing sustainable business models beyond the NBS domain.


Aims: To document Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections prevalence, risk factors, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and evaluation of chromogenic plates in identifying VRE isolates in Trinidad and Tobago. Study Design : This was a cross sectional prospective observational and descriptive study . Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out in all major regional hospitals in Trinidad & Tobago over a four year period, 2009 to 2013. Methodology : All cases of Enterococcus infections from major hospitals in the country were reviewed. Standardized questionnaire was used to analyze epidemiological and clinical data of VRE infected patients. Enterococcal speciation, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were evaluated using Microscan Walk Away 96SI (Siemens, USA). Isolates were further identified using 6.5% NaCl and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase activity according to CLSI guidelines. Brain Heart Infusion agar, Bile esculin azide agar containing 6 mg/L of vancomycin and chromogenic agar plates Chromagar VRE and chrom ID VRE were used to screen and confirm VRE isolates Results: A low (3.9%) VRE infections were encountered from 1,141 enterococcal infections


Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) are recognized as potential power supply units for on-chip micro-devices because they possess not only the advantages of supercapacitors but also the simplified packaging processes and compatibility with integrated circuits. Laser direct writing technique has been demonstrated as an effective tool for the fabrication of micro-supercapacitors and electronic devices using different materials. However, the high-performance micro-supercapacitors and the integration with electronic devices even the portable or wearable self-powered systems fabricated by the laser direct writing technique or in combination with other techniques still need to be demonstrated. In this paper, we will introduce our recent studies on the following several parts: the preparation of carbon-based micro-supercapacitors by laser direct writing on polyimide films in air, the improvement of the carbon MSC by laser direct writing in Ar, the carbon/TiO2 MSC with photo-rechargeable capability, the carbon/Au MSC with high-rate charge–discharge performance, and the in-plane integrated circuits with MSCs and sensors using the laser direct writing technique combining with other methods.Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) are recognized as potential power supply units for on-chip micro-devices because they possess not only the advantages of supercapacitors but also the simplified packaging processes and compatibility with integrated circuits. Laser direct writing technique has been demonstrated as an effective tool for the fabrication of micro-supercapacitors and electronic devices using different materials. However, the high-performance micro-supercapacitors and the integration with electronic devices even the portable or wearable self-powered systems fabricated by the laser direct writing technique or in combination with other techniques still need to be demonstrated. In this paper, we will introduce our recent studies on the following several parts: the preparation of carbon-based micro-supercapacitors by laser direct writing on polyimide films in air, the improvement of the carbon MSC by laser direct writing in Ar, the carbon/TiO2 MSC with photo-rechargeable capability, the carbon/Au MSC wi...


INTRODUCTION Since 1964 when Japan joined the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and accepted Article VIII of the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund, it has liberalised its regulatory regime for foreign investment in line with the OECD Code of Liberalisation of Capital Movements. By the amendment of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law (No. 228 of 1949; FEFTL) in 1979, inbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was liberalised in principle. Furthermore, the amendments of FEFTL in 1991 and 1997 liberalised inbound as well as outbound FDI substantially. As a result, Japan's current domestic law regulating foreign investment is considered to be similar to that found in other developed countries. Outbound FDI has been significant since the 1970s whereas inbound FDI jumped from the late 1990s. Japan ranked fourth in the world for outbound flows with about USD 145 billion, which represented 12.7 percent of Japan's gross fixed capital formation. Japan's outbound stock in 2016 was about USD 1,400 billion (ranking tenth in the world, 28.4 percent of its gross domestic product). In contrast, although inbound FDI has been increasing, inbound FDI flows in 2016 were about USD 11 billion, which represented 1.0 percent of Japan's gross fixed capital formation, and inbound FDI stock in 2016 was about USD 187 billion (ranking 25th in the world, 3.8 percent of its gross domestic product). Thus, Japan is a capital-exporting country with less inbound investment. The Japanese Government has supported outbound FDI by Japanese firms in various ways, including by public institutions such as the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI). As regards international norms, Japan is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, Japan was hesitant to conclude the International Investment Agreement (IIA) until 2002, when Japan signed and ratified the Japan – Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Before this EPA, Japan concluded only nine bilateral investment treaties (BITs).


E-Government is a concept conducted by government institutions within provide services to the community with more effective and efficient. Furthermore, there is a problem that continues to follow related to the development of this EGovernment is in the security sector. An improvement in this sector must be the focus of doing public service. It because of the amount of information that must be managed with a relatively high level of sensitivity. It takes a severe mapping of how conditions are secure in the development of E-Government implementation.


In order to achieve partial nitrification via nitrite(nitritation) in internal-circulation three-phase bio-fluidized bed (ITFB) to treat high strength nitrogen,the effect of ammonia concentration on the biofilm nitritation process was investigated in a lab-scale ITFB reactor.During five months,the experimental periods were divided into five different phases,including the startup phase,the temporary nitritation phase,the destroy phase of nitrification,the recovery phase of nitrification and the complete nitrification phase.The transformation relationship among nitrogen species and the inhibition effect of free ammonia on nitritation process were investigated.The results showed that the nitritation ratio of 79% was achieved under the start-up condition.When the ammonia concentration in influent increased from 100mg/L to 300mg/L,partial nitrification was obtained again and the average nitritation ratio was 81%.However,the nitrification capacity was destroyed by the high concentration of free ammonia;correspondingly the ammonia removal rate was decreased to 22%;no nitritation was observed after the system was recovered.The activities of AOB and NOB would be inhibited simultaneously when FA concentration increased to 8mg/L.It was not very feasible to achieve stable nitritation process by increasing ammonia concentration in the influent.


In this paper we analyze the changes in the microscopic dynamics of a colloidal glass submitted to an oscillatory shear. We use Multispeckle diffusing Wave Spectroscopy to monitor the transient dynamical regimes following a shear application. We show that the system displays a spontaneous aging that is amplified by a low amplitude oscillation (overaging) but stopped by a high amplitude one (rejuvenation). Intermediate amplitudes drive the system into a dynamical state that cannot be reached through spontaneous evolution. We demonstrate that theses systems present a weak long term memory and that the all observed phenomenology can be explained by a broadening of the relaxation time distribution under oscillatory strain. We discussed the similarities of our results with the behavior of spin glasses upon temperature shifts. We eventually propose a scenario based on the existence of harder and softer regions in the material.


Intramolecular rhodium (III) catalyzed annulation of benzamide 8 has been described in the efficient synthesis of palonosetron core, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. C–H-activation enabled the simultaneous generation of rings B and C, which can further be functionalized to access a series alkaloid.


The oxidation of sulfides (I) to sulfoxides (II) and sulfones (III), resp., in the presence of sulfamic acid as inexpensive and metall-free catalyst is studied.


A compact wearable antenna operating at 2.45 GHz with a novel Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) structure as a reflector is proposed. The broadband monopole is used as the main radiator of the antenna, and the gradient feeder structure and etched slot on the ground are used to adjust the matching effect of the antenna port. The current path is extended, and the structure is made more compact by slotting the surface of the EBG cell. Then, a 3 × 3 EBG reflector is constructed and loaded to the bottom of the antenna to improve the antenna gain performance and reduces the specific absorptivity (SAR). A three-layer human model (skin-fat-muscle) has been built in High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) to analyse the influence of human tissue on the wearable antenna system. Combined with the practical application background, the radiation performance of the system under bending is also explored. The simulation results show that the application of EBG reflector can increase the antenna gain by about 4.77 dBi and the front-to-back ratio by 17 dB, reduce SAR by more than 95%, and the overall size of the system is only 60.3 × 60.3 × 3.5 mm3 (0.49λ). The antenna system has the characteristics of simple structure, small size, high gain, and low SAR value, which is of certain reference value for the research on the wearable antenna.


Based on modern signal processing and rocket external trajectory theories,synthesizing the prescient information of weapon system and fuze,the paper researches the measurement of vertical height from fuze to point target and surface target on the supposition that shell has a random terminal velocity and fall angle and the target is flat ground or non-specular scattering surface.The problem of fuze detonating height measurement is solved in theory and the executable method of the measurement is provided.


The present invention discloses a multi-targeted drugs and / or pharmaceutical compositions of the screening methods, field of biotechnology medicine. The present invention is a screening method comprising the steps of: (1) Find a drug target database, summary medicines target and the research target and each target corresponding to a drug to yield a target with a drug corresponding to the data relationships; (2) Method through the system genetics screening the target with the target composition has an associated; (3) according to step a target with a drug (1) obtained in correspondence between data and the step of the target to the target combination has an associated (2) obtained in the screened multi-targeted drugs and / or pharmaceutical compositions. Screening screening method of the present invention is low cost, high efficiency, has a broad application prospect in the field of drug development and design of relocation and.


Self‐sinterable gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) ink for a handy drop‐casting coating method is developed. The fabricated LM electrode is coffee‐ring‐free and bilayer‐free, which guarantees high electrical conductivity, wettability, flexibility, and stretchability. The ink consists of Galinstan, ethanol‐water mixture, hydrochloric acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The binary mixture provides excellent wetting conditions and suppresses a coffee‐ring stain from Marangoni mixing. The acid removes an oxide layer on the LM interface. The colloidal interaction forces by self‐assembled polyvinylpyrrolidone induce avalanche coalescences of the particles at the end of evaporation, which produces a thin and uniform dried conductive layer. The acid and polymer provide a bilayer‐free structure and electrification without any post sintering. The drop‐casted self‐transformed LM electrode showed excellent electrical resistance of O (0.1–1 Ω) on folding and stretching conditions. It is believed that this method can serve as flexible and stretchable electrodes, on various substances for soft robots and wearable devices, without any complicated post‐process.


The liquid crystal display of OCB mode or VA mode includes a backlight unit, a backlight side polarizer, a liquid crystal cell of OCB mode or VA mode, and a viewer side polarizer in order. The visual recognition side polarizing plate contains a 1st transparent protective film, a polarizing film, a 2nd transparent protective film, and a light-diffusion layer in order. In the liquid crystal display of OCB mode, the optically anisotropic layer is formed of a liquid crystal compound on the first transparent protective film. The first transparent protective film is a cellulose acetate film having a Re retardation value of 20 to 70 nm and an Rth retardation value of 100 to 500 nm. The light diffusion layer contains a transparent resin and transparent fine particles dispersed in the transparent resin. The transparent resin and the transparent fine particles have different refractive indices. Transparent protective film, light diffusing layer, cellulose acetate film


We report a case of elderly‐onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in a 90‐year‐old woman who initially presented with transverse myelopathy. Because of cervical canal stenosis, she was initially suspected to have cervical spondylotic mylopathy. However, the presence of anti‐aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) antibody warranted a diagnosis of NMOSD. This case shows that NMOSD should be considered even in elderly patients, and tests for the presence of anti‐AQP‐4 antibody should be carried out when an extensive cervical spinal lesion is encountered.


New design of obtaining circular polarization (CP) radiation of a single-feed microstrip antenna is presented. The antenna substrate has an air-layer with thickness about 2.5% of the wavelength at a resonant operating frequency. By using a short probe pin the antenna can be excited easily. The two truncated opposite corners technique is used to obtain the circular polarized operation by selecting an optimal size of truncating. A flat ground plane with an optimal position for the probe pin is used to generate an impedance matching with a wide bandwidth. The CP patch antenna built for IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz ~ 2.4835 GHz) frequency bands. Measured -10 dB bandwidth is 14.3% and the measured S11, maximum gains and half-power beamwidth are, -41 dB, 8.3 dBi, 75deg respectively. The details of design and experimental results for the proposed design are presented and discussed.


Objective Do better in precaution,monitoring and salvage of PPH,improve the success ratio of PPH-rescuing,degrade maternal mortality rate.Methods Retrospective analyses on 268 clinical instances of PPH from January 2004 to January 2006.Results Uterine contraction is the main reason of PPH,account 79.85%,the next is cake uterine factor and soft birth canal damage.Conclusion To reduce PPH,prevention is most important.To effectively prevent PPH,directive precaution scheme should be made according to the each step condition of accouchement.Prompt diagnosis,effective remedy are the critical measures to diminish and avoid maternal death.


Background: The burden of CKD in our environment remains high while biopsy uptake is low, making for high level of uncertainty in the morphologic characterization of renal disorders. Aim: To evaluate kidney necropsy tissues of violent death victims, asymptomatic of renal disorders, with a view to detecting lesions of clinical interest and determining the morphologic features of such lesions. Also to review the literature for silent conditions that advances the course of CKD. Materials and Methods: Prospective cohort study carried out on kidney necropsy tissues of violent death victims who in their antemortem states were asymptomatic of renal disorders. Subjects were firearm and road traffic accident victims irrespective of gender and age brought to UPTH morgue in January 2017, whose close relatives consented. Information confirming that decedents were asymptomatic of a renal disorder was obtained from deceased's close relatives. Necropsy tissues were processed using standard operating procedures for histopathology of renal biopsies, and slides were read by the authors using light microscopy only. Results: Forty-three tissues were collected-41 males and 2 females. Mean and peak ages were 29.3 (4.9) and 21-30 years with 25/43 (58.1%). Twenty cases (46.5%) showed glomerular pathologies composed of 18.6% FSGS and 27.9% MPGN. Twenty three cases (53.5%) were devoid of histologic evidence of glomerular injury. All cases showed evidence of variable degrees of acute tubular injury with ten cases (23.3%) showing PAS positive casts. Four cases (two each from FSGS and MPGN) displayed chronic interstitial nephritis with mild fibrosis. There was thickening of the arteriolar tunica media in 12 bodies (27.9%). Conclusion: Prevalence of asymptomatic CKD is very high among the youths of our locality. Glomerular lesions constitute common pathogenetic bases unlike tubulointerstitial and vascular lesions which were uncommon. Enunciating measures that targeted the youths aimed at reducing rate of smoking and abuse of common analgesics like paracetamol as well as measures that will improve the overall socioeconomic status and encourage routine medical examinations may reverse the upward trend of asymptomatic CKD among our youths.


FGV-EPGE Abstract: We prove existence of equilibrium in a continuum economy with bads. A fundamental condition is that no group of consumers, however small, has too little distaste for the bads. JEL Classification Numbers: D51


Objective To monitor disinfection package prior to sterilization process,so as to guarantee the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization.Methods According to requirement in "Disinfection technique standard" Open-package examinations of 729 disinfection packages were performed in central supply room,including cleaning quality,package description strap,in-package description card,external condition and internal condition.Results 35.39% of packages had problems in above aspects.After monitoring and feedback,the qualification rate of package before disinfection rose from 40.31% in January to 85.37% in December.Conclusion Behavior change requires involvement of quality control department.PDCA recycle management software can be continuously used for planning,implementation,feedback and evaluation.


We present a drain current model and a consistent parameter extraction method for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) considering the gate voltage-dependent contact resistance and mobility by power-law. The physical origin of the asymptotic power-law dependence of contact resistance is elaborated based on the current crowding model. The parameters of a new model can be completely extracted without ambiguity by the proposed extraction method based on the linear fitting. Pentacene-based OFETs with the Au source/drain contact in a staggered configuration experimentally validate the proposed model and the extraction method, which further reveal the bulk resistivity as the major contribution to contact resistance.


AIMS AND METHOD We aimed to survey clinicians' attitudes on using evidence-based guidelines. A postal questionnaire based on a previous survey of general practitioners was sent to 105 psychiatrists working within Avon andWesternWiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. RESULTS There was a 91% response rate. Respondents were generally in favour of clinical guidelines, with scores indicating a positive attitude to guidelines in 13 of the 18 statements. The majority felt that guidelines were effective in improving patient care, could be used flexibly to suit individual patients and did not impinge on their clinical judgement.


Within an achievement motivation theoretical framework, there are factors thought to most heavily influence performance and task difficulty selection. More specifically, motivational climates, feedback, confidence, and anxiety have all been identified as important factors influencing outcomes within performance settings. Much of the literature in the area of achievement motivation has focused on on the effects of mastery- and ego-oriented feedback on performance within academic settings and has received limited attention in the sport psychology literature within an athletic setting. Given the demonstrated effects of mastery- and ego-oriented feedback on performance, the importance of performance within the athletic context, and the scant literature examining the effects of feedback on athletic performance, the influence of feedback on sport performance needed to be empirically examined. The primary aim of this study was to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship of factors influencing athletic performance, with the ultimate goal of moving research toward a greater understanding of how optimal performance is achieved. As a result, this research may prove applicable to researchers, coaches, and athletes working toward optimal performance. In this study, I examined how mastery- and ego-oriented feedback influenced youth athletes' soccer performance, task difficulty selection, confidence, and anxiety. Youth soccer athletes (n = 71) participated in a soccer kicking task consisting of two trials. Between subjects ANCOVA analyses revealed athletes receiving mastery-oriented feedback performed significantly better on the soccer kicking task than athletes receiving ego-oriented feedback. No differences were discovered on task difficulty selection, confidence, or anxiety. Providing athletes mastery-oriented feedback before or after skill execution could be helpful in the development of athletic skill development and performance. Limitations of the present study and questions to examine in future research are also discussed.


Of course living forever is a myth—sooner or later an accident would catch up with us even if we did not age. But there has been considerable discussion recently of the idea that the human life span might be extended.1 Much of this discussion can be dismissed as wild optimism, but there are some geneticists who seem willing to extrapolate from work on invertebrates to suggest that 200 year human life spans may be on the horizon.2 To understand the status of these claims we need to look at current knowledge of the biology of aging and, in particular, the role of genetics. It has long been held that the best recipe for a long life is to choose your parents well, and a study on longevity records in a sample of 19th century Danish …


Sitcom has been worldwide famous since the 1950s. Friends is one of the most well-known sitcoms, telling the story of friends who lived in New York City during their youth. I will analyze gender roles issues in Friends. In this study, I will analyze how the six main characters adopt traditional gender roles and how the six main characters eventually challenge them. I use several theories, such as traits of traditional gender roles, theory of gender roles orientation, and theory of egalitarianism. My analysis demonstrates that each of the six main characters adopted at least one trait of traditional gender roles at the beginning of the series. The traits they adopted will be categorized by their personal attitude, social behavior, value, self-concept, and career choice. By the end of the series, the six main characters had eventually challenged traditional gender roles and adopted more to the Egalitarianism theory.


Abstract : This report presents the results of an Air Force occupational survey of AFCC Maintenance/Engineering Installation (EI) Workload Control functions. This survey was requested by AFCC/CV to aid in determining if AFCC's Maintenance/EI Workload Control functions should continue with their present way of operation (one where numerous AFSCs perform) or create one or more new AFSCs to perform in these functions.


The thermal decomposition of magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was investigated by thermo-gravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods in argon environment. The influence of heating rates (including 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20K/min) on the thermal behavior of LDHs was revealed. By the methods of Kissinger and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, the thermal kinetic parameters of activation energy and pre-exponential factor for the exothermic processes under non-isothermal conditions were calculated using the analysis of corresponding DSC curves.


With the development of semantic web, ontology inconsistent problem has been one of the most important research directions of ontology alliance. Based on the difference of research method and problem domain, there are a serial of solutions, among which, Model-based Diagnosis has been widely used in the domain of constructive knowledge description. To obtain efficient methods of diagnosis,local diagnosis technology uses information about the structural knowledge of domain to contract problem reasoning space. On the basis of local diagnosis technology, this paper proposes an "innocent diagnosis" method, which ulteriorly contract problem reasoning space through deleting the truth assumables proved by new observation, presents an E_DAG figure representation method of inconsistent problem and shows its working principle through the MadCows ontology example at the end.


Objective To explore the relationship between the level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and brain tumors and to investigate whether there is relationship between the operation of pituitary adenoma or craniopharyngioma and the alternation of IGF-1 in serum.Method We had examined the level of IGF-1 in serums of 193 patients with brain tumors and 61 corresponding patients after operation.SPSS16.0 software was used for the statistics analysis.Results ①The levels of IGF-1 were significantly different between the malignant brain tumor group and the benign brain tumor group(P < 0.05).There was significantly different between the non-invasive pituitary adenoma group and invasive pituitary adenoma group(P < 0.05).②The levlse of IGF-1 were significantly different between before and after operation in the craniopharyngioma group (P < 0.05).However,there was no significant difference in both invasive pituitar and non-invasive pituitar adenoma group when IGF-1 levels were compaired prior and after operation (P > 0.05).Conclusions ①The serum levels of IGF-1 were different between the malignant and the benign brain tumor group.IGF-1 level could be used to determine the degree of malignancy in the early stage of brain tumors.②The serum level of IGF-1 was significantly altered after operation in the craniopharyngioma group.IGF-1 can be used to estimate the prognosis of patients.

Key words:
Pituitary tumor; Craniopharyngioma; Insulin-like growth factor-1


The present invention relates to a solid amorphous dispersion comprising a tetrazole derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of formula (I) as an active ingredient. Solid dispersion of the present invention comprises a water-soluble polymer or acid, the active ingredient, i.e. by improving tetrazole derivatives of formula (I), the solubility of, improve the absorption rate and thus, in cancer cells it can be used effectively in reducing multidrug resistance (MDR).