Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in India, despite abundant sunshine, due to several socioeconomic and cultural constraints. Fortification of staple foods with vitamin D is a viable population-based strategy for the general population in India. These strategies are discussed in the review article entitled, "Fortification of Foods With Vitamin D in India" [1]. The quantity of foods consumed by children is much smaller compared to adults. Therefore, children need energy-dense and micronutrient-dense foods to meet their daily nutritional requirements. Targeted food fortification programs are needed to meet the special needs of children. This review explores potential strategies that could be used for fortification of foods with vitamin D for children in India. Sattu has the potential to be a valuable vehicle for vitamin D fortification in India. The salient characteristics and merits of sattu as an ideal food to be fortified with micronutrients, especially vitamin D, are reviewed here. Key teaching points: • Fortification of foods with vitamin D, specifically targeted towards the nutritional requirements of infants and children, is a viable strategy in the Indian scenario. •Government programs targeting the nutritional needs of children in India, especially via midday meal programs in schools, should incorporate indigenous ready-to-eat foods fortified with micronutrients including vitamin D. These foods would need to have longer shelf life, require minimal preparation, and have economic and technological feasibility. • Sattu, a protein rich Indian fast food, comprised of roasted flour made from cereals and legumes, has immense potential to serve as an economically and technologically feasible fortification vehicle for vitamin D fortification strategies.


Introduction:the article is devoted to modern methods of learning outcomes assessment. As the authors of the article show, recently the evaluation of learning outcomes is inextricably linked with the quality of education provided by an educational institution. It is noted that today there is no single interpretation of the concept "quality of education". Due to the introduction of a competence-based approach, graduates now form not just a certain amount of knowledge and skills, but the ability to use it, to apply the experience gained in practice, so modern assessment should be fundamentally new and different from traditional methods.Materials and methods:the article identifies the features of the competency assessment system. The basic provisions of the assessment methodology were established and on their basis we identified the components of the model model of the automated assessment of professional competencies. Identified principles for constructing a competency assessment modelResults:the article analyzes the existing modern assessment tools. Among them, the methods characteristic of the authentic approach were singled out, as well as the advantages of using the electronic platform Moodle for the evaluation procedure. A new system for assessing the quality of the educational process, a point-rating system for evaluating the results of the work of the trainer, is being considered.Discussion and Conclusions: The article discusses existing tools and technologies for assessing learning outcomes, which have many advantages and their combined use makes it possible to simplify the assessment process as much as possible, to make it more convenient and intensive. The proposed recommendations for the evaluation of educational results favor not only the correct assessment of the results of the educational process, but also the ongoing monitoring of the development of professional competencies.


In addition to the problems that may occur in the Internet, the people who test mobile internet services confront additional challenges due to the wireless environment. If something goes wrong, it is very problematic for a tester to determine exactly where the error occurred and the reason why it occurred. Is it the software in the telephone that does not work properly, is the GPRS link stable, is the core network of the Internet working as it should, or is there something wrong at the server? The staff at Sony Ericsson has major difficulties determining where the origin of a problem is. They often simply know that something is not working. The major effort is often to detect the source of the actual problem rather than solving it.The PlayNow service provided by Sony Ericsson will be used as a reference service in this master's thesis project. The PlayNow service is currently used for distributing ring signals. It is built on Internet standards, but depends on GSM's specific features both for distribution and for e-commerce which makes it hard to test using existing web test tools. This Master's Thesis examines the difficulties in establishing robust IP traffic links between a server and a mobile telephone. It examines the entire communication path between the mobile telephone and the server, and focus on how to detect (potential) errors. Within this project, development of a test tool is included. It supports features necessary for testing the reference service PlayNow.This report covers many different technologies within the mobile internet such as GSM, GPRS, and mobile IP. Moreover, the normal infrastructure of the Internet will also be considered; as well as how the different parts interact in an environment consisting of a mobile Internet with GPRS. A major part of the project has been evaluation of the communication link between a mobile device and a server. Additionally, some efforts have focused on developing the new test tool.


The prevalence of problem gambling in the correctional system is about 10 times higher than in the general population, but programming for gambling problems in the correctional system is scarce. Examined barriers to treatment for problem gamblers in the correctional system, sex or gender differences, and options for program design. We conducted interviews with 16 experts who had worked with problem gamblers in the correctional system and analyzed the data in terms of themes. For barriers, the experts discussed a lack of awareness about problem gambling, as well as stigmatization and lockdowns. Experts described the content of current programs as equally applicable to both men and women, but that emotional components were more important for women. Finally, the experts had mixed views on whether programming should be integrated with other programs such as substance abuse. Programming implications for this population are discussed.


This paper describes the construction, calibration, and analysis of a multi-field integrated asset operations model (IAOM). The strategy is based on a hierarchical approach that introduces process concepts to assure simplicity, flexibility, and scalability as well as integration with external platforms without compromising on accuracy.
 As a part of ADNOC Onshore's implementation of the IAOM, well and network models were constructed and calibrated for modelling field scenarios, identifying bottlenecks, and replicating business requirements. The new approach is rooted in concepts to assure maintainability of the network model. A hierarchical approach implemented during construction and calibration was defined in levels from wells to processing facilities, and was later standardized for ease of replication of structures.
 Without compromising on accuracy, the new approach delivered ease of construction, calibration, and analysis that was not possible in an earlier field model. The flexibility in the hierarchical construction approach facilitated faster analyses of scenarios such as commingled flow-line effects and the impact of gas lift conversion. Additionally, model convergence time was reduced by half. The embedded scalability features increased efficiency in the modelling process such that the addition of a newly commissioned field to the network model became a simplified task, ensuring the model will be kept up to date. Hierarchy features facilitated ease of scenario definitions at different levels in the network and supported specific analyses.
 A nomenclature structure provided flexibility in classifying grouped or related objects for changes in status in defining scenarios. Additional benefits were gained through the ability to easily integrate with other analytical tools such as forecasting software and other intelligent monitoring platforms owing to standardizations built into the network model.
 This new approach allows engineers to understand the nuances of modeling and execute associated tasks in a structured and simplified manner, which can be replicated across other assets for increased efficiency and model performance.


In order to understand the factors influencing limestone capturing sulfur during coal combustion and improving its capacity, a series of tests were conducted under different reaction condtitions. The results show that the relation between limestone desulfurization and Ca/S (mol/mol) ratio varies with reaction temperature. The capacity of limestone capturing sulfur arrived at optimum when Ca/S is 1.5 at constant high temperature of 1080°C and the capacity of limestone capturing sulfur increases with temperature rising in the range of 25°C ~ 1080°C programmed temperature. The capacity of limestone capturing sulfur decreases with N2 content increasing in reaction gases and increases with suitable additives adding to limestone. The raw samples and the residuals after sample combustion were analyzed by EA and TG-DTA techniques.


Although Ascaris lumbricoides is a common intestinal parasite of humans with worldwide distribution causing ascariasis, Ascaris is a neglected disease and still is a burden in developing countries. Furthermore, the parasite's permanence and prevalence present difficulties in control strategies. Therefore, more research on the mechanisms of resistance to infection is required for reducing prevalence parasite and control of infections.


Abstract : An investigation of the accuracy of high-order methods for hypersonic shock wave turbulent boundary layer interaction (SWTBLI) is presented. The numerical methods considered here comprise of the Monotone-Upstream Central Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) and Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) schemes, 2nd to 9th order accurate in conjunction with structured and mixed element unstructured grids. Both Implicit Large Eddy Simulation (ILES) and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) computations have been performed. The effects of discretization on the turbulence transport equation, including the approximation method for the viscous gradient, are also investigated. The accuracy of the schemes in high Reynolds number RANS modeling is assessed against experimental data of a shock impingement on a flat plate at Mach number 5 and unit Reynolds number 37 106/m. ILES has been performed for the compression ramp case a moderate Reynolds numbers of 38.7 103, based on the boundary layer thickness, and compared to Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS).


We developed invisible code that is suitable for embedding into a natural image. Our code consists of a background layer, color adjustment layer and code layer. The code layer is composed of edgeless high-frequency blocks and edgeless low-frequency blocks. Two key technologies were devised to implement this idea. One is the color adjustment layer that adjusts the color of the background image for high-frequency blocks using an original blur filter. The other is the edgeless high-frequency block that increases the transparency of the periphery of the high-frequency block. To verify the effectiveness of our invisible code, we estimated the invisibility and reading accuracy for code embedded in four common types of images. The results demonstrate that the invisibility has been improved about 1.34 times and the reading accuracy has been improved about 1.38 times compared with the conventional invisible code.


Progestins provide safe, effective and cheap options for contraception as well as the treatment of a variety of gynaecological disorders. Episodes of irregular endometrial bleeding or breakthrough bleeding (BTB) are a major unwanted side effect of progestin treatment, such that BTB is the leading cause for discontinued use of an otherwise effective and popular medication. The cellular mechanisms leading to BTB are poorly understood. In this study, we make the novel finding that the large, dilated, thin walled vessels characteristic of human progestin-treated endometrium include both blood and lymphatic vessels. Increased blood and lymphatic vessel diameter are features of VEGF-D action in other tissues and we show by immunolocalisation and Western blotting that stromal cell decidualisation results in a significant increase in VEGF-D protein production, particularly of the proteolytically processed 21 kD form. Using a NOD/scid mouse model with xenografted human endometrium we were able to show that progestin treatment causes decidualisation, VEGF-D production and endometrial vessel dilation. Our results lead to a novel hypothesis to explain BTB, with stromal cell decidualisation rather than progestin treatment per se being the proposed causative event, and VEGF-D being the proposed effector agent.


RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for studying gene function owing to the ease with which it can selectively silence genes of interest, and it has also attracted attention because of its potential for therapeutic applications. Chemically synthesized small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and DNA vector-based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are now widely used as RNAi triggers. In contrast to expressed shRNAs, the use of synthetic shRNAs is limited. Here we designed shRNAs modeled on a precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) and evaluated their biological activity. We demonstrated that chemically synthetic pre-miRNA-based shRNAs have more potent RNAi activity than their corresponding siRNAs and found that their antisense strands are more efficiently incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex. Although greater off-target effects and interferon responses were induced by shRNAs than by their corresponding siRNAs, these effects could be overcome by simply using a lower concentration or by optimizing and chemically modifying shRNAs similar to synthetic siRNAs. These are challenges for the future.


Two hundred full-term pregnant mothers with no complication of pregnancy and no associated disease selected from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre were studied for their nutritional status and other characteristics. The effect of these factors on birthweight of their new-born was determined. Total calorie intake per capita per day was low being 1913. The mean birthweight was 2.9kg, 26% weighed 2.5kg or less. No significant sex difference was observed in the birthweight. Variables having a significant positive influence on birthweight were maternal age at first delivery, up to 25 years, beyond which correlation was not significant; maternal weight and maternal total calorie intake (irrespective of source) up to an intake of 2500 calorie per day, beyond which correlation was not significant. Combined effect of these three maternal factors on birthweight was highly significant. Coefficient of correlation, R being 0.81.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between health related quality of life (HRQoL) and severity of depression in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS
Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered to 103 MDD patients at the baseline and 6-week follow-up. Hamilton Depression Rating for Depression (HAMD) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were administered at the baseline, 2- and 6-week follow-up, respectively.

RESULTS
All SF-36 component scores in the 6-week follow-up were significantly higher than those at the baseline (P<0.01). The overall and subscale scores of HAMD except weight and CGI scores at the 2- and 6-week follow-up were significantly lower than those at the baseline (all P<0.01). The role-emotion score of the clinical remission group was significantly lower than that of the non-remission group. After a 6-week antidepressant treatment, all SF-36 component scores in both groups were significantly higher than those at the baseline, except body pain in the non-remission group. While scores of role-physical, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotion and mental health were significantly higher in the remission group than those in the non-remission group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). A higher overall score of HAMD, scores of cognitive disturbance and CGI were significantly associated with a worse SF-36 at the baseline (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After the 6-week treatment, a worse health transition was significantly associated with higher scores of HAMD and sleep disturbance at the baseline (P<0.01), a worse general health and role-emotion were strongly associated with higher score of anxiety/somatization at the baseline (both P<0.05). Score of general health was positively associated with reduction rate of cognitive disturbance at the 2-week endpoint (P<0.05) and scores of vitality and reported health transition were positively associated with the reduction rate of sleep disturbance at the 2-week endpoint (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION
The increasing severity of depression was significantly associated with a worse HRQoL in patients with MDD. A 6-week antidepressant treatment may result in comparable HRQoL improvements. The components of HRQoL vary with severity of various symptoms of depression at the baseline and their early improvement after the treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of p16 gene in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and its clinicopathological significance.

METHODS
Paraffin embedded biopsies from 64 patients with NHL were analysed for p16 gene expression by immunohistochemical methods and in situ hybridization technique.

RESULTS
Of the 64 NHL cases, 34(53.1%) were positive for p16 protein, 30(46.9%) lacked p16 protein, most of the positive signals were seen in the nuclei; 45(70.3%) were p16 mRNA positive, 19(29.7%) lost p16 mRNA and p16 mRNA was clearly observed in the cytoplasm of lymphocytes. p16 expression did not show correlation with such factors as sex, age and immunophenotype in NHL, but there was a significant difference between the pattern of expression of p16 in well differentiated lymphomas and poorly differentiated lymphomas (P < 0.05). Moreover, 42 patients were followed postoperatively for over 3 years, both p16 protein and mRNA correlated with the prognosis of these patients.

CONCLUSION
There was a higher incidence of negative expression of p16 mRNA and protein in NHL, which indicates that p16 gene inactivation may play an important role in the genesis and development of some NHL. The frequency of negative expression of p16 mRNA was lower than that of p16 protein suggests that it may be due to post-transcriptional regulation or the unsteadiness of mRNA or protein expressed. The positive expression of both p16 mRNA and p16 protein may be features for favorable prognosis in patients with NHL.


PREMISE OF THE STUDY
The growth limitation hypothesis (GLH) and carbon limitation hypothesis (CLH) are two dominant explanations for treeline formation. The GLH proposes that low temperature drives the treeline through constraining C sinks more than C sources, and it predicts that non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels are static or increase with elevation. Although the GLH has received strong support globally for evergreen treelines, there is still no consensus for deciduous treelines, which experience great asynchrony between supply and demand throughout the year.

METHODS
We investigated growth and the growing-season C dynamics in a common deciduous species, Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), along an elevational gradient from the closed forest to the treeline on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China. Samples were collected from developing organs (leaves and twigs) and main storage organs (stems and roots) for NSC analysis.

KEY RESULTS
Tree growth decreased with increasing elevation, and NSC concentrations differed significantly among elevations, organs, and sampling times. In particular, NSC levels varied slightly during the growing season in leaves, peaked in the middle of the growing season in twigs and stems, and increased continuously throughout the growing season in roots. NSCs also tended to increase or vary slightly in developing organs but decreased significantly in mature organs with increasing elevation.

CONCLUSIONS
The decrease in NSCs with elevation in main storage organs indicates support for the CLH, while the increasing or static trends in new developing organs indicate support for the GLH. Our results suggest that the growth limitation theory may be less applicable to deciduous species' growth than to that of evergreen species.


Objectives To gain insights into the ability of general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) to meet patient demands in out-of-hours primary care by comparing the outcomes of teams with different ratios of practitioners. Design Quasi-experimental study. Setting A GP cooperative (GPC) in the Netherlands. Intervention Team 2 (1 NP, 3 GPs) and team 3 (2 NPs, 2 GPs) were compared with team 1 (4 GPs). Each team covered 35 weekend days. Participants All 9503 patients who were scheduled for a consultation at the GPC through a nurse triage system. Outcome measures The primary outcome was the total number of consultations per provider for weekend cover between 10:00 and 18:00 hours. Secondary outcomes concerned the numbers of patients outside the NPs' scope of practice, patient safety, resource use, direct healthcare costs and GPs' performance. Results The mean number of consultations per shift was lower in teams with NPs (team 1: 93.9, team 3: 87.1; p<0.001). The mean proportion of patients outside NPs' scope of practice per hour was 9.0% (SD 6.7), and the highest value in any hour was 40%. The proportion of patients who did not receive treatment within the targeted time period was higher in teams with NPs (team 2, 5.2%; team 3, 8.3%) compared with GPs only (team 1 3.5%) (p<0.01). Team 3 referred more patients to the emergency department (14.7%) compared with team 1 (12.0%; p=0.028). In teams with NPs, GPs more often treated urgent patients (team 1: 13.2%, team 2: 16.3%, team 3: 21.4%; p<0.01) and patients with digestive complaints (team 1: 11.1%, team 2: 11.8%, team 3: 16.7%; p<0.01). Conclusions Primary healthcare teams with a ratio of up to two GPs and two NPs provided sufficient capacity to provide care to all patients during weekend cover. Areas of concern are the number of consultations, delay in patient care and referrals to the emergency department. Trial registration NCT02407847


Current efforts with light field displays are mainly concentrated on the widest possible viewing angle, while a single viewer only needs to view the display in a specific viewing direction. To make the light field display a practical practice, a super multi-view light field display is proposed to compress the information in the viewing zone of a single user by reducing the redundant viewpoints. A quasi-directional backlight is proposed, and a lenticular lens array is applied to achieve the restricted viewing zone. The eye-tracking technique is applied to extend the viewing area. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can present a vivid 3D scene with smooth motion parallax. Only 16.7% conventional light field display data are required to achieve 3D display. Furthermore, an illumination power of 3.5 watt is sufficient to lighten a 31.5-inch light field display, which takes up 1.5% of the illumination power required for planar display of similar configuration.


Storing of data in the cloud (Cloud Computing) offers an effective and quick way of granting access to ones information from a third party service provider, providing business expansion at a lesser cost. Cloud data storage systems provide means to store bigger data in storage servers [1]. The data stored in the cloud are stored and accessed from the internet over a longer time, making data exposed to hackers to steal stored and transmitted data over the cloud environment, leading to data integrity loss and users of cloud data unhappy. This paper proposed a novel cryptographic techniques to enhance the security in cloud environment and reduce the time associated with cryptographic encryption to a minimum. General Terms Cryptographic Technique, Securing Cloud Storage Systems


Identification of various medical conditions in post mortem and estimation of time of death is often difficult. Results from analysis of post mortem blood and urine samples are not as appropriate as in living subjects, due to bacterial contamination and post mortem cell degradation. Vitreous  fluid shows relatively stable conditions after death, making it a better matrix for post mortem biochemical analysis than blood sample and serum.  The purpose of this study is to compare the concentration of anions (bicarbonate and chloride) in the vitreous fluid at various post mortem interval(PMI) in porcine and caprine eyes. 20 pairs of caprine and porcine eyes were obtained from an abattoir in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The eyeballs were enucleated and collected within an hour after death so as to correctly calculate the baseline level of Bicarbonate and chloride ion concentration as at the time of death and kept in a sterile container at room temperature (250C). The vitreous humour was carefully extracted from the enucleated porcine and caprine eyes at various post mortem intervals (0, 24, 48 and 72hrs). Anions concentrations were determined using the Schales and Schales technique (1941) for chloride determination and Van Slkye and Neil technique (1924) for bicarbonate determination.Data obtained from the experiment was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.The result showed a negative correlation and an insignificant difference(P>0.05) in the concentration of anions in caprine and porcine eyes.
Key words: vitreous humour, post mortem interval, porcine, caprine.


Increasing in urban traffic brings heavy burden on metro transportations, especially for metro hubs which are crossing metro stations with railways. It calls for special scheduling optimization for such metro hubs by taking consideration of train arrivals. First, a detailed procedure is proposed on how to predict the traffic in such metro hubs under influence of train arrivals, including metros train and metro stations. Moreover, a service-oriented metro scheduling optimization procedure is proposed. Further analysis is then conducted when there is heavy traffic such as special holidays. A practical case on a major metro hub is studies for validation, the Chongqingbei (Chongqing North) metro hub in the city of Chongqing, China. The Chongqingbei metro hub is with four metro lines (Lines 3/4/10/Loop), three metro stations (Longtousi, Chongqingbei North Square, Chongqingbei South Square), and two non-connected railway stations (Chongqingbei North and Chongqingbei South). Passengers on three metro stations over four lines are calculated. Case study results show that: (1) when there is normal traffic, a hybrid schedule is more effective in comparison with regular shifts for Line 3 while Lines 4/10/Loop require no additional shifts, (2) when there is heavy traffic, an optimized metro schedule with a smaller interval (original 6-minute interval is reduced to 4-minute) is more effective for Line 3 whereas hybrid shifts and Line 10 requires hybrid shifts and Line 4 and the Loop Line require no additional shifts.


Smoothness, the absence of bumps and dips in the riding surface of a pavement, improves the quality of the ride and is believed to prolong the life of the pavement. This research addressed the impact of potential pay adjustments for smoothness on maintenance contract prices for hot-mix asphalt. In addition to the construction costs associated with potential incentives/disincentives for smoothness, the research examined the financial value of the resulting product (presumably smoother pavements). The analysis included maintenance cost savings for the owner/agency, as well as any reduction in delay and operating costs for the motoring public. A detailed statistical analysis of 5 years of Virginia's plant mix resurfacing schedules found no statistically definitive impact on bid price as a result of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) special provision for rideability for asphalt pavements. A similar analysis on a more focused data set, however, did document a lifetime reduction in the International Roughness Index (IRI) of almost 9 in/mi. This reduction in roughness (increase in smoothness) implies an increase in pavement service life, which translates into reduced annual maintenance costs. Although the analysis supports as much as 7 years in additional functional life, an example calculation demonstrates that just a 2-year life extension will supply approximately $1,295 (about 6% of material costs) in owner/agency savings for every lane-mile of highway that is resurfaced under the special provision for rideability. If VDOT continues to employ the special provision with the frequency it has averaged over the past 4 years (1,033 lane-miles per year), using the special provision will save on the order of $1.3 million per year. The lifetime decrease in roughness can lead to even more dramatic user cost savings. One real example provided in the report demonstrates a fuel cost savings (for trucks alone) of $160,000 over a 10-year period for each lane mile of highway that is resurfaced under the special provision for rideability.


SCIENCE EDUCATIONA [report][1] released last week by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, publisher of Science ) shows that minority enrollments in graduate science and engineering programs dropped precipitously in 1997; the authors attribute this drop to the uncertainty that new laws and legal challenges to affirmative action programs have bred nationwide about what forms of affirmative action are legally allowable. Coincidentally, that gloomy news came out within a day of the publication of the book, The Shape of the River , which documents the achievements of past affirmative action programs. It concludes that such policies at top undergraduate colleges and universities have largely been successful in giving black undergraduates a boost toward financial success, professional and graduate study, and leadership positions.

 [1]: http://ehrweb.aaas.org/ehr/order-exec.html


Recently several studies have focused on the antioxidant activity of lycopene such as quenching of singlet oxygen and scavenging of peroxyl radicals. These properties may play a role in the prevention of different cancer and heart diseases. Tomato is one of the most important sources of lycopene. The main information on the effect of environmental parameters on quality and health-retaining constituents of tomato fruit is mostly related to temperature (air- and fruit canopy temperature) and light effects that might provide a stress to the fruit. Nowadays little is know about the direct effect of elevated CO2.The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of elevated CO2 in Perspex open top chambers (OTC) on the lycopene content of tomato fruit.Experiments on the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations showed mixed results. In this work it was found that concentrations of lycopene in a fruit decreased significantly when elevated CO2 was used. Elevated nitrogen sources generated only slight, but not ...


A procedure is proposed to determine geometrical parameters and control laws of rows of a variable multistage axial flow compressor (VMAC) which are optimum by a criterion of ensuring turbomachine high efficiency within a wide range of operating modes under the row control. It is demonstrated that in shaping a layout of a variable compressor, it is expedient to determine its row geometry on the basis of control efficiency assessment. The paper illustrates a possibility to increase turbomachine efficiency (up to 8%) through optimum monitoring of its rows when studying a compressor as a separate unit and, also, through a decrease of specific fuel consumption (SFC) by 6% when studying a compressor as included in an engine. The paper also presents the results of optimum profiling of 7 rows in a 4-stage variable compressor for a stochastic case, which enables to obtain optimum stable (robust) solution, permitting to increase a possibility to ensure design indices in its practical realization by 2 and more times.


Artaxa digramma is a lepidopteran pest distributed throughout southern China, Myanmar, Indonesia, and India. Artaxa digramma nucleopolyhedrovirus (ArdiNPV) is a specific viral pathogen of A. digramma and deemed as a promising biocontrol agent against the pest. In this study, the complete genome sequence of ArdiNPV was determined by deep sequencing. The genome of ArdiNPV contains a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of 161,734 bp in length and 39.1% G+C content. Further, 149 hypothetical open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted to encode proteins >50 amino acids in length, covering 83% of the whole genome. Among these ORFs, 38 were baculovirus core genes, 22 were lepidopteran baculovirus conserved genes, and seven were unique to ArdiNPV, respectively. No typical baculoviral homologous regions (hrs) were identified in the genome. ArdiNPV had five multi-copy genes including baculovirus repeated ORFs (bros), calcium/sodium antiporter B (chaB), DNA binding protein (dbp), inhibitor of apoptosis protein (iap), and p26. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses showed that ArdiNPV belonged to Clade II.b of Group II Alphabaculoviruses, which all contain a second copy of dbp. The genome of ArdiNPV was the closest to Euproctis pseudoconspersa nucleopolyhedrovirus, with 57.4% whole-genome similarity. Therefore, these results suggest that ArdiNPV is a novel baculovirus belonging to a newly identified cluster of Clade II.b Alphabaculoviruses.


Assembling synthetic bioparts into simplified artificial cells holds tremendous promise for advancing studies into the synthesis, biosensing, and delivery of biomolecules. Currently, the most successful techniques for encapsulation of the transcription-translation machinery exploit compartmentalization in liposomal vesicles. However, improvements to these methods may increase permeability to polar molecules, functionalization of the membrane with biologically active elements, and encapsulation efficiency. Microcapsules prepared via templated layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly using natural polymers have the potential to resolve some of the hurdles associated with liposomes. Here, we introduce a design for immobilizing DNA templates encoding translationally activated riboswitches and RNA aptamers into microcapsules prepared from regenerated silk fibroin protein. Adjusting several key parameters such as the presence of a polymer primer, concentration of silk protein, and DNA loadings during LbL assembly resulted in biocompatible, semipermeable, DNA-laden microcapsules. To preserve bioactivity, DNA was immobilized inside of the capsule membrane, which not only promoted stability during long-term storage at ambient conditions but also improved output response from spatially confined DNA-encoded sensing elements (SEs). Multiple copies of mRNA and GFPa1 protein were synthesized upon activation with specific analytes during in vitro transcription/translation reactions, demonstrating that selective permeability of silk microcapsules was essential for the diffusion of components of the cell-free system inside of the capsules. Further functionalization of capsule shells with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and antibodies (IgG) demonstrated the applicability of microcompartmentalized colloidal objects carrying SEs for remote sensing and/or targeted delivery. In the future, multifunctional, biocompatible silk-based microcapsules loaded with different RNA sensors can help advance the design of multiplexed biosensors tracking multiple biomarkers in complex media.


: Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) and related Curcuma species have been used traditionally in India, China, Hawaii, and other cultures for millennia. Today they are used around the world for spice, medicine, dye, and religious purposes. Recent biomedical studies have corroborated the long-known traditional medicinal values of turmeric and its constituent curcuminoid compounds, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. As part of statewide research and extension efforts to support an expanding turmeric industry, we examined yield of 14 accessions across different climatic zones in Hawaii to observe and describe Genotype × Environmental influ-ences. Fresh turmeric yield differed significantly among genotypes. The overall yields observed in this work ranged 11.3–57.22 t ha − 1 and generally agree with those in the literature. Data from the different sites suggest that fertility and water management are able to mitigate moderate stress imposed by climate change within a certain range, but suboptimal temperatures associated with high elevation in the tropics (>1000 m) are an important driver of lower yields. This suggests that high yielding turmeric varieties may possess wide adaptability and may perform well across diverse environments. However, site-specific evaluations will still be necessary, particularly in environments outside turmeric's environmental optima and in the presence of high pest pressure.


Introduction Since the discovery of the antagonism of bemegride (Megimide; 3-ethyl-3-methylglutarimide; NP13) toward barbiturates (Shaw et al.,271954), a large number of communications have been presented to show the therapeutic value of this substance (Shulman et al.,281955; Shaw,261955; Bentel et al.,31956). As there are still different opinions about the mode of action of the drug, the present investigation was undertaken in order to study the effects with some indices not used earlier. Thus, cerebral blood flow was followed using the new method of Ingvar and Soderberg14(1956), with simultaneous recording of the electroencephalogram (EEG), blood pressure, and cutaneous circulation in narcotized cats and rabbits andencephale isolepreparations of cats. In a few experiments with cats the gamma motor activity was studied by the method of Granit and Kaada11(1952). In rabbits the antagonism of bemegride toward urethan U. S. P.,


I will discuss the background of how ideas for research projects evolve. This is a topic that researchers rarely explain. It is obviously very important. Unfortunately, editors rarely, if ever, request that such material be included in publications. My friend, Dr Mary Ellen Avery, Professor at Harvard University, suggested the subject to me and intended to write such an article herself. Unfortunately, she never did. I will discuss the birth of three good ideas I have had over a long career in neonatology, from 1952 to 2011! These were phototherapy, the Vermont Oxford Network and helping to organize large, international randomized control trials of xenon. I am now 85 years old, long past the age you are supposed to have 'hot' ideas, but I think I have important ideas about the future. It is my belief that brain care, brain cooling plus some other agents are the future. Proving this, however, will take reorganization of our current ways of carrying out clinical research. It is my personal belief, based on the basic research to date, that xenon gas is likely to be successful. To prove this 'idea', our field needs to reorganize into large consortia. It will probably take a decade or longer to prove this hypothesis by carrying out the necessary, very large, randomized trials. We need to encourage neonatologists to unite and work together on new advances.


Almost all mediastinal teratomas are found in the anterior mediastinum. We describe a case of a 41-day-old baby girl who had teratoma in the posterior mediastinum. She presented at the age of 6 days with the problem of progressive jaundice and was found to have septicaemia. During septic screening, chest X-ray revealed a mass in the right mediastinum. Ultrasound and CT-scan of the chest showed a multiloculated mass at the right posterior mediastinum. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass confirmed a teratoma.


The intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare, little-known entity, regarded as the biliary equivalent of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN-P). It is considered a premalignant lesion, which progresses in a multistep fashion towards invasive cholangiocarcinoma. IPNB can occur in any segment of the bile duct, presenting multiple foci and a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, dyspepsia, jaundice, repetition cholangitis and weight loss. Between 5% and 29% of patients are asymptomatic. The most common radiological findings are dilatation of the bile duct and the presence of intraductal masses. Free margin resection is the treatment of choice for IPNB regardless of size, location, and initial benign status, since recurrent episodes of cholangitis and obstructive jaundice caused by mucin production may cause serious clinical problems. In patients who are not candidates for surgery, treatment is mainly limited to the creation of a biliary bypass to relieve jaundice and/or cholangitis.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of completely resected nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to assess the impact of vascular invasion and TNM stage on prognosis.

METHODS
Between March 1, 1997 and March 1, 2002, a total of 1826 pathologically confirmed NSCLC patients with complete resection were enrolled in this study. The major clinical and pathological features were analyzed, and the impact of vascular invasion on prognosis was investigated. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the correlation of vascular invasion with the other clinicopathological variables. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.

RESULTS
Of the 1826 patients, 126 were found to have vascular invasion. Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival: family history of cancer, histological type, pathological stage and vascular invasion, whereas multivariate analysis confirmed that only pathological stage and vascular invasion were the significant prognostic factors with a hazard ratio of 2.80 [95% CI 1.74 - 4.86] and 4.76 [95% CI 2.38 - 6.21], respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate of this series was 57.4% for stage I, 34.2% for stage II and 18.7% for stage III (P = 0.001) ,respectively. It was 59.1% for stage I 36.2% for stage II and 20.0% for stage III for those without vascular invasion, whereas for those with vascular invasion, it was 37.5% for stage I, 24.0% for stage II and 7.0% for stage III, respectively. There was a significant difference among the patients with different TNM stage and between the patients with vascular invasion and without (P < 0.05) by log-rank test. The distant metastasis rate of the patients with vascular invasion was 69.9% versus 36.7% in those without (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
Our results show that TNM stage and vascular invasion are significant prognostic factors in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Vascular invasion can not only serve as an independent prognostic factor, but can also predict the possibility of metastasis.


We study the determinants and productivity effects of regional transportation infrastructure investment in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. We estimate productivity effects with regional production functions for each country controlling for the potential endogeneity of public infrastructure investment. In analyzing the determinants of public infrastructure investment two broad categories are considered: First, the normative principles such as efficiency, equity, and redistribution; and second, political factors such as electoral competition and electoral rents. The evidence shows that road infrastructure positively contributes to regional production. As to the determinants, efficiency and redistribution are consistently found to be the dominant norms while equity considerations appear to be less important. However, we find remarkable differences across countries regarding the political determinants. Which political factors matter for infrastructure investment is related to the different political systems of the various countries.


The goal in type 1 diabetes (T1D) therapy is to maintain optimal glycemic control under any circumstance. Diabetes technology is in continuous development to achieve this goal. The most advanced Food and Drug Administration- and European Medicines Agency-approved devices are hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems, which deliver insulin subcutaneously in response to glucose levels according to an automated algorithm. T1D is frequently encountered in the perioperative period. The latest international guidelines for the management of children with diabetes undergoing surgery include specific adjustments to the patient's insulin therapy, hourly blood glucose monitoring, and intravenous (IV) insulin infusion. However, these guidelines were published while the HCL systems were still marginal. We present a case of a 9-year-old boy with long-standing T1D, under HCL system therapy for the last 9 months, and needing surgery for an appendectomy. We agreed with the family, the surgical team, and the anesthesiologists to continue HCL insulin infusion, without further adjustments, hourly blood glucose checks or IV insulin, while monitoring closely. The HCL system was able to keep glycemia within range for the total duration of the overnight fast, the surgery, and the initial recovery, without any external intervention or correction bolus. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported pediatric case to undergo major surgery using a HCL system, and the results were absolutely satisfactory for the patient, his family, and the medical team. We believe that technology is ripe enough to advocate for a "take your pump to surgery" message, minimizing the impact and our interventions. The medical team may discuss this possibility with the family and patients.


Trichoderma brevicrassum strain TC967 is a novel biological control agent (BCA) against the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and promotes plant growth. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are involved in a variety of physiological functions of Trichoderma, but functions of each MAPK in regulating biocontrol have not been characterized in a single Trichoderma strain. In this study, we assembled and annotated the genome of strain TC967 and identified its three MAPK gene sequences. Functions of Fus3-, Slt2-, and Hog1-MAPK in strain TC967 were dissected. All three MAPKs were involved in hyphal growth. Hog1-MAPK was essential for conidiation and tolerance to saline/osmotic stress. Both Fus3- and Slt2-MAPK deletion mutants reduced cell-wall integrity (CWI) and increased the activities of chitinase and protease. The growth of Rhizoctoniasolani was further inhibited by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and secondary metabolites produced by Fus3- and Slt2-MAPK deletion mutants, respectively. Biocontrol assays demonstrated that Fus3- and Slt2-MAPK deletion mutants were considerably more effective in disease control than the wild-type strain. RNA-seq analysis revealed that MAPK collectively played a major role in regulating biocontrol-related gene expressions, including the genes in charge of secondary metabolism, fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes (FCWDEs), and small secreted cysteine-rich proteins (SSCPs).


Among the Agile methods, Scrum and Kanban are widely used in software development and they are considered the two most effective ones influencing the direct results of projects. Despite the importance of knowing their relative strengths and advantages and integrating them to achieve better results than individual use, none of the secondary studies provide extensive knowledge on the topic. In this paper, we performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) study to investigate the characteristics of the empirical studies which involve Scrum and Kanban by comparing or integrating them. Our final set includes 38 studies posing primary information on the advantages of each method over another one, the properties including artifacts, roles, and events from Scrum and Kanban in combining them in a hybrid way, and the properties of transitions from one to another such as transition directions (Scrum to Kanban, Kanban to Scrum or Scrum/Kanban to Hybrid), transition years, and transition reasons. The outputs can be interesting for both industry and researchers. For example, nearly all of the transitioning organizations are moving from Scrum to Kanban or to hybrid method. Among the reasons for the transitions, the problems experienced with Scrum are remarkable. In comparison, Kanban stands out clearly in a positive way. Almost all of the teams combining both use flow instead of a sprint.


AMERICAN INDUSTRY is keenly aware of the problem of air pollution and spends hundreds of millions of dollars per year to reduce pollution. Many types of equipment are used from mechanical collectors through cyclone-type collectors to high-efficiency electrostatic precipitators. Although mechanical collectors remove larger and heavier particles from industrial gases, electrostatic precipitation is required to remove particles of small size from 0.1 to 40 microns.


Purpose
The acceptance of mobile health (m-health) applications, especially those of a preventive nature, by individuals, is not well understood. Despite the benefits offered by m-health applications in improving and sustaining health and well-being through various avenues, widespread adoption is yet to be seen. Within this context, this study aims to reveal the enabling factors and barriers that influence the use of m-health applications among Generation Z (Gen-Z).

Design/methodology/approach
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was extended with e-health literacy, trust and enjoyment constructs. Data from a survey study on 312 Gen-Z members were analysed via structural equation modelling, shedding light on the reasons why new generations adopt m-health apps.

Findings
The findings indicate that social influence and enjoyment are the most significant factors influencing the use of m-health apps. The significant impact of performance and effort expectancy on intentions was also confirmed by the results. Moreover, privacy risk was identified as a barrier to adoption. The results also indicated that the strong influence of trust on privacy risk can be used to offset those privacy concerns.

Practical implications
The findings highlight that hedonic motivation, which is commonly overlooked in health settings, plays an important role in m-health app use. Thus, promoting mobile app features that provide enjoyment will be influential in attracting the younger generation.

Originality/value
The context of the study differs from the norm and focuses on a regional health tourism hub, Turkey, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. UTAUT model is modified with relevant constructs, namely, enjoyment, e-health literacy and privacy risk, to better fit the m-health context.


Rapid detection of harmful estrogens in cosmetics is essential in protecting public health. To reduce time-consuming pretreatment and analytical procedures, a novel reactive paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (RPSI-MS) methodology was developed. RPSI-MS is suitable for quantitatively analyzing estrogens in cosmetics by utilizing an online derivatization reaction between estrogens and 2-fluoro-1-methyl-pyridinium-p-toluene-sulfonate (FluMP). Using estradiol valerate as the internal standard (I.S.), three estrogens, estradiol, estriol, and ethinyloestradiol, in cosmetics were quantitatively characterized within minutes. Multiple parameters were optimized including FluMP concentration and volume, triethylamine amount as well as the drying time. The three estrogens displayed good linearity ranging from 0.002 to 1 μg/mL, with R2 above 0.99. The recovery results of all the estrogens were within 80~111%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.001 μg/mL for the three estrogens. Compared to conventional paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS), extraction is not required and the detection sensitivity of RPSI-MS was improved by 34,000, 80,000, and 1400 times for estradiol, estriol, and ethinyloestradiol, respectively. The protocol established in this paper is sensitive, eco-friendly, and suitable for rapid testing of estrogens in cosmetics.


Background. In Campeche, Mexico, livestock takes place in generally unfertilized grasslands and acahuales, where cattle rarely receive veterinary treatment. These characteristics suggest that some livestock producers could adopt organic production, but their availability for adoption is uncertain and there is little information to assess their feasibility. Objective. Evaluate the change capacity of the conventional livestock systems of Campeche with respect to the organic production model and specify the critical points in management that must be improved in the transition to organic farming. Methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 74 livestock producers belonging to the BioPaSOS-CATIE Campeche project, in locations in the municipalities of Escárcega, Champotón and Calakmul, as well as direct observations in cattle ranches. The information obtained was used in the Multi-criteria Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI); built with 10 indicators and 35 variables. Results. OLCI showed a low level, but close to the intermediate level of organic standards. Indicators close to standards were: breeds and reproductive management, soil fertilization and feed management. Indicators that move away were: herd safety, ecological weed control in pastures and crops, pest and disease control in pastures and crops, veterinary prevention and treatment, animal welfare, sustainable pasture management and ecological management. Implications. The results obtained are useful for livestock producers in the state of Campeche, since strategies can be generated that allow the conversion of their production systems to an organic livestock model. They are also a benchmark for future research related to the subject of sustainability assessment or organic livestock using indicators. Conclusions. The evaluated livestock systems presented a low level of conversion to the organic production model. Critical points in management that hinder the transition to organic livestock are: sanitary hygiene control, application of synthetic herbicides and insecticides, breastfeeding up to eight months, appropriate stocking rate, use of a silvopastoral system and mainly advisory and training for organic certification, organic development plan and certification, internal control of the organic process and incentives for organic livestock production.


Background:
 Recently, there is a great deal of research interest regarding the role and effects of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10), a potent vasoconstrictor and inhibitor of angiogenesis expressed in vascular endothelial cells (ECs), in cardiovascular disease. However, it still remains unknown whether KP-10 could affect atherogenesis.

 Objective and Methods:
 We aimed to clarify the effects of KP-10 on atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effects of KP-10 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human monocyte-derived macrophages, human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs)
 in vitro
 , and aortic lesions in ApoE
 -/-
 mice
 in vivo
 .

 Results:
 GPR54, a KP-10 receptor, was expressed at higher levels in human monocytes, macrophages, HASMCs, and HUVECs. KP-10 significantly suppressed the proliferation of EAhy.926 ECs. KP-10 significantly increased the adhesion of THP1 monocytes to HUVECs associated with increased endothelial expressions of IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin. KP-10 significantly enhanced oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation associated with increased expressions of CD36 and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 in human monocyte-derived macrophages. KP-10 significantly suppressed the migration and proliferation of HASMCs with inducing apoptosis
 via
 AKT, p38, and bax upregulation, but significantly enhanced the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HASMCs. Four-week-infusion of KP-10 into ApoE
 -/-
 mice significantly accelerated the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions with increased monocyte/macrophage infiltration.

 Conclusions:
 Our results indicate that KP-10 accelerates atherogenesis by enhancing EC inflammatory responses and macrophage foam cell formation, In addition, KP-10 suppresses EC proliferation, VSMC migration and proliferation, but enhances MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in VSMCs, which may contribute to plaque instability, leading to plaque rupture. Thus, KP-10 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for acute coronary syndrome.


In a technology-driven industry, the appropriate vendors/suppliers can effectively contribute to cobusiness development profits. Key component vendors help dynamically drive solution design firms to achieve strong performances, especially when an integrated circuit (IC) component that has technical know-how specifications dominates an electronic solution design. This paper presents a systematic framework to examine the decision process for the selection of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) IC vendor alternatives from the business ecosystem aspect in order to review the importance of buyer-supplier synergistic effects. We implement the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process technique which incorporates a vendor's capability, productivity, and reliability characteristics into a hierarchical structure and deploys decision experts' judgments along with vague data analysis to solve a real-world problem faced by a leading company specialized in the research and design of wireless networking solutions. The findings indicate the Taiwanese local vendor is the top priority for alternatives selection, and the results contribute significant values to the design firm's operation management.


In recent years, portable devices and tablet PCs grow fast and become more convenient and mobile. Applications like multimedia, SIP, and 3D movies become more diverse than before. However, the complex architecture and heavy computing demands increase energy consumption. Therefore, how to extend the standby and usage time of the devices has become an important issue. In this paper we propose a task scheduling algorithm in a real-time multi-processor system. We reduce the workload in high speed processors with the aid of task migration so that the entire system can switch to low speed as soon as it can in order to reduce energy consumption. A distinctive feature is that actual execution time is used in the decision instead of worst-case execution time, which allows for more effective task migration. Performance results based on realistic processor power consumption models are promising. Effects of parameter values on the performance are also examined.


Tin mineralization in NE Tasmania is associated with probable sheet-like bodies of medium-grained biotite-muscovite granite and associated leucogranites, aplites and pegmatites which are intruded into unmineralized porphyritic biotite graiiite/adamellite.Regional mapping, and chemical studies of the granites and their component biotites, has shown that the biotite-muscovite granite represents a highly fractionated rock that probably crystallized from the small volume of ultimate residual liquid of differentiation of a magma from which the less fractionated porphyritic biotite granite/adamellite previously crystallized. This residual liquid appears to have been relatively enriched in tin due to the preference of tin for the liquid phase during fractional crystallization. The high tin content of biotites from the biotite-muscovite granite appears to be due to a normal distribution of tin between liquid and crystals in this residual "tin-rich" liquid, and not to selective substitution of tin for particular cations within the biotite structure.The correlation of high Sn with high Li, Rb and F and low Fe, Mg, Ca and Ti in rocks and biotite in these "high-tin" granites may be a fortuitous one related to concentration (or depletion) of these elements in residual liquids as governed by the distribution of these elements between crystals and liquid, although there is the possibility of some modification of composition during slight deuteric attention of these granites late in their crystallization history.


The author's second book on patterns was intended to be a sister volume to '1000 Patterns', and contributes to the subject infrastructure of the history of contemporary pattern design. Unlike the earlier volume, 'Patterns' is a book about contemporary pattern design since 2000, and focuses entirely on surface pattern.

Cole conceived of the project, researched a very wide range of contemporary pattern designers whose works are achieved through drawing, painting, collage, embroidery, applique, hand dyeing, hand weaving, screen printing, etching and digital manipulation. A final selection of 400 patterns was selected from a shortlist of 1500.

Cole also invited all of the selected designers to describe their work and she edited these descriptions into captions. She also devised the sequencing of patterns within the book. Specific techniques and processes for example ombre or shadow patterns (pages 62-63) and pattern genres such as toiles (pages 50-51) are identified.

The designs ranged across fashion and fashion textiles, graphics, stationery, interior design including furnishing fabrics, wall treatments and ceramics, lighting and glass. Featured designers and design companies/groups include Andrew Hardimann for Kuboaa: Bathsheba Grossman for Materialise.MGX; Delaware; The Church of London; Aj Dimarucot for Collision-Theory; Timorous Beasties; Michele Peary and Rachel Cave. Designs were drawn from various geographic locations including the USA, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, India and various part of Europe.


Basal stem rot (BSR) is a disease in oil palm caused by a fungal pathogen, Ganoderma boninense. Utilisation of seaweeds as a control agent has not been explored. This study investigated the anti-fungal potential of Malaysian seaweed extracts against G. boninense and identification of the compounds. Seaweeds cf Sargassum oligocystum, Caulerpa racemosa, Caulerpa racemosa var. lamouroxii and cf Halimeda macrophysa were collected and subjected to crude extraction with various solvents. Methanolic extracts of all species displayed the highest yield with an average of 15.25% compared to dry weight. Anti-fungal assays were carried out against G. boninense using the poisoned food technique and three highest inhibitions were exhibited by C. racemosa var. lamouroxii dichloromethane extract (46.82%), cf H. macrophysa dichloromethane extract (33.49%) and C. racemosa methanol extract (28.06%). Dominant compounds detected via gas chromatography-mass chromatography (GC-MS) in extracts with anti fungal potential includes phytol. Anti-fungal assay using standard phytol showed growth inhibition of G. boninense of up to 21% inhibition. Caulerpa racemosa var. lamouroxii, cf H. macrophysa, C. racemosa and cf S. oligocystum dichloromethane extracts contain 474, 117, 106 and 19 mg litre-1 of phytol respectively. These findings suggested that Malaysian seaweeds are a good source of anti-fungal compounds for utilisation in controlling the BSR disease of oil palm in Malaysia.


Internet traffic analysis, models simulation and prediction play a very important part in the network management and design.Combining wavelet techniques and time-series ARIMA model, the establishment of a network traffic prediction model in this paper. First, time series of wavelet decomposition of flow to gets detail coefficients and approximation coefficients, On the details coefficients, applying the stationary series model, on the approximation coefficients ,applying difference method, then using the stationary series ARIMA model to predict. At last,applying the actual network traffic to verify the model, The results show that the model has higher prediction accuracy.


This document serves as a brief tutorial to the Power Law Global Error Model (PLGEM) analysis method [1]. PLGEM has so far been shown to faithfully model the variance-versus-mean dependence that exists in a wide variety of genome-wide data sets, including microarray [1] and proteomics data [2]. The use of PLGEM has furthermore been shown to improve the detection of differentially expressed genes or proteins in these datasets [1, 2].


TITLE: Induced Polarization Signature of Biofilms in Porous Media: From Laboratory Experiments to Theoretical Developments and Validation ABSTRACT: There is a need for appropriate techniques that can monitor the growth of microbial There is a need for appropriate techniques that can monitor the growth of microbial communities in situ and the coupled biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes. Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP), a biogeophysical technique, can play a key role. However, the triggering mechanisms of SIP responses modulation by biogeochemical activity of microbial communities (biofilm) remain poorly understood. The overarching goal of this project is to find the correlations between biogeochemical processes occurring within subsurface microbial communities and spectral induced polarization (SIP) signatures in aqueous and/or porous media. Anticipated findings will allow for the interpretation of the geophysical responses associated with the development of microbial communities in field conditions. We investigated the SIP response of biofilm components including cells, exopolysaccharides (EPS), cells in EPS and semi-conductive particulate matter such as magnetite in EPS. Using microbial cells from three different model organisms in liquid suspension and in porous media, we observed an increase in SIP parameters with increasing cell density with a very well defined relaxation peak at a frequency of ~10 Hz which was predicted by recently developed quantitative models. However this characteristic relaxation peak was minimized in the presence of porous media. We also observed that cells suspended in EPS enhances the polarization and also shows a peak frequency at ~10 Hz. The study of alginate gelation (representing EPS) in liquid phase and porous media in vitro revealed that solidified (gelated) alginate isolated from brown algae increased the magnitude of imaginary conductivity while real conductivity increased very moderately. In contrast, the study of the SIP response within a porous medium filled with solidified gel of alginate isolated from mucoid strain P. aeruginosa FRD-1 showed an increase in the magnitude of both imaginary and real conductivities. Further, the addition of magnetite particulates in the EPS enhanced the gelation process and the magnitude of the SIP response. We also continued with the development of our quantitative model to investigate frequencydomain induced polarization response of suspensions of bacteria and bacteria growth in porous media. Our model results show that the growth rate and endogenous decay coefficients of bacteria in porous sand can be inferred non-intrusively from time-lapse frequency-domain induced polarization data. Conclusions: 1) the time-lapse SIP data are applicable for the evaluation of growth rate and endogenous decay of bacteria in porous media. This finding helps to enhance the interpretation of SIP measurements from field sites; 2) SIP parameters are sensitive to the transition of an alginate from liquid to solidified stage;3) the magnitude of SIP signatures reflects both cell density, biofilm maturity and the presence of secondary minerals; and 4) bacteria may have a characteristic low frequency relaxation peak at 10 Hz..


Chronic hepatitis C is characterized by metabolic disorders and a microenvironment in the liver dominated by oxidative stress, inflammation and regeneration processes that lead in the long term to hepatocellular carcinoma. Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunctions, including modification of metabolic fluxes, generation and elimination of oxidative stress, Ca2+ signaling and apoptosis, play a central role in these processes. However, how these dysfunctions are induced by the virus and whether they play a role in disease progression and neoplastic transformation remains to be determined. Most in vitro studies performed so far have shown that several of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins localize to mitochondria, but the consequences of these interactions on mitochondrial functions remain contradictory, probably due to the use of artificial expression and replication systems. In vivo studies are hampered by the fact that innate and adaptive immune responses will overlay mitochondrial dysfunctions induced directly in the hepatocyte by HCV. Thus, the molecular aspects underlying HCV-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions and their roles in viral replication and the associated pathology need yet to be confirmed in the context of productively replicating virus and physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo model systems.


Objectives: Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and functional deficits. Although surgical repair is often able to restore function and resolve pain, high rates of postoperative structural failures have been reported. To improve the outcomes and reduce re-tear rates biologic tissue scaffolds have been used to augment and reinforce the primary tendon repair by providing mechanical support of the initial repair and ideally improving the rate and/or quality of biological healing at the tendon-bone interface. Demineralised bone fibers (DBF) are bone collagen and can be formed into a patch providing a scaffold and inductive bone morphogenetic proteins known to facilitate healing. This study evaluated the in vivo response of human DBF Patches (hDBF-P) as an onlay over the infraspinatus tendon (IST) and at the tendon-bone interface in an ovine model. Methods: The hDBF-P was characterised using stereozoom (Figure 1A) and environment electron microscopy (Figure 1B). The osteoinductivity (OI) was evaluated in the standard nude rat intramuscular implantation (IM) model at 28 days using mCT and paraffin histology. A bilateral model of an onlay or an enthesis repair was performed in 12 adult wethers following ethical approval. Four groups were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks (n=3 per time point): Onlay control and hDBF treated; Enthesis repair control and hDBF treated. The onlay model simulated a tendon injury by 4 longitudinal slits along the IST and lateral drill holes in the proximal humerus in the onlay control group [1]. In the onlay treated group the hDBF-P was hydrated in saline and secured to the IST with interrupted 2-0 non-resorbable sutures (Figure 2A). On contralateral side, the central third of the IST was sharply dissected, the footprint burred, and 2 medial row anchors inserted. The sutures were passed through the IST in the enthesis repair control group. In the enthesis repair treatment group, the sutures were passed through the hDBF-P which was placed at the tendon bone interface followed by sutures through the IST. Two lateral push lock anchors were used for a suture bridge (Figure 2B) in the control and treated groups. Endpoints included clinical recovery, macroscopic dissection, 3T MRI, radiographs, mCT and paraffin histology processing, H&E staining, and light microscopic evaluations to assess local cell and tissue responses and healing. Results: OI was confirmed on IM implantation in nude rats. The sheep recovered uneventfully with no adverse events macroscopically or radiographically. MRI in the onlay control group revealed little response and no increase in tendon thickness which was confirmed histologically. In contrast the onlay hDBF-P treated demonstrated increased tendon thickness and hDBF resorption with time. Histology showed some initial inflammatory cells that decrease with time in the onlay group. MRI in the hDBF-P treated enthesis group supported increased activity at the bone interface at 6 and 12 weeks compared to controls. Histology at the interface with hDBF-P showed evidence of new bone formation at 6 weeks that matured with time support enthesis reformation. Conclusions: hDBF-P is a collagen graft composed of demineralized bone fibers that have osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential. When formed into a patch, this implant provides a scaffold that can participate with the local biology. hDBF-P used as on-lay in a tendon injury model increased tendon thickness. hDBF-P when used at the interface between the tendon and bone facilitated enthesis reformation through its conductive and inductive potential as well as scaffold architecture. DBF patches represent an exciting allograft implant with the potential to address the clinical problems in rotator cuff surgery. Literature cited Van Kampen, C., et al. (2013). Tissue-engineered augmentation of a rotator cuff tendon using a reconstituted collagen scaffold: a histological evaluation in sheep. Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal, 3(3), p.229.


Secularism is among those concepts which have been always considered by scholars of social sciences. This thought can be known as a process of shortcomings and falls in activities, beliefs and ways of thinking, and religious institutions which mainly represents itself in relationship with other transformations of social structures or in the form of an unintended or unconscious consequence of mentioned process. The present article tries to investigate the basics and fundamentals of this secularism and sociopolitical factors affecting it in Iran until the Islamic Revolution. The research method is theoretical and the method of data collection is library research. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method with the historical approach.


U.S. tax reforms in the 1980s have changed substantially the relative attractiveness of operating in partnership form relative to corporate form. They have also changed the desirability of debt financing relative to equity financing, both of domestic operations and of foreign subsidiaries. And whereas the 1981 Tax Act encouraged mergers and acquisitions among U.S. corporations, the 1986 Act discouraged such transactions. Moreover, these Acts had the opposite effect on incentives of foreign companies to acquire U.S. businesses. In this paper, we attempt to show that these apparently disparate claims are all implied from a common (and simple) framework. Moreover, we present empirical evidence to support the claims.


Synthesis of selenium-containing nucleoside analogues, derived from some heterocyclic moieties such as pyridineselenol, pyridazineselenol and quinolineselenol derivatives is described herein. These compounds were prepared in a concise and short synthetic route in good yields, by nucleophilic substitution reaction of different selenoheterocyclic compounds with alkyl halides derivatives (e.g. allyl bromide, 3-chloro-propan-1-ol, 3-chloro-3- hydroxy-propan-1-ol and epichlorohydrine as well). Biological screening of the newly synthesized compounds was screened in vitro and in vivo antioxidant studies. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized using the well known spectroscopic tools (IR, UV, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectroscopy) as well as microanalysis.


A new monolithic current limiting power MOSFET is proposed. The MOSFET consists of a main power cell, a sensing cell and a lateral npn bipolar transistor. The proposed MOSFET may be fabricated by a conventional DMOS process without an additional mask step. Overcurrent state is sensed by the pinched resistor of the npn transistor so that any additional sensing resistor is not required. Sensing voltage at the pinched base resistor is 0.7 V. The limiting current level is adjusted easily by an external resistor. Simulation results show that the on-resistance of the power MOSFET is not deteriorated by the sensing and protection circuit. Overcurrent protection is achieved successfully with the protection area less than 0.2% of the whole die area.<<ETX>>


Almost all prostate cancers respond to androgen deprivation treatment but many recur. We postulated that risk of hormone escape -frequency and delay- are influenced by hormone therapy modalities. More, hormone therapies induce crucial biological changes involving androgen receptors; some might be targets for escape prevention. We investigated the relationship between the androgen deprivation treatment and the risk of recurrence using nude mice bearing the high grade, hormone-dependent human prostate cancer xenograft PAC120. Tumor-bearing mice were treated by Luteinizing-Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) antagonist alone, continuous or intermittent regimen, or combined with androgen receptor (AR) antagonists (bicalutamide or flutamide). Tumor growth was monitored. Biological changes were studied as for genomic alterations, AR mutations and protein expression in a large series of recurrent tumors according to hormone therapy modalities. Therapies targeting Her-2 or AKT were tested in combination with castration. All statistical tests were two-sided. Tumor growth was inhibited by continuous administration of the LH-RH antagonist degarelix (castration), but 40% of tumors recurred. Intermittent castration or complete blockade induced by degarelix and antiandrogens combination, inhibited tumor growth but increased the risk of recurrence (RR) as compared to continuous castration (RRintermittent: 14.5, RRcomplete blockade: 6.5 and 1.35). All recurrent tumors displayed new quantitative genetic alterations and AR mutations, whatever the treatment modalities. AR amplification was found after complete blockade. Increased expression of Her-2/neu with frequent ERK/AKT activation was detected in all variants. Combination of castration with a Her-2/neu inhibitor decreased recurrence risk (0.17) and combination with an mTOR inhibitor prevented it. Anti-hormone treatments influence risk of recurrence although tumor growth inhibition was initially similar. Recurrent tumors displayed genetic instability, AR mutations, and alterations of phosphorylation pathways. We postulated that Her-2/AKT pathways allowed salvage of tumor cells under castration and we demonstrated that their inhibition prevented tumor recurrence in our model.


Terpene synthases (TPSs) play pivotal roles in conferring the structural diversity of terpenoids, which are mainly emitted from flowers, whereas the genetic basis of the release of floral volatile terpenes remains largely elusive. Though quite similar in sequence, TPS allelic variants still function divergently, and how they drive floral terpene diversity in closely related species remains unknown. Here, TPSs responsible for the floral scent of wild Freesia species were characterized, and the functions of their natural allelic variants, as well as the causal amino acid residues, were investigated in depth. Besides the eight TPSs previously reported in modern cultivars, seven additional TPSs were functionally evaluated to contribute to the major volatiles emitted from wild Freesia species. Functional characterization of allelic natural variants demonstrated that allelic TPS2 and TPS10 variants changed enzymatic capacity while allelic TPS6 variants drove the diversity of floral terpene products. Further residue substitution analysis revealed the minor residues determining the enzyme catalytic activity and product specificity. The clarification of TPSs in wild Freesia species reveals that allelic TPS variants evolved differently to determine the interspecific floral volatile terpenes in the genus and might be used for modern cultivar improvement.


Abstract Objective: To evaluate first trimester maternal serum levels of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in prediction of intrauterine fetal growth. Methods: Study group of 185 patients in singleton pregnancy was divided into three subgroups according to neonatal birthweight: ≤10th percentile (SGA), 11–89th percentile (AGA) and ≥90 percentile (LGA). Results: We observed decreased values of LXA4 concentrations, both in SGA- and LGA groups, when compared to AGA (68.91 ± 33.72 and 68.30 ± 23.49 versus 102.13 ± 121.90, respectively). Conclusions: Lipoxin A4 may become an biochemical marker in the prediction of intrauterine fetal growth disturbances; however, more studies need to be undertaken to investigate LXA4's role in pregnancy.


Subsea pipelines and umbilicals are used for the transportation of fluids and electrical power between subsea installations and floating production units (FPUs). The installation and maintenance of these systems can be expensive. In a conventional subsea field development, the produced fluids can be transported from the well to a FPU where they can be offloaded to a tanker (surface ship). In the case of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection into the well, the direction of flow is reversed, i.e., CO2 flows from the tanker to the FPU, down the riser base and through the subsea pipelines to the well. This offloading process is weather-dependent and cannot be performed in severe weather conditions, i.e., strong winds and large waves. This paper presents a novel subsea shuttle tanker system proposed by Equinor ASA designed to be a possible alternative to subsea pipelines, umbilicals, and tanker ships. The subsea shuttle is intended to operate submerged under the sea surface to transport liquid CO2 from an existing offshore/land facility where CO2 is captured to a subsea well where the CO2 is injected into the reservoir. As the shuttle is subsea, it can operate under any type of weather conditions. Even though the subsea shuttle is proposed as a vehicle for liquid CO2 transport, it can also transport other types of cargo such as hydrocarbons, injection fluids, electrical power, or subsea tools. The paper will discuss the most important design considerations surrounding the subsea shuttle tanker.


Social loafing has been defined as a phenomenon in which people exhibit a sizable decrease in individual effort when performing in groups as compared to when they perform alone, and has been regarded as a state variable. In this study, we instead conceptualized social loafing as a habitual response, given that many people have been found to be susceptible to social loafing in group tasks. We developed the self-reported Social Loafing Tendency Questionnaire (SLTQ) to measure individual variations in social loafing. In Study 1, the reliability and validity of the SLTQ were established in a sample of college students. In Study 2, SLTQ scores significantly negatively predicted individual performance in the group task condition, but not in the individual task condition. Social loafing can also be considered a trait variable, as it was found to modulate group dynamics when it was activated in a typical situation (i.e., being in a group).


: Constructing digital war-field electromagnetic environment needs to model and simulate the transmitting course of electric waves combining various environment factors. The Parabolic Equation (PE) described model is suitable for computing the waveguide propagation characteristics from an area in the horizon to that over the horizon, and there is Split-Step Fourier Transform (SSFT) algorithm to resolve the model. But it is an iterative method based on step length and is difficult to be realized in parallels, thus it is difficult to meet the requirement time wise and bring the obstacles to constructing war-field electromagnetic environment fastly. This paper puts forward a parallel computing method based on matrix transposing, and realizes parallel computing of the algorithm by constructing two-dimensional matrixes and distributing them to different process in line or in row. The method makes full use of the operating ability of calculation clusters, decreasing computing time. The result of computer simulating shows that parallel algorithm can have a speedup as four times large as that of sequential algorithm, thus verifies the effectiveness of the method.


Expression of the human-growth-hormone gene is restricted to pituitary somatotrophs. Two protein-DNA complexes that are specific to the pituitary, and two that are not, had been demonstrated in vitro on the promoter of this gene. The two pituitary-specific footprints had been ascribed to a single protein called growth hormone factor 1. We have now characterized the factors responsible for the two other footprints by means of deoxyribonuclease-I protection and gel-retardation experiments. The first footprint, located between -257 and -290 relative to the transcription initiation site, involves at least two factors present in pituitary cells. One of these factors binds between nucleotides -257 and -267, and is indistinguishable from the upstream stimulatory factor, also called major late transcription factor or upstream element factor, initially described in HeLa cells. Earlier work by others had shown that the activator protein 2 purified from HeLa cells can bind to nucleotides -263 and -290. Our experiments suggest that a factor different from activator protein 2 is involved in the protection of this region against deoxyribonuclease I. The second footprint, located between nucleotides -116 and -140, involves only one factor. This factor, present in pituitary cells, recognizes a GC box and is indistinguishable from transcription factor Sp1, previously described in HeLa cells. The human-growth-hormone gene is therefore a candidate for regulation by these factors in vivo.


A model of interleaved memory systems is presented, and the analysis of the model by Monte Carlo simulation is discussed. The simulations investigate the performance of various system structures, i.e. schemes for sending instruction and data requests to the memory system. Performance is measured by determining the distribution of the number of memory modules in operation during a memory cycle. An important observation from these investigations is that separately grouping instruction and data requests for memory can substantially increase the average number of memory modules in operation during a memory cycle. Results of the simulations and an analytical study are displayed for various system structures.


Understanding the polydispersity of nanoparticles is crucial for establishing the efficacy and safety of their role as drug delivery carriers in biomedical applications. Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs), 3–5 nm diamond nanoparticles synthesized through detonation process, have attracted great interest for drug delivery due to their colloidal stability in water and their biocompatibility. More recent studies have challenged the consensus that DNDs are monodispersed after their fabrication, with their aggregate formation poorly understood. Here, we present a novel characterization method of combining machine learning with direct cryo-transmission electron microscopy imaging to characterize the unique colloidal behavior of DNDs. Together with small-angle X-ray scattering and mesoscale simulations we show and explain the clear differences in the aggregation behavior between positively and negatively charged DNDs. Our new method can be applied to other complex particle systems, which builds essential knowledge for the safe implementation of nanoparticles in drug delivery.


The number of elementary students in the United States reading at a proficient level is significantly low. Elementary schools in the United States need to increase the number of students reading at the proficient level in order to move towards success in other subject areas, raise graduation rates, increase economic opportunities, and boost the likelihood of favorable long term health. Foundational reading skills, beginning in kindergarten, are an early predictor of future reading proficiency. Homogeneous ability grouping is one instructional strategy that can help students master foundational reading skills. Ability grouping is an educational practice that can be used with all students. Few studies exist in the research involving American kindergarten students' participation in homogeneous ability groups. This research seeks to fill that gap by testing the effects of ability grouping on kindergarten students' reading achievement. This study utilized an AB research design over the course of 12 weeks in a kindergarten classroom. In this study, all 24 students in the kindergarten class completed the FAST one-minute letter sound fluency assessment, Form 1, to establish a baseline score. The students received six weeks of foundational skills instruction during the baseline phase. During the intervention phase, the students spent six weeks engaged in homogeneous ability groups. It was hypothesized that kindergarten students who participated in an ability-grouped intervention in the area of reading would make greater gains in letter sound fluency than when not participating in a homogeneous ability-grouped intervention. A dependent samples t-test and subsequent analysis of the results did not support this hypothesis.


This paper proposes two original approaches to the processing of fuzzy queries in a relational database context. The general idea is to use views, either materialized or not. In the first case, materialized views are used to store the satisfaction degrees related to user-defined fuzzy predicates, instead of calculating them at runtime by means of user functions embedded in the query (which induces an important overhead). In the second case, abstract views are used to efficiently access the tuples that belong to the α-cut of the query result, by means of a derived Boolean selection condition.


The evaluation of filtration methods on the yield and oleochemicals characteristics on the crude fish oil from the soapstock of marine fish for purposes of nutrition has been conducted in this work. The analytical properties of the crude and the neutralized oil with three excesses of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 20%, 40% and 60%) were carried out on two different ways with organza and the "glass wool". The neutralization of the oil brought about a notable improvement in the analytical properties of the oil. Thus, it leads to a high quality fish oil in terms of taste, colour, odours, shelf life and market value. Based on the improved characteristics of the oil, it could be suitable for applications in pharmaceutical and food industries.


Context Rivers are the leading drowning location in Australia yet, until recently, had attracted limited research, attention or funding for preventative efforts Process A description of the research, policy and programmatic changes in the field of river drowning prevention, and the degree to which these outputs were influenced by a mixed methods PhD programme of research embedded within Royal Life Saving. Analysis The study presents changes in knowledge (11 academic articles, 684 people surveyed and breathalysed, 13,326 river interactions observed) awareness (campaigns, media and PR interventions) and practice (Federal, State and Local Government), as well as medium-term drowning prevention outcomes during the 2015–2019 period. It aims to identify key insights arising from the model of embedded research. Outcomes Results show; policy impacts including the prioritisation in government funding mechanisms and inputs into local water safety plans (Wagga Wagga City Council Inland Water Safety Management Plan); identifiable changes in awareness programs including Government interventions in boating safety (Transport NSW Old4New lifejacket exchange program) and weather warnings (Bureau of Meteorology), river safety publicity campaigns and media coverage reaching an audience of 5 million people. There was an 18% reduction in fatal river drowning during the period. Learning Outcomes A programme of research co-designed by PhD student, supervisors and partner organisation can result in increased focus on real-world gaps in knowledge and yield tangible impacts on drowning prevention policy and programs. A PhD by publication model allowed for timely translation of findings and an increase in stakeholder and media interest in the research.


The rats were fed with the flour of corn from genetically modified corn MON 810 and from genetically modified corn GA 21 (Monsanto Co, USA) 3 g/rat/day for 6 months. Their blood, urea and liver were investigated to measure total protein and glucose levels, aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, pH, creatinine level as well as hepatic enzyme activity of the I and II phases of xenobiotic metabolism and whole and non-sedimentated lysosomal enzyme activities, the level of processes of lipids peroxidation and activity of antioxidant system.


A joint source-channel coding (JSCC) scheme for SPIHT (set partitioning in hierarchical tree) coded image transmission over OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) systems with spatial diversity is proposed where no feedback channel is available. By using diversity techniques, the fading effects can be dramatically decreased, and we show that subchannels in OFDM systems are indeed flat Rayleigh fading channels and approach Gaussian noisy channels when the diversity gain gets large; as a result, the system performance can be improved. Simulation results are presented with different numbers of antennas and different multi-path delays and Doppler spreads.


Abstract : Most recently, a Defense Science Board report noted almost wistfully that DoD should adopt commonplace tenets of good management practice that abound in the commercial sector (Defense Science Board 2008 report, Defense Imperatives for the New Administration). While no one we know has the chutzpah to defendmany of DoDs more notorious business blunders, comparing DoD with commercial business is a faulty analogy. While making DoD work more like a business makes for a good soundbite, it grossly oversimplifies the situation and can inadvertently drive discussion away from realistic solutions. To apply a quote from H.L. Mencken: There is always a well known solution to every human problemneat, plausible, and wrong. Do We Really Want to Be Like Business? DODs [sic] business practices need not be worse than the commercial sectors norm, according to the Defense Science Boards 2008 report. First of all, to disabuse oneself ofthe belief that commercial business practices are the simple answer to DoDs problems, one need only be reminded of recent corporate debacles involving Enron, Worldcom, and Tyco. Freddie Mac and Fannie Maeparagons of quasigovernmental, market-driven corporationswere at the crux of the 2008 home mortgage financial collapse. Arguably among the historically most successful businesses, the Big Three U.S. automakers are, as of this writing, marching hats-in-hand to Congress on the brink of failure because of poor economic conditions and bad business decisions.


More and more children experience school mathematics as a difficult subject which arouses thoughts and reflections. I think it is important to pre-school to prepare an approach so that children's understanding of mathematics can extend. The purpose of my study is to highlight the pre-school teacher's role in the process of mathematics in pre-school. I have every reason to be based on the concepts of language, materials and environment to have the knowledge of pre-school teacher's role. I believe that these concepts are so connected with each other and together form the basis for all learning. The study is qualitative and consists mainly of observations as method. The results of the study show that pre-school teachers usually in everyday life put words on mathematical concepts. Through materials such as computer games, manual games, books, building blocks, pearl-plates and also various Montessori materials pre-school teachers prepare a stimulating educational environment for children's mathematical learning. By using the observations of the children pre-school teachers, thus based on the children's interest and curiosity, help children to make progress in mathematical understanding. Las fonetiskt Ordbok


Objective: Age-adjusted evaluations have explored the possible utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) test results in women with low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL) Paps. We document LSIL correlation data with HPV test results and histopathologic follow-up from a large academic women's hospital practice. Study Design: LSIL Pap tests with intermediate-/high-risk HPV DNA testing between July 1, 2005 and April 30, 2008 were studied along with follow-up histopathologic diagnoses. Patients were divided into age groups, and tissue diagnoses were correlated with HPV test results. Results: 1,083 (80.2%) of a total of 1,351 LSIL Pap samples tested HPV positive. HPV prevalence declined in older age groups. 719 women with LSIL Pap and HPV test results had at least 1 follow-up cervical biopsy result. 89 of 612 patients with HPV-positive LSIL (14.5%) had a follow-up histopathological diagnosis of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3. Only 4 of 107 patients with HPV-negative LSIL (3.7%) had CIN 2/3. Conclusions: In the largest study to date to document histopathological follow-up of older women with LSIL and HPV test results, no histopathological CIN 2/3 diagnoses were identified in women 50 years and older with HPV-negative LSIL. HPV test results stratified women with LSIL cytology findings into lower- and higher-risk groups for follow-up histopathologic CIN 2/3 outcomes.


We have developed an intelligent service robot which consists of several sensors and functions, such as stereo vision, sound source localization, remote supervisory and locomotion. The objective of this paper is to address a 3-dimensional sound source localization method in localizing the position of user while the user gives a command. To achieve this goal, stereo vision and audition system is combined to acquire speaker's position in 3-D coordinate. The depth information could be obtained by stereo vision, and the direction information could be obtained by audition system. We place coplanar microphone array and two identical cameras on the robot to implement this idea. In addition, an agent system is designed to combine the speech recognition system with several services which can provide more information to users and communicate with other devices.