In national security matters, we give executive officials largely unchecked power to conceal from the public and even from Congress whatever information they choose to consider sensitive. We thus disconnect part of the essential machinery of democracy. Secrecy is nothing new, but in an era of transnational terrorism and expanded conceptions of what "national security" means, secrecy's potential for eroding checks and balances is growing, even under a President ostensibly committed to greater openness in government. Democratic values and sound national security policy both suffer as a result.This Article argues that information access is central to legitimate governance and that in matters involving classified information, we have needlessly constrained democratic processes, as a result of misdirected fears and misplaced reverence for executive expertise. Many capabilities necessary for sound secrecy decisions can be found only in Congress or the courts. Discomfort with the executive information monopoly is increasingly evident in judicial decisions and legislative initiatives, but these acts of resistance remain halting and uneven. This Article attempts to give coherence to the often-tentative efforts by the other branches to claim a coordinate role. Building on congressional and judicial strengths, it develops an oversight framework more consonant with our constitutional design – an information democracy that combines robust national security safeguards with maximum feasible transparency and accountability.


Hospital admission for acute respiratory disease accounts for 40% of the cost of managing respiratory disease in the UK. Data from national and European respiratory audits suggest the quality of care received is highly variable, and in the UK only 50% of people admitted for exacerbation of COPD will be managed by respiratory physicians. Admission to hospital is a significant event for someone with respiratory disease and represents an opportunity for the patient to receive a comprehensive and high quality respiratory review and interventions. Through project work with five project sites a structured admission model was developed and implemented through service improvement and process redesign. The components of the model include: Appropriate and timely (within 3 hours of admission) access to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) Access to respiratory specialist within 24 hours Proactive identification and management of high impact service users Ensuring every patient receives the key aspects of care during their admission (e.g. smoking cessation, inhaler technique cheque, self management plan) Ensure patients whose admission is their first presentation receive a quality assured diagnosis Ensure medicines optimisation during the in-patient stay Ensure every patient who has an admission for exacerbation of COPD has active follow-up and case management. Ensure every patient admitted for exacerbation of COPD receives pulmonary rehabilitation following discharge. Many of these principles have long been accepted as best practise in respiratory care however the limited adoption of these factors indicates that barriers to implementation still exist. The project sites demonstrated that care bundles and checklists can be an effective way of achieving elements of the structured admission model with up to 80% of COPD admissions being managed through a care bundle approach. In addition the effective prioritisation of workloads to better match case load and demand on the service allowed more patients to receive high quality care and increased job satisfaction for staff. The achievement of high quality care for all patients requires organisational change and an integrated systems approach within hospital organisations.


Historically, the difficulty to innovate has been raised as an inherent characteristic of the public sector. However, many governments are changing how they interact with citizens based on innovative practices that challenge traditional fragmentation, complexity, and managerial weaknesses of public service delivery. This publication presents lessons learned from case studies based on a common analytical framework, which leads to the identification of three important drivers of innovation in services: integrate, simplify, and manage. It analyzes how some governments succeed in coordinating the use of information and communication technologies, regulatory tools, and management models to deliver better services. Also, recognized experts present findings of international experience and provide recommendations for decision makers interested in placing the needs of citizens at the center of their actions.


We evaluate the impact of a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that we designed on family well-being among low-income families with young children. Although most CCTs have been implemented in low-income countries, our research is in the context of a high-income country, Italy, where the recent economic crises have worsened the conditions of families with children, especially among immigrants. Our objective is to evaluate the introduction of conditionality (attendance of courses) into a pre-existing unconditional cash transfer program. Using a randomized controlled trial, we find that CCT families search more actively for work, and they work more hours and more regularity than the cash transfer and control groups. CCT families also are able to save more money and eat healthier foods. The CCT intervention appears to be more effective than cash transfer alone in changing households' behavior in several dimensions of well-being. Our findings add to the accumulating evidence on the impact of conditional cash transfers versus unconditional ones and to the literature concerning multidimensional incentive programs.


History is directional though ironic and chaotic. The Constitutional Revolution of 1906 established a set of ideals, including individual freedom, gender parity, economic development, and political democracy, to which Iranians aspired, although, objectively, they did not possess the structural characteristics necessary for its materialization. Iranians then set out on an epic struggle to prepare themselves for those ideals. By the time of the Islamic Revolution, they had achieved significant progress in the economic, social, and cultural realms. They were ready for a genuine participatory political system based on the ideals of 1906. Instead, they ended up with the opposite--a political system based on a totalitarian view of "life," seeking to reeducate them to think and behave according to its version of Islam. Since then, the clash between the demands of the Islamic Republic's encompassing ideology and the objective diversity of the social base resulting from historical change has defined the framework of "macro-politics" in Iran, including the parameters of intra-system struggles. These clashes, historically mandated, will continue until the political system achieves the characteristics needed for an optimal operation of the society.
In the meantime, Iran's progress has been seriously hampered and its capabilities diminished in most fields identified as significant for global engagement and competitiveness at the threshold of the 21st century. To measure the extent of the damage dynamically, we need to look at reasonable scenarios of development projected from the existing trends before the revolution and the opportunity cost to the country of the domestic and foreign policies adopted and pursued by the Islamic Republic.


Wireless body area networks (WBANs) offer many promising new applications in the area of remote health monitoring. An important element in the development of a WBAN is the characterization of the physical layer of the network, including an estimation of the delay spread and the path loss between two nodes on the body. This paper discusses the propagation channel between two half-wavelength dipoles at 2.45 GHz, placed near a human body and presents an application for cross-layer design in order to optimize the energy consumption of different topologies. Propagation measurements are performed on real humans in a multipath environment, considering different parts of the body separately. In addition, path loss has been numerically investigated with an anatomically correct model of the human body in free space using a 3-D electromagnetic solver. Path loss parameters and time-domain channel characteristics are extracted from the measurement and simulation data. A semi-empirical path loss model is presented for an antenna height above the body of 5 mm and antenna separations from 5 cm up to 40 cm. A time-domain analysis is performed and models are presented for the mean excess delay and the delay spread. As a cross-layer application, the proposed path loss models are used to evaluate the energy efficiency of single-hop and multihop network topologies.


Introduction: Cinnamomum oliveri F. M. Bailey is a rain forest tree native to Australia. Decoctions, infusions and essential oils produced from the leaves were used traditionally to treat a variety of bacterial diseases. Despite this, C. oliveri leaf extractions have not been rigorously examined for antibacterial properties against many pathogens. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of C. oliveri leaf extractions was investigated by disc diffusion and growth time course assays against a panel of pathogenic bacteria. The growth inhibitory activity was quantified by MIC determination. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: C. oliveri leaf solvent extractions inhibited the growth of a wide range of bacterial species. Growth of both gram positive and gram negative bacteria was inhibited by the C. oliveri leaf extracts to approximately the same extent. The methanolic extracts were generally most potent growth inhibitors. The methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate C. oliveri leaf extracts were particularly potent inhibitors of P. mirabilis growth, with MIC values as low as 127 μg/mL (methanolic extract). A. coli, K. pneumoniae and B. cereus were also particularly susceptible to the methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts, with MIC values generally substantially <1000 μg/ mL. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic C. oliveri leaf extract was further investigated by growth time course assays which showed significant growth inhibition in cultures of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis within 1 h of exposure. All extracts were determined to be nontoxic in the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay, indicating their safety for internal use as well as for topical uses. Conclusions: The lack of toxicity of the C. oliveri leaf extracts and their growth inhibitory bioactivity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria partially validate the traditional usage of these species to treat bacterial diseases and indicate their potential in the development of antiseptic agents.


Abstract We propose the application of digit analysis using the Benford law to indicate managerial engagement in the capital allocation process. First, we motivate the potential of the Benford digit analysis to identify allocation outcomes that are shaped by human engagement instead of fixed decision rules. Second, we provide a case study to illustrate how the Benford digit analysis can be used to detect allocations affected by managerial interventions. We are unaware of any study applying the Benford test to internal capital markets, while this approach appears very useful in this context. It is commonly used in the auditing, financial accounting, and fraud detection literature.


The author describes changes in eating habits and type of foods consumed when the Eskimos gave up their previous nomadic existence to live in settlements. From 1 meal of high protein low fat and practically no carbohydrates with frequent nibbling the rest of the day on fish the Eskimo family in settlements gets 3 rich meals a day and seeminly endless sweet drinks candies and chocolates. More than half the total carbohydrates are consumed as refined sugar. In a series of test programs the author found that Eskimos have difficulty in keeping their blood sugar level stable after oral sugar loads while the white ma n does it easily. Some other new things observed in Eskimos are: 1) prenatal and postnatal growth acceleration to a significant degree and earlier onset of puberty which is directly attributable to increased sugar consumption without increased protein. 2) Increasing diabetes mellitus: in Alaska and Greenland it has gone up 3-fold during the last decade. 3) Increased atherosclerotic diseases; incidence of calcification of leg arteries among Eskimo men 40 to 69 years who had lived in settlements for more than 10 years was 5 times that of remote nomads. 4) Increased dental decay. 5) Significant increase in serum cholesterol and blood lipid levels with parallel increases of skinfold measurements especially in 18 to 40 year olds. 6) Increase in other "civilization diseases" like cholelithiasis gall bladder and acne vulgaris. Increased morbidity and mortality of infants may be related to increased bottled feeding and increased fertility to shortening of lactation due to the same reason.


Since the 2000s, the Pharmaceutical industry has been facing strong challenges: a constantly changing
and increasingly complex regulatory environment, an erosion of margins caused by governmental
pricing pressures and a decrease in Research & Development (R&D) productivity. This complex
environment has hurt the industry's bottom line, forcing incumbents and new players to reconsider
their approach to the industry's propelling engine: R&D.
Traditionally, innovation was driven by big pharmaceutical companies allocating an important
amount of their sales on R&D spending. By developing new drugs in-house, these companies were
managing to keep the control over these new drugs and treatments. These innovations were then
protected by patents lasting for a few decades. Once the protection had expired, other players could
enter the market by replicating the drug, driving its prices and hence, its profitability down by as
much as 80%.
In the last decades, the way innovation is being delivered has changed. Rather than big pharmaceutical
firms developing new products, small biotechnological start-ups are responsible for most of the new
discoveries. Their small size forces these players to specialize and focus all their R&D efforts on
specific therapeutic areas. Additionally, these start-ups can attract human capital and talent, but lack
financial muscle to exploit their findings. These conditions set the perfect framework for the increase
of M&A activity with far more potential targets to buy.
Building on this, a new business model has arisen in the industry: Growth Pharma. Among others, its
most important characteristic is the way R&D is conducted. Instead of vast investments to develop
drugs in-house, Growth Pharma companies tend to buy other biotech & pharma companies to acquire
their drug development pipeline. In this way, rather than dealing with the uncertainty of developing
new drugs and facing regulatory risks, these companies acquire other players with drugs in late-stage
of development.
The merger of Actavis and Allergan is considered as of 2015 the foremost example of Growth Pharma.
In addition to being the fourth largest deal of all times in the Pharmaceutical industry, its
characteristics make it a unique deal. The story started with an unsuccessful hostile takeover by
Valeant Pharmaceuticals, a company which embraced Growth Pharma under the leadership of Michael
Pearson. Some investors considered Valeant the new Berkshire Hathaway after it partnered in 2014
with Pershing Square, a New York based hedge fund, to do a hostile takeover over Allergan.
Actavis' friendly takeover of Allergan granted the merged company access to the Top 10 companies
by Enterprise Value within the pharmaceutical industry. Both companies followed different R&D
models: Allergan's closer to the traditional approach and Actavis opting for the Growth Pharma model.
However, a combination of both companies seemed to bring the best of these two worlds. On one
side, Allergan's expertise in developing new drugs and block-buster patents such as BOTOX®. On
the other side, Actavis' best-in-class in pipeline success rate through a spotless record of effectively
integrated acquisitions.


Two different Lactococcus lactis host strains, L. lactis subsp. lactis MG1363 and L. lactis subsp. cremoris SK1128, both containing plasmid pNZ521, which encodes the extracellular serine proteinase (PrtP) from strain SK110, were used to study the medium and growth-rate-dependent activity of three different enzymes involved in the proteolytic system of lactococci. The activity levels of PrtP and both the intracellular aminopeptidase PepN and the X-prolyl-dipeptidyl aminopeptidase PepXP were studied during batch and continuous cultivation. In both strains, the PrtP activity level was regulated by the peptide content of the medium. The highest activity level was found during growth in milk, and the lowest level was found during growth in the peptide-rich laboratory medium M17. Regulation of the intracellular peptidase activity appeared to be a strain-dependent phenomenon. In cells of strain MG1363, the activity levels of PepN and PepXP were regulated in a similar way to that observed for PrtP. In cells of strain SK1128, the levels of both peptidases were not significantly influenced by the peptide content of the medium. The presence of specific concentrations of the dipeptide prolylleucine could mimic the low activity levels of the regulated proteolytic enzymes, even to the activity level found on M17 medium. The effect of the presence of the dipeptide prolylleucine in the medium on the activity level of the regulated proteolytic enzymes was confirmed at fixed growth rates in chemostat cultures.


Despite having at one time been listed as one of the poorest countries in the world, Myanmar has topped a global generosity list for the past four years. The majority Buddhist population enjoy a close relationship with the monastic community, affiliating themselves with the running of local monasteries, and monks reciprocate by conducting various roles for the congregation, from giving moral advice to mediating in family disputes. The academic discussions of religious offerings, however, have often focused on a one-dimensional snapshot involving a monastic recipient (usually a Buddhist monk) and a lay donor, rooted in an assumption of a one-way flow of goods and services from the laity to the monastic community. This volume describes that such transactions in a Buddhist society are neither as dichotomous nor as unidirectional. Buddhist offerings known as dāna presents itself in layers of multiple 'give' and 'receive,' more akin to a circular movement of goods motivated by goodwill, passed on continuously in the moral sphere of merit to the next recipient who makes good use of the gift. Myanmar today is undergoing a radical phase of political reform, alongside constant readjustment to the influx of global information, rapid communication and the rise of materialism. It has always been a generous society influenced by the Buddhist values of giving, but patterns of religious and social transactions are changing, and monastic members are expected to assume certain leadership roles in this new social and political milieu. Given that the country's 'third sector' remains both underdeveloped and yet over-regulated, the chapter also poses a broader question of whether the monastic community could play a more active, albeit still non-political role, in Myanmar's emergent civil society.


The study focuses on reviewing the marketing policies with the specific interest in comparing the price of cocoa during marketing board era with that of the post-marketing board era. The study objectives include examining the prevailing economic situations; comparing the producer and consumer prices during the two eras; and evaluate the effect of the two marketing board eras on cocoa production. Time series data for the period 1966 to 2009, were sourced from Cocoa Research Institute, Ibadan, FAOSTAT and Annual Bulletin of Statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics. Descriptive statistics, Trend analysis and Co-integration Analysis were used to analyse the data. The result revealed that that there is trend in the cocoa production during the marketing board era as compared to the post-marketing board era. This is attributed to the increase in the prices experienced in post marketing board era. The study also established that during the marketing board era, prices and marketing margins affected the production of cocoa. The marketing board era had positive impact on the cocoa production although the trend analysis revealed the post marketing era has higher production. Thus the study recommends that Government and cocoa farmers should learn from the price stabilization mechanism of marketing board era. The government should move away from direct involvement in running the economy such as the marketing of cocoa.


Very little has been written about the cost competitiveness of the market for Europaper (Euronotes and Eurocommercial paper) despite the extraordinarily rapid growth of this market over the past three years. This paper tries to compare costs to the borrower on 3-month Europaper with similar costs in the U.S. commercial paper market. On the basis of weekly data in the period June-October, the conclusion is reached that the costs may have been lower in the Europaper market roughly one-third to one-half of the time. Rates paid to investors are, at most times and for most borrowers, lower in the U.S. market than in the Euromarket, but the higher remuneration to dealers in the U.S. market frequently means that all-in costs to the borrower are lower in the Euromarket. Because of the nature and limitations of the data, cost comparisons were limited to estimated rates paid in the two markets only by borrowers whose U.S. commercial paper is rated P-1 or A-1. U.S. market borrowing costs were estimated from published composite rates for double-A borrowers, with adjustments where the long-term debt rating of the borrower was not double-A, and from market reports about dealer fees. Europaper borrowing costs had to be inferred from secondary market quotations. Fluctuations in the relative rates suggest the frequent appearance and disappearance of "windows of opportunity" for borrowing in the market with the lower cost at the time.


Traumatic injury to the spinal cord results in the delayed dysfunction and neuronal death. Impaired mitochondrial function, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation occur soon after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), while the activation of compensatory molecules that neutralize ROS occurs at later time points. The aim of the current study was to investigate the put ativ neuroprotective effect of Ganoderma lucidum in a rat model of SCI. In order to induce SCI, a standard weight-drop method that induced a moderately severe injury (100 g/cm force) at T10, was used. Injured animals were given either 20 mL/kg Ganoderma lucidum or saline 30 min post injury per day by gastric gavage. At seven days postinjury, rats were decapitated. Spinal cord samples were taken for histological examination or determi ation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. SCI caused a significant decrease in spi nal cord GSH content, which was accompanied with significant increases in MDA levels, MPO activity. On the other hand, Ganoderma lucidum treatment reversed all these biochemical parameters as well as SCI-induced histopathological alterations. Furthermore, impairment of the n urological functions due to SCI was improved by meloxicam treatment. The present study suggests that Ganoderma Lucidum, reduces SCI-induce d oxidative stress and exerts neuroprotection by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion.


This paper presents our Interactive Grid architecture for Application Service Providers (I-GASP). We envision IGASP as a solution for making computers available primarily for interactive use in a grid computing environment. A user might access such a computer for running diverse applications such as graphics rendering, scientific visualization or mechanical CAD. I-GASP consists of a grid middleware for provisioning these computers, remote display technology that goes across firewalls and several techniques for making the computers suitable for use in a grid environment, namely controlled shell and desktop, dynamic accounts, admission control, and monitoring and management agents. To minimize the amount of user data that needs to migrate to the assigned computer before an interactive session begins, we present our affinity scheduling algorithm that favors a computer where the user has previously had an interactive session.


Should professionals in education be defined as technicians, whose role is externally constructed or should they be responsive to the diverse individual contexts in which they work (Cable and Miller, 2011)? If schools develop as 'communities of practice' (Lave and Wenger, 1991), practitioner enquiry and reflective practice becomes the 'norm'. Communicative spaces enable professionals to be reflective and reflexive (Dahlberg and Moss, 2005). It is the processing of evidence (the ability and opportunity to reflect) and think critically about practice that enables new understandings to be developed and shared (Appleby, 2010). In being able to explore practice and by seeking new meanings, teachers and professionals recognise multiple forms of action and expertise, which are continually being reshaped (Cable and Miller, 2011).


The monk and scholar Roger Bacon claimed to have seen many marvels of nature and science and concealed these in a book written in an unbreakable code. Sir Hugh Corbett has been instructed to organise agents in Paris to steal this Book of Secrets. They do so but pay a violent price and the French King Philip IV now wishes a meeting between the scholars of England and France to discuss breaking the code. Edward I has no choice but to allow the meeting to take place at Corfe Castle, which becomes a place of murder and mayhem. Young women from the castle are being slain whilst horrific things are witnessed in the nearby forest. The situation becomes more serious when two of the French scholars die in sinister circumstances. Corbett and Ranulf-atte-Newgate have to thread this maze of malevolent murder whilst trying to decipher the great secrets of one of England's most outstanding scholars.


Abstract Introduction: Abdominal obesity, low physical activity and low levels of Vitamin D (Vit D) are associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Physical inactivity contributes to obesity – an emerging global health burden. Individuals with the same body mass index (BMI) may vary in the distribution of subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat. Subcutaneous and visceral fat differ in their metabolic functions. Moreover, Vit D is metabolized in adipose tissue; however, it is unclear if Vit D levels are influenced by the amount and the distribution of adipose tissue. Decreased levels of Vit D are found in obese subjects and a positive association between physical activity and Vit D levels is currently discussed. It is still unknown how this triangle relationship is displayed in CRC patients and how it might influence the course of disease. Thus, within this pilot study we explored the relationship between abdominal fat distribution, plasma levels of Vit D, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) level as a marker for intensity and energy expenditure of physical activity in CRC patients. Methods: This pilot study was conducted on 194 CRC patients from the ColoCare Study, a cohort of newly-diagnosed stage I-IV CRC patients (age>18). Plasma 25(OH)VitD3 levels were measured by LC/MSD. BMI was calculated (kg/m2) and the absolute abdominal fat and the distribution of subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat was assessed by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. The total (TFA), subcutaneous (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) is presented as an area (cm2) on level L3/L4. To assess physical activity we calculated the individual MET h/week from questionnaire data (based on the VITAL study questionnaire, FHCRC, Seattle). Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between abdominal fat distribution, Vit D levels (adjusted for season), and METs. Moreover, subgroup analyses in male subjects were performed whereas sample size was too small for further subgrouping. Results: Study participants were on average 62 years old and diagnosed with either colon (44%), rectal (50%) or rectosigmoid (6%) primary cancer. Data were available on n=186 (BMI), n=118 (CT scans), n=133 (Vit D) and n=96 (MET) subjects based on sequential implementation of assessments. Only correlations with at least 40 individuals are reported. Our evaluation suggests a negative association between Vit D and VFA (r=-0.14, p=0.20). However, no association was found for BMI with Vit D and MET levels, respectively. MET levels were negatively correlated with VFA/SFA ratio (r=-0.22, p=0.13). In male patients MET levels were positively correlated with SFA (r=0.27, p=0.08) and negatively correlated with VFA/SFA ratio (r=-0.41, p<0.01). Conclusion: Our pilot data suggest that an increased portion of visceral but not subcutaneous fat may be linked to lower levels of Vit D. Furthermore, higher MET levels may be associated with a higher visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio and might influence Vit D levels by changes in abdominal fat distribution. Additional data collection is underway and will be presented. Citation Format: Jürgen Staffa, Johanna Welzel, Katharina Buck, Hanna Högenauer, Petra Schrotz-King, Nina Habermann, Dominique Scherer, Stephanie Tosic, Verena Widmer, Clare Abbenhardt, Gerd Würtele, Robert Owen, Michael Hoffmeister, Hermann Brenner, Jenny Chang-Claude, Hans-U. Kauczor, Cornelia M. Ulrich. The relationship between abdominal fat distribution, vitamin D levels, and physical activity in colorectal cancer patients: A pilot study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Post-GWAS Horizons in Molecular Epidemiology: Digging Deeper into the Environment; 2012 Nov 11-14; Hollywood, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(11 Suppl):Abstract nr 79.


The paper describes a new simple shear testing device, the multidirectional direct simple shear (MDSS) apparatus, for testing soil specimens under conditions that simulate, at the element level, the state of stress acting within the foundation soil of an offshore Arctic gravity structure. The MDSS uses a circular specimen that is consolidated under both a vertical effective stress (σ′vc) and a horizontal shear stress (τ1). The specimen is subsequently sheared undrained by applying a second independent horizontal shear stress (τ2) at an angle ϑ relative to the horizontal consolidation shear stress τ1. Evaluation of the MDSS first compares conventional K0-consolidated undrained direct simple shear (CK0UDSS) test data (τ1 = 0) on normally consolidated Boston blue clay (BBC) with results obtained in the Geonor DSS device. The MDSS gives lower secant Young's modulus values and on average 8% lower strengths, but produces remarkably less scatter in the test results than the Geonor DSS. Kinematic proof tests with an elastic material (rubber) confirm that the setup procedure, application of forces, and strain measurement systems in the MDSS work properly and produce repeatable results. Results from a MDSS test program on BBC wherein specimens were first normally consolidated with σ′vc and τ1 = 0.2σ′vc and then sheared undrained at ϑ varing in 30° increments from zero (shear in same direction) to 150° show dramatic differences in the response of the soil as a function of θ. The peak undrained strength varies almost twofold from θ = 0 to 120°, while the deformation behavior varies from very brittle at low θ angles to becoming ductile at higher angles. The experimental results indicate that dramatic changes in foundation response at different θ angles will be an important design issue.


Jet charge is an estimator of the electric charge of a quark, antiquark, or gluon initiating a jet. It is based on the momentum-weighted sum of the electric charges of the jet constituents. Measurements of three charge observables of the leading jet in transverse momentum pT are performed with dijet events. The analysis is carried out with ata collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in proton-proton collisions at s=8 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7fb−1. The results are presented as a function of the pT of the leading jet and compared to predictions from leading- and next-to-leading-order event generators combined with parton showers. Measured jet charge distributions, unfolded for detector effects, are reported, which expand on previous measurements of the jet charge average and standard deviation in pp collisions.


The Frank-Wolfe method (a.k.a. conditional gradient algorithm) for smooth optimization has regained much interest in recent years in the context of large scale optimization and machine learning. A key advantage of the method is that it avoids projections - the computational bottleneck in many applications - replacing it by a linear optimization step. Despite this advantage, the known convergence rates of the FW method fall behind standard first order methods for most settings of interest. It is an active line of research to derive faster linear optimization-based algorithms for various settings of convex optimization.

In this paper we consider the special case of optimization over strongly convex sets, for which we prove that the vanila FW method converges at a rate of 1/t2. This gives a quadratic improvement in convergence rate compared to the general case, in which convergence is of the order 1/t, and known to be tight. We show that various balls induced by lp norms, Schatten norms and group norms are strongly convex on one hand and on the other hand, linear optimization over these sets is straightforward and admits a closed-form solution. We further show how several previous fastrate results for the FW method follow easily from our analysis.


Hamidreza Jayhani Assistant Professor, School of Architecture and Art, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran. firstname.lastname@example.com Abstract | Structural and spatial representation of various gardens of different era in Iran based on archeological and historical literatures and documents is one of the major fields in surveying Iranian gardens. These surveys can assist us to gain a better perspective and understanding of pattern and structure of Iranian gardens. Utilizing a story from Masnavi Haft-Paykar, this current article attempts to introduce a lesser known pattern of Iranian gardens belonging to past historical periods. In this poetry, Nezami describes a complex garden composed of two parts, an internal (Golestan) and an external (Boostan) parts. A mansion (Hejabgah) existed in between those parts. Boostan was an enclosed part located between high walls exclusively for women's privacy and occupancy. The view of Boostan was only available through the mansion. This represents a kind of garden which can be found in Masnawi of "Vis-O-Ramin" to some extent. Similarly, these spatial images may be extracted from earlier stories with much older historic roots in literature. Furthermore, it is possible that poets such as Fakhreldyn As'ad Gorgani and Nezami in narrating older stories visualized their knowledge of fifth and sixth centuries so that the stories could be matched with the ancient stories. Finding a proper answer to this question is extremely difficult. However, existing images in works of both poets can help us in recognizing a new configuration and pattern and allows us to gain a better comprehension of garden design in Iran.


BACKGROUND/AIM
To determine whether higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at diagnosis is associated with longer survival of patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A meta-analysis was performed of five studies of the relationship between 25(OH)D and mortality from breast cancer. A pooled hazard ratio was calculated using a random-effects model. The Der Simonian-Laird test was used to assess homogeneity.

RESULTS
Higher serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were associated with lower case-fatality rates after diagnosis of breast cancer. Specifically, patients in the highest quintile of 25(OH)D had approximately half the death rate from breast cancer as those in the lowest.

CONCLUSION
High serum 25(OH)D was associated with lower mortality from breast cancer. Serum 25(OH)D in all patients with breast cancer should be restored to the normal range (30-80 ng/ml), with appropriate monitoring. Clinical or field studies should be initiated to confirm that this association was not due to reverse causation.


Obesity is a growing world-wide epidemic. Overweight populations are prone to a variety of morbid conditions including diabetes type 2, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. The catastrophic increase in obesity rates, which can later present as cardiovascular disease, is largely attributed to sedentary life style and a poor diet. Epigenetic studies show maternal obesity as a risk factor for metabolic syndromes in offspring. Furthermore, evidence suggests obese and diabetic fathers may also contribute to offspring metabolic phenotype. Experiments were designed to answer the question: does modified paternal diet and exercise produce transgenerational effects on offspring metabolic phenotype and cardiovascular health? Drosophila Melanogaster was used as a model because of its well-known genetics and short life cycle, making it ideal for transgenerational studies. Specifically, this research sought to look at the effects of high-fat and high sucrose diets and exercise on whole body composition, and particularly effects on cardiovascular health in Drosophila F0, and F1 generations. To test the effects of diet and exercise, male flies were exposed to either 14 days of high-fat, high-sucrose, exercise or control diet and then mated with control virgin females. Offspring were collected after hatching and subjected to a normal or modified diet for 14 days. After 14 days, animals were analyzed for triglyceride and trehalose/glucose levels in F0 and F1 generations. Fruit flies were also subjected to exercise for 14 days to measure the effects on phenotype. A vertical test was done before and after exercise to measure the effect of exercise on motor activity. Height climbed was measured in centimeters after vials were tapped down and flies were allowed to climb up for 5 seconds. Cardiovascular health was measured by beats per minute and was recorded at various time points throughout the 14 day diet. Results indicate a significant increase in amount of triglycerides and trehalose in exercise father offspring flies on a high-fat diet challenge than fat father offspring flies on a high-fat diet challenge. There was also a significantly increased heart rate for F0 flies on a high sucrose diet, and on an exercise regimen than flies on a high-fat diet. Fat father offspring on an exercise regimen had a significantly higher heart rate than control father offspring and exercise father offspring on an exercise regimen. Vertical test data showed a significantly higher level of motor activity from the exercise group than the control group through day 7, but then locomotor activity decreased post day 7 in the exercise group compared to the control. The combined data suggest paternal experience due to diet and exercise induces transgenerational effects in F1 male flies due to diet and exercise in the metabolic phenotype and cardiovascular health.; Extracted text


context The condition of states' economies and thus their budgets is a topic not often likely to be among the foremost concerns of admissions, registration, and enrollment management professionals at colleges and universities. State economic and fiscal issues, however, deserve at least some measure and understanding by these professionals. They are significant for public colleges and universities because appropriations for institutions constitute the largest single discretionary items in state budgets. For private colleges and universities, needed revenue via state grant and scholarship programs is also generated from the public purse. Nearly all of this funding depends on the vitality of the states' economies and revenue/budget structures. As the higher education market becomes increasingly competitive, the ability of institutions to read the fiscal environment and take appropriate action will only grow in importance. Accordingly, the better equipped admissions and enrollment management professionals are to do this environmental scanning, the better prepared they will be to help their presidents and chancellors to respond quickly to changes in that environment. Overview The federal government and state governments are clearly enjoying the strongest economic conditions in history. The federal budget, awash in red ink less than a decade ago, is expected to have a surplus of more than $1 trillion during the coming decade. The story at the statehouse level is similar, with lawmakers arguing over how to give money back to their constituents instead of agonizing over how to slash their programs. Amid all the good news, however, there is reason to be watchful. The unfolding economy has so far been one of prosperity, but it is also one of uncertainty. Analysts cannot offer assurances of economic performance based on precedent simply because there is no precedent-we have not yet experienced a full economic cycle in an information-driven economy. Additionally, there is evidence that the economy is cooling, and that state policymakers are taking their cue from that by scaling back tax cuts and spending increases. For some states, the slowing has been abrupt, such that the good times may in fact be over. Finally, the changing structure of the economy and shifting demographics of the population pose potentially serious challenges for states' revenue systems, and thus their spending patterns. For many campus and state policymakers, the year ahead will be a time for cautious optimism. The Economy One Day At A Time In 2000, the nation's economy officially entered the longest expansion in its history. At this unprecedented point, the great unknown is whether, to what extent, or how quickly the economy will retreat from its historic growth pattern. A September 2000 report by the Federal Reserve indicated that while economic activity has expanded at a moderate pace in recent months, growth is slowing in some regions. Below the national level, the growth pattern of the past year has paralleled that of preceding years, with significant growth in the West and Southwest and weaker performance in the nation's mid-section. What most states hold in common, though, is the expectation of slowing growth over the next two years. * The Gross Domestic Product (GDP)-the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States-grew at an annual rate of 5.6 percent in the second quarter of 2000. This represents an increase from the 4.8 percent growth rate posted in the first quarter of the year, but also represents a slowing from the rates posted in the final two quarters of 1999. * Rising inflation may also help to put the brakes on the record expansion. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.5 percent from September 1999 to September 2000, which represents a significant increase over previous 12-month periods. Increased energy prices are being blamed in large part for the rise. …


Objectives . To describe the noise levels of popular hand-held, tabletop, crib and close-to-the-ear toys for children between the ages of birth and 3 years in South Africa. Design . A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive research design was employed for this study. Subjects . Twenty toys, 5 from each of 4 categories, were chosen from a popular toy store in South Africa. The noise levels of these toys were measured using a sound level meter in a quiet room. The frequency spectra of the noise were analysed and compared with current international standards relating to toy safety. Results . The majority of toys adhere to the current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards for toy noise. Frequency spectra analysis revealed that the loudest continuous noise levels for all toys were recorded at the frequencies that are the most important for hearing speech. Conclusions . There is a need to develop standards for the maximum sound output of toys, and compulsory introduction of warnings about the noise levels of toys on the packaging and adherence to ASTM International standards for toy manufacturers are recommended.


Abstract The socio-economic history of Russia demonstrates that its 'place' in global economic relations has been subject to complex cyclical processes. The country entered the 20th century with a high growth rate and burgeoning industrialisation that included significant foreign capital. Historically exports primarily included raw materials such as grain and timber while imports consisted largely of machinery and consumer goods. The fast industrialisation and society changes involved large numbers of people in manufacturing, finally bringing success in many areas, especially education, nuclear and space studies, weaponry and health care. However, during the 20th century the general trend toward modernisation was interrupted by World War I, the Civil War, purges of the 1930s and World War II, which caused enormous loss to both the working population as a whole and, in particular, to its most creative members: the entrepreneurs and the intelligentsia. The collapse of the Soviet Union caused a further loss of industrial potential, a surge in emigration and the need to restructure socioeconomic institutions and launch a new wave of modernisation. At each such critical juncture, the country relied heavily on export of raw materials, struggled to restore human capital and defence capabilities, and was forced to import technologies and consumer goods, now and again as a century ago, while each time on a different level.


The purpose for this research was to determine if reported swimming participation myths (barriers) for minority children were authentic. Previous research on minority children's swimming patterns has been limited, while drowning rates for these groups are high. Nation-wide survey research supported by USA Swimming was conducted using six cities across the U.S. Trained staff members from YMCA non-swimming programs were used to solicit participants and to supervise survey administration. A large, purposeful sample (n = 1,680) was gathered that targeted poor, minority children. Parents of children aged 4-11 years and adolescents (12-17 years) completed surveys. Descriptive statistics were observed on selected myth statements by demographic variables. Several barriers were revealed to be myths and not real barriers. Potential barriers revealed, which include parental involvement factors, were noteworthy for marginalized children.


Summary: The European Commission adopted on December 10, 2003 a draft legislative package (hereinafter referred to as ``the Package'') designed to promote investment in the EU energy sector and prevent the re-occurrence of the blackouts experienced in several countries earlier this year. Is the proposed Package compatible with other parts of EU law, especially the basic principles of Community's environmental law and its climate change policy? This paper illustrates how the measures adopted by the Package run contradictory to the integration and prevention principle of EC environmental law, the climate change policy and infrastructure policy. The focus is the principles and the climate change policy which entails instruments of demand management and promotion of renewable energy to achieve its goals. The author suggests possible solutions to develop a sustainable and green security of energy supply policy and argues that a sustainable energy supply is a goal for the future for which action must start today. And the important issue in a sustainable energy policy is to fully incorporate the principles of EC law and the environmental protection policy. Taking into account its violation of the Community's principles, environmental law and infrastructure policy, the proposed Package must be altered. Future policies regarding security of supply must focus on generation actions that will guarantee environmentally sustainable security, especially the climate protection parameters. Demand management measures and renewable energy promotion should be regarded as the most crucial criteria and clear mandatory targets should be developed. A consistent and environmentally friendly energy policy will help the EU to achieve economical, social and ecological sustainable development.


Rolling contact fatigue is a problem encountered with many machine elements. In the current report a numerical study has been performed in order to predict the crack path and crack propagation cycles of a surface initiated rolling contact fatigue crack. The implementation of the contact problem is based on the asperity point load mechanism for rolling contact fatigue. The practical studied problem is gear contact. Different loading types and models are studied and compared to an experimental spall profile. Good agreement has been observed considering short crack lengths with a distributed loading model using normal loads on the asperity and for the cylindrical contact and a tangential load on the asperity. Several different crack propagation criteria have been implemented in order to verify the validity of the dominant mode I crack propagation assumption. Some general characteristics of rolling contact fatigue cracks have been highlighted. A quantitative parameter study of the implemented model has been performed.


This paper presents removal of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which were synthesised by garlic based green route method. Allivum sativum (Garlic) extract was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles Ag(P) as a green route process while synthetic chemical method was adopted for preparation of silver nanoparticles Ag(W). The synthesis of AgNPs was studied as a function of variation in volume of garlic extract, temperature and time. Solution of pyrene, anthracene and phenanthrene was prepared in n-hexane, and their removal efficiencies were studied. PAHs were removed successfully with optimal efficiency of more than 80% with the affinity order of removal, which followed Phenanthrene > Pyrene > Anthracene. The adsorption of PAHs on AgNPs is attributed to the occurrence of hydrophobic interactions. Ag (P) nanoparticles synthesized were found relatively better adsorbent than Ag (W), for removal of PAHs. It may be ascribed owing to the presence of more functional groups in the garlic extract participating in binding of PAH to the surface. The adsorption property of the AgNPs synthesized by both ways was studied and comparative results were obtained based on adsorption efficiency of PAHs. Further, FTIR and XRD were used to characterize the properties of garlic extract with binding and interaction taking place between AgNPs and PAHs. UV-Vis confirmed the formation of Ag(P) and Ag(W) by biological method and chemical wet co-precipitation method, respectively. Ag(P)can be applied over a wide range of temperature, due to stability of compounds present in Allivum sativum at high temperatures.


Since the very beginnings of agent technology it is considered a fundamental property that communication between agents is done using asynchronous message passing. One important reason for this assumption is that a method call on an agent would break its autonomy. Conceptually, it would allow an agent to exert control over the behavior of another agent by directly telling it to execute a specific method. Furthermore, more than one agent could call methods on the same agent concurrently possibly leading to state consistency problems. In contrast to agents, in mainstream programming paradigms like object, component or service orientation method calls are the dominant communication means. Being able to define interfaces from method signatures represents an important advantage of those approaches currently not available for agents. In this paper we will argue how it is possible to introduce service interfaces and method calls for agents without breaking their autonomy and endangering their state consistency. To achieve this, concepts from active objects, services and components are brought together. The usefulness of the approach is underlined with an example application from the area of distributed image rendering.


The thermal and capillary performance of a groove-enhanced, or "microchannel-embedded," flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (MC FP-OHP) was experimentally investigated while varying heating width, orientation, working fluid and operating temperature. The copper MC FP-OHP possessed two layers of 1.02 × 1.02 mm2 square channels, with the center 14 channels possessing two embedded microchannels (0.25 × 0.13 mm2) aligned coaxially with the primary minichannels. A FP-OHP without embedded microchannels, but with deeper minichannels (DC FP-OHP), was also tested for comparison. The FP-OHPs were filled with Novec 7200 or water (both at 80% ± 2% by volume), and the heating widths were varied between full-width and localized configurations: 38.71 cm2 and 14.52 cm2, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the MC FP-OHP is significantly less sensitive to operating orientation and can perform with less detriment as heat flux increases. The MC FP-OHP has a lower startup heating requirement and provides more fluid wetting along the FP-OHP structure—which is advantageous for pumping liquid from the evaporator to the condenser. The MC FP-OHP has enhanced convective heat transfer during operation, as it was observed to have similar or lower thermal resistances to that of the DC FP-OHP for a wide range of operating conditions. The groove-enhanced minichannel within the MC FP-OHP also provides for enhanced heat transfer because there being more thin-film evaporation sites and vapor–liquid mixing between the minichannel and microchannels.


The "anchoring effect" is a cognitive bias by which people evaluate numbers by focusing on a reference point – an anchor – and adjusting up or down from that anchor. Unfortunately, people usually do not sufficiently adjust away from their anchors, so the initial choice of anchors has an inordinate effect on their final estimates. More than 90% of all criminal cases are resolved by plea bargains. In the vast majority of those cases, the prosecutor makes the initial plea offer, and prosecutors often make high initial offers. Assuming that the prosecutor's opening offer operates as an anchor, nearly all criminal cases in this country produce unjust results based upon an unconscious cognitive bias. This article thus proposes a solution that most jurisdictions have rejected: Judges should be able to participate in the plea discussions. Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c)(1) and most state counterparts strictly preclude judges from participating in plea discussions, but a few jurisdictions permit judicial participation. In these jurisdictions, plea discussions commence with the prosecutor and defense counsel laying out their cases and asking for particular dispositions and the judge responding with the expected post-plea sentence. This article contends that this type of judicial participation would reduce the anchoring effect because the expected post-plea sentence would replace the prosecutor's opening offer as the anchor and produce fairer final plea bargains. This article also argues that such judicial participation would ameliorate many of the problems associated with the current plea bargaining system.


Hash join algorithms suffer from extensive CPU cache stalls. We show that the standard hash join algorithm/or disk-oriented databases (i.e. GRACE) spends over 73% of its user time stalled on CPU cache misses, and explores the use of prefetching to improve its cache performance. Applying prefetching to hash joins is complicated by the data dependencies, multiple code paths, and inherent randomness of hashing. We present two techniques, group prefetching and software-pipelined prefetching, that overcome these complications. These schemes achieve 2.0-2.9X speedups for the join phase and 1.4-2.6X speedups for the partition phase over GRACE and simple prefetching approaches. Compared with previous cache-aware approaches (i.e. cache partitioning), the schemes are at least 50% faster on large relations and do not require exclusive use of the CPU cache to be effective.


Mutations in tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) are responsible for several hereditary disorders that include limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H (LGMD2H), sarcotubular myopathy (STM) and Bardet Biedl syndrome. Most LGMD2H mutations in TRIM32 are clustered in the NHL β-propeller domain at the C-terminus and are predicted to interfere with homodimerization. To get insight into TRIM32's role in the pathogenesis of LGMD2H and to create an accurate model of disease, we have generated a knock-in mouse (T32KI) carrying the c.1465G > A (p.D489N) mutation in murine Trim32 corresponding to the human LGMD2H/STM pathogenic mutation c.1459G > A (p.D487N). Our data indicate that T32KI mice have both a myopathic and a neurogenic phenotype, very similar to the one described in the Trim32-null mice that we created previously. Analysis of Trim32 gene expression in T32KI mice revealed normal mRNA levels, but a severe reduction in mutant TRIM32 (D489N) at the protein level. Our results suggest that the D489N pathogenic mutation destabilizes the protein, leading to its degradation, and results in the same mild myopathic and neurogenic phenotype as that found in Trim32-null mice. Thus, one potential mechanism of LGMD2H might be destabilization of mutated TRIM32 protein leading to a null phenotype.


It is often the case in interdisciplinary accounts of human evolution that archaeological data are either ignored or treated superficially. This article sets out to redress this position by using archaeological evidence from the last 2.5 million years to test the social brain hypothesis (SBH) – that our social lives drove encephalization. To do this we construct a map of our evolving social complexity that concentrates on two resources – materials and emotions – that lie at the basis of all social interaction. In particular, novel cultural and biological mechanisms are seen as evolutionary responses to problems of cognitive load arising from the need to integrate more individuals and sub-units into the larger communities predicted by the SBH. The Palaeolithic evidence for the amplification of these twin resources into novel social forms is then evaluated. Here the SBH is used to differentiate three temporal movements (2.6–1.6 Ma, 1.5–0.4 Ma and 300–25 ka) and their varied evolutionary responses are described in detail. Attention is drawn to the second movement where there is an apparent disconnect between a rise in encephalization and a stasis in material culture. This disconnect is used to discuss the co-evolutionary relationship that existed between materials and emotions to solve cognitive problems but which, at different times, amplified one resource rather than the other. We conclude that the shape of the Palaeolithic is best conceived as a gradient of change rather than a set of step-like revolutions in society and culture.


This paper investigates the effects of risk sharing supplier relationships on the profitability and cost of capital of a new investment project. We compare the three possibilities of not investing in the project, bearing the project risk alone and sharing the risk with a supplier. We find that firms enter risk sharing contracts with a supplier if there is a mismatch between the capital available and the capital needed for financing a new investment opportunity. A low leverage ratio on the supplier's side abets the profitability of risk sharing - making a low debt ratio a competitive advantage for the supplier. Moreover, we show that the equity cost of capital for the project can decrease especially for high risk and highly pro table projects.


Provenance studies on tea (Camellia sinensis) are an important tool to reconstruct the origin of tea products.
This thesis explores the potential of using solely the ionome (main and trace element concentrations) of tea shoot tips for provenance studies.
The emphasize of the thesis is to find element subcompositions which are robust in respect to the various parameters of tea cultivation and production, such as the area, their soils, soil fertilizer and applications of foliar sprays, tea cultivars, plucking/harvesting techniques, manufacturing or leaf grade of the processed tea.
For specific discrimination tasks these robust subcompositions can be combined with element subcompositions which are sensitive to one or several tea cultivation and production parameters.
The data set consists of ca. 300 leaf and processed tea samples and ca. 130 soil samples.
The sampling areas are located in Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiris in India, in Parana and Sao Paulo in Brazil and in Uji and Shizuoka in Japan.
All samples, plants and soils, had been treated with four acid digestion methods with HNO3, HCl, HClO4 and HF to achieve a total dissolution.
The sample solutions had been analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-OES.
The element concentrations of the leaf and processed tea samples had been corrected for adhering (soil) particles.
Hence, all statistical analysis are based on the corrected concentrations values of Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Tl, Y and Zn.
The element concentrations are converted into log-ratios by additive, centered or isometric log-ratio transformations prior to statistical analysis to avoid spurious correlations and to enhance the signal-noise ratio for e.g. the trace elements concentrations.
The comparison of the geochemical composition of topsoils, subsoils, mature leaves, shoot tips and processed tea samples is used to establish for each element a qualitative index of robustness with respect to cultivation and production parameters.
The elements with a high robustness are considered as very suitable for a provenance analysis without further knowledge about the tea samples.
The thesis exemplary shows that with already small element subcompositions a good discrimination by geographical origin is possible if the elements are chosen in terms of their suitability for provenance studies of tea including their sensitivity in respect to specific parameters.
The geological source rocks of the tea plantations is one of the major factors for discrimination of tea origin.


 Abstract — The natural environment is in need for an urgent rescue due to dilapidation and recession of resources. Passive design strategies have proven to be one of the effective ways to reduce CO 2 emissions and to improve building performance. On the other hand, there is a huge drop in material availability due to poor recycling culture. Consequently, building waste pose environmental hazard due to unrecycled building materials from construction and deconstruction. Buildings are seen to be material banks for a circular economy, therefore incorporating circular economy into passive housing will not only safe guide the climate but also improve resource efficiency. The study focuses on incorporating a circular economy in passive design strategies for an affordable energy and resource efficient residential building in Nigeria. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration is still on the increase as buildings are responsible for a significant amount of this emission globally. Therefore, prompt measures need to be taken to combat the effect of global warming and associated threats. Nigeria is rapidly growing in human population, resources on the other hand have receded greatly, and there is an abrupt need for recycling even in the built environment. It is necessary that Nigeria responds to these challenges effectively and efficiently considering building resource and energy. Passive design strategies were assessed using simulations to obtain qualitative and quantitative data which were inferred to case studies as it relates to the Nigeria climate. Building materials were analysed using the ReSOLVE model in order to explore possible recycling phase. This provided relevant information and strategies to illustrate the possibility of circular economy in passive buildings. The study offers an alternative approach, as it is the general principle for the reworking of an economy on ecological lines in passive housing and by closing material loops in circular economy.


The geomorphology and vegetation of marsh-dominated coastal lowlands were mapped from airborne laser data points collected on the Gulf Coast of Florida near Cedar Key. Surface models were developed using lowand high-point filters to separate ground-surface and vegetation-canopy intercepts. In a non-automated process, the landscape was partitioned into functional landscape units to manage the modeling of key landscape features in discrete processing steps. The final digital ground surface-elevation model offers a faithful representation of topographic relief beneath canopies of tidal marsh and coastal forest. Bare-earth models approximate field-surveyed heights by + 0.17 m in the open marsh and + 0.22 m under thick marsh or forest canopy. The laser-derived digital surface models effectively delineate surface features of relatively inaccessible coastal habitats with a geographic coverage and vertical detail previously unavailable. Coastal topographic details include tidal-creek tributaries, levees, modest topographic undulations in the intertidal zone, karst features, silviculture, and relict sand dunes under coastal-forest canopy. A combination of laser-derived groundsurface and canopy-height models and intensity values provided additional mapping capabilities to differentiate between tidal-marsh zones and forest types such as mesic flatwood, hydric hammock, and oak scrub. Additional derived products include finescale shoreline and topographic profiles. The derived products demonstrate the capability to identify areas of concern to resource managers and unique components of the coastal system from laser altimetry. Because the very nature of a wetland system presents difficulties for access and data collection, airborne coverage from remote sensors has become an accepted alternative for monitoring wetland regions. Data acquisition with airborne laser represents a viable option for mapping coastal topography and for evaluating habitats and coastal change on marsh-dominated coasts. Such datasets can be instrumental in effective coastal-resource management.


More Determined Sex Although several transcription factors participate in mammalian sex determination, the contribution from specific epigenetic regulation is just being revealed. Kuroki et al. (p. 1106) show that a JmjC domain–containing protein, Jmjd1a, catalyzes H3K9 demethylation of the Y-linked sex-determining gene Sry in mice to enable its expression above the required threshold level. Ablation of Jmjd1a function results in mouse male-to-female sex reversal, hence not only revealing a mechanism of Sry regulation but also the pivotal role of epigenetic regulation in mammalian sex determination. Histone modification controls mammalian sex determination. Developmental gene expression is defined through cross-talk between the function of transcription factors and epigenetic status, including histone modification. Although several transcription factors play crucial roles in mammalian sex determination, how epigenetic regulation contributes to this process remains unknown. We observed male-to-female sex reversal in mice lacking the H3K9 demethylase Jmjd1a and found that Jmjd1a regulates expression of the mammalian Y chromosome sex-determining gene Sry. Jmjd1a directly and positively controls Sry expression by regulating H3K9me2 marks. These studies reveal a pivotal role of histone demethylation in mammalian sex determination.


Nicotine, a large constituent of cigarette smoke, is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer but the data remains inconsistent. Here, we found that nicotine treatment not only induced emphysema, but also increased both lung tumor multiplicity and volume, in 4-nitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-initiated lung cancer in A/J mice. This tumor-promoting effect of nicotine was accompanied with significant reductions of survival probability and lung Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which has been proposed as a tumor suppressor. The decreased SIRT1 was associated with increased levels of AKT phosphorylation and interleukin (il)-6 mRNA, but decreased tumor suppressor p53 and retinoic acid receptor (rar)-beta mRNA levels in the lungs. Using this mouse model, we then determine whether a xanthophyll beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX), which is associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer from a pooled analysis of seven prospective cohort studies, can inhibit the nicotine-induced emphysema and lung tumorigenesis. We found that BCX supplementation at two different doses reduced the nicotine-promoted lung tumor multiplicity and volume, as well as emphysema in mice treated with both NNK and nicotine. Moreover, BCX supplementation restored the nicotine-suppressed lung SIRT1, p53, and rar-beta to the levels of the control group, increased the survival probability, and decreased the lung il-6 mRNA and AKT phosphorylation levels. The present study indicates that the SIRT1 is a potential target for the action of BCX against emphysema and lung cancer. In addition, our study established a relevant animal lung cancer model for studying tumor growth within emphysemateous microenvironments. Citation Format: Anita Iskandar, Chun Liu, Donald Smith, Kang-Quan Hu, Sang-Woon Choi, Lynne Ausman, Xiang-Dong Wang. Beta-cryptoxanthin restores nicotine-reduced lung SIRT1 to normal levels and inhibits nicotine-promoted lung tumorigenesis and emphysema in A/J mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A37.


The increasing demand for improved performance in diesel and petrol engines - particularly
in the motor-sport industry - has increased the need for performance enhancing devices such
as the automotive turbocharger. The prediction of compressor performance in the early
design stage of a turbocharger is critical and helps to ensure that the range and matching of
the constituent components (impeller, diffuser and volute) is satisfactory. Although the fluid
flow inside the compressor is three-dimensional, effective analysis can be carried out using
one-dimensional prediction techniques. Many prediction techniques have been developed
over the decades and improvements to these methods have primarily been due to a greater
understanding of compressor operation. The major gain from establishing more accurate
prediction techniques is the reduction of uncertainties in both design time and production
costs as well as allowing existing designs of centrifugal compressors to be improved.
This thesis presents the work carried out to develop a PC-based I -D prediction technique
called CAPRICE, with focus aimed at developing new models for the vaneless diffuser and
volute casing. Extensive analysis of the existing models has been undertaken relating
geometric features to performance. A specially-constructed interstage test rig, designed to
extract data from the components, enabled experimental data from two compressors to be
gathered. The data collected was used to develop several new correlations; A new correlation
for the prediction of impeller work was produced and shown to be an improvement on the
Wiesner equation. Formulae for the prediction of impeller and diffuser surge were developed
which enabled a more accurate prediction of surge to be made. and diffuser and volute loss
and recovery coefficient correlations were produced, separating the diffusion system model in
CAPRICE for the first time. An equation for the prediction of the length of the log spiral
path in the diffuser was also derived. The work was validated against existing I-D and 3-D
models and shown to produce excellent comparisons and overall compressor maps have been
produced to demonstrate these developments throughout this work.
The resulting I -D performance prediction technique gives the designer better control of the
overall perfon-nance by allowing a greater level of adjustment to be made to the individual
component geometries, previously unavailable in CAPRICE.


Shape constraints (such as non-negativity, monotonicity, convexity) play a central role in a large number of applications, as they usually improve performance for small sample size and help interpretability. However enforcing these shape requirements in a hard fashion is an extremely challenging problem. Classically, this task is tackled (i) in a soft way (without out-of-sample guarantees), (ii) by specialized transformation of the variables on a case-by-case basis, or (iii) by using highly restricted function classes, such as polynomials or polynomial splines. In this paper, we prove that hard affine shape constraints on function derivatives can be encoded in kernel machines which represent one of the most flexible and powerful tools in machine learning and statistics. Particularly, we present a tightened second-order cone constrained reformulation, that can be readily implemented in convex solvers. We prove performance guarantees on the solution, and demonstrate the efficiency of the approach in joint quantile regression with applications to economics and to the analysis of aircraft trajectories, among others.


This paper examines macroeconomic performance and policies in small Pacific island economies (SPIEs). These economies are highly prone to various supply shocks and face severe obstacles to development arising from their geography and demography. However, the paper contends that their lacklustre growth performance over the last two decades has also been due to excessively conservative macroeconomic policies. That is, a confluence of supply shocks and policy-induced constrained demand has resulted in poor economic performance. Given a very weak private sector, poor state of infrastructure and low-level human capital, the paper argues for the leading role of the government. It then elaborates on the elements of macroeconomic policies within a state-led development strategy.


In this study, we investigated the role of selection in the maintenance of a dorsal colour polymorphism in natural populations of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. We determined genetic structure both spatially and temporally from a suite of putatively neutral molecular markers and tested whether or not the colour locus exhibited patterns of genetic variation that differed from those of the neutral loci. Spatial genetic structure at the colour locus was indistinguishable from structure at neutral loci [95% confidence intervals of FST (neutral) = (0.07, 0.35), FST (colour locus) = 0.114]. In the temporal analysis, we found that the variance among populations in the change in allele frequency at the colour locus (equal to 0.004) lies within the 95% confidence intervals for the variance among populations in changes in allele frequencies at neutral loci. In light of our inability to show evidence for the selective maintenance of the colour polymorphism, we used computer simulations to infer the power of our spatial and temporal techniques to detect selection. The computer simulations showed that although the strength of selection (s) would need to be relatively strong to have been detected by the temporal approach (s = 0.1–0.4, depending on the model tested), the spatial analysis would have detected all but weak selection (s = 0.01–0.04, depending on the model tested). This study illustrates the importance of using a locus comparison approach to detect evidence for selective maintenance before conducting studies to measure the selective mechanisms maintaining a polymorphism.


In this work, we look at the perception of event locality under conditions of disparate audio and visual cues. We address an aspect of the so called "ventriloquism effect" relevant for multimedia designers; namely, how auditory perception of event locality is influenced by the size and scale of the accompanying visual projection of those events. We observed that recalibration of the visual axes of an audio-visual animation (by resizing and zooming) exerts a recalibrating influence on the auditory space perception. In particular, sensitivity to audio-visual discrepancies (between a centrally located visual stimuli and laterally displaced audio cue) increases near the edge of the screen on which the visual cue is displayed. In other words, discrepancy detection thresholds are not fixed for a particular pair of stimuli, but are influenced by the size of the display space. Moreover, the discrepancy thresholds are influenced by scale as well as size. That is, the boundary of auditory space perception is not rigidly fixed on the boundaries of the screen; it also depends on the spatial relationship depicted. For example, the ventriloquism effect will break down within the boundaries of a large screen if zooming is used to exaggerate the proximity of the audience to the events. The latter effect appears to be much weaker than the former.


The present study was conducted to clarify the protective effect of Brazilian propolis ethanol extract (BPEE) against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. The protective effect of BPEE against gastric mucosal lesions in male Wistar rats exposed to water-immersion restraint stress (WIRS) for 6 h was compared between its repeated preadministration (50 mg/kg/day, 7 days) and its single preadministration (50 mg/kg). The repeated BPEE preadministration attenuated WIRS-induced gastric mucosal lesions and gastric mucosal oxidative stress more largely than the single BPEE preadministration. In addition, the repeated BPEE preadministration attenuated neutrophil infiltration in the gastric mucosa of rats exposed to WIRS. The protective effect of the repeated preadministration of BPEE against WIRS-induced gastric mucosal lesions was similar to that of a single preadministration of vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in terms of the extent and manner of protection. From these findings, it is concluded that BPEE preadministered in a repeated manner protects against gastric mucosal lesions in rats exposed to WIRS more effectively than BPEE preadministered in a single manner possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.


The Ramona pegmatite district of central San Diego County, California, has been known as a source of gem garnet, tourmaline, and topaz since the early 1900's. All the occurrences of known commercial importance lie within an area of about 1.5 square miles.

The dominant rocks of the district are tonalites and granodiorites of the Cretaceous southern California batholith. The nearest outcrop of older rocks, the Triassic Julian schist, is about one mile from the main group of pegmatites. Eocene Poway conglomerate caps hills and ridges in a west-trending belt that lies south of the district.

The pegmatite bodies, ranging from small stringers to large dikes about 8 feet thick, are remarkably persistent along their strike. They form a pattern of subparallel anastomosing units with a general northwest strike and a westward dip of 35 to 45 degrees. The dikes occur mainly in the tonalites, and appear to have been emplaced along a well-developed set of fractures. These fractures are not systematically related to other structural features of the area, and they transect a major contact between plutons of different composition.

Most of the pegmatite dikes are asymmetrically zoned, each with a footwall unit of layered aplite and a hanging-wall unit rich in graphic granite. Typical inner zones of the dikes consist of quartz-perthite pegmatite, pocket-bearing pegmatite, and albite-quartz rock.

Aplite generally constitutes about one-third of the containing pegmatite body. It is a soda-rich rock, with about 40 percent of modal albite. Garnet-tourmaline layers in the aplite are roughly parallel to the footwall of the pegmatite body.

Typical graphic granite, which also forms about one-third of the containing pegmatite body, has a quartz-perthite ratio of 1:3. The microcline-albite ratio within the perthite is about 2:1. Studies of mineral orientation show that the quartz rods in a single specimen of graphic granite have a common crystallographic orientation, but that this orientation is different for different specimens and is not consonant with any crystallographic law. Moreover, the c axis of quartz is generally not the axis of elongation of the rod, nor does the c axis have a systematic angular relation to the walls of the pegmatite dike. Successive surfaces cut in a block of graphic granite show many interconnections of the quartz rods.

The quartz-perthite pegmatite commonly contains large euhedral crystals of perthite and ragged-edged blocks of graphic granite in an allotriomorphic groundmass consisting mainly of quartz, perthite, and albite.

Albite-quartz rocks occur as fracture fillings and irregular masses within the pegmatite dikes. The albite commonly has a curved cleavelandite form. Modally these rocks have an albite-quartz ratio of 2:1.

The pocket pegmatite, which ordinarily occurs in the quartz-perthite rock, consists mainly of smoky quartz with some cleavelandite and topaz. The pockets themselves form spherical voids to thin openings with irregular outlines.

A period of corrosion and secondary mineralization followed crystallization of the pegmatites. The sequence of removal of minerals was quartz--->microcline--->albite, and the sequence of secondary mineralization was albite--->orthoclase (with an adularia habit)--->quartz with a typical low-temperature crystal form. Spessartite and secondary tourmaline most likely crystallized during the end stages of the corrosion or the beginning of the albite mineralization.

Pseudomorphs of manganese oxide after garnet (?), as well as pseudomorphs of muscovite after tourmaline, are present in otherwise unaltered quartz-feldspar rocks.

The bulk mineralogical composition of the pegmatite bodies is 30 to 35 percent for each of the minerals quartz, microcline, and albite. Muscovite, garnet, and tourmaline form about 5 percent of the total rock.

The experimentally determined liquidus for a composite sample of the pegmatite under various water-vapor pressures is about 50°C, higher than the corresponding liquidus for the ternary minimum of the system KAlSi3O8-NaAlSi3O8-SiO2-H2O. Similarly, the pegmatite solidus is about 50 degrees lower than that for the ternary minimum, and it can be further lowered by the addition of fluorine-bearing minerals to the rock melt. Water is soluble in a melt of the composite sample of pegmatite to the extent of about 3.5 and 5.0 weight percent at 1 and 2 kilobars, respectively, of water-vapor pressure.

Laboratory crystallization of the pegmatite melts was found to be a fairly slow process, requiring several weeks to form 1 or 2 percent of crystals. The crystals are larger and form more rapidly in melts under high water-vapor pressure and with little undercooling. Spherulitic crystal aggregates form with undercooling of 75 degrees or more.

The natural pegmatites probably crystallized from a magma and a coexisting vapor that were residual from the magma forming the large composite southern California batholith. An hypothesis of crystallization in a restricted system best explains the features of the pegmatite bodies. Spatial relationships indicate that the dikes crystallized from the walls inward.

Hypotheses are presented to explain the layered aplites either as products of rhythmic crystallization and crystal settling or as products of in-situ rhythmic crystallization progressing upward from the footwalls of the dikes. The rhythmic crystallization could have been a result of pressure fluctuations.

Graphic granite cocrystallized with the layered aplite. All available evidence indicates simultaneous crystallization of quartz and feldspar, with the graphic texture a result of accelerated growth of one mineral alternating with accelerated growth of the other mineral. Temperature and water vapor-pressure during crystallization of the graphic granite and layered aplite were most likely about 690° to 715°C. and 3000 to 4500 bars, respectively.

The graphic granite and the quartz-perthite pegmatite probably crystallized from a melt and a coexisting vapor, and the layered aplite from the melt. The other pegmatite units are thought to be products of crystallization from a hydrothermal fluid that was mainly in the form of a vapor.


Background: There are established differences in cardiovascular disease in different racial groups. Worldwide, the literature regarding the clinical epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) in non-white populations is scarce. Objectives: To document the clinical epidemiology of AF among hospital admissions to two teaching hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, over a two-month period and to describe the clinical features and management of these patients. Subjects: 3,766 acute medical admissions, of whom 245 (6.5%) had AF. Results: Of 245 patients with AF, clinical notes of 24 were lost in the system. Of the remaining 221 patients with AF (107 males; mean age 66 years), 22% were Afghani Muslims, 3% Indians, 1% white and the rest were Pakistani with unknown country of origin. The most common associated medical conditions were hypertension (54%), valvular heart disease (54%) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD, 47%). The most common presenting complaints in female patients were palpitations (51%) and anxiety (35%). In males, the most common symptoms were palpitations (46%), chest pain (35%) and anxiety (27%). Among male patients, 100% had an electrocardiogram (ECG), 93% an X-ray, 89% echocardiography and 49% thyroid function testing. Direct current (DC) cardioversion was attempted in 8%. Of the male admissions with AF, 64% were taking aspirin, while 75% were anticoagulated in hospital and 40% of patients were discharged on anticoagulants with cessation documented in 14%. Beta blockers and amiodarone were prescribed in 74% and 19% of male cases respectively. In females, 100% had an ECG, 76% chest X-rays and 81% had echocardiography proposed. Thyroid function tests were done in 46% of cases, and DC cardioversion was attempted in 11%. Of the female AF patients, 70% were anticoagulated in hospital and 48% went home on anticoagulants. Cessation of warfarin was documented in 27% of female patients, and beta blockers and amiodarone were prescribed in 80% and 26% respectively. Conclusion: Among acute medical admissions to hospital in Pakistan the prevalence of AF was 6.5%. Consistent with previous similar surveys in mainly Western (Caucasian) populations, standard investigations in this cohort were inadequate and there was underuse of anticoagulation (with a high cessation rate).


OBJECTIVE
In this study the role of 17beta-estradiol (E2) in the regulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression and secretion was investigated in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS
Endothelial cells were either deprived of or treated with 17beta-estradiol (10(-9), 10(-7) M) for 48 h. After the incubation, the effect of E2 on ET-1 gene expression was evaluated by Northern blot analysis. ET-1 release into the media was measured by radioimmunoassay after 6 h of incubation under basal conditions and upon stimulation with thrombin (4 U/ml). In addition, the cyclic guanosine 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) content of cells was assayed by immunoassay. In order to exclude the role of nitric oxide (NO) in E2-induced effects on endothelin-1 gene expression and secretion, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (1 mM) (L-NAME) was added to the media of some cultures.

RESULTS
Incubation of HUVECs with 10(-9) and 10(-7) M E2 for 48 h resulted in a 30 and 47% inhibition of ET-1 mRNA expression, respectively. Incubation with E2 also decreased the basal and thrombin-stimulated ET-1 release while increasing the cGMP content of cells significantly. NOS inhibitor L-NAME increased the release of ET-1 from E2-incubated cells but did not alter the ET-1 release from hormone-deprived cells. However, ET-1 secretion of E2-treated cells were significantly less than the deprived ones. Northern blot analyses also demonstrated that inhibition of NOS only partly attenuated the effect of E2 on ET-1 gene expression. In the presence of L-NAME, treatment with 10(-7) M E2 caused a 12% decrease in ET-1 gene expression.

CONCLUSION
The results demonstrate that E2 may play both direct and indirect role in regulation of ET-1 gene expression and production in human endothelial cells. E2-induced increase in NO but decrease in ET-1 production may partly explain the mechanism of the protective effects of the hormone on the cardiovascular system.


A Symposium entitled "Classification of Large-Scale Flow-Transverse Bedforms" was convened at the 1987 Mid-Year Meeting of SEPM in Austin, Texas with the purpose of examining the problems involved in classifying large subaqueous flow-transverse bedforms developed in fluvial, intertidal, and marine environments, and recommending changes in nomenclature. The consensus of the participants is that despite the wide spectrum of morphologies of large-scale flow-transverse bedforms (excluding antidunes), they all occupy a similar position in the lower-flow-regime sequence between ripples and upper plane bed. The wide variety of forms is a reflection of secondary effects such as channelization, fluctuating water levels, and unsteady and reversing flows. The bedforms appear not to fall into size classes with naturally occurring boundaries but rather form a continuum with spacing from just under 1 m to over 1,000 m. The symposium panel proposes, therefore, that they should have only one name, DUNE. Dune is preferred as it has historical precedence over other terms in use, such as megaripple and sand wave. The term "dune" should be modified by primary descriptors of shape (i.e., 2-D or 3-D) and size based on spacing (small (0.6-5 m), medium (5-10 m), large (10-100 m) or very large (> 100 m) and the adjective subaqueous when it is important to distinguish them from eolian dunes. The panel recommends a morphologically based classification that is descriptive, with an underlying genetic rationale. Second order descriptors such a sediment size and bedform superposition may be used to describe more thoroughly the variety of subaqueous dunes in nature.


The authors characterize variable-rate interframe video coding for an ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) -based environment, focusing on bursty characteristics of encoded information. Inter-frame DPCM (differential pulse code modulation), motion-compensated DPCM and motion-compensated DCT (discrete cosine transform) are examined. As a useful measure to characterize variable-rate video sources, the coefficient of variation is proposed to supplement conventional distribution and autocovariance. Modeling methods of variable-rate coders using the AR (autoregressive) process and coefficients of variation are introduced. The fitness of each model is evaluated by estimating stochastic multiplexing effects for a simple one-buffer one-server situation.<<ETX>>


This thesis revisited the Islamic insurance models' operations and its various business paradigms within the Shari'ah parameters in three different countries which are Bahrain, Malaysia, and Sudan. Although, the Islamic insurance industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth in terms of its net contributions and profit, amidst tough obstacles and constraints due to the Shar'iah issues in certain aspects. Islamic insurance operations require fine-tuning in line with Islamic jurisprudence and Muslims need. There are many different operational models with various Islamic jurisdictions trying to meet the needs of Muslims in general as regard Islamic insurance in the global Islamic economy. However, each of these models has its own advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, there is no agreement amongst the Islamic scholars on which of these models can be considered the best. This means different organizations use the same Islamic contract but with different applications. These models, which are Wakalah, Mudarabah, Waqafmd the Hybrid model, have several shortcomings that need to be studied and addressed to strengthen global Islamic insurance industry. The two challenging issues that are studied are the ownership of the Islamic insurance risk fund or the contribution fund and the surplus distribution accumulated from the risk fund. There are differences of opinion regarding Shari'ah compliance of certain practices. This has led to layers of regulatory differences in countries like Bahrain, Malaysia, and Sudan, resulting in initiation of separate regulatory frameworks for Islamic insurance as a medium to ensure rapid growth and encourage Islamic insurance. This study adopts MANOVA because there are multiple dependent variables as well as independent variables within the constructs of the research. The first objective illustrates a well-structured understanding of the insurance principle practiced in Islamic insurance. MANOVA was conducted to test for substantial differences in the application of insurance principles in the operation of Islamic insurance within the selected countries. Moreover, the second objective examines the association between Shari'ah rules and some items in the business operation of Islamic insurance in the selected countries that operate Islamic Insurance. Furthermore, the objective three investigates the similarities and differences in the running of Islamic insurance business in selected countries. On the other hand, objective four addresses the justification of Islamic insurers on their selected operational models and this segment concludes with the last objective that proposes an operational model that will be acceptable to all Islamic insurance companies. The main contributions of this research are the argumentive points provided by the experts of Islamic insurance, Shah 'ah scholars and customers in the three countries sampled. The findings reveal changes in insurance principles; similarities in the models practiced and provide justifications in terms of features such as the operator fees and the general harmonization of the models. This study is joined together the application from the operators of Islamic insurance industry; the Ulama of the Shari'ah board and the experts of Islamic insurance industry to meet together to highlight a common model for Islamic insurance, and the best method for surplus (profit or loss) distribution, and other issues. For the Islamic insurance industry, this research can narrow the gap between the current practiced models. This indicates that the proposed Islamic insurance model which is Musharakah- wakalah will increase Islamic operation.


The signal transduction mechanisms involved in tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells are still largely undefined. The effect of metastatic murine melanoma cell and human prostate carcinoma cell contact on cytosolic [Ca2+] of bovine artery endothelial cells was examined in indo-1-loaded endothelial cell monolayers. A rapid increase in endothelial cell [Ca2+] occurred on contact with tumor cells, but not on contact with 8-microns inert beads. A similar increase in endothelial cell [Ca2+] was observed with human neutrophils or monocyte-like lymphoma cells, but not with endothelial cells, red blood cells, and melanoma cell-conditioned medium. The increase in endothelial cell [Ca2+] was not inhibited by extracellular Ca2+ removal. In contrast, endothelial cell pretreatment with thapsigargin, which releases endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ into the cytosol and depletes this Ca2+ store site, abolished the cytosolic [Ca2+] rise upon melanoma cell contact. Endothelial cell pretreatment with the membrane-permeant form of the Ca2+ chelator bis-(O-aminophenoxyl)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid blocked the increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. Under static and dynamic flow conditions (0.46 dyn/cm2) bis-(O-aminophenoxyl)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid pretreatment of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell monolayers inhibited melanoma cell adhesion to the endothelial cells. Thus, tumor cell contact with endothelial cells induces a rapid Ca2+ release from endothelial intracellular stores, which has a functional role in enhancing cell-cell adhesion.