The Phygital word itself is the combination pf physical and digital technology application.This paper will highlight the detail of phygital world and its importance, also we will discuss why its matter in the world of technology along with advantages and disadvantages.It is the concept and technology is the bridge between physical and digital world which bring unique experience to the users by providing purpose of phygital world. It is the technology used in 21st century to bring smart data as opposed to big data and mix into the broader address of array of learning styles. It can bring new experience to every sector almost like, retail, medical, aviation, education etc. to maintain some reality in today's world which is developing technology day to day. It is a general reboot which can keep economy moving and guarantee the wellbeing of future in terms of both online and offline.


Among different density estimation procedures, the kernel density estimation has attracted the most attention. In this paper, the choices for smoothing parameter is discussed when the widely used Gaussian kernel is used in implementing the kernel density estimate. A simulation study is conducted from several mixtures of normal distributions covering a wide range of distributional shapes.


As the number of transistors double, it becomes difficult to power all of them within a strict power budget and still achieve the performance gains of that the industry has achieved historically. This work presents, Navigo, a modeling framework for architecture exploration across future process technology generations. The model includes support for voltage and frequency scaling based on ITRS and PTM models. This work is designed to aid architects in the planning stages of next generation microprocessors, by addressing the space between early-stage back-of-the-envelope calculations and later stage cycle accurate simulators. Using parameters from existing commercial processor cores, we show how power consumption limits the theoretical throughput of future processors. Navigo shows that specialization is the answer to circumvent the power density limit that curbs performance gains and resume traditional 1.58x performance growth trends. We present analysis, using next generation of process technologies, that shows the fraction of area that must be allocated for specialization to maintain performance growth must increase with each new generation of process technology.


ABSTRACT This article addresses the central question of why China and the European Union (EU), two players of growing importance in global governance, cooperate on some issues of conflict resolution, but fail to do so on others. Although much discussion is devoted to their respective strategic orientations and policy preferences in world affairs, more deep-rooted factors like norms and values should also be taken into consideration. This article follows a social constructivist approach to explicate how international norms have shaped the convergent and divergent actions of China and the EU in two empirical cases: the Iranian nuclear issue and the Syrian civil crisis. It argues that because China and the EU had both internalized the international norm of multilateralism, they could cooperate in pushing for a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through multilateral negotiations, and take a similar approach to the Syrian civil crisis. However, whereas China has seriously questioned the 'responsibility to protect' as a legitimate norm, the EU has embraced and promoted it. Consequently, the two took divergent actions in the second case. It is suggested that China and its Western partners closely engage each other in constructive communication to promote mutual understanding, and ultimately expand the basis of their common norms.


The main objective of this study is to apply the most appropriate change detection techniques to assess land development achievements on Al Sammalyah Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates capital city. This was accomplished by mapping trajectory of land cover change of the whole island between 1999 and 2005. Another objective was to assess the level of development that occurred on the island and the level of change in the local environment. Available historical large scale aerial photographs from the late nineties to the most recent 2005 were used for the multitemporal study. Geographic information systems (GIS) layers were created by on-screen digitizing of corrected and co-registered images. A GIS overlay analysis combined with post classification change detection method analysis schema was adopted. Results of the current study demonstrate intense land development occurring on the AL Sammalyah Island; vegetation cover extent has increased from 3.742 km (1.44 miles) in 1999 to 5.101 km (1.97 miles) in 2005 that corresponds to 36.3% increase over this period. The study also shows that this increase in vegetation extent is mostly attributed to the increase in mangrove planted areas alone with an aerial increase from 2.256 km (0.87 miles) in 1999 to 3.568 km (1.38 miles) in 2005, an increase of 58.2% in seven years.


Rationale Despite significant progress in treatment strategies, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying new potential targets is crucial for enhancing preventive and therapeutic strategies. The gut microbiome has been associated with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), however our understanding of the precise changes in the gut microbiome occurring during CAD development remains limited. Objective To investigate microbiome changes in participants without clinically manifest CAD with different cardiovascular risk levels and in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods and Results In this cross-sectional study we characterized the gut microbiome using metagenomics of 411 fecal samples from individuals with low (n=130), intermediate (n=130) and high (n=125) cardiovascular risk based on the Framingham score, and STEMI patients (n=26). We analyzed alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiome and differential abundance of species and functional pathways among the different groups while accounting for confounders including medication and technical covariates. Abundances of Collinsella stercoris, Flavonifractor plautii and Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans showed a positive trend with cardiovascular risk, while Streptococcus thermophilus was negatively associated. Furthermore, in the differential abundance analysis we identified eight species and 49 predicted metabolic pathways that were differently abundant among the groups. These species included species linked to inflammation. Starch biosynthesis and phenolic compound degradation pathways were enriched in the gut microbiome of STEMI patients, while pathways associated with vitamin, lipid and amino-acid biosynthesis were depleted. Conclusions We identified four microbial species that demonstrated a gradual trend in their abundance from low risk individuals to those with STEMI, and species and pathways that were differently abundant in STEMI patients compared to groups without clinically manifest CAD. Further investigation is warranted to gain deeper understanding of their precise role in CAD progression and potential implications, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets. Graphical abstract Created with BioRender.com


Proper randomness of the numbers generated by Rand Corporation has been tested by B.K. Sarmah, D. Chakrabarty and N. Barman, IJESM 5 (1) : January – March, 2015, 97-119 by applying the Chi-square test for testing the significance of difference between observed frequency of each of the digit in the table and the corresponding theoretical (expected) frequency . In this paper, the randomness of the digits have been tested by applying t-test for amount of deviation of the observed number of occurrences and the theoretical (expected) number of occurrences of the respective digits and hence the numbers. The test shows that the numbers generated by Rand Corporation deviated significantly in most the observations from proper randomness.


Two sturgeon species, Acipenser ruthenus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Acipenser baerii (Brandt, 1869), inhabit the Irtysh basin. In 2018, we received some "atypical" specimens of sturgeon, which were similar to A. ruthenus but had a number of pronounced external differences. The hybrids A. ruthenus × A. baerii, named "oster", can sometimes be caught in natural habitats in the Ob and the Yenisei rivers. Despite the development of methods for the genetic identification of sturgeons, the molecular genetic characteristics of the hybrids of A. baerii and A. ruthenus have not been carried out. The purpose of this study is to develop a complex of morphological and genetic characters to identify the hybrid of A. ruthenus and A. baerii from the Irtysh River. We used a complex of morphological and genetic methods to compare the putative hybrids with parental species The putative hybrids were similar to A. ruthenus in the number of dorsal scutes, the number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins, the structure of stamens on the first gill arch, and the presence of fringe on the tendrils. The hybrids were similar to A. baerii in size and weight values, the structure of dorsal scutes, the number of lateral and ventral scutes, and the number of gill rakers on the first gill arch. Genotyping of putative hybrids by using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers revealed the presence of sites characteristic of both parental species. The fragment of the control region of mitochondrial DNA in the hybrids matched to that of A. baerii that allowed us to identify females of A. baerii as maternal individuals of the hybrids. Possible causes and factors promoting interspecific hybridization of A. ruthenus and A. baerii were studied. This is the first described fact of the appearance of sturgeon hybrids in the Ob-Irtysh basin. It is necessary to continue monitoring studies to identify the number of these hybrids in the ecological system of the Irtysh River. The data set of morphological characters and genetic methods can be used to identify the hybrids of A. ruthenus and A. baerii.


Sepsis represents a common cause of morbidity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our objective was to assess the value of clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting septicemia (positive blood culture) in NICU infants. In the first part of the present study (derivation cohort) we retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of 120 neonates with symptoms of suspected sepsis and identified clinical and laboratory parameters associated with proven sepsis on the day the blood culture was taken, as well as 24 h and 48 h earlier. These parameters were combined into a sepsis prediction score (SPS). Subsequently (validation study), we prospectively validated the performance of the SPS in a cohort of 145 neonates. The identified parameters were: temperature instability, platelet count < 150,000/mm3, feeding volume decrease > 20%, changes in blood glucose > 50%, CRP > 1 mg/dL, circulatory and respiratory deterioration. In the retrospective cohort, on the day the blood culture was obtained, a SPS ≥ 3 could predict sepsis with 82.54% sensitivity, 85.96% specificity, 5.88 PLR (Positive Likelihood Ratio), 0.20 NLR (Negative Likelihood Ratio), 86.67% PPV (Positive Predictive Value), 81.67% NPV (Negative Predictive Value) and 84.17% accuracy. In the prospective cohort, on the day the blood culture was obtained, a SPS ≥ 3 could predict sepsis with 76.60% sensitivity, 72.55% specificity, 2.79 PLR, 0.32 NLR, 83.72% PPV, 62.71% NPV and 75.17% accuracy. We concluded that this combination of clinical and laboratory parameters may assist in the prediction of septicemia in NICUs.


This study discussed inquiry-based learning activities in reading skills training students in Madrasah Ibtidayah and elementary schools in Indonesia. In learning to understand according to Islam, reading skills receive special attention from other skills such as speaking, listening, and writing skills. Get an understanding and application of strengthening reading learning that can be started from the elementary school level, and this theme will be discussed with the literature review method from national and international journal publications. A descriptive qualitative design study will be a method of analyzing a series of data. The review process involves a phenomenological approach, coding systems, and critical evaluation to produce data findings to answer our research themes that meet the findings' validity and reliability. Finally, we can conclude our findings, among others, that the ten publications and literature have confirmed that the application of inquiry-based learning approaches is very relevant to be applied in the learning environment of elementary madrasah schools. Thus these findings will be useful to whichever party


Stress experienced by former commercial sex workers in line with the events and journeys of life the individual and the occurrence is unavoidable completely. Stress management training is the main orientation is to look for and face the subject matter by learning new strategies or skills in order to reduce the environmental stressors faced and perceived. The research aims to find out the sense of stress experienced in commercial sex workers. The research approach used is quantitative with one test group Pretest-Posttest design. The population and samples of this research is a former commercial sex worker in PSKW Mulya Jaya Jakarta which is identified with the stress with the number of research samples of 12 people, who are 16 years old to 37 years. Implementation of the research using pre intervention and post test methods. Data analysis techniques using Wilcoxon test method Z =-2,984 (P < 0.05) Means there is a significant meaningful difference between the pre-test and post-test of the influence of intervention on the decline in stress levels. It can be concluded that if there is a significant difference between the level of stress before and after the intervention and the influence of intervention that has been performed against the decline in stress levels.


A novel strategy for the synthesis of imidazo-fused polycyclic compounds under mild, base-free, and silver-free conditions by a rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H annulation of alkenyl or arylimidazoles and (hetero)cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is reported here. Such a step-economic protocol features the selective cleavage of two different C-H bonds in one step, featuring easy operation, readily available starting materials, gram-scale synthesis, broad functional group tolerance, and no requirement to presynthesize carbene precursors. Notably, the synthetic potential is showcased by the structural modification of drug and the highly step-economic synthesis of Janus kinase inhibitor in only three steps with a satisfactory 26% total yield (previous method: in nine steps with 0.6% yield).


The inflammatory response following a thermal insult begins with the skin itself. Langerhan's cells, tissue macrophages, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells contribute to the initial events of wound healing with active and passive release of cell mediators. One of the mediators potentially important to the repair process is monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes can produce MCP-1 in response to inflammatory stimuli. Therefore, we evaluated 10 human burn wound specimens for MCP-1 mRNA using in situ hybridization. Selected specimens of different ages were examined using combined in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry to identify cell types that expressed MCP-1 mRNA. Antibodies to HAM56 for macrophages, CD45 for bone marrow-derived cells, Factor VIII for endothelial cells, and Factor XIIIa for dermal antigen-presenting cells were included in these experiments. By Postburn Day 2, basal layer keratinocytes at the edges of the wound had upregulated MCP-1 message; the increased signal persisted in the rate pegs deep in the dermal wound bed through 49 days postinjury. Occasional FXIIIa+ immunostained dermal cells expressed MCP-1 mRNA. Islands of granulation tissue throughout the wound bed were positive for increased expression of MCP-1; endothelial cells and inflammatory cells both contributed to this upregulated signal. Our data support the theory that the skin itself is a component of the immune system and that noninflammatory cells contribute to the initiation and maintenance of the inflammation at a wound site. Failure to produce MCP-1 or other related mediators by indigenous cutaneous cells may delay the inflammatory response to injury and potentially disrupt other essential phases of wound repair.


Ulva pertusa, a common bloom-forming green alga, was used as a model system to examine the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature on growth and photosynthetic performance. To do this, U. pertusa was grown under four temperature and CO2 conditions; ambient CO2 (400 μatm) and temperature (16°C) (i.e., present), elevated temperature only (19°C) (ET; i.e., warming), elevated CO2 only (1,000 μatm) (EC; i.e., acidification), and elevated tempera ture and CO2 (ET and EC; i.e., greenhouse), and its steady state photosynthetic performance evaluated. Maximum gross photosynthetic rates (GPmax) were highest under EC conditions and lowest under ET conditions. Further, ET conditions resulted in decreased rate of dark respiration (Rd), but growth of U. pertusa was higher under ET conditions than under ambient temperature conditions. In order to evaluate external carbonic anhydrase (eCA) activity, photosynthesis was measured at 70 μmol photons m -2 s -1 in the presence or absence of the eCA inhibitor acetazolamide (AZ), which inhibited photosynthetic rates in all treatments, indicating eCA activity. However, while AZ reduced U. pertusa photosynthesis in all treatments, this reduction was lower under ambient CO2 conditions (both present and warming) compared to EC conditions (both acidification and greenhouse). Moreover, Chlorophyll a and glucose contents in U. pertusa tissues declined under ET conditions (both warming and greenhouse) in conjunction with reduced GPmax and Rd. Overall, our results indicate that the interaction of EC and ET would offset each other's impacts on photosynthesis and biochemical composition as related to carbon balance of U. pertusa.


We compare the performance between beamforming and spatial multiplexing showing in which downlink scenarios the higher performance of spatial multiplexing justify its complexity. We compute performance using readily measurable parameters such as angle spread (AS), antenna separation and signal to noise ratio (SKIR). Firstly, a semi-analytical approach relates these measurable parameters with parameters that theoretically characterize beamforming optimality such as the spatial correlation matrix first two eigenvalues and SNR. Secondly, the achieved spectral efficiency is given for beamforming and spatial multiplexing as a function of antenna separation, AS and SNR. Also, a "practical" region is given where beamforming achieves at least 90% of the spectral efficiency of spatial multiplexing.


We studied the effects of partially purified, natural osteogenin, a bone morphogenetic protein, on the formation of bone in rats. An osteoperiosteal segmental defect, eight millimeters wide, in the middle of the femoral diaphysis was created bilaterally in thirty-six adult male Fischer rats and stabilized with a polyacetyl plate and threaded Kirschner wires. One defect was filled with a cylinder of 60 per cent hydroxyapatite and 40 per cent tricalcium phosphate ceramic (pore diameter, 250 to 400 micrometers) containing 100 micrograms of partially purified bovine osteogenin, and the contralateral defect was filled with a hydroxyapatite-tricalcium ceramic cylinder without osteogenin. Eighteen animals (six animals each at one, two, and four months after the operation) were studied histologically and histomorphometrically. The implants from eighteen additional animals (six animals each at one, two, and four months after the operation) were subjected to biomechanical testing. Histomorphometry revealed that the total area of bone, the area of bone outside of the implant, and the amount of bone within the pores of the implant were all significantly (p < or = 0.05) greater in the femora that had an implant with osteogenin than in those that had an implant without osteogenin at most time-periods. The presence of osteogenin had no significant effect on the biomechanical parameters measured in this study.


Background: Pattern of skin disorders varies in different ages and in different countries. This pattern also varies among children of different ages. The prevalence pattern reflects socioeconomic, environmental and hygienic condition of a community. Objective: This study was planned to evaluate the magnitude of skin diseases and pattern of various dermatoses among children below one year of age in a major tertiary care hospital in the capital of Bangladesh. Method: A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the pattern of skin diseases during the period of January 2010 to June 2012 at the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital in the capital of Bangladesh. Data were analyzed to determine the pattern of skin diseases in children less than one year of age, seen at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Dhaka Shishu Hospital (DSH). Results: A total of 36608 cases were seen at the dermatological OPD of DSH out of which 9293 (25.39%) were less than one year of age. The frequency of distribution of dermatological diseases was more in male patients 58.2% than in female patients 41.8%. Neonates were 649 (7%) and rest were infants were 8644 (93%). Eczema was the most common skin disorder (55.41%) followed by impetigo & other bacterial infections (27.55%) and scabies (23.44%). Cutaneous fungal infections were 13.99%, miliaria was 4.9%, erythema neonatorum 4.42%, urticaria was 2.18%, bullous lesions 1.45%, haemangioma 1.17% and pityriasis alba 1.15%. About 16 other dermatological disorders were indentified each of which was less than 1% in distribution. Conclusions: Eczema, superficial bacterial infections, scabies and superficial fungal infections were most common dermatological problem in infants. Birdem Med J 2013; 3(2): 80-84 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i2.17210


Wilfrid Sellars' presented two parallel conceptions of language: functional role semantics and theory of picturing. The aim of my paper is to consider how these two views fit together and what roles they play in his overall philosophical project. First I show philosophical motivations for adopting these conceptions. Functional role semantics contributes to explanation of mental phenomena, it is consistent with Sellar's critique of the given, it provides a nominalistic account of abstract terms. The picturing theory explains how language can be about the world. The question I also address in this paper is to what extent both of these conceptions are marked by what is the key problem for Sellars - the indispensability of both naturalistic and normative perspective for an adequate account of cognition, intentionality and language. I try to trace the limits of naturalistic explanation in both of his conceptions.


Most techniques used to adjust climatological time series for inhomogeneities require a homogeneous reference series for comparison with each time series being evaluated. However, creating homogeneous reference series from data with unknown inhomogeneities presents many obstacles. Although a truly homogeneous reference series may, in fact, not be obtainable, in this article we present a method that has proven successful at minimizing inhomogeneities in the creation of reference climatological time series. The method utilizes a multistep process based on non-parametric statistics and an alternative way of relating two time series through correlation analysis. This alternative uses the year-to-year change in the variable under consideration (e.g. temperature) as the basis for correlation.


CSP, Hoare's Communicating Sequential Processes , (1, 2) is one of the formalisms that underpins the antecedents of CPA, and this year celebrates its Silver Jubilee (3). Formal Systems' own FDR refinement checker (4) is among the most powerful explicit exhaustive finite-state exploration tools, and is tailored specifically to the CSP semantics. The CSPM ASCII form of CSP, in which FDR scripts are expressed, is the de-facto standard for CSP tools. Recent work has experimentally extended the notation to include a probabilistic choice construct, and added function- ality into FDR to produce models suitable for analysis by the Birmingham University PRISM tool (5).


We tested fifteen-spined sticklebacks, Spinachia spinachia, and corkwing wrasse, Crenilabrus melops, for their ability to associate visual spatial cues with food sources in a radial maze and so to track renewal frequencies and productivity. When all locations contained food or were empty, subjects displayed win-shift or lose-shift behaviour by avoiding recently visited locations; this behaviour therefore appeared to be a basic trait. Both species readily learned food-cue associations, although with less efficiency as the diversity of cues increased. They used this information to distinguish food sources renewed within and between daily foraging bouts from those that remained empty. Moreover, both species distinguished between renewable food sources differing in productivity, preferentially visiting those containing more food. Reversal of cue roles caused an immediate decline in foraging efficiency, followed by rapid recovery as new food-cue associations were learned. Evidently, therefore, subjects tracked the status of potential food sources by continued sampling and could switch from win-shift to win-stay behaviour, when preferred locations were persistently revisited, as appropriate. The formation of food-cue associations, together with sampling and flexible use of win-shift and win-stay behaviour, would enable these rocky intertidal fish species to exploit patchily distributed food sources whose status changes during the tidal cycle. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.


The present paper has reported on modernization of foreign language teaching/learning process through the theoretical framework of constructivism. It has described some of the advantages of digital technologies, and how the Internet can be used in the foreign language classroom. Modern technologies are one of the necessities of the educational system in digital society, and have become a prerequisite to the modernization of education. The Internet, as a powerful information and communication technology resource, helps us to understand the world we live in, and it gives a new dimension to foreign language teaching/learning process. The 21st century education requires critical thinking, accurate and efficient problem solving, effective communication skills, collaboration and team work, creativity, innovative skills, technology skills, and lifelong learning. According to constructivism, learning is no longer seen simply as the result of the transmission of knowledge; it is an active process of constructing knowledge supported by various perspectives within meaningful and authentic contexts and interactions with the environment. The Internet is used to fit the requirements of goals in order to be effective within the constructivist learning environment. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n11p70


Water-soluble triblock copolymers (PEO-PPO-PEO) are utilized to provide thermoreversible micellar templates for three-dimensional nanoparticle arrays. The triblock forms a cubic micellar structure with typical dimensions of tens of nanometers. The temperature-dependent amphiphilic nature of the block copolymers provides increased structure control and allows the use of pre-made silica and gold nanoparticles as well as globular proteins. Using rheology and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), we characterize the influence of the nanoparticles on the local particle structure and on the macroscopic mechanical properties. We are able to incorporate significant quantities of nanoparticles into the block copolymer gel without destroying the ordered structure. Contrast matching SANS demonstrates that some level of the template structure is transferred to the nanoparticles. This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of using this simple approach to generate novel nanoparticles-polymer composites.


Improving crop nitrogen (N) limitation adaptation (NLA) is a core approach to enhance N use efficiency (NUE) and reduce N fertilizer application. Rapeseed has a high demand for N nutrients for optimal plant growth and seed production, but it exhibits low NUE. Epigenetic modification, such as DNA methylation and modification from small RNAs, is key to plant adaptive responses to various stresses. However, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying NLA and NUE remain elusive in allotetraploid B. napus. In this study, we identified overaccumulated carbohydrate, and improved primary and lateral roots in rapeseed plants under N limitation, which resulted in decreased plant nitrate concentrations, enhanced root-to-shoot N translocation, and increased NUE. Transcriptomics and RT-qPCR assays revealed that N limitation induced the expression of NRT1.1, NRT1.5, NRT1.7, NRT2.1/NAR2.1, and Gln1;1, and repressed the transcriptional levels of CLCa, NRT1.8, and NIA1. High-resolution whole genome bisulfite sequencing characterized 5094 differentially methylated genes involving ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, N recycling, and phytohormone metabolism under N limitation. Hypermethylation/hypomethylation in promoter regions or gene bodies of some key N-metabolism genes might be involved in their transcriptional regulation by N limitation. Genome-wide miRNA sequencing identified 224 N limitation-responsive differentially expressed miRNAs regulating leaf development, amino acid metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction. Furthermore, degradome sequencing and RT-qPCR assays revealed the miR827-NLA pathway regulating limited N-induced leaf senescence as well as the miR171-SCL6 and miR160-ARF17 pathways regulating root growth under N deficiency. Our study provides a comprehensive insight into the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying rapeseed NLA, and it will be helpful for genetic engineering of NUE in crop species through epigenetic modification of some N metabolism-associated genes.


The three major approaches for current-regulated inverters are ramp comparison, hysteresis control, and predictive current control. From these three, predictive current control offers the potential for achieving more precise current control with minimum distortion and harmonic noise. The traditional predictive current controller has a poor performance under component parameter variations, and is less adaptive to filters inductance mismatch. An adaptive predictive current control strategy was proposed and studied. Both simulations and experimental results show that the proposed method is much more adaptive to parameter mismatch than the traditional one.


Operational problems and system damage have been linked to the flow regime transition between free surface and pressurized flow in rapidly filling stormwater and combined sewer systems. In response, emphasis has been placed on the development of numerical models to describe hydraulic bores and other flow phenomena that may occur in these systems. Current numerical models are based on rigid column analyses, shock-fitting techniques, or shock-capturing procedures employing the Preissmann slot concept. The latter approach is appealing due to the comparatively simplicity, but suffers from the inability to realistically describe sub-atmospheric full-pipe flows. A new modeling framework is proposed for describing the flow regime transition utilizing a shock-capturing technique that decouples the hydrostatic pressure from surcharged pressures occurring only in pressurized conditions, effectively overcoming the cited Preissmann slot limitation. This new approach exploits the identity between the unsteady incompressible flow equations for elastic pipe walls and the unsteady open-channel flow equations, and the resulting numerical implementation is straightforward with only minor modifications to standard free surface flow models required. A comparison is made between the model predictions and experimental data; good agreement is achieved.


This work describes the design and implementation of the Virtual Reality Tool (VRT), a core component within the educational platform developed for the European research project IST-2001-33184, SLIM-VRT (Self Learning Integrated Methodology – Virtual Reality Tool). The main objective of this project is to propose an alternative for integrated maritime self-learning on board and ashore based on the use of interactive multimedia and low-cost 3D graphics technologies. The integration of the Virtual Reality Tool in the educational platform involves the incorporation of 3D graphic experiences to the educational process. Based on VRML and other standard tools, the VRT-enabled case studies are used for those learning activities in which the students interact with a virtual environment either to access multimedia information associated to relevant objects/devices in the scene, or to manipulate those devices to carry out specific simulations of operational tasks identified in the case study. With the aim of fulfilling the user's requirements and learning needs identified within this field of application, the design of the VRT has required specific developments to overcome VRML limitations and make it possible to: (i) customize dynamically both the education programme and the multimedia content according to the specific user's and terminal profiles; (ii) manage efficiently the interactivity with the virtual environment to adapt in realtime the learning process, according to student's actions; and (iii) design and implement multiple case studies based on the same virtual environments, thus minimizing the modelling effort.


Alcoholism is a family illness that requires treatment of the whole family, because recovery after rehabilitation seems mostly achievable when both the individual and their family are involved in relapse prevention. While studies have demonstrated that the family plays an important role from the diagnosis to treatment of alcoholism, few studies have focused on the interpersonal dynamics of family members which would maintain alcoholism relatedbehaviors and lead to relapse. Such interpersonal dynamics include the family emotional expression (EE) and how it may relate to relapse of an individual dependent on alcohol. The relationship between family EE and the occurrence of relapse in alcoholism was examined. The study was underpinned by the Family Systems Theory to help understand how complex interactional patterns among family members were likely to maintainmaladaptive behaviors such as alcoholism. Samples were derived from populations of inpatient individuals that were addicted to alcohol (N=186) and their family members in Nairobi, Kenya. The study found out that EE had a predictive value R 2 = .348 and was statistically significant at p=0.000<0.05. While hostility was found to have an inverse relationship with relapse (β=-.133), criticism was found to predict relapse at R 2 =.282 and over-involvement at R 2 =.471%. The study concluded that high levels of family EE were a significant in predicting relapse of an individual dependent on alcohol during the recovery process.


Abstract The PIK3/AKT pathway plays an important role in both the inhibition of the apoptotic cascade and the promotion of cell growth and proliferation. Multiple apoptosis-related targets of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PIK3) and protein kinase B (AKT) have been identified, including the antiapoptotic protein XIAP. By phosphorylating XIAP, AKT was previously shown to prevent the ubiquitinization and degradation of XIAP. First-trimester trophoblast cells express high levels of XIAP, which protects them from certain apoptotic stimuli. In this study, we determine that the inhibition of the PIK3/AKT pathway induces XIAP inactivation and the activation of caspase 3 in first-trimester trophoblast cells. Using a specific AKT inhibitor and a XIAP mutant construct, which mimics the AKT phosphorylated form of XIAP, we also demonstrate that these effects are dependent on the phosphorylation of XIAP by AKT. Finally, we show that the selective inhibition of AKT renders normally resistant first-trimester trophoblast cells sensitive to FAS-mediated apoptosis by regulating XIAP expression. Our findings may provide a link between AKT, XIAP, and the regulation of the FAS apoptotic cascade in first-trimester trophoblast cells and contribute to our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms mediating normal trophoblast physiology during pregnancy.


Bacterial sepsis of preterm infants is an urgent problem of pediatrics, as this population is at high risk for the development of sepsis. The aim of the present investigation was the evaluation of significance of C-reactive protein (CRP) test for identification of early-onset sepsis and assessment of the severity of infectious process. A total of 250 preterm infants, referred to the neonatal intensive care unit of M. Iashvili Central Pediatric Clinic at the first hours of life, have been studied during the period of 2002-2005. Level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined at first 24, 48 and 72 hours from the birth using the method of latex agglutination. Two groups of patients were separated. The first group was comprised of patients diagnosed with sepsis at the first hours of life on the basis of determination of CRP level, which was significantly elevated as compared with norm. Quantitative increase of CRP corresponded to the severity of the disease. The diagnosis has been confirmed by positive hemoculture later, after 72 hours. In patients of the second group CRP level corresponded to the normal values and the results of other examinations also indicated the absence of sepsis. In this group treatment with antibiotics was discontinued. The results of investigation allow to conclude that quantitative index of CRP is a rapid, sensitive diagnostic marker for identification of early-onset sepsis in preterm infants. Elevation of CRP level on the background of active therapy of sepsis is a negative prognostic sign. It is advisable to determine CRP level in dynamics to assess severity of the course of the disease.


Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a white and milky solution that exudes from Hevea brasiliensis bark when perforated, and it has been appointed as a new promising biomaterial. NRL has been proven to be a very biocompatible material, and several new biomedical applications have been proposed. NRL has been proven to stimulate angiogenesis, cellular adhesion and formation of extracellular matrix, besides promoting replacement and regeneration of tissue. NRL also can be used as an occlusive membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) with promising results. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to review NRL studies and to present NRL membrane as a promising biomembrane for use in bone trauma and injury.


The electrophoretic mobility (E.M.) (evaluated by cytopherometer) of human normal lymphocytes, shows a group of cells with a fast mobility, identifiable as T lymphocytes, and a second group with a slow mobility which can be characterized as B lymphocytes. Six cases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia characterized by negativity of immunological markers and classified as "Null Cells", and ten cases of B cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia were studied in order to investigate the E.M. behaviour of leukaemic cells and so a comparison with T and B normal lymphocytes migration. The blasts of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia show a E.M. nearly similar to the fast group of normal lymphocytes, while lymphocytes of the B cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia migrate as the slow component of normal lymphocytes. The possibility of the utilization of cell E.M. in addition to immunological and cytochemical data, into the characterization of Acute Leukaemias is suggested.


Progress has been made in the development of flying silicon. Fully self-contained h4EMS rockets have been designed, fabricated and tested. A peak thrust of 4" was obtained from a rocket with a mass of 0.98grams. This rocket was comprised of a 3.2" inside diameter ceramic tube bonded to a silicon chip containing the rocket nozzle, igniter and an array of twelve thermopiles. One thermopile was measured during combustion and yielded 20microWatts of electrical power during a combustion event of approximately 10 seconds. Third-generation devices have demonstrated liftoff.


Human space exploration in the 2 1 s t century holds exciting prospects for the advancement of science and the expansion of our experience. Projected missions include an outpost on the Moon and a piloted mission to Mars. However, for space exploration to proceed, adequate protection of crew members must be ensured against the hazards presented by the harsh environment of space, in particular against the hazards of ionizing radiation. While much still remains to be learned in all aspects of radiobiology, major unresolved issues for human activities in space are :


grains of wheat (Triticum aestivumL. cv. Raj-3077) were soaked in 0, 10-5, 10-4or 10-3 M aqueous solutions of salicylic acid (SA) for 3, 6 or 9 h. The seedlings raised from grains pre-treated with 10-5 M SA possessed significantly higher leaf number, fresh and dry mass per plant, and nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase activities 30 and 40 days after sowing. However, 10-3 M SA reduced all the above-mentioned parameters.


We study the nonequilibrium properties of the one dimensional Lieb Liniger model in the finite repulsion regime. Introducing a new version of the Yudson representation applicable to finite size systems and appropriately taking the infinite volume limit we are able to study equilibration of the Lieb Liniger gas in the thermodynamic limit. We provide a formalism to compute various correlation functions for highly non equilibrium initial states. We are able to find explicit analytic expressions for the long time limit of the expectation of the density, density density and related correlation functions. We show that the gas equilibriates to a diagonal ensemble which we show is equivalent to a generalized version of the GGE for sufficiently simple correlation functions, which in particular include density correlations.


In the tokamak ASDEX Upgrade the influence of a non‐axisymmetric n = 2 error field on the turbulence in the far scrape‐off layer of a low density L‐mode discharge has been studied. There is no density pump‐out with the non‐axisymmetric perturbation but an increase of the scrape‐off layer density at the outer midplane. While the relative ion saturation current fluctuation level in the far scrape‐off layer is decreasing, the skewness rises and especially the excess kurtosis grows by a factor of 1.5–3. The frequency of intermittent events (blobs) is increasing by 50 %. Also the poloidal velocity grows with the magnetic perturbation while the typical turbulent structure size becomes smaller by a factor 5–10 about 20–25 mm outside the separatrix. The local spectral density has been calculated from a two‐point measurement of the ion saturation current. It is used to derive a dispersion relation. Two poloidal propagation velocities depending on the wave number have been found. One is an upper limit for the bulk E × B velocity and the second one the lower limit of the phase velocity. There is a significant contribution of the phase velocity to the propagation speed in the far scrape‐off layer. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


0.1wt% Boron addition effect on dynamic compression properties of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64A) alloy are investigated by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). In the study, and relative damage mechanism is also analyzed. The results show that, as-cast microstructure is refined due to 0.1% Boron addition and also to lower the non-uniform distribution of strain, stress or local concentration due to inharmonic deformation. As well as both dynamic strain and average dynamic flow stress is improved with a reduction of the sensitivity of adiabatic shear behavior. As deformation microstructure loaded at high strain rate with 0.1wt% boron addition, Dynamic strain and maximum absorbed energy is decrease 10%~30% compare with Ti-64A alloy. Both Ti-64A and Ti-6Al-4V-0.1B (Ti-64B), average dynamic flow stress is close. At high speed impact load, it exhibits a damage of adiabatic shear and TiB phases bear loading during fracture. Adiabatic shear band ismain reason of Ti-64A and Ti-64B alloys fracture failure through the deformed specimens' microstructure observation. Adiabatic shear band formation and expansion is a precursor of material shear fracture failure. Deformation cavity can be formation between TiB phase and matrix during the deformation process, but not the main reason of material fracture failure.


The goal of this study was to determine how alterations in protein composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) affect its functional properties. To achieve this, we investigated the changes in the mechanical and failure properties of ECM sheets generated by neonatal rat aortic smooth muscle cells engineered to contain varying amounts of collagen and elastin. Samples underwent static and dynamic mechanical measurements before, during, and after 30 min of elastase digestion followed by a failure test. Microscopic imaging was used to measure thickness at two strain levels to estimate the true stress and moduli in the ECM sheets. We found that adding collagen to the ECM increased the stiffness. However, further increasing collagen content altered matrix organization with a subsequent decrease in the failure strain. We also introduced collagen-related percolation in a nonlinear elastic network model to interpret these results. Additionally, linear elastic moduli correlated with failure stress which may allow the in vivo estimation of the stress tolerance of ECM. We conclude that, in engineered replacement tissues, there is a tradeoff between improved mechanical properties and decreased extensibility, which can impact their effectiveness and how well they match the mechanical properties of native tissue.


The research has been conducted to determine the antifungal activities, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and the value of compared antifungal activity with ketoconazole from the carrot tuber juices (Daucus carota L.) on Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans ATCC 10231in accordance with 'in vitro'. The test is conducted by agar diffusion method with perforation. The result shows that the carrot tuber juices has antifungal activities on Candida albicans ATCC 10231 at concentration of 25%, 37,5%, 50%, 75%, and 100% but carrot tuber juices in this researched doesn't have antifungal activities on Aspergillus niger at concentration of 5%, 6,25%, 12,5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% so of that Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the value of compared antifungal activity with ketoconazole cannot to be determined. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the carrot tuber juices is 25% with 0,930 cm of diameter inhibitory. The value of compared antifungal activities 1 mg of the carrot tuber juices with ketoconazole is 2,2x10-7 mg.


Direct electron microscopy (EM) and enzyme-immunoassay (rotazyme) results for the detection of rotaviruses in 346 enteric specimens from calves, lambs, piglets and foals were compared. The rotazyme test was at least 3 times more sensitive than direct EM in diagnosing infection. Rotavirus antigen was demonstrated by rotazyme in 22% of 280 scour samples and in 27% of 66 samples from non-scouring animals. There was an association between diarrhoea and higher amounts of rotavirus antigen. This prevalence of rotaviruses detected in animals with diarrhoea highlights the significant involvement of other pathogens identified in the study including Eimeria, Cryptosporidia, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and other viruses.


The sex pheromone of the oak leaf roller, Archips semiferanus Walker, is composed of a complex mixture of chemical signals. The attractant component of the pheromone contains a series of tetradecenyl acetates having double bonds in positions 2 to 12. Mass fragmentography of the ozonolysis products of the attractant component was used to locate the double bonds in the various isomer.


The fourteen studies in this volume investigate "the extent to which democracy as a participatory process is operative in contemporary Japan" (p. 17). Contributors express dismay at the disjunction they see between the ideals of peace and democracy enshrined in Japan's constitution and the realities of Japanese society. They believe that relentless assaults from the right have subverted democratic ideals. Japan is becoming a "control society": authoritarian and nationalistic. This view is articulated most clearly in Hidaka Rokuro's "personal retrospective." Most of the chapters focus on a single topic, such as Gavan McCormack on defense policy, Yamazumi Masami on education, and Sandra Buckley and Vera Mackie on women. Unfortunately, none of the authors adequately articulates the concrete causes and consequences of Japanese democracy's myriad shortcomings. For example, Atsuhiro Shibatani discusses problems of technology, such as biohazards and nuclear power, but neglects to trace their origins or repercussions. Beverley Smith's study recounts the major postwar citizens' movements; however, she makes little effort to explicate them or the wider sociopolitical context within which they arose and grew. Two of the more theoretical chapters, Yoshio Sugimoto's on the manipulation of consensus and Tessa Morris-Suzuki's on conflicts in information society, are suggestive but need to be elaborated in order to be more convincing. Three contributions stand out. Igarashi Futaba vividly describes the police abuse involved in extracting "forced confession" from the criminally accused. Kawanishi Hirosuke debunks the myth that all Japanese labor unions are enterprise-based. Perhaps the most provocative contribution is Muto Ichiyo's on the "company world." Muto highlights the manifold dependence of workers on their companies and their weakness, both on the shopfloor and in unions. He argues that the much-touted loyalty of Japanese workers stems from intense competition among workers rather than from the familial nature of company structure. Muto demolishes the dominant Western view of Japanese labor relations. Democracy in Contemporary Japan is a useful antidote to the delusion that Japan is a Utopia. However, the book does not explain sufficiently why Japan is inadequately democratized. Moreover, it is critically flawed by its neglect of the real victims of Japanese society. Ethnic minorities, the handicapped, the elderly, the unemployed, and the poor remain invisible. Women receive only cursory treatment. Even more striking, the book fails to treat people in the third world who are outside but inextricably related to Japan. Those who suffer most from the menial working conditions and hazardous industries on which Japanese prosperity depends are passed over in silence.


Malaria is a female anopheles mosquito-bite inflicted life-threatening disease which is considered endemic in many parts of the world. This article focuses on improving malaria detection from patches segmented from microscopic images of red blood cell smears by introducing a deep convolutional neural network. Compared to the traditional methods that use tedious hand engineering feature extraction, the proposed method uses deep learning in an end-to-end arrangement that performs both feature extraction and classification directly from the raw segmented patches of the red blood smears. The dataset used in this study was taken from National Institute of Health named NIH Malaria Dataset. The evaluation metric accuracy and loss along with 5-fold cross validation was used to compare and select the best performing architecture. To maximize the performance, existing standard pre-processing techniques from the literature has also been experimented. In addition, several other complex architectures have been implemented and tested to pick the best performing model. A holdout test has also been conducted to verify how well the proposed model generalizes on unseen data. Our best model achieves an accuracy of almost 97.77%.


There is a growing interest worldwide in utilising water more efficiently. This paper presents a study undertaken to explore the financial aspects of an in-building water re-use system. The financial issues are defined in terms of: capital costs, running costs, maintenance costs and water saving benefits. A model was developed to allow the user to specify factors pertinent to a net present value calculation and to map the viability space (i.e. the set of conditions required for the re-use system to be financially viable). The most important variable was found to be the annual maintenance cost. A scoring system was developed to indicate the degree of financial viability. Use of the model is explained by the application of three example cases.


The intrinsic defect of cadmium vacancy (VCd) in cadmium telluride (CdTe) has been studied by first-principles calculations using potentials with both the screened hybrid functional of Heyd, Scuseria, and Ernzerhof (HSE) approximation and the generalized gradient approximation of the Perdew—Burke—Ernzerhof form (PBE-GGA). Both results show that the Td structure of the VCd defect for different charges is the most stable structure as compared with the distorted C3v structure with one hole localized at one of the four nearest Te atoms. This indicates that the John—Teller distortion (C3v) structure may be unstable in bulk CdTe crystal. The reason likely lies in the delocalized resonance nature of the t2 state of the VCd defect. Moreover, the formation energy obtained by the HSE method is about 0.6–0.8 eV larger than that obtained by the PBE method. The transition levels calculated by the PBE method and the HSE method are similar and well consistent with the experimental results.


Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Cichorium intybus on lipid peroxidation activities of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, inflammatory mediators, myocardial enzymes and histopathology of cardiac tissues in experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg) combined with high energy intake in rats. Seed extract of Cichorium intybus (CIE) (250 mg/kg & 500 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day for 3 weeks. Phytochemical investigations of seed extract revealed presence of some active ingredients such as alkaloids, tannins, saponin, phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. Seed extract of Cichorium intybus confirmed a significant potency towards restoring the blood glucose, an elevation of the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), blood glutathione (GSH), TNF-α and IL-6 and a reduction in the levels of catalase (CAT) was observed following the STZ treatment. Oxidative stress was accompanied by myocardial degeneration as evidenced by histopathological examination of cardiac tissues. Administration of CIE reduced the lipid peroxides level in heart. Serum levels of AST, GSH, LDH and SOD were brought down to physiological levels by CIE in STZ induced DCM rats. CIE also markedly down-regulated serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Catalase that was reduced in serum was brought back to near normal level. The extensive necrotic changes of cardiac tissue by STZ was minimized to normal morphology upon CIE administration. The study demonstrates the cardioprotective effect of CIE via inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.


Summary.  Background: Gene therapy could prevent bleeding in patients with hemophilia A, but might induce antibodies that block factor VIII (FVIII) function. Objectives: To test the efficacy of gene therapy in the newborn period for preventing a response to human FVIII (hFVIII) because of immaturity of the immune system. Methods: Varying doses of a retroviral vector (RV) expressing a B domain‐deleted hFVIII cDNA were injected i.v. into newborn hemophilia A C57BL/6 or normal C3H mice. Mice were evaluated for hFVIII expression, hemostasis, and development of anti‐hFVIII antibodies with inhibitory activity. Results and conclusions: Injection of a high RV dose [1010 transducing units (TU) kg−1] into newborn hemophilia A or C3H mice resulted in 61% and 13% of normal hFVIII antigen in plasma, respectively; most mice did not produce anti‐hFVIII antibodies, and hemophilia A mice did not bleed. Furthermore, most mice with >20 ng mL−1 of hFVIII in plasma (10% normal, 1 × 10−10 m) were tolerant to hFVIII, as an antibody response was markedly reduced after challenge with hFVIII with or without adjuvant. However, most RV‐treated animals with lower antigen levels developed antibodies before or after challenge. Thus, initiation of a gene therapy trial with low RV doses might increase inhibitor formation. Furthermore, frequent hFVIII infusions in newborns with hemophilia A might reduce inhibitor formation. Finally, difficulties in achieving tolerance after gene therapy for hemophilia A as compared to hemophilia B may relate to lower expression of FVIII than FIX, as high antigen levels are most effective at inducing tolerance.


Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a subset of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with bone marrow involvement, monotypic immunoglobulin (Ig) M and a light chain of neoplastic cells. A 68-year-old woman presented with fever, nausea, vomiting, and pancytopenia. Her serum albumin/globulin ratio was reversed, and monoclonal gammopathy of IgM, lambda type (23.20%, 1.58 g/dL) was detected. In her bone marrow, increased small lymphocytes were admixed with plasmacytoid lymphocytes and plasma cells. She was diagnosed as having lymphoplasmacytic variant of WM. Immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometic analysis revealed two distinct populations; monoclonal B cells (kappa+) and abnormal plasma cells (CD19-/CD56+/lambda+). She expired 19 days after admission due to septic shock. This is a rare case of WM exhibiting a light chain discrepancy between monoclonal B lymphocytes and paraprotein-secreting plasma cells. Light chain restriction may occur distinctly between lymphocyte and plasma cell populations in WM.


We consider the problem of searching for an unpredictable moving target, using a robot that lacks a map of the environment, lacks the ability to construct a map, and has imperfect navigation ability. We present a complete algorithm, which yields a motion strategy for the robot that guarantees the elusive target will be detected, if such a strategy exists. It is assumed that the robot has an omnidirectional sensing device that is used to detect moving targets and also discontinuities in depth data in a 2D environment. We also show that the robot has the same problem solving power as a robot that has a complete map and perfect navigation abilities. The algorithm has been implemented in simulation, and some examples are shown.


Given a real world graph, how should we lay-out its edges? How can we compress it? These questions are closely related, and the typical approach so far is to find clique-like communities, like the cavemen graph', and compress them. We show that the block-diagonal mental image of the cavemen graph' is the wrong paradigm, in full agreement with earlier results that real world graphs have no good cuts. Instead, we propose to envision graphs as a collection of hubs connecting spokes, with super-hubs connecting the hubs, and so on, recursively. Based on the idea, we propose the SLASHBURN method to recursively split a graph into hubs and spokes connected only by the hubs. We also propose techniques to select the hubs and give an ordering to the spokes, in addition to the basic SLASHBURN. We give theoretical analysis of the proposed hub selection methods. Our view point has several advantages: (a) it avoids the no good cuts' problem, (b) it gives better compression, and (c) it leads to faster execution times for matrix-vector operations, which are the back-bone of most graph processing tools. Through experiments, we show that SLASHBURN consistently outperforms other methods for all data sets, resulting in better compression and faster running time. Moreover, we show that SLASHBURN with the appropriate spokes ordering can further improve compression while hardly sacrificing the running time.


Biodiversity of natural populations, biodiversity located on farm and the
 introduced cultivars and selections are a rich source of genetic variability
 in sour and sweet cherries, but they have never been bread with the aim of
 creating decorative varieties. Low vigour − dwarfing and upright − sour
 cherry genotypes, NS 1/16 KK and NS 1/24 KK, were selected from natural
 population of Fruska Gora and private arboretum, respectively. Sweet cherry
 selections NS 6/15 K and RS 8/27 were part of on farm conservation of
 genetic resources. Furthermore, reduction in vigour was achieved by defining
 specific combining abilities as a result of rootstock/scion interaction. The
 outcome of this study is unique columnar and dwarf forms that integrate
 specific genetic potential of varieties and selections, their interaction
 with rootstocks and traditional horticultural skills. Collected biodiversity
 is another confirmation that the Balkan peninsula is one of the most
 valuable secondary centres of genetic diversity and inexhaustible gene pool
 for breeding both, varieties and vegetative rootstocks.


Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a pivotal enzyme that plays a key role in photosynthetic CO2 fixation in C4. However, the function of C3 PEPCs and their roles at environmental CO2 changes are still limited. Here, we report the role of PPC2 in seedling growth at low CO2 by linking photorespiratory metabolism with primary metabolism and involvement of ABA and ABI5. Mutation of PPC2 caused seedling growth arrest, with reduced Fv/Fm, photosynthetic carbohydrates and ABA biosynthesis at low CO2. PPC2 is induced by low CO2 and the PEPC activity was greatly reduced in ppc2 leaves. Moreover, metabolic analyses showed the photorespiratory intermediates, glycine and serine, were greatly increased and primary metabolites were reduced. Application of sucrose, malate and ABA greatly rescued the growth arrest phenotype of ppc2. The expression of glycine/serine synthesis and metabolism related photorespiratory enzyme genes were decreased in ppc2 and regulated by ABI5 at low CO2 conditions. ppc2 and abi5 mature plants exhibited reduced A-Ci curves at relatively low CO2, which could be recovered by non-photorespiratory low oxygen conditions. ABI5 expression greatly rescued the growth arrest and A-Ci curves of ppc2 at low CO2. Our findings demonstrate the important role of C3 PEPCs in carbon fixation and metabolism.


The Canadian forest sector is facing a time of significant transformation. In this brief we argue that regulatory analysis and foresight is an essential component of the successful transformation of the forest sector. As a first step to a regulatory analysis and foresight, we will illustrate here how to think about regulation based on the hindsight gleaned from the agricultural sector. Specifically we will derive lessons learned from the history of agricultural biofuels. A shift of energy production toward biofuels seems to support all of the three pillars of sustainable development. Accordingly, the most widely produced transport biofuel internationally, agricultural ethanol, has been marketed as a smart and green choice and as better alternative to oil-based gasoline. This image is now crumbling somewhat. We will focus on lessons learned from the agricultural biofuels story (paying special attention to the case of ethanol) and explore what hindsight can teach us.


Introduction: Community services are gaining ground when it comes to attention to patients with psychiatric diseases. Regarding patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), the use of information and communication technology (ICT) could help to shift the focus from hospital-centered attention to community services. This study compares the differences in mental health services provided for patients with TRS in Budapest (Hungary), Tel-Aviv (Israel) and Catalonia (Spain) by means of a method for the quick appraisal of gaps among the three places, for a potential implementation of the same ICT tool in these regions. Methods: An adapted version of the Description and Standardised Evaluation of Services and Directories in Europe for Long Term Care (DESDE-LTC) instrument was made by researchers in Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary), Gertner Institute (Tel-Aviv, Israel) and Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu (Catalonia, Spain). Results: Two types of outpatient care services were available in the three regions. Only one type of day-care facility was common in the whole study area. Two residential care services, one for acute and the other for non-acute patients were available in every region. Finally, two self-care and volunteer-care facilities were available in the three places. Conclusion: Although the availability of services was different in each region, most of the services provided were sufficiently similar to allow the implementation of the same ICT solution in the three places.


Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) was reported to be related to occurrence of both biochemical and histopathological changes in hepatic tissue. DM-induced tissue damage and decreased immunity may favor carcinogenesis and tumor development in pediatric practice and adults. In this study, we aimed at investigating the hepatoprotective and tissue-protective effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV) against DM-induced hepatic derangements over a relatively long period (30 days). Effects were evaluated using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM in rats as an experimental model. Materials and methods: DM was experimentally caused by injecting one dose of STZ (65 mg/kg given through intraperitoneal injection. Thirty wistar rats were categorized into three experimental groups: control group, STZ-treated group and STZ plus ACV treated group 2 ml/kg BW). Animals were sacrificed 30 days post treatment. Results: Our study revealed that ACV administration induced hepatoprotective effects in diabetic rats. Biochemically, ACV reduced significantly serum glycemic values (glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol while high density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased). STZ-induced DM in rats was associated with marked fatty changes hepatocytes cytoplasm evidenced by accumulation of lipid droplets and inflammatory changes e.g. lymphocytic infiltration. That was confirmed by Electron microscopic evaluation that showed aggregations of polymorphic mitochondria, loss of mitochondrial cristae and condensed mitochondrial matrices. Hepatocytes cytoplasm showed vacuolations with a large number of variable-sized lipid droplets. Hepatocytes rough endoplasmic reticulum got distorted and fragmented into smaller stacks. ACV proved effective in reversing all these metabolic changes. ACV-treated hepatocytes exhibited minimal STZ-induced toxic effects. ACV enhanced recovery of the injured hepatocytes and normalized serum biochemical values. In prophetic medicine, Prophet Muhammad (Allah's apostle peace be upon him) strongly advised eating vinegar and considered it as the best edible as narrated in the prophetic hadith: "vinegar is the best edible". Conclusion: ACV is promising as a food additive or as a part of diet in diabetic patients particularly in early stages of DM. ACV slows down DM progress and causes hepatoprotection against the metabolic damages resulting from STZ- induced diabetes mellitus


Selective hydrogenation is one of the most important reactions in fine chemical industry, and the activation of H2 is the key step for hydrogenation. Catalysts play a critical role in selective hydrogenation, and some single-atom catalysts (SACs) are highly capable of activating H2 in selective hydrogenation by virtue of the maximized atom utilization and the highly uniform active sites. Therefore, more research efforts are needed for the rational design of SACs with superior H2 -activating capabilities. Herein, the research progress on H2 activation in typical hydrogenation systems (such as alkyne hydrogenation, hydroformylation, hydrodechlorination, hydrodeoxygenation, nitroaromatics hydrogenation, and polycyclic aromatics hydrogenation) is reviewed, the mechanisms of SACs for H2 activation are summarized, and the structural regulation strategies for SACs are proposed to promote H2 activation and provide schemes for the design of high-selectivity hydrogenation catalysts from the atomic scale. At the end of this review, an outlook on the opportunities and challenges for SACs to be developed for selective hydrogenation is presented.


The inferior oocytes (IOs), which are not suitable for embryo development, occupy roughly one-third or more of the collected immature bovine oocytes. The IOs are usually discarded from the in vitro bovine embryo production process. Improving the quality of the inferior oocytes (IOs) and make them available in in vitro embryo production would have important biological, as well as commercial, value. This study was designed to investigate whether melatonin could improve the quality of IOs and make them usable in the in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent (in vitro fertilization) IVF embryo development. The results indicated that: the maturation rate of IOs and their subsequent IVF embryo developments were impaired compared to cumulus-oocyte complexes and melatonin treatment significantly improved the quality of IOs, as well as their IVF and embryo developments. The potential mechanisms are that: (1) melatonin reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced glutathione (GSH) levels in the IOs, thereby protecting them from oxidative stress; (2) melatonin improved mitochondrial normal distribution and function to increase ATP level in IOs; and (3) melatonin upregulated the expression of ATPase 6, BMP-15, GDF-9, SOD-1, Gpx-4, and Bcl-2, which are critical genes for oocyte maturation and embryo development and downregulated apoptotic gene expression of caspase-3.


By using the system analysis, the authors estimate the prevalence of cancer diseases upon exposure to many environmental factors. They describe a formula of the integrated exposure index. Application of the information-aentropion analysis identifies habitat modules that affect cancer morbidity. The findings may be used when developing a regional "Oncology" program.


The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding proteins (IGFBPs) carry IGFs in serum and regulate their activity and bioavailability. The main IGFBP in serum, IGFBP-3, is known to form a 150-kDa complex with IGFs and the acid-labile subunit (ALS). We investigated the binding of IGFBP-3 to additional association proteins in human serum (IGFBP-3 APs). Ligand blots, column chromatography, and affinity cross-linking experiments revealed the specific binding of IGFBP-3 to at least three novel serum proteins. These techniques demonstrated the presence of proteins with molecular masses of 70, 100, and 150 kDa that bind IGFBP-3 with high affinity. Serum ALS migrated separately (at 88 kDa) from the novel IGFBP-3 APs (as evident by Western immunoblot), and bound IGFBP-3 weakly (by reverse ligand blots). We also demonstrated that large amounts of one of the IGFBP-3 APs and small amounts of ALS were coimmunoprecipitated with IGFBP-3 from human serum. Similar to ALS, these IGFBP-3 APs are acid labile and lose their IGFBP-3 binding capacity after exposure to low pH. We conclude that there are several serum proteins in addition to ALS and IGFs that bind IGFBP-3 with high affinity. These IGFBP-3 APs may serve as an additional reservoir of IGFBP-3 or modulate its functions.


We compare the geomorphology of several convergent continental margins to constrain the seismic hazard of the Cascadia margin offshore Oregon, and present the possibility of a slow earthquake mechanism for a characteristic Cascadia event. The Cascadia seafloor has a very delicate bathymetry, with well‐preserved landslides and noneroded slopes approaching 20°, unusual for a margin that produces M∼9 earthquakes. Three‐dimensional seismic and multibeam bathymetry data from the Nankai Trough suggest ubiquitous erosion over the entire margin with a smooth lower slope, devoid of large landslides, as would be expected on an accretionary margin that produces M∼8.5 earthquakes. The accretionary Makran (Pakistan) and Kodiak (Alaska) margins have evidence of mass wasting and smooth lower slopes that lack large landslides. The nonaccreting Nicaraguan, Sanriku, and Aleutian margins have large, well‐preserved landslides that add roughness elements to the slope, and have produced anomalously large tsunami, suggesting a slow source mechanism. Quantitative analysis of the lower slope roughness suggests the Cascadia has a characteristic geomorphology substantially different than the other sedimented convergent margins. The geomorphology, heat flow, pore pressure regime, and accounts of the 1700 "megathrust" event suggest a possible characteristic earthquake with a slow source mechanism. Rupture velocity would be high enough to be tsunamigenic, but accelerations would be low such that downslope erosion is minimal. To make the distinction between a slow and rapid source mechanism is critical in planning for seismic hazard in the Pacific Northwest.


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Dramatic clinical responses to a first generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib have been observed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) haboring ALK fusion gene. Alectinib (CH5424802) (Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) is a second generation ALK-TKI could partially overcome acquired resistance to crizotinib in vitro (Cancer Cell 19, 2011: 679-90), and showed promising result in phase I/II clinical trials with high response rate (93.5 %) and less toxicity than crizotinib. However, even this promising ALK-TKI, the problem of acquired resistance is inevitable.

To elucidate resistant mechanisms, we established an alectinib-resistant cell line H2228/CHR from H2228 that have echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion gene, by continuous exposure to this agent. ALK fusion gene disappeared in H2228/CHR, which was confirmed Western blotting, IHC, qRT-PCR and FISH. H2228/CHR cells presented higher phosphorylated levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) than the parental H2228 cells and became more sensitive to EGFR-TKI erlotinib.

Next, we established alectinib-resistant ABC-11/CHR cells from ABC-11, a cell line established from pleural effusion of EML4-ALK positive ALK-TKI naive patient. In ABC-11/CHR cells, phosphorylated levels of ALK was markedly decreased and phosphorylated levels of MET was increased.In addition, autocrine of HGF was increased in ABC-11/CHR cells. ABC-11/CHR showed sensitivity to ALK/MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor, crizotinib in vitro and in vivo model.

In conclusion, inactivation of ALK signaling induced acquired resistance to alectinib in NSCLC harboring ALK fusion gene. Signaling switch from ALK to EGFR or MET was observed in the alectinib-resistant cells. We revealed to overcome such acquired resistance using erlotinib or crizotinib.

Citation Format: Hideko Isozaki, Eiki Ichihara, Masayuki Yasugi, Ochi Nobuaki, Katsuyuki Hotta, Nagio Takigawa, Toshiaki Sendo, Mitsune Tanimoto, Katsuyuki Kiura. ALK inactivation induced acquired resistance to alectinib in lung cancer harboring EML4-ALK fusion gene. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3721. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3721


Chlorine evolution reaction has been applied in the production since a century ago. After times of evolution, it has been widely realized by the electrocatalytic process on anode nowadays. However, the anode applied in production contains a large amount of precious metal, increasing the cost. It is thus an opportunity to apply sub-nano catalysts in this field. By regulating the tip effect (TE) of the catalyst, it was discovered that the oxidized sub-nano iridium clusters supported by titanium carbide exhibit much higher efficiency than the single-atom one, which demonstrates the significance of modifying the electronic interaction. Moreover, it exhibits a ~20% decrease of the electricity, ~98% selectivity towards chlorine evolution reaction, and high durability of over 350 h. Therefore, this cluster catalyst performs great potential in applying in the practical production and the comprehension of the tip effect on different types of catalysts is also pushed to a higher level.


OBJECTIVE
The incorporation of bowel segments for urinary tract reconstruction may induce intestinal mucosal changes with the development of metabolic, nutritional, gastrointestinal and carcinogenic complications. The early histological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucosa in contact with the feces-urine mixture, are evaluated in the present study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve rats (operated group) were submitted to a vesico-colonic anastomosis, and 10 rats (control group) underwent a sham operation (the colon was opened and immediately sutured). On the operated group, the left colon was divided into 3 equal portions and the middle segment was used for the bladder-colonic anastomosis. After 20 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the entire left colon in each group, as well as the bladder and the vesico-colonic anastomosis in the operated group, was removed. The proximal, middle (anastomotic site in the operated group and sutured portion in the control group) and distal colon were used for histological and histochemical studies.

RESULTS
Metaplasia, chronic inflammatory process and fibrosis were significantly greater at the anastomotic site compared to the middle segment of the control group. There were no differences in both groups in terms of dysplasia, atrophy and hypertrophy either on the proximal, middle or anastomotic area and distal portion of the left colon. All animals in the operated group showed a reduced presence of sulfomucin and an increase in the sialomucin content.

CONCLUSION
The histological changes observed in this study may suggest a precancerous phenomenon.


A methodology for the correlation of offshore Silesian (Upper Carboniferous) sequences is developed using an integrative approach based upon biostratigraphy, downhole logging and geochemistry. We develop the combined use of miospore zonation, gamma ray spectrometry, formation velocities and carbon/sulphur ratios to determine the location of marine horizons and other lithofacies in a thick (>1 km) largely uncored Silesian sequence in the Southern North Sea Gas Basin. At least nine major marine horizons are recognized within a basin-fill sequence of Marsdenian, Yeadonian and Langsettian ages (Namurian B/C and Westphalian A) in the well. These horizons help to provide a detailed subdivision of the offshore sequence, although the correlations must remain tentative until further deep wells are drilled in the area. The implications of the correlations for offshore palaeogeography are that the area of northern Quadrant 48 was a deep, periodically anoxic basin until infill by successive submarine fan lobes in late Marsdenian times. Yeadonian delta front and coastal plain deposits pass upwards into fluvio-deltaic/wetland facies of the Langsettian.


BACKGROUND
Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is one of the main by-products of beer industry, little used because of its high moisture making it difficult to transport and store. Mainly used as animal feed and for energy production, the agro-industrial waste have recently attracted attention as source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in many sectors as food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food packaging. The present work focuses on BSG as potential source of valuable small-size bioactive compounds.

METHODS
Laboratory-made BSG was obtained by using four base malts for mashing. After drying, BSG was eco-friendly extracted with water and the extracts analyzed by untargeted ElectroSpray Ionization (ESI)-Mass Spectrometry (MS)/Mass Spectrometry (MS) (ESI-MS/MS) infusion experiments and by targeted High Performance Liquid Chromatography-PhotoDiodeArray-ElectroSpray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS) in Selected Ion Recording (SIR) mode analysis, to investigate the metabolic profile, the phenolic profile, the individual phenolic content, and tryptophan content. Aqueous extracts of malts and wort samples were also analyzed for a comparison. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test. An explorative analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also carried out on malts, wort and threshes, in order to study correlation among samples and between samples and variables.

RESULTS
The untargeted ESI-MS/MS infusion experiments provided the mass spectral fingerprint of BSG, evidencing amino acids (γ-aminobutyric acid, proline, valine, threonine, leucine/isoleucine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine and arginine) and organic and inorganic acids (pyruvic, lactic, phosphoric, valerianic, malonic, 2-furoic, malic, citric and gluconic acids), besides sugars. γ-Aminobutyric acid and lactic acid resulted predominant among the others. The targeted HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS in SIR mode analysis provided the phenolic profile of the polar fraction of BSG, evidenced tryptophan as the main residual metabolite in BSG (62.33-75.35 μg/g dry BSG), and catechin (1.13-4.24 μg/g dry BSG) as the representative phenolic antioxidant of not pre-treated BSG samples. The chemometric analysis of the individual compounds content in BSG, malt and wort evidenced similarities and differences among the samples.

CONCLUSIONS
As main goal, the phytochemical characterization of BSG from base malts highlighted BSG as a potential source of small biomolecules, as tryptophan and catechin, besides γ-aminobutyric acid and lactic acid, opening to new perspectives of application for BSG. Strategies for their recovery are a future challenge. Moreover, ESI-MS/MS analysis was confirmed as a powerful tool for fast characterization of complex matrix. Last, results obtained by chemometric elaboration of data demonstrated the possibility to monitor a small number of molecules to ensure the quality of a final product.


Deep sub-micrometer/nano CMOS circuits are more sensitive to externally induced radiation phenomena that are likely to cause the occurrence of so-called soft errors. Therefore, the tolerance of the circuit to the soft errors is a strict requirement in nanoscale circuit designs. Since the traditional error tolerant methods result in significant cost penalties in terms of power, area, and performance, the development of low-cost hardened designs for storage cells (such as latches and memories) is of increasing importance. This paper proposes three new hardened designs for CMOS latches at 32 nm feature size; these circuits are Schmitt trigger based, while the third one utilizes a cascode configuration in the feedback loop. The Cascode ST latch has 112% higher critical charge than the conventional reference latch with only 10% area increase. A novel design metric (QPAR) for latches is introduced to assess the overall design effectiveness such as area, performance, power, and soft error tolerance. The novel metric (QPAR) shows the proposed cascode ST latch achieves up to 36% improvement in terms of QPAR compared with the existing hardening designs. Monte Carlo analysis has confirmed the robustness of the proposed hardened latches to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations.


Several procedures are advised to manage fractured anterior tooth structure using acrylic resin, composite restoration, ceramic or metal crown with ceramic facing. Biologic restoration is a procedure to restore fractured tooth structure with natural tooth material. In this in vitro case we have made an attempt for aesthetic rehabilitation of maxillary central incisor with similar biologic crown taken form extracted maxillary central incisor. It was observed that biologic restoration is an aesthetic, economical, fast and functional procedure which can be used as an alternative method to restore fractured primary or permanent anteriors.


Abstract Purpose This article provides a description of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), its current uses and clinical outcomes, and potential uses. Review of Relevant Literature PHMB is an antiseptic agent from the cationic biocide family, which also includes chlorhexidine. In vitro testing has found it to be effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, fungi and viruses. Its action is directed toward disruption of the cell wall, a mechanism not known for developing resistance. PHMB is currently used for many other products and industries for more than 50 years. Dressings impregnated with PHMB are now successfully being used to prevent surgical site infections. Discussion Elimination of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is now the achievable goal for all healthcare settings. The use of PHMB provides another engineering tool targeting the skin as the source of these infections. Successful use with prevention of surgical site infections is now being reported. These wounds can become infected with the same organisms as those found in CRBSI. Implications for Clinical Practice This agent should be considered for clinical studies to determine the rates of CRBSI reduction resulting from its use.


In ElasCCK2 transgenic mice expressing cholecystokinin (CCK2) receptor in acinar cells, pancreatic phenotypic alterations and preneoplastic lesions are observed. We determined whether activation of phospholipase C gamma1 (PLCgamma1), known to contribute to the tumorigenesis pathophysiology, could take place as a new signaling pathway induced by the CCK2 receptor. Overexpression and activation of the PLCgamma1 in response to gastrin was observed in acinar cells. The possibility that the C-terminal tyrosine 438 of the CCK2 receptor associates with the SH2 domains of PLCgamma1 was examined. A specific interaction was demonstrated using surface plasmon resonance, confirmed in a cellular system and by molecular modeling.


Current neurointensive care guidelines recommend intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) centered management for moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to their demonstrated associations with patient outcome. Cerebrovascular reactivity metrics, such as the pressure reactivity index (PRx), pulse amplitude index (PAx), and RAC index, have also demonstrated significant prognostic capabilities with regards to outcome. However, critical thresholds for cerebrovascular reactivity indices have only been identified in two studies conducted at the same center. In this study, we aim to determine the critical thresholds of these metrics by leveraging a unique multicenter database. The study included a total of 354 patients from the CAnadian High-Resolution TBI (CAHR-TBI) Research Collaborative. Based on 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scores, patients were dichotomized into Alive vs. Dead and Favorable vs. Unfavorable. Chi-square values were then computed for incrementally increasing values of each physiological parameter of interest against outcome. The values that generated the greatest chi-squares for each parameter were considered to be the thresholds with the greatest outcome discriminatory capacity. To confirm that the identified thresholds provide prognostic utility, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) variables. Through the chi-square analysis, a lower limit CPP threshold of 60 mmHg and ICP thresholds of 18 mmHg and 22 mmHg were identified for both survival and favorable outcome predictions. For the cerebrovascular reactivity metrics, different thresholds were identified for the two outcome dichotomizations. For survival prediction, thresholds of 0.35, 0.25, and 0 were identified for PRx, PAx, and RAC, respectively. For favorable outcome prediction, thresholds of 0.325, 0.20, and 0.05 were found. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the time spent above/below thresholds were associated with outcome. Further, multivariable logistic regression analysis found that percent time above/below the identified thresholds added additional variance to the IMPACT core model for predicting both survival and favorable outcome. In this study, we were able to validate the results of the previous two works as well as reaffirm the ICP and CPP guidelines from the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) and the Seattle International Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Consensus Conference (SIBICC).


James Cook University (JCU) is a regional university committed to providing a quality learning experience and offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science course in both internal and external mode, and on 5 campuses which are separated by more than 1700 km at its extremes. Students who study in their own local, supported community experience greater success in completing their studies and also tend to remain or return to rural or remote locations during their career. Challenges faced by Universities such as JCU include the need to provide active learning experiences for all students, irrespective of mode or location, and to mitigate the impact of the very different affordances of the learning spaces, technology and resources available to learners at each site and via each mode.

The OLT Project: 'At the COAL-FACE' (Community of Active Learners – Flexible, Adaptive, Connected and Engaged) builds on the Spaces for Knowledge Generation research on learning space design (Souter et al, 2011) and seeks to adapt the seven principles of learning space design for a multi-campus and distance education context. The COAL-FACE project aims to enhance the student learning experience and teaching staff readiness to work across sites and in different technology afforded spaces to support active, constructivist learning. The project uses a large and geographically dispersed Bachelor level course as a case study to describe strategies that may enhance student learning in such an environment. The presentation describes the project, the context of the environment, the development of strategies to improve the students' learning experiences in the physical and virtual environments, implementation strategies and the planned measures of intervention impact.


The geometries, stabilities, electronic, and magnetic properties of AunSc clusters have been systematically investigated by density functional theory. The lowest energy structures of AunSc favor planar structure and the doped Sc atom does not disturb the frame of Aun clusters with n ≤ 11. For n ≥ 12, Sc atom is fully encapsulated by the Au cages. From the analysis of the second-order energy difference, the fragmentation energies, vertical ionization potential, vertical electron affinity, and HOMO-LUMO gap, the clusters with odd Au atoms possess relatively higher stabilities than their neighbor size. The doping of Sc atom can greatly improve the stability and change the sequence of chemical activity for Aun. For n ≤ 11, the total magnetic moments of AunSc appear the alternation between 0.00 and 1.00 μB. The total magnetic moments are quenched when Sc is trapped into the Au cages with n ≥ 12.


This paper provides an introductory overview of how one may employ importance sampling effectively as a tool for solving stochastic optimization formulations incorporating tail risk measures such as Conditional Value-at-Risk. Approximating the tail risk measure by its sample average approximation, while appealing due to its simplicity and universality in use, requires a large number of samples to be able to arrive at risk-minimizing decisions with high confidence. This is primarily due to the rarity with which the relevant tail events get observed in the samples. In simulation, Importance Sampling is among the most prominent methods for substantially reducing the sample requirement while estimating probabilities of rare events. Can importance sampling be used for optimization as well? If so, what are the ingredients required for making importance sampling an effective tool for optimization formulations involving rare events? This tutorial aims to provide an introductory overview of the two key ingredients in this regard, namely, (i) how one may arrive at an importance sampling change of measure prescription at every decision, and (ii) the prominent techniques available for integrating such a prescription within a solution paradigm for stochastic optimization formulations.


Pramuka is a form of non-formal education that becomes a place in the implementation of Pramuka education. In Pramuka activities, its members are trained with various skills, including leadership, discipline, self-confidence, mutual help, and independence. Its activities are generally carried out in the open with fun, interesting, directed activities by the basic principles and Pramuka methods. In general, Pramuka activities are only filled with the same activities, but in Sudirman Kalipare High School, Malang Regency has innovations for Pramuka as extracurricular activities by incorporating entrepreneurial learning. As a result, students are increasingly honed in their creativity and find a breakthrough to developed into an entrepreneurial venture with low capital and maximum results. Jendral Sudirman High School Scout Contingent won 1st place in the Sangga Putri Business Plan in the Pramuka Achievement Competition in the Bali-Bali Level VIII 2019.


We present a case report of an 18-year-old male who was referred to the emergency department with evidence of methaemoglobinaemia. He presented with classic symptoms with peripheral cyanosis and hypoxia. Arterial blood gas showed a methaemoglobin level of 36%. This was caused by ingestion of alkyl nitrate, a widespread party drug called "poppers". When inhaled it causes euphoria, reduced pain and relaxation of the anal sphincter, but oral use may induce life-threatening methaemoglobinaemia. The treatment of choice is the antidote methylene blue. After treatment the patient regained full recovery and was discharged on the following day. We discuss classic symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of intoxication with methylene blue.


The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth of Aegla manuinflata Bond-Buckup & Santos, 2009 in natural environment. Samplings were monthly performed, from April/2006 to May/2007, in a tributary of Ibicui-Mirim River, which belongs to the Uruguay River basin, at Sao Pedro do Sul municipality, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Traps and dip nets were used to collect the animals. The specimens were sexed and had their cephalothoracic length (CL) measured, using a digital caliper with 0.01 mm precision. The growth was evaluated using the von Bertalanffy model. The growth curves in length (mm), for the data obtained through the modal progression, are described by the equations: Ct = 28.00 [1 - e-0.0047(t+10.63)] for males and Ct = 25.16 [1 - e-0.0051(t+17.65)] for females. The maximum estimated age for males was three years and for females was two years and six months.


The application of robotics in the construction industry has been growing recently. However, it suffers from the lack of construction dedicated systems. The industry is characterised largely by designers and researchers scrambling to adapt systems from other industries and trying to apply them to the construction industry. In the application of Curtain Wall Module (CWM) installations, "HEPHAESTUS" is a European founded project that is engaged in designing a Cable Driven Parallel Robot (CDPR) automatic system capable of 1 mm positioning accuracy. It can perform other tasks such as drilling on the building by using a dedicated Modular End Effector (MEE). Conventional CWM installation from the outside of the building can be done in the case of 15 m/s wind but, to be competitive, the automatic cable robot system should be able to perform the task in similar outdoor situations. However, the cable robot – like other mechanical systems – has a specific stiffness which means that it could move slightly in the event of an external load such as wind, depending on the exerted load and stiffness. This movement should not be transferred to the final tool (e.g. the driller) while it's performing tasks on the building. To prevent or minimise the effect of the external load on the final tool in the chain of the mechanically connected system, a damping system should therefore exist. This paper introduces the novel hexapod-shaped passive damper. The damping system will be mathematically modelled and simulated using the Matlab Simscape software. The simulation results give logical consequences on the design. The designed damper and model can be used in other applications or dimensions with some simple modifications.