Abstract. Coastal tide gauges do not only play a central role in the study of climate-related sea level changes but also in tsunami warning systems. Over the past five years, ten GPS-controlled tide gauge systems have been installed by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Indonesia to assist the development of the Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS). These stations are mainly installed at the Indonesian coastline facing the Indian Ocean. The tide gauge systems deliver information about the instantaneous sea level, vertical control information through GPS, and meteorological observations. A tidal analysis at the station's computer allows the detection of rapid changes in the local sea level ("sea level events"/SLE), thus indicating, for example, the arrival time of tsunamis. The technical implementation, communication issues, the operation and the sea level event detection algorithm, and some results from recent earthquakes and tsunamis are described in this paper.


Using a unique feature of air cargo transshipment data in the Northeast Asian region, this paper identifies the critical factors that determine the transshipment route choice. Taking advantage of the variations in the transport characteristics in each origin-destination airports pair, the paper uses a discrete choice model to describe the transshipping route choice decision made by an agent (i.e., freight forwarder, consolidator, and large shipper). The analysis incorporates two major factors, monetary cost (such as line-haul cost and landing fee) and time cost (i.e., aircraft turnaround time, including loading and unloading time, custom clearance time, and expected scheduled delay), along with other controls. The estimation method considers the presence of unobserved attributes, and corrects for resulting endogeneity by use of appropriate instrumental variables. Estimation results find that transshipment volumes are more sensitive to time cost, and that the reduction in aircraft turnaround time by 1 hour would be worth the increase in airport charges by more than $1000. Simulation exercises measures the impacts of alternative policy scenarios for a Korean airport, which has recently declared their intention to be a future regional hub in the Northeast Asian region. The results suggest that reducing aircraft turnaround time at the airport be an effective strategy, rather than subsidizing to reduce airport charges.


The concept of microneedle drug delivery was described three decades ago; however, effective clinical demonstration has only occurred within the past 10-15 years. Substantial progress in microneedle design and fabrication including extensive in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo preclinical evaluation with various drugs, vaccines and other agents has transpired over the last decade. In contrast with this large volume of preclinical data, there are relatively few published microneedle clinical studies. To date, the clinical investigative focus has included testing to reduce dermal barrier properties and enhance transdermal delivery; evaluation of enhanced vaccine antigenicity, including development of the first commercial microneedle product for intradermal influenza vaccination; evaluation of altered microneedle protein pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, especially for insulin; and evaluation of the pain and other perceptions associated with microneedle usage. This review summarizes the various aspects of microneedle clinical evaluation to date and identifies areas requiring further clinical evaluation.


Disclosed is a power conversion device, which is provided with a converter circuit and an inverter circuit, designed so that the output of said inverter circuit can be compared with better precision than when only the current level is controlled, thereby providing improved operating efficiency. A current sensor senses the input current of the inverter circuit (3) and a voltage sensor (15) senses the input voltage of the aforementioned inverter circuit (3). A power level computing part (33) in the inverter microcomputer (30) determines the power level from the aforementioned input current and input voltage. The inverter microcomputer (30) and control microcomputer (40) perform droop control to suppress the voltage of the inverter circuit (3) so that the aforementioned power level is less than a specified power level.


We explore a novel search strategy for dark matter in the form of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) such as primordial black holes or dense mini-haloes in the mass range from $10^{-4}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ to $0.1\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. These objects can gravitationally lens the signal of fast radio bursts (FRBs), producing a characteristic interference pattern in the frequency spectrum, similar to the previously studied femtolensing signal in gamma-ray burst spectra. Unlike traditional searches using microlensing, FRB lensing will probe the abundance of MACHOs at cosmological distance scales (∼Gpc) rather than just their distribution in the neighbourhood of the Milky Way. The method is thus particularly relevant for dark mini-haloes, which may be inaccessible to microlensing due to their finite spatial extent or tidal disruption in galaxies. We find that the main complication in FRB lensing will be interstellar scintillation in the FRB's host galaxy and in the Milky Way. Scintillation is difficult to quantify because it heavily depends on turbulence in the interstellar medium, which is poorly understood. We show that, nevertheless, for realistic scintillation parameters, FRB lensing can set competitive limits on compact dark matter object, and we back our findings with explicit simulations.


A survey on derivative usage and financial risk management in New Zealand shows that the currency forward is the most frequently used derivatives in hedging transaction exposure. This paper examines whether forwards performs better than over-the-counter option for a New Zealand exporter in hedging NZD/USD transaction exposure. This research adopts Hsin, Kuo and Lee's (1994) model of hedging effectiveness which maximizes the exporter's expected negative exponential utility function to compare and evaluate the ex-ante hedging effectiveness of both forwards and options synthetic forwards. The results show that prior to the 1997 Asian Crisis, forwards are marginally more effective than options synthetic forwards for an ordinary risk-averse exporter to hedge against her/his 1, 3, 6 and 12-month transaction exposures. However, during and after the 1997 Asian Crisis, options synthetic forwards are more effective than forwards for hedging exposures of 1, 3 and 6 months.The results are robust to the exporter's degree of absolute risk aversion.


Stepwise macrocyclization of the all syn-trans-1,15-quinquecyclopropanedimethanol (4) with iso- and terephthaloyl chlorides and 4,4'-methanediyl-dibenzoic acid (28) gave the corresponding coronanes 22, 23, and 32. The same protocol was used with all syn-trans-1,21-septecyclopropanedimethanol (5) and 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid to obtain the macrolide 27. Direct macrocyclization of diol 4 and 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarbonyl chloride (33) and 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarbonyl chloride (35) gave the coronanes 34 and 36, respectively. Ring closing metathesis (RCM) of the diene 42 using Cl2(Cy3P)2Ru=CHPh (48) (Grubbs's catalyst) gave the macrocyclic lactone 45. The structures of coronanes 22, 23, 32, 34, 36, and 45 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies which showed the cyclopropyl chain to adopt very differing conformations throughout the series. Several of the macrocycles have significant free pathways through their ring centers, and in the case of compound 34 there is a water molecule hydrogen bonded within the ring. This latter compound has the potential to act as a chiral ligand to metal centers.


China's economic progress and relations with other developing regions have received much attention, particularly the way in which Sino-African relations have evolved since 2000. This paper aims to put Chinese FDI in Africa into perspective and provide some answers on the nature and possible impact of these flows to the continent. The study examines Chinese FDI flows to Africa between 2003 and 2008. During this period, China's outward FDI to Africa was concentrated in diversified, medium growth economic performers, with Southern Africa being the most popular region for Chinese outward FDI. A literature survey on Chinese investment deals concluded in Africa, demonstrated a definite Chinese interest in mining, oil and infrastructure in Africa. Using panel data analysis, agricultural land, market size and oil are found to be important determinants of Chinese FDI. The fact that market size was important indicated that Chinese investment was not solely resource-driven. As regards the possibility that Chinese FDI could positively contribute to economic growth in Africa, causality tests concluded that the relationship between African GDP and Chinese FDI was bi-directional, while uni-directional relationships were established between Chinese FDI and African infrastructure and corruption, respectively.

 Key words: Foreign direct investment, Sino-African relations, China.


Regulation of cell migration by cell growth factors is critical in tissue regeneration such as angiogenesis, wound healing, and bone formation. In this work, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with a density varying between 0 and 295 ng/cm2 was conjugated on heparinized glass slides. The amount of conjugated bFGF was determined by immunofluorescent staining. The mobility of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was largely dominated by the bFGF density, whereas that of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) was slightly influenced. The migration rate of VSMCs increased initially and then decreased along with the increase of bFGF density. The fastest rate (22 μm/h) was found on the bFGF surface with a density of 83 ng/cm2. The intrinsic mechanisms of the diverse migration behaviors of the VSMCs, MSCs, and ECs were revealed by studying the expression of bFGF receptors and migration-related proteins. The results show that the cell mobility is regulated by complex and synergetic intracellular signals in a cell type-dependent manner.


Some of our judgments are unstable, in the sense that they are an artifact of, or endogenous to, what else we see. This is true of sensory perception: Whether an object counts as blue or purple depends on what other objects surround it. It is also true for ethical judgments: Whether conduct counts as unethical depends on what other conduct is on people's viewscreens. There are plausible evolutionary explanations for these findings. As behavior in general regresses, actions that were previously seen as bad or as terrible may come to be seen as fine or mildly bad. Call this "opprobrium contraction." As behavior in general improves, actions that were previously seen as fine or as mildly bad may come to seem bad or terrible. Call this "opprobrium expansion." Because law has a signaling function, it can heighten or diminish these phenomena.


Proceedings: AACR 107th Annual Meeting 2016; April 16-20, 2016; New Orleans, LA

One of the least examined, and yet critically important factors of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) that contains the tumor secretome. This fluid surrounds cancer and stromal cells and contains various cytokines, and nutritional and molecular factors that shape the outcome of nearly all aspects of tumor angiogenesis, growth, metastasis, and response to treatment. As mining of targets to treat cancer expands into the TME, the TIF represents an important source of identifying new targets in cancer treatment. Angiogenesis, one of the major hallmarks of cancer, is essential for cancers to establish vasculature for growth and hematogenous metastasis. To further understand the TIF and plasma metabolite content in breast cancer, and the role of VEGF in modifying metabolite concentrations in the TME, here we used 1H MRS to characterize metabolites in TIF collected from the triple negative MDA-MB-231 and the ER-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer xenografts with and without VEGF overexpression implanted in SCID mice. We created a collection chamber to collect IF from the tumors. The chamber was implanted with small tumor pieces in the subcutaneous space until the tumor encompassed the chamber (4 to 12 weeks depending on cell types). The tumor was then excised and the TIF and blood plasma were collected from euthanized mice. We also collected normal subcutaneous IF (SCIF) using the same chamber in healthy mice. 1H spectra showed several differences in metabolites in TIF compared to SCIF, between MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 TIF, and with VEGF overexpression. We observed a consumption of amino acids in the TME with decreases ranging from 17% (glycine) to 77% (methionine) compared to normal SCIF. Lipids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, were markedly increased by VEGF overexpression in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 TIF compared to the wild type TIF. Choline metabolism was also modified by VEGF overexpression and we measured increases of 69% and 20% in free choline in MDA-MB-231\_VEGF and MCF-7\_VEGF respectively, compared to their wild type counterpart. A stable glucose concentration was associated with a decrease in lactate (30%) and pyruvate (44%) in MDA-MB-231 tumors while an opposite pattern was observed in MDA-MB-231\_VEGF TIF with decreased glucose (55%) and increased lactate (109%). Ketonic metabolism was also modified in those tumors. Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were higher (81% and 46% increase vs SCIF, respectively) in MDA-MB-231 TIF while acetone was increased in both VEGF-overexpressing TIF compared to the wild type (+48% for MDA-MB-231\_VEGF and +44% for MCF-7_VEGF). The TIF represents an importance source of information to understand mechanisms that drive aggressiveness, and identify new targets for diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Citation Format: Louis Dore-Savard, Santosh K. Bharti, Aleksander S. Popel, Zaver M. Bhujwalla. Metabolic profiling of the tumor interstitial fluid using 1H MRS: contribution of breast cancer subtypes and VEGF overexpression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3370.


Mediastinitis and sternal wound dehiscence are devastating and life-threatening complications of median sternotomy incision. Ten consecutive patients between July 2001 and May 2005 were diagnosed with sternal wound infection and dehiscence following median sternotomy. Patients were managed by precise debridement and wound excision in the operating room and then dressed with vacuum-assisted closure device. Intravenous antibiotics were prescribed for wound and blood culture microbiological sensitivity. When wounds were bacteriologically controlled, patients returned to the operating room for definitive closure using rigid sternal plating. All patients were extubated postoperatively. No patients died. Average total hospital stay was 21 days. The pectoralis advancement flap was exclusively used for soft tissue reconstruction in 7 patients. There were 2 cases of chronic superficial sternal infection requiring plate removal; however, bony union of the sternum was achieved in all patients. This treatment algorithm provides a useful management strategy for patients with complicated median sternotomy.


1. The stimulation of dopaminergic receptors is in principle attractive to increase urine and sodium excretion in patients with compromised renal blood flow. 2. However, a protective role of dopaminergic agents on renal function has not been well established. Most of the trials have been performed with dopamine, a substance which can have vasoconstrictive properties, even at relatively low doses in the critically ill patient. 3. Perhaps other dopaminergic agents without alpha-adrenergic effects such as dopexamine could be more advantageous. Randomized, prospective, controlled clinical studies should be performed to test the hypothesis that dopaminergic agents can reduce the incidence of acute tubular necrosis in critically ill patients.


We present an all-fiber system for generating pedestal-free 22-fs ultrashort pulses with a single-peak spectrum. High-power Raman soliton pulses and a normally dispersive highly nonlinear fiber are used to generate a smooth, broadened single-peak spectrum. Then, the higher order dispersion is compensated for using a hybrid fiber composed of a reverse-dispersion fiber and a standard single-mode fiber, which allows pedestal-free ultrashort pulses to be successfully generated. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of pedestal-free 20-fs-class ultrashort pulse generation without spectral distortion using an all-fiber configuration.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the role of the ST segment elevation resolution > 50% between the ECG before and 2 hours after thrombolytic therapy as a predictor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related artery patency, assessed by a coronary angiography performed 1 month after AMI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study enrolled 95 patients, 75 men and 20 women, 58 years mean aged, admitted to the coronary care unit with diagnosis of AMI. Patients were treated with thrombolysis within 6 hours from the onset of chest pain, according to the GUSTO trial.

RESULTS
The findings showed a significant prevalence of ST segment elevation resolution > 50% in inferior AMI (p < 0.01). It has been observed that the ST segment resolution is correlated with lower (p < 0.01) and earlier (p < 0.05) peak in serum creatinekinase (CK) and CK MB release and with less damage of left ventricular ejection fraction assessed by ventriculography (p < 0.01). All these findings indicated a lower extensive myocardial damage. Patients with ST segment resolution presented a prevalence of one or two-coronary vessel disease, with an infarct-related vessel narrowing like that observed in the other patients without ST resolution. Nevertheless a TIMI grade 2 or 3 flow was observed more frequently, but not significantly, in the subjects with ST resolution; a significant prevalence was limited to TIMI 3 grade flow (p < 0.05). In the present study ST segment elevation resolution > 50% represented a highly sensitive and a poor specific predictor of vessel patency in inferior AMI, but with a poor sensitivity and specificity in anterior AMI.

CONCLUSIONS
Personal experience suggested that the thrombolytic therapy has a less favourable effect on the artery patency assessed 1 month after AMI, rather than in the acute phase as reported in previous studies. Dynamic changes of flow or a following worsening in atherosclerotic plaque could be probably responsible of reocclusion of an initially reperfused coronary artery.


Sweet potato based infant food was developed according to micro-diet database program, 2000, Down lee Systems Limited. Two sweet potato based recipes were formulated and their nutritional properties and digestibility measured using standard analytical methods. The viscosity or consistency of a baby food was critical and was determined by measuring the rheology of the product. The oscillation technique was used to determine the elastic energy stored (G') and the energy dissipated due to viscosity (G''). The effects of antioxidants on lipid oxidation of the developed products on storage were also investigated. The recipes were compared with two commercial infant food products; Heinz baby food and cerelac®. The mean ± SD for moisture, total carbohydrate, protein, crude fat, and ash per 100 g dry weight were 8 ± 0.4, 66 ± 0.2, 20.4 ± 0.1, 2.0 ± 0.1, 3.2 ± 0.8 g, respectively for recipe A, and 8.4 ± 0.6, 58 ± 1.4, 28 ± 0.4, and 3.4 ± 0.5, 2.0 ± 0.0 g, respectively for recipe B. The in vitro digestibility for recipes A, B and commercial food (cerelac®) were 69.5 ± 0.2, 67.4 ± 0.1 and 64.9 ± 1.9% respectively. The G' values of the formulated products A, B, Heinz baby food and cerelac® on heating and cooling were 564, 492, 346, 21 Pa. The rheological characteristics of the two formulations were comparable to a commercial Heinz baby food obtained from local super market. The G' and G'' values of commercial infant food product cerelac® were very low compared with the formulated product. The results indicated that nutritional characteristics of sweet potato based products were comparable to the commercial baby food, cerelac® used in Uganda. The formulated food was within the accepted consistency (< 500 Pa) after heating and cooling and hence may be a potential complementary food. The lipid oxidation for recipe A with fish was significantly reduced by using antioxidants (500 mg Vitamin C, 500 mg Vitamin E and 100 mg of Citric acid) whereas recipe B did not need any antioxidants.


A Dissertation, Submitted in Partial Fulfillments Of the Degree
 Of Master Of Science, In Food Engineering, Department Of Food Science and Technology, Faculty Of Engineering and Technology University Of Gezira, August 2012


The Energy Conversion and Storage Program applies chemistry and materials science principles to solve problems in (1) production of new synthetic fuels, (2) development of high-performance rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, (3) development of advanced thermochemical processes for energy conversion, (4) characterization of complex chemical processes, and (5) application of novel materials for energy conversion and transmission. Projects focus on transport-process principles, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, separation processes, organic and physical chemistry, novel materials, and advanced methods of analysis. Electrochemistry research aims to develop advanced power systems for electric vehicle and stationary energy storage applications. Topics include identification of new electrochemical couples for advanced rechargeable batteries, improvements in battery and fuel-cell materials, and the establishment of engineering principles applicable to electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Chemical Applications research includes topics such as separations, catalysis, fuels, and chemical analyses. Included in this program area are projects to develop improved, energy-efficient methods for processing waste streams from synfuel plants and coal gasifiers. Other research projects seek to identify and characterize the constituents of liquid fuel-system streams and to devise energy-efficient means for their separation. Materials Applications research includes the evaluation of the properties of advanced materials, as well as the development of novelmore » preparation techniques. For example, the use of advanced techniques, such as sputtering and laser ablation, are being used to produce high-temperature superconducting films.« less


In this paper, we develop a semianalytical model that predicts the geometric component in charge-pumping (CP) measurements for local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) and lightly doped drain (LDD) transistors. It is not only based on thermal diffusion, drift field, and self-induced drift field but also on the contribution of the active CP area and the low-level voltage (VL) of the gate signal. By adding this model to constant-amplitude CP components, such as LOCOS, LDD, and effective channel regions, we will be able to compute ICP-VL characteristics of LDD-MOSFET devices with LOCOS structure. In addition, we compare the geometric component model against numerous experimental data obtained from transistors of different gate lengths and widths. The calculated ICP- VL characteristics with geometric component model are found in good correlation with the experimental ICP- VL data and are more accurate than the calculated CP without the geometric component. This modeling approach can be extended for MOSFET stress reliability evaluation such as negative bias temperature instability and radiation degradations.


With the development of complex equipment technologies in the medical care industry and particularly in radiation therapy, the costs required to keep equipment in proper operating condition are substantial. An "in-house" radiation therapy maintenance program can provide significant savings in equipment maintenance costs as compared to the cost of maintenance contracts. Additionally, the skills of the personnel providing this maintenance program can be used for ancillary areas of the therapy department.


Abstract Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus; RBS), known to be one of the most common vertebrates within its geographical range, is an amphibian species commonly used as indicator of forest ecosystem health. Its suitability in this role is based in part on previous studies showing that it is sensitive to changes in habitat such as increased acidity. The occurrence and body sizes of RBS were examined under coverboards, over a 5 y period, in a northern hardwood forest of Québec (Canada) having a highly acidic forest floor (pH  =  3.7 ± 0.4). During this period, 565 RBS were captured. Encounter rate (29%) of salamanders under coverboards was considered very high, as compared to similar studies. Also, 87% of youngs of the year and 83% of adults were found under coverboards that had a forest floor pH ≤ 3.8, representing 79% of all coverboards. Weight and length of RBS measured in this forest ecosystem are among the highest values reported in the scientific literature for this species. Both the relatively high body parameter values and occurrence of RBS in this acidic environment contradict previous studies that demonstrated the negative influence of soil pH on the occurrence and health of RBS. These observations indicate that a highly acidic habitat may support a healthy RBS population. Moreover, the studied forest seems to have the lowest pH yet reported for a habitat known to support this salamander species. Given that RBS has been widely used as an indicator for monitoring forest ecosystems in recent years, this new information on microhabitat tolerance should be considered for correctly using this species as indicator of forest health and soil acidity.


Abstract Objective: To describe how women interpret their experiences of diagnosis and treatment of a cervical abnormality and how healthcare services for such women can be improved. Design: Qualitative study using detailed individual interviews. Setting: Australian gynaecology clinics. Subjects: 29 Women who had a cervical cytological abnormality and who attended a gynaecologist. Main outcome measures: Women's views on their diagnosis and their information needs. Results: Most women wanted to participate in decisions about their care but found it difficult to get the information they required from doctors because they were confused by what their doctors told them and felt unable to ask questions in the consultation. Medical terms such as wart virus and precancer were difficult to understand. Not being able to see their cervix also made it hard for women to understand what their abnormality meant and what treatment entailed. Most women tried to make sense of their abnormality in the context of their everyday lives. For some women their gynaecological care was not consistent with the way they understood their abnormality. Conclusions: The inherent power structure of medical practice combined with time pressures often make it difficult for doctors to give the detailed information and reassurance patients need when a diagnosis is distressing or when investigation and treatment are strange and upsetting. Key messages Women who have abnormalities detected on cervical smears are confused, afraid, and find it difficult to get the information they require In this study women often assumed that they had cancer because they did not know that smear tests detected precancerous lesions Women needed information about the seriousness of their abnormality, the rationale for treatment, and the precautions recommended after treatment Because the abnormality involved the cervix many women felt their femininity was undermined Women used explanations such as stress, the pill, or sexual activity to make sense of their condition and through these explanations identified things they could do to reduce their risk of cervical cancer


A Fractional adaptive PID (FPID) controller for a robot manipulator will be proposed. The PID parameters have been optimized by Genetic algorithm. The proposed controller is found robust by means of simulation in a tracking job. The validity of the proposed controller is shown by simulation of two-link robot manipulator. The result then is compared with integer type adaptive PID controller. It is found that when error signals in the learning stage are bounded, the trajectory of the robot converges to the desired one asymptotically.


This article will first examine colonial dispossession by highlighting the relationship between the British opium trade and intellectual property law – i.e. legal discourses of ownership – in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Analysis will then proceed to settler colonial dispossessions 'then' and 'now' in twentieth and twenty first century advertising techniques – i.e. cultural discourses of ownership - for medications containing or derived from opium in the United States such as patent medications and Oxycontin. In the history of the commodification of opium in the US, we see a shift from the appropriation of indigenous culture, to the mobilisation of late liberal notions of autonomy. Tracing the history of opium across these seemingly disparate geographies and discursive registers will work to analyse discourses of ownership in US settler colonialism by addressing their relationship to discourses of ownership in earlier forms of British colonialism. This approach is taken in the spirit of Veracini's contention that if it is to be carved out as a distinct theoretical concept, settler colonialism should be considered within a dialectical relationship to colonialism.


Larger size networks require DSM coherence protocols which scale well. Fault-tolerance in terms of high availability is required for data access and for uninterrupted DSM service since large-scale environments have a greater number of potentially malfunctioning components. We present a new class of coherence protocols for DSM systems whose instances o er highly available access to shared data at low operation costs. The protocols proposed scale well; an increase in the number of client sites does not increase the operation costs after a certain threshold has been reached. The results presented in this paper give strong guidelines for the overall design of DSM systems which o er highly available, uninterrupted services.


We investigate experimentally and theoretically the linewidth of an Er-Yb-doped distributed feedback fiber laser. We find that two noise sources are mainly responsible for the observed behavior, fundamental thermal noise at low pump power levels and temperature fluctuations induced by pump intensity noise at higher powers. Potential techniques to overcome these limitations are discussed.


Abstract : Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld has directed a transformation of the Armed Services. He has stated that a transformation requires a changed mindset as much as it requires innovation and technology. Since the end of World War II, when the National Security Act of 1947 created the Secretary and Department of Defense and established the Joint Staff, the services have been obligated to train more joint-minded officers. Thus the establishment of several schools to provide this Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) was created. The Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 established the selection, education, assignment, and promotion criteria for a Joint Officer Personnel Policy. The Skelton Panel of 1988 conducted the first Congressional review afterwards of the Professional Military Education System and recommended several areas for needed improvement. Additionally, the 1997 Cheney Panel determined that the joint instruction should begin earlier in the JPME process at the point of pre-commissioning and that the curriculum should be deepened and expanded at each consecutive level. The panel also determined that the Senior Service College should focus joint operations and multinational warfare. This paper seeks to determine if the senior level colleges, as they exist today, are meeting the recommendations of the Skelton and Cheney panels. The first section of this paper will identify the colleges charged to educate the senior leaders and examine the composition of the student body and its faculty followed by an examination of the curriculum of each school. And finally, the paper will also look into possible areas where efficiencies can be gained, specifically as associated with costs savings and potential duplication reduction efforts. Are these colleges truly focusing on the "joint" aspect sufficiently enough to shape and modify individual service biases?


Abstract. In our daily lives, trees can be seen as the tallest and most noticeable representatives of the plant kingdom. Especially in urban areas, the individual tree is of high significance and responsible for a manifold of positive effects on the environment and residents. In the context of urban tree registers and thus monitoring of urban vegetation, we propose a general concept for the segmentation of trees from 3D point clouds. Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) is introduced as the preferred sensor. Based on an analysis of earlier work in this field, we gather arguments and methods in order to involve segmentation in the bigger frame of a tree register workflow, including detailed modeling and change detection. Our concept for segmentation is based on a voxel-structure. In a first step, region growing approaches are used for ground removal and rough segmentation. Later, graph-based optimization will separate neighboring trees. For now, only the general concept can be introduced—quantitative analysis and optimization of the steps will follow in future work.


This paper studies the asymptotical stability for a class of neural networks (NNs) with time-varying delay. Under weaker assumptions on the activation functions, by defining a more general type of Lyapunov functionals and using a delay decomposition method and employing a new convex combination technique, a new less conservative stability criterion are established to guarantee the global asymptotical stability of the discussed NNs. The obtained conditions are dependent on the upper bound of the delay, and are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and the less conservatism of the proposed conditions.


We report a complication in a spinal anesthesia caused by the steel introducer canula breaking out of its plastic handle.


Through an analysis of the British comedy quiz show QI (BBC2/BBC4, 2003—7; BBC1, 2008—), this article examines the ways in which "knowledge" as a discourse is constructed, maintained, and disseminated in popular television. The article draws on the work on discourse of Michel Foucault as well as sociological analyses of education and knowledge from writers such as Karl Mannheim and Pierre Bourdieu. The analysis explores the ways in which being knowledgeable is performed as well as the ways in which knowledge is related to issues of class and gender, particularly in a British context.The article argues that knowledge in QI is dependent on empiricism and posits the value of knowledge as being related to ideas of the civilized gentleman, showing how it is used to promote idea of "appropriate" behavior. While acknowledging the ways in which participants in the program may dissent against its discourses, the article concludes that, while the series may aim to undercut conventional ideas of education, it nevertheless resolutely upholds and promotes ideas of knowledge that sociologists have demonstrated maintain social divisions and power hierarchies.


This paper provides evidence on the ability of the Black-Scholes model to price options traded on the Australian market. The only variable in the Black-Scholes model which is likely to be subject to significant measurement error is the standard deviation rate. Two different methods of estimation are examined here: historically-based and implied standard deviations. Using historical estimates of the standard deviation rates resulted in significant underpricing by the model relative to the market. This underpricing was consistent across in/out and short/long options with the latter proving particularly troublesome for the model. As would be expected, the use of weighted implied standard deviation (lagged one month), greatly improves the pricing ability of the model. Mean pricing differences were small in absolute terms and very few remained statistically significant.


STUDY DESIGN
Controlled laboratory study, technical note.

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in the thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles induced by different inward pressures of the transducer during ultrasound imaging (USI).

BACKGROUND
USI of the lateral abdominal muscles is increasingly used in managing musculoskeletal dysfunction. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the influence of different inward pressures of the transducer on the lateral abdominal muscle thickness during USI.

METHODS
Thirty healthy male volunteers participated in this study. The thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles was measured with USI by the same rater in 4 conditions of inward pressures of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 N. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC1,1), with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated, and a repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the influence of inward pressure on the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles.

RESULTS
The thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles was significantly different among the 4 conditions (P<.038). The mean difference between the 0.5-N and 4.0-N conditions was greater than the minimal detectable change of the 0.5-N condition in the lateral abdominal muscles.

CONCLUSION
The difference in magnitude produced by the forces under different conditions was meaningful. When using a technique that involves a handheld transducer, the examiner should attempt to maintain consistent inward pressure of the transducer during USI to quantify the thickness of lateral abdominal muscles. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(9):815-818, Epub 19 April 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4064.


It is a little known fact that during the reign of Queen Victoria, the British capitalist state was the largest drug pusher the world has ever seen. The smuggling of opium into China was by the 1830s a source of huge profits, played a crucial role in the financing of British rule in India and was the underpinning of British trade throughout the East. This is one of those little historical details that are often overlooked in the history books where the opium trade is either played down or ignored altogether. Most recently Professor Denis Judd's Empire, a 500-page history of British Imperialism has no discussion of either the trade or the wars it occasioned, while the prestigious Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire has a couple of brief inadequate and uninformative paragraphs, a mere passing mention. The opium trade deserves more attention. It was, in the words of John K. Fairbanks, "the most long-continued and systematic international crime of modern times.This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.


Key Points Question Is the gap between brain age predicted from MRI and chronological age associated with incident dementia in a general population of Dutch adults? Findings Brain age was predicted using a deep learning model, using MRI-derived grey matter density maps. In a population based study including 5496 participants, the observed gap was significantly associated with the risk of dementia. Meaning The gap between MRI-brain predicted and chronological age is potentially a biomarker for dementia risk screening. Abstract Importance The gap between predicted brain age using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and chronological age may serve as biomarker for early-stage neurodegeneration and potentially as a risk indicator for dementia. However, owing to the lack of large longitudinal studies, it has been challenging to validate this link. Objective We aimed to investigate the utility of such a gap as a risk biomarker for incident dementia in a general Dutch population, using a deep learning approach for predicting brain age based on MRI-derived grey matter maps. Design Data was collected from participants of the cohort-based Rotterdam Study who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging between 2006 and 2015. This study was performed in a longitudinal setting and all participant were followed up for incident dementia until 2016. Setting The Rotterdam Study is a prospective population-based study, initiated in 1990 in the suburb Ommoord of in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Participants At baseline, 5496 dementia- and stroke-free participants (mean age 64.67±9.82, 54.73% women) were scanned and screened for incident dementia. During 6.66±2.46 years of follow-up, 159 people developed dementia. Main outcomes and measures We built a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to predict brain age based on its MRI. Model prediction performance was measured in mean absolute error (MAE). Reproducibility of prediction was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) computed on a subset of 80 subjects. Logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards were used to assess the association of the age gap with incident dementia, adjusted for years of education, ApoEε4 allele carriership, grey matter volume and intracranial volume. Additionally, we computed the attention maps of CNN, which shows which brain regions are important for age prediction. Results MAE of brain age prediction was 4.45±3.59 years and ICC was 0.97 (95% confidence interval CI=0.96-0.98). Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models showed that the age gap was significantly related to incident dementia (odds ratio OR=1.11 and 95% confidence intervals CI=1.05-1.16; hazard ratio HR=1.11 and 95% CI=1.06-1.15, respectively). Attention maps indicated that grey matter density around the amygdalae and hippocampi primarily drive the age estimation. Conclusion and relevance We show that the gap between predicted and chronological brain age is a biomarker associated with risk of dementia development. This suggests that it can be used as a biomarker, complimentary to those that are known, for dementia risk screening.


Background: There is long-term interest in the effects of stress on health, due to the strain that it places on individuals which can lead to an increased risk of disease. The present study examined degree of perceived job stress related to incidents reporting rate and its dimensions among workers' Isfahan Steel Company. Methods: A self-administered anonymous was distributed to 189 workers. The survey included demographic factors, incidents reporting rate and its components (physical symptoms, psychological symptoms and accidents) and the Job Stress Questionnaire. The data were analyzed by multivariate (MANOVA) and correlation techniques. Results: 1) there was internal significant correlation between perceived job stress with incident reporting rate as well as with its two components namely physical symptoms and psychological symptoms; 2) there was not a significant relationship between perceived job stress and accident; 2) In multivariate analysis, perceived job stress respectively about 12%, 18% and 19% of the variance of variables of incidents reporting rate, physical and psychological symptoms significantly predicted (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Perceived job stress influences to physical and psychological symptoms. Therefore, decreasing job stress can be important to prevent the development of stress-related diseases and to promote workers health.


In the light of importance that "evidence-based medicine" has assumed in recent years (Snelgrove et al. 2009), we offer to the students of the first-year medical-degree the chance of an early exposure to the work in the ultrastructural research laboratory "Pietro M. Motta". On an elective basis, students attended the laboratory in small groups. They were guided and supported by a qualified researcher, a post-graduate student, a graduate student and a technical-staff unit. During the week of attendance students performed several activities: at first they have visited the laboratory where the technicalities of the equipment were illustrated, than they have taken part to a lecture on the methods used to prepare the biological samples for Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy. In the following days preparation of samples for Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy was carried on and a guided discussion on scientific articles concerning the samples used in the experiments was conducted (Familiari et al. 2006). Later, samples were observed using a light microscope and both transmission and scanning electron microscope. At the end of the week students had taken hands-on in various stages of preparation, observation and analysis of the samples. The discussion with the researcher and the post-graduate doctors/ students provided the attendant students with key concepts regarding scientific work that are the basis of theory and practice of biomedical research projects, not only of ultrastructural type. The students' early exposure to the work and methodology characteristic of ultrastructural research may prove useful, not only when promoting indepth understanding of microscopic anatomy, but also as a motivational base upon which to instil a correct approach to scientific research in future doctors.


Subsea power cables are critical assets within the distribution and transmission infrastructure of electrical networks. Based on review of historical failure data, we have discovered that 70% of their failure modes are not monitored by current commercial monitoring systems, which predominately focus on the internal failure modes associated with partial discharge or overheating using online monitoring methods or embedded fibre-optics. In this paper, we proposed a fusion prognostic model for subsea cable lifetime prediction, employing an analytical model which is supported by accelerated aging data. In addition, we presented the preliminary results of our low frequency (LF) sonar analysis of subsea cables with a view to insitu integrity monitoring of cables. Seminal analysis on the echo data allowed us to distinguish cable samples with different types and diameter differentials of 2mm. Future work will focus on the integration and validation of this sonar data into the predictions of a cable's remaining useful life.


Objectives: This study was performed to reveal biometric peculiarities of New Zealand rabbit kidneys by means of threedimensional (3D) reconstruction of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images. Methods: Under general anaesthesia, the kidneys of eight rabbits of both sexes were scanned by high resolution imaging using a general diagnostic MDCT. The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of the rabbit were used as reference structure to locate exact position of the kidneys in the rabbit body. Finally, landmarks of the kidneys were identified and labelled in the MDCT images and then 3D models were formed to analyse the locations, dimensions and volumes of the kidneys with respect to the vertebral column in transparently modelled body. Results: The left and right kidney volumes are 9153.3 mm 3 and 9761 mm 3 respectively. The right kidney is approximately 9% longer, 22% wider and 27% thicker than the left kidney. The left kidney is 16% flatter than the right one. Conclusion: The authors have proposed that the 3D reconstructed results of the MDCT images can contribute to the anatomical education and clinical applications.


A trial was conducted for 100 days, in order to determine the nutritional potential of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.), ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud), tree marigold (Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) Gray) and perennial soybean (Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey) forages for feeding does under production conditions during the rainy season. Sixteen clinically healthy crossbred does were used, with a parity between cero and two parturitions, an initial age of 8-14 months and an average weight of 2,6 kg (± 0,26). The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four repetitions, respectively. The treatments consisted in supplying 1 kg of fresh forage from mulberry (T1), ramie (T2), tree marigold (T3) or perennial soybean (T4), with an age of 45-50 days, while perennial soybean was cut with a frequency of 75 days. The does were weighed weekly, and the offspring, at birth. The number of live young rabbits per parturition was controlled. The highest DM content was found in mulberry (26,4%) and perennial soybean (24,7%). The CP was higher in tree marigold (19,4%) and showed moderate values in mulberry and ramie (17,1 and 17,7%, respectively); the lowest value was found in perennial soybean (14,1%). The DMD was 77% for mulberry, higher than 70% in tree marigold and ramie, and 61% in perennial soybean. The highest weight increase corresponded to the does fed with perennial soybean forage (0,16 kg/animal), only treatment in which the does produced live offspring (4,9 live young rabbits/parturition). In addition, they had an average of 1,75 parturitions per doe during the evaluation. The results indicated that, from the four evaluated forages, only perennial soybean may be used as unique diet for does.


Summary
There is currently much interest in phytochemicals as bioactive compounds of food. The roles of fruit, vegetables and red wine in disease prevention have been attributed, in part, to the antioxidant properties of their constituent polyphenols (vitamins E and C, and the carotenoids). Recent studies have shown that many dietary polyphenolic constituents derived from plants are more effective antioxidants in vitro than vitamins E or C, and thus might contribute significantly to the protective effects in vivo. Polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in our diet, and evidence for their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases is emerging. Dietary polyphenols show a great diversity of structures, ranging from rather simple molecules (monomers and oligomers) to polymers. Higher-molecular-weight structures (with molecular weights of ∼500) are usually designated as tannins, which refers to their ability to interact with proteins. Among them, condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) are particularly important because of their wide distribution in plants and their contributions to major food qualities. This paper focuses on polyphenols; we illustrate their sources from food, properties and their beneficial uses.


Objectives
Childhood vaccines and biannual vitamin A delivery by health systems are key to child health; suboptimal administration may be a result of inadequate coverage or access to health systems. There have been national programs set in Ethiopia, such as the health sector development program, to improve child health. Therefore, we sought to describe trends in infant vaccines and vitamin A in urban and rural settings in Ethiopia. We hypothesized there would be an increase over time in infants (1) receiving all basic vaccines and (2) vitamin A in the past 6 months. We also hypothesized (3) coverage would be higher in urban settings.

Methods
We used four nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from Ethiopia between 2000 and 2016. The analysis comprised 11,621 infants 6-23 months old. Logistic regression models using a forward-stepwise approach were created to test these 3 hypotheses, controlling for wealth, age, sex of infant, and mother's highest education level. Interaction terms were fitted between survey year and education level, setting and education level, and setting and wealth index quintile, and tested using the Wald test.

Results
(1) The percentage of infants having received all basic vaccines increased from 11.1% in 2000 to 31.0% in 2016; the odds of having received these vaccines increased over time also. (2) This is not true for vitamin A, where there was no pattern in the odds of having received vitamin A between survey years. (3) Rural infants were 40% less likely to have received all basic vaccines, compared to urban infants (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.83), and there was no evidence of an association between setting and receiving vitamin A (AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.09). There was strong evidence for interaction between setting and mother's highest education level, setting and wealth index quintile, and survey year and education level (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions
These results suggest that (1) while there has been improvement in infants receiving basic vaccines, (2) progress may be slowing slightly in vitamin A coverage and (3)there is a need to improve coverage of basic vaccines for infants in rural areas. Strengthening of and improved access to health services should remain a priority to ensure proper distribution of vaccines and vitamin A in Ethiopia.

Funding Sources
N/A.

Supporting Tables Images and/or Graphs


How could one define a good volume of theory? Ask half a dozen colleagues the same question, and you'll get half a dozen different answers (even if you choose your colleagues from within your own special field and school of thought). Some might require ground-breaking new work, others might look for solutions to traditional problems, others still would be content simply to read a study that asked the right questions, and some wouldn't be satisfied without a bit of agon, without some violent e...


This osteological study of craniofacial growth points out a change in the slope of regression lines about thirty weeks of gestational age, for numerous arc dimensions. Parietal bone growth, most affected by this change, is particularly studied. Further investigations on brain growth and fetal environment appear obviously essential to elucidate biological signification of the phenomenon, which is briefly discussed.


The performance of supercritical fluid (SCF) as a solvent can be greatly affected by addition of anentrainer to the system. In this study, a constant volume visual method is used to measure the critical point ofCO2+n-butyraldehyde, CO2+ i-butyraldehyde and CO2+alcohol binary systems and CO2+entrainer+trisodiumsalt of tri-(m-sulfonphenyl)phosphine (TPPTS) ternary systems, which provides us good theoretical basis for super-critical extraction and chemical reaction. The relationship between critical point and concentration of the entrainerare discussed. The phase behavior of binary system and that of ternary system are compared. The relationshipbetween the concentration of TPPTS and critical point of binary systems are also discussed.


Behavioral measures, such as pure-tone audiometry (PTA), are commonly used to determine hearing thresholds, however, PTA does not always provide reliable hearing information in difficult to test individuals. Therefore, objective measures of hearing sensitivity that require little-to-no active participation from an individual are needed to facilitate the detection and treatment of hearing loss in difficult to test people. Investigation of the reliability of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) for measuring hearing thresholds in older adults is limited. This study aimed to investigate if ASSR can be a reliable, objective measure of frequency specific hearing thresholds in older adults. Hearing thresholds were tested at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz in 50 participants aged between 60 and 85 years old, using automated PTA and ASSR. Hearing thresholds obtained from PTA and ASSR were found to be significantly correlated (p < .001) in a cohort consisting of participants with normal hearing or mild hearing loss. ASSR thresholds were significantly higher as compared to PTA thresholds, but for the majority of cases the difference remained within the clinically acceptable range (15 dB). This study provides some evidence to suggest that ASSR can be a valuable tool for estimating objective frequency-specific hearing thresholds in older adults and indicate that ASSR could be useful in creating hearing treatment plans for older adults who are unable to complete behavioral PTA. Further research on older adults is required to improve the methodological features of ASSR to increase consistency and reliability, as well as minimize some of the limitations associated with this technique.


PNN-PZT thick films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition method on different substrates, such as Al2O3, PNN-PZT and Pt. The effects of the substrates and sintering temperature on the densification, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the PNN-PZT thick films were investigated. The results show that the density and the dielectric constant of the films deposited on the PNN-PZT ceramic substrates increase with the increasing of the sintering temperature. The polarization hysteresis loops
reveal the ferroelectric property of the PNN-PZT thick films. The substrate is also very important for obtaining thick films with good properties. The high density PNN-PZT film deposited on the Pt foil was obtained with a dielectric constant of 1804 at 1 kHz and a remanent polarization of 20.8 μC/cm2.


The objective of this study, which was part of a larger grazing-systems experiment, was to investigate the cumulative impact of three levels of grazing intensity on sward production, utilization and structural characteristics. Pastures were grazed by rotational stocking with Holstein–Friesian dairy cows from 10 February to 18 November 2009. Target post-grazing heights were 4·5 to 5 cm (high; H), 4 to 4·5 cm (intermediate; I) and 3·5 to 4 cm (low; L). Detailed sward measurement were undertaken on 0·08 of each farmlet area. There were no significant treatment differences in herbage accumulated or in herbage harvested [mean 11·3 and 11·2 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 respectively]. Above the 3·5 cm horizon, H, I and L swards had 0·56, 0·62 and 0·67 of DM as leaf and 0·30, 0·23 and 0·21 of DM as stem respectively. As grazing severity increased, tiller density of grass species other than perennial ryegrass (PRG) decreased (from 3,350 to 2,780 and to 1771 tillers m−2 for H, I and L paddocks respectively) and the rejected area decreased (from 0·27 to 0·20 and to 0·10 for H, I and L paddocks respectively). These results indicate the importance of grazing management practice on sward structure and quality and endorse the concept of increased grazing severity as a strategy to maintain high-quality grass throughout the grazing season. The findings are presented in the context of the need for intensive dairy production systems to provide greater quantities of high-quality pasture over an extended grazing season, in response to policy changes with the abolition of EU milk quotas.


The aim of this study was to develop original strengths categories that correspond to Japanese culture, and to construct a strengths identification scale to assess individual strengths. Sixty strength categories were created and a strengths identification scale was constructed. Data were collected from 427 participants. The characteristics of each strength category were identified along five dimensions: direction, duration, range, processing, and action. The distribution of the strength categories by mean ranks is also given. Factor analyses were conducted, and four strength category groups established. From these analyses, reliable and valid strength categories and a strengths identification scale were developed, which will be able to serve as a fundamental framework and support for future research and practice in Japan.


To avoid undesired polymerization and maximize the selectivity of alkyl levulinate from the acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol, the effects of catalyst and reaction parameters on the formations of humin and alkyl levulinate were investigated. The results show that Amberlyst 15, of moderate acidic strength, was more favorable for the selective conversion of furfuryl alcohol to alkyl levulinate, and heteropolyacids of strong acidic strength tended to promote furfuryl alcohol polymerization. Compared with water as a reaction medium, alcohol significantly lowered humin formation and enhanced the yield of the resulting products. The formations of humin and alkyl levulinate were both favored at high catalyst loadings and reaction temperatures. An augmentation in initial furfuryl alcohol concentration caused an increase in humin formation and a decrease in alkyl levulinate yield. A high alkyl levulinate yield of up to 94% (100% furfuryl alcohol conversion) was achieved at 110 °C for 4 h with 5 g/L Amberlyst 15 catalyst and an initial furfuryl alcohol concentration of 0.1 mol/L. At this point, about 5% furfuryl alcohol was polymerized to form the humin, and its polymerization occurred mainly during the initial reaction stage.


Models of urban traveler route choice are reviewed in the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems, particularly Advanced Traveler Information Systems. Existing models suffer from assumptions of perfect information about travel conditions and infinite information processing capabilities of drivers. We present evidence that a majority of travelers fail to minimize travel time or distance. We also show that travelers with more network knowledge appear to vary their commute route to respond to changing travel conditions. Coefficient estimates of a model of network knowledge, based on the geographical idea of spatial ability, are presented. To better understand habitual route choice behavior, we examine many possible route generation algorithms. A simulation approach is preferred because it allows for heterogeneity in driver perceptions and it has a quick computational time. Alternative route choice model specifications such as Multinomial Logit, CLogit, Path Size Logit, Cross-Nested Logit and Logit Kernel Probit are evaluated. The exponential specification of the Path Size term, using a large parameter value, offers a considerable improvement in fit over MNL, C-Logit and CNL. A hybrid Path Size Logit and Logit Kernel Probit model offers the best overall fit; however, the stability of these estimates requires further examination. The hybrid Path Size Logit and CNL model provides the next best empirical fit. Random coefficient specifications of MNL, PSL and LK Probit models were also examined. Significant random coefficient parameter estimates were only obtained for the MNL model. This result suggests that random coefficients capture variation in route choice models that would be more effectively explained by a Path Size or LK Probit specification. Model fit can be further improved by adding an Implicit Availability/Perception term that includes estimated network knowledge. However, this term provides limited explanatory power, as can be seen by its standard errors and by forecasts that are relatively insensitive to changes in traveler knowledge. These results suggest that continued development of better attitudinal surveys to assess network knowledge and wayfinding strategies would allow estimation of route choice models with better explanatory power. Thesis Supervisor: Moshe Emanuel Ben-Akiva Title: Edmund K. Turner Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering


An experimental demonstration of a fast atomic line filter/field ionization detector (FALF/FID) is presented. The FALF/FID detects incoming signal photons by resonant absorption in an atomic vapor cell containing a strong electric field. Excited atoms are electric-field ionized after further excitation to a Stark-shifted Rydberg level by a pump laser tuned to a resonance in the ionization spectrum, providing an observed enhancement in the ionization rate of ten times over the continuum ionization threshold. Preliminary measurements of time response (<10 nsec) and quantum efficiency (>25%) indicate that with optimization the FALF/FID will provide high quantum efficiency, fast time response, and narrow-linewidth detection.


The conversion of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha to their 19- and 20-hydroxy metabolites by various tissues has been measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring. A number of different tissues of the pregnant rabbit possess prostaglandin 20-hydroxylase activity (lung > liver > fetal placenta > maternal placenta approximately equal to uterus > renal cortex > renal medulla approximately equal to placental membranes). With the exception of the liver, prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha are metabolized at equal rates by the 20-hydroxylases of different tissues. Only lung and liver microsomes posess high levels of prostaglandin 20-hydroxylase in non-pregnant rabbits and only liver microsomes have appreciable 19-hydroxylase activity. Pulmonary prostaglandin 20-hydroxylase is induced in male rabbits by treatment with progesterone. On the basis of substrate specificity studies and the effects of a cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, SKF-525A, the prostaglandin 20-hydroxylases of lung and liver microsomes from pregnant rabbits appear to be different enzymes. In pregnant rats and hamsters, liver and kidney are the only tissues in which we detected prostaglandin omega-hydroxylase activity.


Let R be a Γ-ring and G be an RΓ-module. A proper RΓ-submodule S of G is said to be semiprime RΓ-submodule if for any ideal I of a Γ-ring R and for any RΓ-submodule A of G such that or which implies that . The purpose of this paper is to introduce interesting results of semiprime RΓ-submodule of RΓ-module which represents a generalization of semiprime submodules.


ABSTRACT Purpose To study the reflectivity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at the leakage site in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods Twenty-nine patients (24 males and 5 females, mean age 46.1 ± 11.0 years) were included. The mean relative RPE reflectivity and the difference between the maximum and minimum relative RPE reflectivity at the leakage site and control site were measured on cross-sectional optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. In eyes with pinpoint leakage, cross-sectional OCT scans and corresponding reflectivity profile plots were reviewed by a masked grader for the presence of visible RPE defects and focal depression of relative RPE reflectivity at the leak. Results Twenty-one (61.7%) and 13 (38.2%) leaks showed pinpoint and diffuse leakage, respectively. The mean relative RPE reflectivity at the leakage site was statistically significantly higher than that of the control site (0.82 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.12, respectively, p=0.03) in eyes with pinpoint leakage as well as in eyes with diffuse leakage (0.81 ± 0.10 and 0.74 ± 0.13, respectively, p=0.01). The difference of relative RPE reflectivity was statistically significantly higher at the leakage site compared to control site (0.56 ± 0.20 and 0.41 ± 0.06, respectively, p=0.002) in eyes with pinpoint leakage, but not in eyes with diffuse leakage (0.46 ± 0.12 and 0.40 ± 0.07, respectively, p=0.16). On cross-sectional OCT scans visible RPE defects at pinpoint leakage were found in 10 out of 21 (47.6%) cases. Focal depressions of RPE reflectivity corresponding to presumed RPE defects were found in 18 out of 21 (85.7%) cases. Conclusion Leakage in acute CSC is associated with significant local increase of RPE reflectivity.


Aim: To study the nutritional treatment of anaemia as compare to marketed available drug (Ferrous sulfate) in animal model.Methodology: Total 24 rats were included in the study, divided into 4 groups. Control group was treated with saline. Anaemia was produced in model and both test groups by pricking on their tail and drawn 2-3 drops of blood daily for one week. After producing anaemia model remained same and test group 1 were treated with the marketed available anti-anaemic drug called Ferrous sulphate of 30 mg/kg body weight and test group 2 treated with natural anti-anaemic Illicium verum extract of 80 mg/kg body weight for 6 weeks respectively.Result: Illicium verum extract increases locomotor activity in T2 rats therefore; rats open field activity was increased. It decreases depression and long-term memory but enhanced short term memory. It also produces anxiolytic effect as compare to ferrous sulfate. Haematological study including RBC, PCV, MCHC and platelets were shown significantly increased in T2 group of rats while lymphocyte, MCH and MCV were decreased.Conclusion: It was concluded in the study that the Illicium verum extract produce same effect as common medicine ferrous sulfate on rat's model. In developing country, such as Pakistan the rate of anaemia was increased so there is a need of finding natural compounds to cure anaemia. Natural remedies were vital in modern era because natural compound do not produce side effect.


Signal in the form of voltage are often need to be transmitted when we deal with measurement. However, voltage signal transmission creates many problems. The series resistance that appears between the output of the signal conditioner and the load produces some voltage drop. Even a few millivolts of the voltage drops could significantly alter the percentage error of the measurement. Current signal is the same everywhere in a series loop. So, by converting the signal into a current and then sending the current signal will assures that the load will receive all of the signal we sent. In this paper, a simulation and an implementation of using instrumentation amplifiers and V-I converter for sending a voltage signal has been conducted. The process variable being measured is a differential pressure that is sensed by a pressure sensor. The output voltage signal was then amplified by an instrumentation amplifier and fed to a V-I converter for transmission purpose. The results is an increase in output current when the presssure was increased. It can be concluded that the instrumentation amplifier and V-I converter are the devices that are properly used for a voltage signal transmission.


The deterioration of paved roads is defined by the damage trend of its surface condition over time. The defects of a pavement surface, which is usually quantified through a pavement condition survey, are classified under three major models of distress, namely; cracking, disintegration, and permanent deformation. The main focus of this paper is on the crack damages because cracking often triggers the application of maintenance treatments and cracking can be the decisive factor in determining the most appropriate rehabilitation option among others. Cracking is perhaps one the most important distresses in bituminous pavements. The development of cracking is considered directly in most mechanistic design procedures and indirectly in most empirical design procedures. A primary bituminous pavement design objective is to minimize cracking. Cracking is a distress that is readily identifiable and universally acknowledged as a sign of pavement deterioration. However, the modeling of cracking is quite complex. There are many factors that can affect the development of cracks, and once present, the proliferation of cracking may be affected by the same factors, probably the different factor with the other, or a combination of both.


With a recently gained emphasis on new input devices and interaction techniques, like gestural movement, eye tracking and biofeedback, designers of tomorrow will have to think far beyond what we call games in a classical sense today. Gameplay becomes a more immersive experience, a space of fun decoupled from the experience of using a computer. The benefit of using these new devices is that they also enable a more precise and empirical measurement of gameplay. Thus, from an academic side it becomes more interesting to research the effect a game has on players than to focus on the game as an entity itself. By empirically understanding how players experience games, we can then reflect and use this gained knowledge to enhance specific design aspects of games.


BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) represent the standard of care for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are unfit for surgery. The incidence of reported adverse events is low, ranging from 2.4% to 13.1% for RFA and from 2.6% to 7.5% for MWA. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) injury is even more infrequent (0.11%), but usually requires surgery with an unfavourable prognosis. Due to its low incidence and the retrospective nature of the studies, the literature reporting this feared complication is heterogeneous and in many cases lacks information on tumour characteristics, comorbidities and treatment approaches. CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man who had undergone extended right hepatectomy for HCC was diagnosed with early disease recurrence with a small nodule compatible with HCC in the Sg4b segment of the liver with a subcapsular location. He was treated with percutaneous RFA and a few week later he was urgently admitted to the Surgery ward for abdominal pain and fever. A subcutaneous abscess was diagnosed and treated by percutaneous drainage. A fistulous tract was then documented by the passage of contrast material from the gastric antrum to the abdominal wall. The oesophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed a circular wall defect at the lesser curvature of gastric antrum, leading directly to the purulent abdominal collection. An over-the-scope clip (OTSC) was used to successfully close the defect CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of RFA-related GIT injury to have been successfully treated with an OTSC, which highlights the role of this endoscopic treatment for the management of this complication.


This article sets out by reviewing the interplay between policy and law when it comes to measures aimed at deterring migrants and refugees. The current trend towards international cooperation represents a significant turning point, it is argued, creating important challenges for existing strategies of refugee and human rights lawyers. On this basis, and with a view to recent scholarship, the article explores three different avenues to address the current generation of deterrence. The first involves a step back to re-examine other bases for establishing extraterritorial human rights jurisdiction. Secondly, it is argued that existing efforts to establish state responsibility in the context of deterrence suffer from a Global North bias, and that more attention should be paid to the concurrent responsibility of partner states in regions of transit and origin, as well as the legal structures and litigation possibilities in these jurisdictions. Third and finally, the article makes a plea to move beyond narrow legal analysis in favor of more inter-disciplinary approaches highlighting the wider political and sociological dynamics pertaining to this area.


Abstract This paper describes the psychometric properties of the Modern Homonegativity Scale (MHS), which measures contemporary negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians (i.e., attitudes not based on traditional or moral objections to homosexuality). In Study 1 (N = 353), a preliminary version of the MHS was developed, and its psychometric properties were examined. Participants in Studies 2 and 3 (Ns = 308 and 233, respectively) completed the MHS and other attitudinal measures. The relationships among these variables were investigated to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the scale's construct validity. In Study 4 (N = 36), a behavioural expression of modern homonegativity was examined using the attributional ambiguity paradigm. The results of these studies indicate that the MHS is unidimensional, possesses a high degree of internal consistency, and is factorially distinct from a measure of old-fashioned homonegativity. As hypothesized, scores on the MHS correlated positively with political conservatism, religious behaviour, religious self-schema and modern sexism, but did not correlate significantly with social desirability bias. In addition, the MHS appears to be less susceptible to floor effects than a commonly used measure of old-fashioned homonegativity. Finally, the experimental study revealed that participants obtaining high scores on the MHS were less likely to sit beside individuals wearing T-shirts with pro-gay or pro-lesbian slogans when they could justify their seating choice on nonprejudicial grounds.


Young athletes who employ overhead arm movements frequently develop shoulder pain caused by muscle tightness or scapula dysfunction1-3. Generally, they are instructed to perform a stretching and muscle-conditioning regimen1,3, but refractory pain without muscle tightness sometimes persists. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be used to look for other lesions, and occasionally a cystic lesion may be identified. Cysts located near the labrum, referred to as paralabral cysts or labral cysts, may cause shoulder pain or suprascapular nerve palsy4,5. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of ganglion cysts that were located below the coracoacromial ligament as being the cause of shoulder impingement syndrome in athletes. We report the presence of such a cyst in a patient who had the typical symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome. For diagnostic imaging, we carried out radiographs, MRI, ultrasonography, and cystographic three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) examinations. Ultrasonography was particularly helpful for understanding the movement of the ganglion, while shoulder-dynamic and cystographic three-dimensional CT was very useful for identifying the location of the stalk and estimating the size of the cyst. Our patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he consented.

A twenty-one-year-old male, right-hand-dominant volleyball player developed pain in the anterior aspect of the right shoulder when spiking the ball. The pain had persisted for more than a year as of the time that the patient presented to our institution, but there was no history of trauma. Physical examination revealed tenderness on compression of the area over the coracoacromial ligament. The examination findings did not suggest shoulder instability, and the patient had no limitation of motion in the shoulder. There was no evidence of local heat, a mass, muscle weakness, or …


Objective Circulating biomarkers are useful in detection and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases. However, their role in aortic valve disease is unclear. Mechanisms are rapidly elucidated and sex differences are suggested to be involved. Therefore, we sought to identify biomarkers involved in aortic valve calcification (AVC) stratified by sex. Methods Blood samples of 34 patients with AVC (without further overt cardiovascular disease, including absence of hemodynamic consequences of valvular calcification) were compared with 136 patients without AVC. AVC was determined using computed tomography calcium scoring. Circulating biomarkers were quantified using a novel antibody-based method (Olink Proseek Multiplex Cardiovascular Panel I) and 92 biomarkers were compared between patients with and without AVC. Results In the overall population, Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist and pappalysin-1 were associated with increased and decreased odds of having AVC. These differences were driven by the male population [IL1RA: OR 2.79 (1.16–6.70), p = 0.022; PAPPA: OR 0.30 (0.11–0.84), p = 0.021]. Furthermore, TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) and fibroblast growth factor-23 were associated decreased odds of having AVC, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was associated with increased odds of having AVC [TRANCE: OR 0.32 (0.12–0.80), p = 0.015; FGF23: OR 0.41 (0.170–0.991), p = 0.048; MCP1: OR 2.64 (1.02–6.81), p = 0.045]. In contrast, galanin peptides and ST2 were associated with increased odds of having AVC in females [GAL: OR 12.38 (1.31–116.7), p = 0.028; ST2: OR13.64 (1.21–153.33), p = 0.034]. Conclusion In this exploratory study, we identified biomarkers involved in inflammation, fibrosis and calcification which may be associated with having AVC. Biomarkers involved in fibrosis may show higher expression in females, whilst biomarkers involved in inflammation and calcification could associate with AVC in males.


The purpose of the university diploma thesis is to study the influence of a sex on the phenomenon and characteristics of dysgraphia in school children. Dysgraphia falls into the group of specific learning difficulties namely into the sub-group of specific deficits at the level of visual motor processes which are causing difficulties in writing. Furthermore, this thesis also deals with the study of the theoretical bases and research findings referring to the process of writing, differences between sexes, writing development and difficulties as well as specific writing disorders or dysgraphia. The emphasis is to highlight differences between boys and girls in the learning writing skills and difficulties involved and also specific disturbances. Difficulties in writing are a common problem in primary school that requires more attention from the perspective of identification and assistance. In the school period the problems with writing are two to three times more frequent than difficulties in reading, however different authors estimate difficulties in writing to be common to 10–30% of primary school children.
Numerous researches about differences between the two sexes find girls to be more successful with verbal tasks. Yet, their fine motor skills are more developed. On the other hand, boys are found to gain better results at special and abstract thinking and scientific reasoning. The results of studies related to difficulties in learning in various countries have shown boys to outnumber girls in this field, which is also the case with difficulties in writing and dysgraphia. 21–23 % of boys are facing troubles in writing, while the percentage of girls is estimated to be about 11–12 %. Almost 75 % of children suffering from dysgraphia are mainly male. Australian researchers have found no differences in writing speed between boys and girls, however the readability of writing was found to be significantly of better quality with girls.
The research review has demonstrated that difficulties in writing might be considered as an important problem in primary school that demands additional research studies also from the aspect of specific differences between the two sexes. Better understanding of problems caused by dysgraphia as well as differences between both sexes will enable the development of recommendations for identification, effective teaching and treatment of children with difficulties in writing also with regard to sex differences as well as planning the empiric study of the issue.


Based on the work of primarily Michel Foucault, this article explores how the late-modern human being is incited to be a creative individual; which attitudes, actions, behavior and discourses the individual is inscribed with, and governed by. With reference to contemporary research on creativity, the article's focus will be on the discourse of creative learning, described in its contemporary appearance. Thus, the article scrutinizes the regularities of statements, which form the creative learning discourse, and discloses (some of) the norms and attitudes that shape and form the behavior of both the learning student and the lifelong learner and also, how they frame our ability to perceive, talk and understand ourselves in the context of a late-modern, and innovative society that emphasizes lifelong learning.


Following unilateral removal of all known visual cortical areas, a cat is rendered hemianopic in the contralateral visual field. Visual orientation can be restored to the blind hemifield by transection of the commissure of the superior colliculus or by destruction of the superior colliculus (SC) or the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) contralateral to the cortical lesion. It is hypothesized that a mechanism mediating recovery is disinhibition of the SC ipsilateral to the cortical lesion. The ipsilateral nigrotectal projection exerts a robust inhibitory tone onto cells in the SC. However, ibotenic acid destruction of SNpr neurons, which should decrease inhibition onto the SC, does not result in recovery. The failure of ipsilateral SNpr lesions to produce recovery puts into question the validity of SC disinhibition as a mechanism of recovery. We directly tested the disinhibition hypothesis by reversibly disinhibiting the SC ipsilateral to a visual cortical lesion with a gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A antagonist, bicuculline methiodide. In accordance with the hypothesis, transient disinhibition of the SC restored visual orienting for several hours in three of eight animals. Recovery was not a volume or pH effect and was distinct from the release of irrepressible motor effects (i.e., approach and avoidance behaviors) seen within the first hour after injection. Thus, in the absence of all visual cortical areas unilaterally, disinhibition of the SC can transiently restore the ability of the cat to orient to visual stimuli in the previously "blind" hemifield. J. Comp. Neurol. 387:568–587, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


International trade in services also provides an assessment of how policy makers can further bolster their service industries by leveraging the changes prompted by technological advancements. The book provides policy recommendations that include the reduction of barriers to services trade across all sectors and the promotion of health- and environment-related development policies that should be promoted in parallel with a burgeoning services market. The first recommendation is considered the most important, because it focuses on the need to ensure trade openness, which helps ensure the access to services and promotes the quality of services provision through foreign and domestic competition. Moreover, the issue of temporary movement of labor is another focus of this book, given that it is one of the most important means of service exports for developing countries. This is an issue that is considered technically complex and politically sensitive because of its political and security implications. The book examines mechanisms that have been used by various countries to liberalize the temporary movement of persons and concludes that regardless of the negotiating forum- multilateral, regional, or bilateral-the policy making results on temporary movement of labor are, so far, modest and limited to a small range of categories. However, it proposes alternative ways to move forward that require further analysis by countries and relevant international organizations, including the World Bank.


We present rigorous analysis of distributed intelligent systems, particularly through work on large-scale deep neural networks. We show how networks represent functions, and examine how all functions and physical systems can be learned by an infinite number of neural networks. Stressing dimensionality reduction as key to network optimization, we study encoding, energy minimization, and topographic independent components analysis. We explain how networks can be parallelized along local receptive fields by asynchronous stochastic gradient descent, and how robustness can increase with adaptive subgradients. We show how communication latency across an InfiniBand cluster grows linearly with number of computers, a positive result for large-scale parallelization of neural networks via message passing. We also present results of a topographic hierarchical network model of the human visual cortex on the NYU Object Recognition Benchmark.


【Objectives : As the attempts to make good uses of laser acupuncture in korean medicine have been steadily carried on, to ensure the safety is needed to increase the use of laser acupuncture. The aim of this study was to examine the safety of using laser acupuncture therapy irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser. Methods : Fifteen rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups - Intact ; no therapy group. LAT830 ; laser acupuncture therapy(830 nm) group at GB34 GB39. LAT905 ; laser acupuncture therapy(905 nm) group at GB34 GB39. During eight weeks of treatment, LAT830, LAT905 were treated 2 times weekly, frequency 20 Hz, intensity 20 mW. Test items were mortality, body weight, food consumptions, hematological values, blood chemical values, urinalysis values, absolute organ weights and relative organ weights. Results : Statistically significant differences were not found among 3 groups. The values measured in LAT830, LAT905 and Intact(no therapy) group have shown similar results and it indicated that LAT830, LAT905 had no abnormal influence on the reaction of living bodies. There was little difference on the liver weight of relative organ weight test between laser-treated groups(LAT830, LAT905) and Intact group. Conclusions : In conclusion, laser acupuncture therapies irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser caused no abnormal reaction of living bodies. More studies are needed to further establish the safety of many other laser acupuncture therapies.】


The gauging of equations method, introduced in the preceding paper, is applied to the four-dimensional integral equations describing the strong interactions of three identical relativistic particles. In this way we obtain gauge-invariant expressions for all possible electromagnetic transition currents of the identical three-particle system. In the three-nucleon system with no isospin violation, for example, our expressions describe the electromagnetic form factors of ${}^{3}\mathrm{H},$ $p\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{d}\mathrm{pd}\ensuremath{\gamma},$ ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}pd,$ ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}ppn,$ etc. A feature of our approach is that gauge invariance is achieved through the coupling of the photon to all possible places in the (nonperturbative) strong interaction model. Moreover, once the proper identical particle symmetry is incorporated into the integral equations describing the strong interactions, the gauging procedure automatically provides electromagnetic transition currents with the proper symmetry. In this way the gauging of equations method results in a unified description of strong and electromagnetic interaction of strongly interacting systems.


Rubber vulcanization is a consolidated chemical process to enhance the mechanical
properties of the polymeric material by sulfur crosslinking of the polymer chains, such as
rubber. Vulcanization Activators are important rubber processing additives that activate sulfur cure
and improve the efficiency of sulfur-based cure systems. The most common activator is zinc fatty acid
ester that is often formed in-situ by the reaction of fatty acid with zinc oxide. Although zinc is one of
the less harmful heavy metals, according to European Council Directive 2004/73/EC, the reduction of
zinc level in the environment has become an important task because of its toxic effect on aquatic organisms.

The current study reviews the research achievements in the field of reducing the consumption of micronutrients
of ZnO particles based on the use of nanoparticles instead of them in the polymer industry.
Among the proposed methods, due to the less environmental effects of magnesium oxide, the use
of MgO nanoparticles instead of zinc oxide has also achieved good results.

The aim of this paper is considering suggested different methods on the reduction of using
ZnO particles in related industries, the use of ZnO nanoparticles has had better results than its particles.
In addition, due to the less environmental effects of magnesium oxide, magnesium oxide nanoparticles
can be used instead of micronutrients of zinc oxide. Overall, the results of various investigations
show that reducing the diameter of the zinc oxide particles reduces the amount required for curing
the rubber and thus reduces its toxic effects. Also, the use of magnesium oxide nanoparticles instead
of zinc oxide in different concentrations is investigated.


Most people will be familiar with the experience of returning to a place known and loved from one's past, only to find it altered, removed or demolished. The feelings of loss which such an experience can engender are one poignant reminder of the non-tangible or social attachments which we form to place, or what geographer Yi-Fu Tuan (1977) and others (e.g. Feld and Basso 1996) have referred to as a 'sense of place'. The social values of place, both at an individual and collective level, have become an important new area of research in the field of archaeological and cultural heritage management in Australia. This chapter summarises recent and emerging approaches to understanding and managing the social values of place in Australia and reflects on their implications for interventions in heritage practices in the UK. To do this, I will first provide a quick summary of the Australian heritage system, before considering some background issues which have foregrounded 'sense of place' in Australian environmental and heritage planning. I will look at some case studies developed to record social values of place from New South Wales where I was previously employed in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Cultural Heritage Research Unit (now Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water), focussing on the new techniques we developed to 'map attachment' and social values. Drawing particularly on case studies in Indigenous cultural heritage management from New South Wales, I will outline the ways in which archaeologists are increasingly engaged in a consideration of both the tangible and intangible values of heritage sites, and discuss some of the tools which have been developed to record and 'map' intangible values and attachment to place in contemporary Indigenous, migrant and settler Australian communities. Much of this work has taken the form of mapping and recording alternate, 'hidden' or non-mainstream social geographies, and in the final part of the chapter, I comment on the role of such 'counter-mapping' in giving voice to politically marginal and subaltern understandings of the past and present and consider an example of the use of such practices in the UK.


In this work, we demonstrate a behavioral PSPICE model for silicon nanowire (SiNW) field‐effect transistor (FET) biosensors, which is suitable to simulate frequency domain electrical measurements. The model is divided into two separated components: an electrochemical part for the liquid/solid interface at the gate input and an FET part simulating the SiNW characteristics. In our study, the parameters of the FET model are obtained from characterization measurements of real devices, which are fabricated in our research group. Measurements were performed with a self‐developed readout system. The model can be used to investigate the effects of solution conductivity and the drain and source capacitances of the SiNW sensor. We observed that the impedance spectra consist of a low‐pass filter domain at low frequencies and a resonance domain at higher frequencies. The former is mainly influenced by the source capacitance and the oxide/liquid interface of the devices, whereas the latter is mainly dominated by the drain capacitance, in case that the solution conductivity is kept constant. In addition, based on the relationship of the solution conductivity and the experimental data, we suggest a value called representative resistance of the solution. In this study, the model was compared to real spectra and we achieved good agreement between simulation and experiments. Our model provides a clearer view for frequency domain measurements with SiNW sensors, offers the possibility to optimize our SiNW design and forms the basis to include and explain sensing events in future biomedical assays.


We investigated the 24 hour hormone secretion profiles in women with preterm labour. Although estradiol secretion seems to be unaffected, we found an variable estradiol-cortisol-shift due to a cortisol increase. Cortisol circadian secretion persists in preterm labour, but maximum secretion is moved to midday. Further investigations are necessary to study the basic mechanisms underlying this process.


Vasoplegic syndrome is an important clinical entity characterized by profound arterial hypotension refractory to vasopressor therapy. The underlying pathophysiology is characterized by a complex and multifactorial dysregulation of both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive mechanisms. During the last decades, there is growing interest in using methylene blue as an adjunct therapy to treat vasodilatory shock. The present review evaluates the safety and efficacy of methylene blue in cardiac and transplant surgery, severe sepsis and septic shock, severe burn injury, paediatric intensive care, and intoxications. Although most of the currently available evidence reports a benefit in haemodynamic parameters and a decrease in vasopressor requirements following the administration of methylene blue, study designs are heterogeneous, and the overall level of evidence is low. Moreover, a clear and consistent benefit in morbidity and mortality is lacking. Large prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the exact role and timing of methylene blue in the treatment of vasopressor refractory vasoplegia.