In light of our aging population, there is an immediate need for non-obtrusive, continuous, and ubiquitous health monitoring technologies that will enable our population to age with a higher quality of life and independence. Research has demonstrated that gait indicators, such as walking speed, can reflect cognitive and physical functioning. However, gradual changes in such indicators usually go undetected until critical problems arise; being able to detect changes in indicators, such as gait deterioration, of older adults while in their home environments would enable clinicians to tailor more effective and personalized interventions by better understanding user behaviour in real-world settings. Real-world data is essential to enabling our healthcare system to act where patients most need help and to optimize the effect of designed eHealth solutions.


We report the discovery of a bright (J = 13.83 ± 0.03) methane brown dwarf, or T dwarf, by the Two Micron All Sky Survey. This object, 2MASSI J0559191-140448, is the first brown dwarf identified by the newly commissioned CorMASS instrument mounted on the Palomar 60 inch (1.5 m) telescope. Near-infrared spectra from 0.9 to 2.35 μm show characteristic CH4 bands at 1.1, 1.3, 1.6, and 2.2 μm, which are significantly shallower than those seen in other T dwarfs discovered to date. Coupled with the detection of an FeH band at 0.9896 μm and two sets of K I doublets at J band, we propose that 2MASS J0559-14 is a warm T dwarf, close to the transition between L and T spectral classes. The brightness of this object makes it a good candidate for detailed investigation over a broad wavelength regime and at higher resolution.


This theoretical research identified the possibility that Governance factors contribute as evidence of value in the relationships of commercial partnerships between Logistic Operators and service providers. The data analysis allowed to identify three possible levels of grouping due to the variables of facilitators of proximity of partnerships that showed that it is possible to have a relationship with transparence between the client company and its suppliers. Most of these groups of suppliers were characterized by the intention to share operating profits with the client company, with little tolerance to financial risks of joint investments and a tendency to sign future supply contracts. Transparency, ethics and corporate responsibility have contributed to the consolidation of these groupings of partnerships among companies, as well as creating a mutual and evolutionary process of full confidence in such a way that Corporate Governance becomes the main value factor for this relationship.


Both tax law and employment law incentivize engagers of labour to structure their workforce as a crowd of self-employed micro-entrepreneurs. Recent technological change and the rise of the gig economy have made it easier for agents to respond to these incentives, contributing to an increase in self-employment. In this article, we review the evidence on the rise of the gig economy in the UK and lay out a set of key principles to guide the reform of tax and employment law to better enable policy to meet its underlying objectives.


Serial measurements of intrarenal distribution of blood flow have been recorded in anesthetized dogs with the (133)xenon "washout" technique. The results showed that normal kidneys redistributed their blood flow after laparotomy and mobilization of the kidney. This alteration consisted of a diminution in percentage of total renal blood flow supplied to the fastest flowing component, and a diminution of renal mass supplied by that component. This effect lasted for as long as 7 days. Thereafter, the blood flow distribution remained stable. Autotransplanted kidneys had a stable distribution of blood flow between 0 and 77 days after operation, the values being identical with the stable normal kidney. Homotransplanted kidneys had the same intrarenal distribution of blood flow after operation as the autotransplanted kidneys. Whereas the intrarenal distribution of blood flow of the autotransplanted kidneys remained stable, a redistribution occurred in the homotransplanted kidneys as rejection progressed. This phenomenon occurred before marked elevation of blood urea nitrogen. The redistribution was due to a decrease in percentage of blood flow supplied to the fastest flowing component, and a relative reduction of tissue mass perfused by this component. Radioautography of the kidneys before rejection demonstrated that the cortex was homogeneously perfused by the fastest flowing component of blood flow. As rejection progressed, a reduced area of cortex was perfused by this component. Terminally, the fastest flowing component was located in the outer medulla. It is suggested that the reduction in cortical blood flow produced by immunological mechanisms may play a prominent role in the ensuing renal failure.


New exactly solvable SO(q)-invariant q-state vertex models are introduced. We employ a new method using inversion relations which enables us to determine directly the spectra of the transfer matrices. The results are applied to related quantum spin chains. A special case is the pure biquadratic spin-1 Hamiltonian which turns out to be noncritical. Various quantities are calculated, e.g., the energy gap and the correlation length.


Two novel hexanuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln6(L)2(acac)6(OH)4(NO3)2(CH3OH)2] (Ln = Gd (1), and Dy (2)) (Hacac = acetylacetone, H3L = N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-(hydroxymethyl)picolinohydrazide) were prepared by reaction of polydentate Schiff base H3L and β-diketonate salts Ln(acac)3·2H2O via a solvothermal method. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and they both contain a {Ln6} cluster in the center. Their magnetic properties are investigated and the results indicate that 1 features a remarkable magnetocaloric effect with a maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSm) value of 35.3 J kg−1 K−1 at 7.0 T and 2.0 K, while compound 2 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation behavior.


Heparin-binding growth-associated molecule (HB-GAM) (pleiotrophin) is a highly conserved extracellular matrix-associated protein implicated in a diverse range of developmental processes, including the formation and plasticity of neuronal connections. Using gene targeting, we have in the present study created HB-GAM-deficient mice that are viable and fertile and show no gross anatomical abnormalities. The hippocampal structure as well as basal excitatory synaptic transmission in the area CA1 appear normal in the mice lacking HB-GAM. However, hippocampal slices from HB-GAM-deficient mice display a lowered threshold for induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), which reverts back to the wild-type level by application of HB-GAM. HB-GAM expression in hippocampus is activity-dependent and upregulated in several neuropathological conditions. Thus, we suggest that HB-GAM acts as an inducible signal to inhibit LTP in hippocampus.


Data missingness and quality are common problems in machine learning, especially for high-stakes applications such as healthcare. Developers often train machine learning models on carefully curated datasets using only high quality data; however, this reduces the utility of such models in production environments. We propose a novel neural network modification to mitigate the impacts of low quality and missing data which involves replacing the fixed weights of a fully-connected layer with a function of an additional input. This is inspired from neuromodulation in biological neural networks where the cortex can up- and down-regulate inputs based on their reliability and the presence of other data. In testing, with reliability scores as a modulating signal, models with modulating layers were found to be more robust against degradation of data quality, including additional missingness. These models are superior to imputation as they save on training time by completely skipping the imputation process and further allow the introduction of other data quality measures that imputation cannot handle. Our results suggest that explicitly accounting for reduced information quality with a modulating fully connected layer can enable the deployment of artificial intelligence systems in real-time applications.


The number of Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) for food products is increasing and so is the topics they cover, from traditional intrinsic product characteristics such as percent meat in slaughtered pigs and protein content in milk to food safety issues such as zoonoses and pesticide residues and in some cases aspects of animal welfare. This development is linked to de-mands for risk controlling systems such as HACCP and traceability systems that would allow food safety problems to be traced to a small number of producers or farms. The large retail companies (supermarkets) are an important driving force for this development because of their efforts to build consumer trust in food products and loyalty to the companies own brands. Envi-ronmental characteristics of food products and information on their production methods are be-coming part of some QAS but not mostly in the form of qualitative information e.g. certification that the farmers have used Good Agricultural Practice (GAP). The paper gives examples of this and then discuss this development in relation to LCA based environmental appraisal of food products. The development of quantitative (tools for) environmental appraisal of agriculture and food production is becoming more productoriented improving the possibilities of assessing the regional and global impacts of food production chains and consumption. But these systems building on LCA does not so far seem to be linked with the development of QAS for food. The paper finally discuss the possibilities for linking the food safety related traceability systems and gives an example of on-going work to establish LCA based QAS in a meat processing system.


Within a larger research framework that studies the ways white people speak and write about minorities, this chapter examines one major strategy in such discourse, viz., the denial of racism. The prototype of such denials is the well-known disclaimer: I have nothing against blacks, but... Discourse plays a prominent role in the reproduction of racism. It expresses, persuasively conveys and legitimates ethnic or racial stereotypes and prejudices among white group members, and may thus form or confirm the social cognitions of other whites. This is particularly true for various forms of elite discourse, since the elites control or have preferential access to the major means of public communication, e.g. through political, media, educational, scholarly or corporate discourse. Without alternative sources of information or opinion formation, the white public at large may have few resources for resistance against such prevailing messages that preformulate the ethnic consensus. Our (informal) discourse analytical approach is embedded within this complex socio-cognitive and socio-political framework, which will not be spelled out here (for details, see van Dijk 1984, 1987, 1991, 1993).


Inspired by recent developments in learning smoothed densities with empirical Bayes, we study variational autoencoders with a decoder that is tailored for the random variable $Y=X+N(0,\sigma^2 I_d)$. A notion of smoothed variational inference emerges where the smoothing is implicitly enforced by the noise model of the decoder; "implicit", since during training the encoder only sees clean samples. This is the concept of imaginary noise model, where the noise model dictates the functional form of the variational lower bound $\mathcal{L}(\sigma)$, but the noisy data are never seen during learning. The model is named $\sigma$-VAE. We prove that all $\sigma$-VAEs are equivalent to each other via a simple $\beta$-VAE expansion: $\mathcal{L}(\sigma_2) \equiv \mathcal{L}(\sigma_1,\beta)$, where $\beta=\sigma_2^2/\sigma_1^2$. We prove a similar result for the Laplace distribution in exponential families. Empirically, we report an intriguing power law $\mathcal{D}_{\rm KL} \sim \sigma^{-\nu}$ for the learned models and we study the inference in the $\sigma$-VAE for unseen noisy data. The experiments were performed on MNIST, where we show that quite remarkably the model can make reasonable inferences on extremely noisy samples even though it has not seen any during training. The vanilla VAE completely breaks down in this regime. We finish with a hypothesis (the XYZ hypothesis) on the findings here.


A temporal knowledge graph (TKG) stores the events derived from the data involving time. Predicting events is extremely challenging due to the time-sensitive property of events. Besides, the previous TKG completion (TKGC) approaches cannot represent both the timeliness and the causality properties of events, simultaneously. To address these challenges, we propose a Logic and Commonsense-Guided Embedding model (LCGE) to jointly learn the time-sensitive representation involving timeliness and causality of events, together with the time-independent representation of events from the perspective of commonsense. Specifically, we design a temporal rule learning algorithm to construct a rule-guided predicate embedding regularization strategy for learning the causality among events. Furthermore, we could accurately evaluate the plausibility of events via auxiliary commonsense knowledge. The experimental results of TKGC task illustrate the significant performance improvements of our model compared with the existing approaches. More interestingly, our model is able to provide the explainability of the predicted results in the view of causal inference. The appendix, source code and datasets of this paper are available at https://github.com/ngl567/LCGE.


Previous studies in conscious pigs have demonstrated that a sequence of ten 2-min coronary occlusion/2-min reperfusion cycles renders the heart relatively resistant to myocardial stunning 24 h later [late preconditioning (PC) against stunning] by an unknown mechanism. Since oxygen radicals contribute importantly to myocardial stunning and since antioxidant enzymes have been reported to be upregulated 24 h after PC in dogs and rabbits, we tested the hypothesis that late PC against stunning is related to an increase in endogenous antioxidant defenses. Chronically instrumented conscious pigs underwent a sequence of ten 2-min coronary occlusion/2-min reperfusion cycles (preconditioned group, n = 11) or received no intervention (control group, n = 5). Twenty-four hours later, pigs were killed and the myocardial levels of Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD), Cu-Zn SOD, catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, GSH, GSH disulfide, α-tocopherol, and ascorbate were measured. There were no differences in any of the enzymatic or nonenzymatic antioxidants between the ischemic and nonischemic regions in the preconditioned group or between the control and the preconditioned group. Thus, when a marked protection against stunning was present (24 h after PC), no alteration in antioxidant defenses was observed. These results indicate that, in conscious pigs, late PC against myocardial stunning is not mediated by increased endogenous antioxidant defenses, thereby refuting one of the major current hypotheses regarding this phenomenon.


We demonstrated read and write characteristics of a three terminal memory device with a perpendicular anisotropy-free layer of a strip of [Co/Ni] and a low-switching perpendicular-anisotropy CoFeB/MgO sensing layer. This new design of the cell results in a small cell area. The switching magnetic field of the sensing layer can be decreased by changing sputtering gas for the Ta-cap from Ar to Kr. An electron energy-loss spectroscopy analysis of the cross-section of the magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) revealed that the boron content in CoFeB with a Kr-sputtered Ta-cap was smaller than that with an Ar-sputtered one. A change in resistance for the MTJ was observed that corresponded to the magnetic switching of the Co/Ni wire and its magnetoresistance ratio and critical current were 90% and 0.8 mA, respectively.


A twenty two weeks prelimnary study was carried out to assess the Status of the Upper Reaches of the Sombreiro River, one of the most important rivers in River state. A field survey was carried out in three sampling points in the Abua/Odual Local Govt. Area where fish samples were collected from the fishers and the Composition and Abundance assessed over the period using standard methods. Generally, the fish composition comprised of thirty seven (37) species in twenty (20) families from forty two thousand one hundred and twenty seven (42,127) individuals. However, through there was a weekly variation in composition following the seasons of the study from the dry season (weeks 1 – 14, Jan. to April) to the wet season (weeks 15 – 22, May to June). Some species were in the catch mainly in the rainy season ( H. fasciatus ) while others in the dry season ( G. decadactylus , I. africana , L. dentatus ) and some available through the period ( O. mossambicus , T. zilli , and other Cichlid. The weekly composition showed a seasonal variation with two peaks in the wet season but a higher peak in composition in the late wet season. The relative abundance showed that S. maderensis had the highest percentage (57.17%) abundance followed by T. zilli with 5.83% , L. grandisquamis and L. falcipinnis with 3.25% and 3.57% respectively. The least abundant in descending order were, H. niloticus , and T. senegalensis (0.07% each), P. senegalensis (0.03%) and E. senegalensis (0.01%). Also, the weekly abundance of fish species revealed a seasonal variation in the abundance. Week 16 with 8.92% had the highest relative abundance but there was another peak at week 2. Week 7 (0.17%) had the least. These findings of greater composition and abundance in the dry season than the wet season were consistent with other works in the Niger Delta Area (Chindah (1994), Chindah and Osuamkpe (1997), Allison et al (1997), Ogamba (1998), Sikoki et al (1999), Nweke (2000), Ezekiel et al.(2002), Davis (2009), Onwuteaka (2015), Ibim and Owhonda(2017), Ibim and Bongilli (In press) . They reported salinity in the river and the presence/absence of food organisms were the main reasons. However, fishing pressure may be a major issue affecting the high number of rare fish species as they are well appreciated and attract good prices in the local markets. Inter/intra specific competition is another factor. This study therefore serves as baseline for a greater Research Survey and Bio-Monitoring for further assessment of the Fish and Fisheries, including the Ecosystem for documentation and proper management/conservation of the fish and fisheriess in the Upper Reaches of the Sombreiro River in Rivers state.


This study aims to find more knowledge about preschool teachers' point of view on the situation of children living in economic hardship and how it affects them at the preschool. With economic hardship becoming more frequent and common amongst families with young children we find the subject important and in need of more attention. Studies have proven the negative effects of poverty on children's development and health and since the preschool is a big part of children's everyday life the study aims to see what perspectives practitioners have on the issue and how they plan activities and learning situations based on the needs of these children. What pre-conditions the preschool teachers need is also of great signifigcance to the study. Earlier research articles are pointing out the negative effects of poverty, the importance of preschool practitioners attitudes towards these choldren and effects of society's norms and how they create abnormality for children. Interview is used as a method to gather the preschool teachers' opinions, thoughts and experiences of the subject. The results showed that preschool teachers had different views, and experiences, on how the children were affected in preschool by the family's economic hardship. They also had both different and similar opinions on how the preschool could help these children and their parents as well as similar views on how the preschool could improve their resources to benefit and support children in economic hardship at the preschool. Further broad and longitudinal research in this area is needed.


Abstract : This MBA Project's purpose was to determine what ethics education is currently offered in the U.S. Navy and other services at the junior officer level. Its goal was to provide an informed foundation of current military best practices in ethics education that will help inform leadership about existing ethics programs, or program elements, that have credibility and show effectiveness. This data collection, analysis, and evaluation process will serve as the platform for establishing informed recommendations to create a future Supply Corps ethics education program. Action Research methodology was undertaken for data collection and evaluation. Interviews were conducted with 21 educators at 13 officer accession and training programs, including academies and war colleges. Analysis of each institution's ethics education program was conducted and findings were collaboratively reviewed to produce a list of recommended best practices. The researchers concluded that an effective ethics program should contain, at a minimum, the following elements: precise, measurable learning objectives; relevant case studies; exposure to classical theory; honor codes; a requirement of active student participation; meaningful grading; direct involvement of senior leadership in the classroom; and program effectiveness measurements to evaluate the program's value and adjust its elements as necessary.


Charge state and energy loss measurements of slow highly charged ions (HCIs) after transmission through nanometer and sub-nanometer thin membranes are presented. Direct transmission measurements through carbon nano membranes (CNMs) show an unexpected bimodal exit charge state distribution, accompanied by charge exchange dependent energy loss. The energy loss of ions in CNMs with large charge loss shows a quadratic dependency on the incident charge state, indicating charge state dependent stopping force values. Another access to the exit charge state distribution is given by irradiating stacks of CNMs and investigating each layer of the stack with high resolution imaging techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and helium ion microscopy (HIM) independently. The observation of pores created in all of the layers confirms the assumption derived from the transmission measurements that the two separated charge state distributions reflect two different impact parameter regimes, i.e. close collision with large charge exchange and distant collisions with weak ion-target interaction.


A range of hydrophobic-type adsorbents for protein chromatography has been screened for the binding, at high salt concentrations, of 10 enzymes from a bacterial extract. Adsorbents were chosen for tandem chromatography, in which the first adsorbent removed much of the protein, and the second and subsequent columns bound the desired enzymes. Simple schemes for isolating Zymomonas mobilis and yeast alcohol dehydrogenases are described, in which the enzymes are affinity eluted by NAD+.


Androgen deprivation therapy eventually leads to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the histone H3K4 methyltransferase SETD1A is a major regulator for the proliferation of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC). The expression of SETD1A was significantly correlated with the survival rate of patients with prostate cancer. SETD1A, which is expressed at a higher level in mCRPC than in primary prostate cancer cells, promotes the expression of FOXM1, a gene encoding a cell proliferation-specific transcription factor. SETD1A is recruited to the promoter region of FOXM1 (forkhead box M1) upon binding to E2F1, a protein that regulates the transcription of FOXM1 and contributes to the trimethylation of H3K4 in the FOXM1 promoter region. In addition, SETD1A is essential for the expression of stem cell factor (e.g., OCT4, octamer-binding transcription factor 4) and stem cell formation in mCRPC, suggesting the importance of SETD1A expression in mCRPC tumor formation. Notably, poor prognosis is associated with high expression of the SETD1A–FOXM1 pair in clinical data sets. Therefore, our study suggests that SETD1A plays an important role in the proliferation of mCRPC by regulating FOXM1 transcription.


There are exists positive thermal expansion property for almost all materials. However, in many cases, the material property with negative thermal expansion is requested for engineering applications. This work is to develop high performance fiber-reinforced composites with negative thermal expansion by using high strength polyethylene fiber Dyneema®, high strength PBO fiber ZYLON®, aramid fiber Technora ® and carbon fibers.


The so-called Jar Test (JT) plays a vital role in the drinking water and wastewater treatments for establishing the dosage of flocculants and coagulant. This test is a well-proved laboratory instrumental procedure performed by trained personnel. In this work, a completely novel system for the automation and monitoring of a JT devoted to drinking water treatment is presented. It has been implemented using an industrial programmable controller and sensors and instruments specifically selected for this purpose. Once the parameters of the test have been entered, the stages that compose the JT (stirring, coagulant addition, etc.) are sequentially performed without human intervention. Moreover, all the involved measurements from sensors are collected and made accessible for continuous monitoring of the process. By means of the proposed system, the JT procedure is conducted fully automatically and can be locally and remotely monitored in real-time. Furthermore, the developed system constitutes a portable laboratory that offers advantageous features like scalability and transportability. The proposed system is described focusing on hardware and instrumentation aspects, and successful results are reported.


In this study, I explore the idea of "acceptable risk" at the organizational level of analysis in a sample of currency-trading rooms embedded in different national cultures, and develop and test a multi-level model of how national culture and the organizational context, in particular the control strategies and the norms of acceptable risk within risktaking units, shape their risk-taking behavior and performance. The results show that "acceptable risk" as defined within the micro-environment of the trading room does influence actual organizational risk-taking, though national culture does not. In addition, market control strategies were related to better risk-transformation in these trading rooms. This paper was presented at the Wharton Financial Institutions Center's conference on The Performance of Financial Institutions, May 8-10, 1997.


Purpose of review Daily left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for several weeks was first proposed as an acute treatment for depression in the early 1990s, and was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in 2008. In the past year, several important studies have been published that extend our understanding of this novel treatment approach. Recent findings The first round of multisite clinical trials with TMS addressed whether prefrontal rTMS has efficacy and were conducted in carefully selected depressed patients who were antidepressant medication free. Several more recent studies assess the clinical effectiveness of TMS and report that about 35–40% of real-world patients who are commonly taking adjunctive antidepressants reach remission with a modest side effect profile. There are also new studies examining the durability of the TMS-induced antidepressant effect. Fifty-eight percent of TMS remitters remain remitted at 3-month follow-up. Summary These recent studies suggest that daily left prefrontal TMS over several weeks as a treatment for depression not only appears to have efficacy in rigorous randomized controlled trials, but is effective in real-world settings, with remission in 30–40% of patients. The TMS antidepressant effect, once achieved, appears to be as durable as with other antidepressant medications or interventions. Much more research is needed, particularly with issues such as the TMS coil location, stimulation intensity and frequency, and dosing strategy.


In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration issued regulations to allow the approval of human drugs and biological products based on animal efficacy studies when human efficacy studies would be unethical or not feasible. These regulations are intended to assist in the approval process for products aimed at preventing or treating human diseases caused by nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical agents that have the potential to harm a significant percentage of the US population. This article discusses the criteria that must be met to use the Animal Rule to demonstrate efficacy in place of human clinical trials.


BACKGROUND
Research needs to be undertaken rapidly in the event of an influenza pandemic to develop and evaluate triage methods for people presenting to the emergency department with suspected pandemic influenza.

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to pilot a research study to be undertaken in a pandemic to identify the most accurate triage method for patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected pandemic influenza. The objectives of the pilot study were to develop a standardised clinical assessment form and secure online database; test both using data from patients with seasonal influenza; seek clinician views on the usability of the form; and obtain all regulatory approvals required for the main study.

DESIGN
Study methods were piloted using an observational cohort study and clinician views were sought using qualitative, semistructured interviews.

SETTING
Six acute hospital emergency departments.

PARTICIPANTS
Patients attending the emergency department with suspected seasonal influenza during winter 2012-13 and clinicians working in the emergency departments.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Adverse events up to 30 days were identified, but analysis of the pilot data was limited to descriptive reporting of patient flow, data completeness and patient characteristics.

RESULTS
Some 165 patients were identified, of whom 10 withdrew their data, leaving 155 (94%) for analysis. Follow-up data were available for 129 of 155 (83%), with 50 of 129 (39%) being admitted to hospital. Three cases (2%) were recorded as having suffered an adverse outcome. There appeared to be variation between the hospitals, allowing for small numbers. Three of the hospitals identified 150 of 165 (91%) of the patients, and all 10 withdrawing patients were at the same hospital. The proportion with missing follow-up data varied from 8% to 31%, and the proportion admitted varied from 4% to 85% across the three hospitals with meaningful numbers of cases. All of the deaths were at one hospital. There was less variation between hospitals in rates of missing data, and for most key variables missing rates were between 5% and 30%. Higher missing rates were recorded for blood pressure (39%), inspired oxygen (43%), capillary refill (36%) and Glasgow Coma Scale score (43%). Chest radiography was performed in 51 of 118 cases, and electrocardiography in 40 of 111 cases with details recorded. Blood test results were available for 32 of 155 cases. The qualitative interviews revealed generally positive views towards the standardised assessment form. Concerns about lack of space for free text were raised but counterbalanced by appreciation that it fitted on to one A4 page. A number of amendments were suggested but only three of these were suggested by more than one participant, and no suggestions were made by more than two participants.

CONCLUSIONS
A standardised assessment form is acceptable to clinicians and could be used to collect research data in an influenza pandemic, but analysis may be limited by missing data.

FUTURE WORK
An observational cohort study to identify the most accurate triage method for predicting severe illness in emergency department attendees with suspected pandemic influenza is set up and ready to activate if, or when, a pandemic occurs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN56149622.

FUNDING
This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.


Background/Aims: Patients with chronic renal failure are highly predisposed to atherosclerosis. However, there is limited data about the direct comparison of atherosclerosis between patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to compare ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) between patients with CKD and hemodialysis and thus examined the status of peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) and arterial stiffness between them. Methods: We enrolled 169 patients with CKD stage 3–5 and 225 hemodialysis patients in one regional hospital. ABI and baPWV were measured by using an ABI-form device (VP1000, Colin). Results: A higher prevalence of ABI <0.9 was found in hemodialysis patients than in CKD patients (15.6 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.030). After a multivariate analysis, ABI <0.9 was associated with increased age, diabetes mellitus (DM), increased pulse pressure, decreased serum albumin level, and hemodialysis treatment. The baPWV was positively associated with age, DM, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and negatively with body mass index. However, after adjusting for other variables, baPWV was comparable between patients with CKD and hemodialysis. Conclusions: The study revealed that PAOD might be more prevalent in patients with hemodialysis than in patients with CKD, but arterial stiffness might be comparable between them.


Results of treatment of 160 patients with purulent wounds of the soft tissues treated with photodynamic therapy and exogenous nitric oxide were analyzed. High efficacy of this method is demonstrated: clinical course of the disease improves, period of wounds healing and hospitalization reduces. Photodynamic therapy in combination with exogenous nitric oxide results in rapid repair of microcirculation, stimulation of phagocytosis, accelerates cleaning of wounds, activates macrophagal reaction, fibroblast proliferation and epithelium regeneration that is in stimulation of reparation.


The present article examines the role of Internal Communication in stimulating the individual employee outcomes and Organizational outcomes in the era of Globalization. The study investigates the relationship between Internal communication and Organizational competitiveness. A sample of 150 respondents from Retail Industry in Visakhapatnam consisting of various Departments viz Logistics and Supply chain Management, Information systems, Accounting and Human Resource management are taken as respondents. A Hypothesis is formulated to examine the relationship between constructs of Internal communication and Organizational competitiveness. Exploratory Factor Analysis is conducted and Varimax Rotation is applied for all the items of variables. The statistical results conclude that Internal Communication plays a significant role in enhancing Organizational competitiveness.


Objectives: To determine whether the association between hyperoxia and increased risk-adjusted mortality in adult intensive care patients is also observed in a pediatric intensive care population. Design: Single-center retrospective analysis of admissions to ICU over a 5-year period commencing January 1, 2012, examining the relationship between PaO2 measured within the first hour of admission and risk-adjusted mortality. Standardized mortality rates were calculated using the Pediatric Index of Mortality-3, and patients were grouped into 50 mm Hg (6.67 kPa) PaO2 bands to assess the relationship between initial PaO2 and risk-adjusted mortality. Setting: Tertiary PICU with 17 beds and 1,100 annual admissions located in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. Patients: A total of 1,447 patients 0–18 years old with PaO2 recorded at admission to the ICU. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: There were 5,176 patients admitted to the ICU during the study period and 1,447 (28%) with PaO2 recorded at admission. A U-shaped relationship between raw mortality and admission PaO2 was observed, with lowest mortality (2.3% and 2.6%, respectively) observed in the 101–150 (13.5–20.0 kPa) and 151–200 mm Hg (20.1–26.7 kPa) bands and the highest mortality observed in patients with PaO2 less than 50 mm Hg (6.67 kPa) with mortality of 5.3%, or greater than 350 mm Hg (46.7 kPa) with mortality of 18.2%. Hyperoxia at admission was associated with an increase in risk-adjusted mortality, with polynomial regression indicating a strong correlation between PaO2 band and risk-adjusted outcome (r2 = 0.845). When included in a multivariate model that included the Pediatric Index of Mortality-3 variables, the odds ratio for hyperoxia (defined as PaO2 > 250 mm Hg [33.3 kPa]) predicting death was 2.66 (p = 0.047). Conclusions: In this single-center study, hyperoxia at admission to the PICU was highly correlated with increased risk-adjusted mortality. Further investigation of these observations in a large multicenter cohort is warranted.


Cardiothoracic and cardiovascular anesthesiologists have widely adopted transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a diagnostic and monitoring modality, and are increasingly expected to provide the cardiovascular surgeon or interventionalist with information crucial for periprocedural decision-making. These developments are reflected in the program requirements for subspecialty training in cardiothoracic anesthesiology, and by the achievement of testamur status in the National Board of Echocardiography's Examination of Special Competence in Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (or the relevant recertification exam) by more than 3,000 physicians at the time of writing. Constructive periprocedural application of TEE requires specific knowledge beyond an understanding of the general principles of echocardiography. This has led to the publication of several texts aimed at the perioperative TEE practitioner. For the second edition of their textbook A Practical Approach to Transesophageal Echocardiography, originally published in 2003, Drs. Albert Perrino and Scott Reeves have commissioned chapters from 28 contributors, including the editors. All authors are from North American institutions; many of them enjoy high name recognition in cardiothoracic anesthesiology. The book has 21 chapters and is divided into 5 sections. The first section, Essentials of Two-Dimensional Imaging, deals with ultrasound physics, the standard two-dimensional examination, the evaluation of left ventricular systolic function, and the echocardiographic diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. The subject matter of the three chapters of section two, Essentials of Doppler Echocardiography, while somewhat self-evident, also includes the evaluation of diastolic function. Section three, Transesophageal Echocardiography in Valvular Disease and Surgery, is the largest part of the book. Mitral valve pathology and mitral valve repair are discussed in three chapters, aortic valve pathology is addressed in two chapters, and one chapter each deals with the evaluation of prosthetic valves and right-sided cardiac structures and function. Clinical Challenges, the fourth section, has five chapters covering TEE evaluation of the thoracic aorta, congenital heart disease, coronary revascularization, and cardiac masses, as well as application and utility of TEE in the intensive care unit. The fifth and final section of the book is entitled Man and Machine. Its two chapters discuss echocardiographic artifacts and how to optimize image quality by appropriately setting the echocardiography console controls. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography and 10 to 20 selfassessment questions, the answers to which are provided at the end of the book. An extensive appendix comprises useful tables summarizing standard two-dimensional TEE views, normal values for cardiac dimensions, formulas for hemodynamic calculations, hemodynamic data for many common prosthetic heart valves, and current criteria for the echocardiographic grading of the severity of valvular heart disease. The book is not accompanied by a CD or DVD. Appropriately for a highly visual subject matter, the book is well illustrated. Many excellent color drawings demonstrate cardiac anatomy and explain physical principles. The numerous echocardiographic images, many of them also in color, represent the anatomy or pathology under discussion superbly. As everybody who has written or lectured on echocardiographic subjects is aware, locating that perfect still image can require hours of searching, an investment of time and effort from which the authors of this text have clearly not shied. The (almost complete) absence of transthoracic echocardiographic images from this TEE textbook also deserves favorable mention. Some practical guides are anything but. In contradistinction, A Practical Approach to Transesophageal Echocardiography does live up to its motto. The text reads easily and reflects extensive practical experience of the authors and editors with their subject matter. Most chapters include background information specifically relevant to perioperative echocardiography, step-by-step descriptions of the pertinent aspects of the TEE examination, and/or an outline of the author's personal approach to the problem under discussion. Both the selection of topics and the content of individual chapters are balanced and clinically relevant. The temptation to include "everything there is to know" has generally been resisted. No book review is complete without some quibbles: The number of literature references 5 yr old or less ranges widely (from 0 out of 39 to 10 out of 14); however, several chapters are notable for very few recent references, despite the publication of a number of relevant practice guidelines over the course of the past 5 yr. The chapter on TEE of the thoracic aorta does not discuss TEE in the evaluation of traumatic aortic injury. I also got the impression that some self-assessment questions might have benefited from more careful editing. These criticisms are minor, though, and should not detract from the credit due to the editors and contributors. In summary, I found perusing A Practical Approach to Transesophageal Echocardiography both instructive and enjoyable (despite only recently having prepared for the TEE recertification exam). The book is well organized and sufficiently comprehensive, yet concise enough to serve as an introductory text. The excellent illustrations, the practical perspective maintained throughout, and the useful appendix are particularly strong points. I will be recommending A Practical Approach to Transesophageal Echocardiography to anesthesiology trainees and other students of perioperative echocardiography, and look forward to consulting my own copy in the future.


Published in 1989, Philip Mirowski's "More Heat Than Light: Economics as Social Physics, Physic's as Nature's Economics" offered a challenge to historians of economics that could not be ignored. Neo-classical economics, he said, adopted certain analytical tools of mid-nineteenth-century physics, simply substituting "utility" for "energy," and in so doing, chose a natural-world model which denied that economic knowledge might be essentially social and cultural. The essays in this collection represent the first collective effort to respond to Mirowski's challenge by examining and assessing the Mirowski enterprise.In addition to questioning the veracity of the connection between physics and economics, the contributors consider the far-reaching implications of Mirowski's thesis for the history of economics. Mirowski shows that economic texts must be viewed in their relation to texts outside the field of economics and offers an alternative reading of economic texts as social and cultural inscriptions. As historians of economics respond to Mirowski's challenge, the style and direction of their work will be changed. Utlimately, a careful assessment of "More Heat Than Light" may introduce historians of economics to recognize that the "discipline" of economics may not be the most appropriate category from which to proceed."Contributors. "Jack Birner, Marcel Boumans, A. W. Coats, Avi J. Cohen, I. Bernard Cohen, Neil de Marchi, Steve Fuller, Clifford G. Gaddy, Wade Hands, Albert Jolink, Arjo Klamer, Robert Leonard, Philip Mirowski, Theodore M. Porter, Margaret Schabas, E. Roy Weintraub


ABSTRACT: This article provides a general overview of the benefits and challenges of using multitiered clauses in international commercial contracts. As international trade grows and parties to international contracts seek speedier and more cost-effective mechanisms for resolving their disputes, it is likely that the use of multi-tiered clauses will increase. While multi-tiered clauses can provide greater flexibility to respond to various types of disputes that may arise in a contractual relationship, these clauses can also present various challenges. The main challenge in utilizing these types of clauses is generally a result of poor or careless drafting. The way in which a multi-tiered clause is structured and drafted can undermine the very benefits that these types of clauses are expected to offer. Keeping this in mind, a well-drafted multi-tiered clause can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a contractual relationship, giving the parties multiple avenues for resolving their dispute. This flexibility can help the parties arrive to a more mutually beneficial resolution of the dispute or in cases where the parties desire a long-term contractual relationship, help preserve that relationship.


We present measurements of the Spin Hall Eect (SHE) in AuW and AuTa alloys for a large range of W or Ta concentrations by combining experiments on lateral spin valves and Ferromagnetic-Resonance/spin pumping technique. The main result is the identication of a large enhancement of the Spin Hall Angle (SHA) by the side-jump mechanism on Ta impurities, with a SHA as high as + 0.5 (i.e 50%) for about 10% of Ta. In contrast the SHA in AuW does not exceed + 0.15 and can be explained by intrinsic SHE of the alloy without signicant extrinsic contribution from skew or side-jump scattering by W impurities. The AuTa alloys, as they combine a very large SHA with a moderate resistivity (smaller than 85 µΩ.cm), are promising for spintronic devices exploiting the SHE. A goal of spintronics is to generate, manipulate and detect spin currents for the transfer and manipulation of information, thus allowing faster and low-energy consuming operations. Since the discovery of the Giant Magnetoresistance a "classical" way to produce spin currents was to take advantage of ferromagnetic materials and their two different spin channel conductivities [1, 2]. In the last decade the rediscovery and study of spin orbit interaction eects brought new insights into creation mechanisms of spin currents. Among all mechanisms the spin Hall eect (SHE) focused a lot of attention as it allows the generation of spin currents from charge current and vice versa [3]. Despite being observed only a decade ago [46] these eects are already ubiquitous within the Spintronics as standard spin-current generators and detectors [7 9]. The conversion coecient between charge and spin currents is called the spin Hall angle (SHA) and is dened as Θ SHE = ρ xy /ρ xx , ratio of the non-diagonal and diagonal terms of the resistivity tensor. One of the main interests of the SHE is to provide a new paradigm for Spintronics where non-magnetic materials becomes active spin current source and detector. Until now most of the reports focused on single heavy metals and intrinsic SHE mechanisms, the main materials of interest being: Pt, Ta, W, and some oxydes. With intrinsic mechanisms the SHA is typically proportional to the resistivity of the heavy metal, and generally, a large value of the SHA is associated with a high resistivity (i.e.-0.3 for the SHA in β − W is associated with 263 µΩ.cm [10]) which limits the current density and the resulting spin transfer torques on the mag-netisation of an adjacent metallic ferromagnetic material. Extrinsic SHE mechanisms associated with the spin dependent scattering on impurities or defects are an alternative to generate transverse spin currents [11]. Two particular scattering mechanisms have been identied: the skew scattering [12] providing a non-diagonal term of the resistivity tensor proportional to the longitudinal resistivity (ρ xy ∝ ρ xx) and the side jump [13] for which the non-diagonal term is proportional to the square of the resistivity (ρ xy ∝ ρ 2 xx). For instance, the skew scattering mechanism have been observed in CuIr, CuBi, CuPb alloys (SHA=0.02,-0.24,-0.13, resp.) [14, 15]. The intrinsic mechanism from Berry curvature in the conduction band gives the same dependence ρ xy ∝ ρ 2 xx as the side-jump contribution so that, for example the SHE of AuPt (SHA=0.3 at max.) alloys could be explained by a predominant intrinsic eect rather than ascribed to side-jump[16]. In this letter we present a study of Au-based alloys with W and T a impurities. We demonstrate that the side-jump scattering mechanism dominates in AuTa alloys, and generates high spin Hall angles (up to + 0.5) with the additional advantage of resistivities (ρ AuT a < 85µΩ.cm) smaller than in most materials with SHA in the same range. By contrast in AuW alloys the SHE is mainly due to only the intrinsic mechanism and is denitely smaller than in AuTa. This dierence between AuTa and AuW is supported by ab − initio calculations. The alloys were fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering by co-deposition of the two pure materials. The concentration in atomic purcent were determined by chemical analyzes (proton or electron induced X-ray emission) and from the depo-sition rate of each species. We control the alloy-ing through the increase of the resistivity as the


Abstract We discuss Cahn's time cone method modelling phase transformation kinetics. The model equation by the time cone method is an integral equation in the space-time region. First, we reduce it to a system of hyperbolic equations, and in the case of odd spatial dimensions, the reduced system is a multiple hyperbolic equation. Next, we propose a numerical method for such a hyperbolic system. By means of alternating direction implicit methods, numerical simulations for practical forward problems are implemented with satisfactory accuracy and efficiency. In particular, in the three dimensional case, our numerical method on the basis of reduced multiple hyperbolic equation is fast.


Coplanar wave-guide grounded lines (CPWG) have been de- signed, realized by micro-machining of high resistivity silicon wafers and tested up to 40 GHz. Different configurations have been compared between them by changing the dimensions of the micro-machined via-holes used for the ground connection, as well as their number and separation, to get the optimal electrical matching conditions. Wide-band matching and losses as low as 0.1{0.2 dB/mm have been obtained within the 40 GHz range, in agreement with the predicted behavior.


To improve the aeolian dust budget calculations with the global ECHAM/MESSy atmospheric chemistry-climate model (EMAC) we have implemented new input data and updates of the emission scheme. The data set comprises landcover classification, vegetation, clay fraction and topography. It is based on up-to-date observations, which is crucial to account for the rapid changes of deserts and semi-arid regions in recent decades. The new Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) based landcover and vegetation data is time dependent, and the effect of long-term trends and variability of the relevant parameters is therefore considered by the emission scheme. All input data has a spatial resolution of at least 0.1° compared to 1° in the previous version, equipping the model for high resolution simulations. We validate the updates by comparing results for the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm wavelength from a one year simulation at T106 (about 1.1°) resolution with Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and MODIS observations, and results for 10 μm dust AOD (DAOD) with Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) retrievals. The update significantly improves agreement with the observations and is therefore recommended to be used in future simulations.


A straightforward new technique is introduced which enables measurement at hadron colliders of an analytical combination of the masses of pair-produced semi-invisibly decaying particles and their invisible decay products. The new technique makes use of the invariance under contra-linear Lorentz boosts of a simple combination of the transverse momentum components of the aggregate visible products of each decay chain. In the general case where the invariant masses of the visible decay products are non-zero it is shown that in principle the masses of both the initial particles from the hard scattering and the invisible particles produced in the decay chains can be determined independently. This application is likely to be difficult to realise in practice however due to the contamination of the final state with ISR jets. The technique may be of most use for measurements of SUSY particle masses at the LHC, however the technique should be applicable to any class of hadron collider events in which heavy particles of unknown mass are pair-produced and decay to semi-invisible final states.


A complex motion encountered in a number of robotic, industrial, and defense applications is the motion of a rigid body when one of its body-fixed axes tracks a desired pointing direction while it rotates at high angular velocity around the pointing direction (PDAV); during this motion, high frequency precession/nutation oscillations arise. This work analyzes the global/local closed-loop (CL) behavior induced by a developed geometric, PDAV controller and studies the high frequency precession/nutation oscillations that characterize PDAV motions. This is done via geometrically exact linearization and via simulation techniques that amount to charting the smooth CL vector fields on the manifold. A method to quickly estimate the frequency of the precession/nutation oscillations is developed and can be used for sizing actuators. A thorough understanding of the behavior of the CL flow induced by the PDAV controller is achieved, allowing the control engineer to anticipate/have a rough estimate of the system CL response.


This paper reviews our recent investigations of compound semiconductors and heterovalent interfaces using the technique of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Bright-field imaging of compound semiconductors with a collection angle that is comparable in size to the incident-beam convergence angle is demonstrated to provide better atomic-column visibility for lighter elements in comparison with the more traditional high-angle annular-dark-field approach. Several pairs of Group II–VI/Group III–V compound semiconductors with zincblende structure have been studied in detail. These combinations are all valence-mismatched (i.e., heterovalent), and include CdTe/InSb (Δ a / a ≤ 0.05%), ZnTe/InP (Δ a / a = 3.8%), and ZnTe/GaAs (Δ a / a = 7.4%). CdTe/InSb (001) interfaces are observed to be defect-free with a slight lattice contraction at the interface plane. For interfaces with larger lattice-parameter mismatch, the primary interfacial defects are identified as Lomer edge dislocations and perfect 60° dislocations. However, the atomic structure of the dislocation cores has not yet been unambiguously determined.


Problem: Non-invasive diagnostic techniques to facilitate diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions (PSL) are being developed. Dermoscopy and SIAscopy are two such techniques, and they are evaluated in this thesis. Aims: Pp I: To investigate if primary care physicians (PCPs) improve their ability to diagnose melanoma using dermoscopy after a short education intervention. Pp II: To describe relevant morphological features of pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) using dermoscopy and to create a diagnostic method based on these findings. Pp III: To evaluate if SIAscopy could be used to diagnose pigmented BCCs. Pp IV: i) To find out if SIAscopic findings topographically correlated with histopathological findings of melanoma; ii) if SIAscopy could give a topographic indication of the localisation of maximum tumour thickness, iii) provide a guide for appropriate sectioning of the specimen for histopathological evaluation. Methods: Pp I: The diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and non-melanoma PSLs were tested among 74 PCPs, divided into an education intervention group and a control group. Both groups were retested after the education intervention. Pp II: 426 dermoscopic images of pigmented BCCs, melanomas and benign PSLs were scored for dermoscopic features. Based on the results an algorithm was derived. Pp III: 21 pigmented BCCs were analysed regarding dermoscopic and SIAscopic findings. Pp IV: 60 PSLs, i.e. 29 invasive melanomas, 13 melanoma in situ and 18 benign PSLs, showing positive SIAscopic findings were included. Topographic comparisons were made between SIAscopic findings and histopahology. Results: Pp I: There was a significant improvement in sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis among PCPs who were educated in dermoscopy. Pp II: A dermoscopic algorithm for diagnosing pigmented BCCs was created. The algorithm had a sensitivity of 93% for the diagnosis of pigmented BCCs, a specificity of 89% for invasive melanoma and 92% for benign pigmented skin lesions. Pp III: The same SIAscopic features that had previously been shown to be frequent in melanomas, were seen in pigmented BCCs. Using dermoscopy 90% of the pigmented BCCs were correctly diagnosed. Pp IV: In only 11 of 29 invasive melanomas the SIAgraphs topographically matched the area of invasion on histology. A high concentration of dermal melanin was the SIAscopic signal with best correlation to melanoma invasion, although it also proved to have low specificity. Conclusions: Pp I: Dermoscopy significantly improves sensitivity for melanoma when used by primary care physicians, after a short education intervention on dermoscopy. Pp II: A robust dermoscopy algorithm that allows the diagnosis of pigmented BCCs from invasive melanoma and benign pigmented skin lesions has been developed. Pp III: SIAscopy has no advantage over dermoscopy when diagnosing pigmented basal cell carcinoma, and can be misleading if the examiner has little or no knowledge of dermoscopy. Pp IV: Information regarding microscopic structure and architecture given by the SIAscope does not represent reliable diagnostic information related to the lesions internal structure, when compared to histopathology. Therefore SIAscopy cannot be used as a guide for localising the maximum tumour thickness when performing histopathological examination.


To establish the nature of the ground conditions to facilitate construction, and to ensure that the risk of unexpected conditions (e.g. previously unrecognized hazards) or impacts (e.g. unanticipated changes) can be reduced, it is necessary to develop a preliminary 'ground model' of the ground conditions at any proposed construction/development site. Different forms of the ground model have been constructed and the various types been labelled as 'geotechnical models', 'engineering geological models' or 'conceptual models of ground conditions'. However, they could all be given the general label 'geomodels', and typically these models include a basic geological map and a geomorphological plan. These enable a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the surface and subsurface conditions at the site to be created in which the nature of the ground conditions is established and all potential risks to the project are at least tentatively identified. The bases for the production of geomodels for engineering geology were laid down by Fookes (1997) and Fookes et al. (2000) as part of the 'Total Geology Approach' to site investigation (Fookes & Baynes 2008). Modern developments using computer-based models, often developed using a geographical information system (GIS), were described, for example, by Culshaw (2005).

Initially, preliminary geomodels are developed from desk studies of available sources, including topographical maps and remote sensing data, and are concentrated on identifying the relevant geomorphological systems and subsystems, along with the main environmental controls on landscape development. These models form the starting point for the process of ensuring that ground conditions are identified, and potential geomorphological and engineering geological problems are recognized, evaluated and managed by an engineering project. This information will underpin the development of the ground conditions component of a 'risk register' (Simons et al. 2002) (see Chapter 6). Most geomodels today will be computer based and developed on GIS platforms, …


This study provides a novel function of the bacterial lectin LecB, which dampens cell proliferation and survival by targeting the insulin-like growth factor-1 for degradation, without receptor activation. Lectins are glycan-binding proteins with no catalytic activity and ubiquitously expressed in nature. Numerous bacteria use lectins to efficiently bind to epithelia, thus facilitating tissue colonisation. Wounded skin is one of the preferred niches for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has developed diverse strategies to impair tissue repair processes and promote infection. Here, we analyse the effect of the P. aeruginosa fucose-binding lectin LecB on human keratinocytes and demonstrate that it triggers events in the host, upon binding to fucosylated residues on cell membrane receptors, which extend beyond its role as an adhesion molecule. We found that LecB associates with insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and dampens its signalling, leading to the arrest of cell cycle. In addition, we describe a novel LecB-triggered mechanism to down-regulate host cell receptors by showing that LecB leads to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor internalisation and subsequent missorting towards intracellular endosomal compartments, without receptor activation. Overall, these data highlight that LecB is a multitask virulence factor that, through subversion of several host pathways, has a profound impact on keratinocyte proliferation and survival.


Summary In the aureole of the syn-orogenic Hasvik Gabbro a variety of exsolution phenomena developed during the contact metamorphism. These exsolution phenomena have similar textures to those produced during the age-hardening of metal alloys. In feldspars the exsolution precipitates are closely related to the pattern of excesses over and deficiencies from the formula requirements, particularly in terms of SiO2 and Al2O3. The exsolution products are dependent upon both the temperatures of ageing and the details of the mineral chemistry. Evidence supporting an exsolution theory of origin for myrmekite is provided, and it is shown that precipitation from heterotype feldspar solid solutions during metamorphism may in fact be a complex process involving a number of precipitate phases. The nucleation of sillimanite as a precipitate phase is discussed and it is shown how sillimanite develops at a number of distinctive sites within feldspar and garnet. From the textural relations of sillimanite precipitates and their host minerals a control exerted by the thermal stress configuration over the nucleation of precipitate phases is suggested. It is argued that the thermal stresses exerted across grain boundaries and within minerals during metamorphism may have considerable relevance to the interpretation of textures in metamorphic rocks.


Before selecting your next project's Web development tool, you need to know which functions the tool must perform and which tool can best accomplish those functions. The article might not settle dogmatic developer arguments, but it offers objectivity and technical detail to help you assess the strengths, weaknesses, and appropriateness of some popular Web development tools. Selecting the right tool for Web development projects is becoming more important as enterprises move from static Web sites to more sophisticated interactive, secure, database-backed Web sites. The need to develop and deploy new Web applications in Internet time feeds the need to select the right tool for the project. In writing the article, each of the authors, as Web developers, began by picking their favorite tool and presenting its strengths and weaknesses. The tools presented were: Dreamweaver; Active Server Pages (ASP); Domino; Practical Extraction and Report Language (Perl). Then they challenged one another's lists of strengths and weaknesses. The sessions were sometimes passionate, but the authors managed to keep the discussions collegial and objective. The article reflects the best from those sessions.


Cold intolerance is a debilitating effect of nerve injury, has a strong impact on the life of patients and no advisable treatment exists against it. Testosterone influences pain pathways and has analgesic effects. A recent study showed testosterone as being an agonist of TRPM8, the predominant ion channel that contributes to cold hypersensitivity after injury. We investigated the effect of testosterone on cold sensitivity after nerve injury. Specifically, using the double plate test (DPT) (thermo-neutral-plate: 31ºC and cold-plate: 18ºC) we determined the thermal preference of mice at different points during the study design consisting of: orchiectomy, tibial nerve transection (TNT) (30 days after orchiectomy), 15-days-repeated subcutaneous injections of testosterone enanthate (250 or 500µg/kg/day) or vehicle (started 12hours after TNT surgery). Different parameters such as time spent on cold plates, distance traveled, animal speed on the cold- and thermo-neutral-plates were determined in naïve, sham and neuropathic animals. Neither orchiectomy nor sham TNT surgery generate effects on cold intolerance and animal activity while TNT surgery decreased the time spent on the cold-plate and the distance traveled during DPT. Testosterone administration reversed the effect of nerve injury, decreasing the cold hypersensitivity and increasing activity of TNT mice. However, the effect of testosterone on cold avoidance reduced with time and at 14 days after TNT surgery, a higher dose was needed to reverse the effect generated by nerve injury. This indicates that although testosterone administration has a positive effect on cold intolerance, it might not be suitable for prolongated treatment.


The design process for obtaining the reliable steeraxle casting beam of fork lift truck is studied in this paper, as the casting beam is major component of steeraxle which has a steering function at driving. In this study, the driving mode and damage pattern of casting beam which could be occurred from the customer site were analyzed and it established the design process to predict the fatigue life by FEA(Finite Element Analysis) so that the reliability of steeraxle casting beam could be verified at DVT(Design Validation Test) mode. This paper provides guidance on the process of designing the reliable steeraxle casting beam at the initial design stage and also, provides guidance on the process of solving the problem when the failure is occurred in the field.


In the same sea area, with the increase of the number of operations, the situation of jack up offshore drilling platform carrying out secondary or multiple Jack-up leg embedment operations in the vicinity, or even in the same location will increase year by year. Therefore, the operation of jack up offshore drilling platform makes the sea area "step on the footprints" The problems become more and more frequent, and have a significant impact on the operation safety of offshore platforms. During the "footprint" process of jack-up drilling platform, the spudcan will slide transversely along the direction of Jack-up leg pits to varying degrees. If the sliding distance is too large, the leg or platform structure will be damaged. Based on the symmetrical structure of the three-leg jack-up offshore platform, the bow and the starboard spudcan are slided along x-axis at different angles, respectively. According to the critical bearing capacity of the platform legs, the critical distance of spudcans sliding is calculated. Finally, the relationship between the sliding distance of spudcan in different directions and RPD (Rack phase difference) is obtained by monitoring the RPD value of legs. It provides meaningful guidance for platform designers and operators.


The paper presents a microcontroller based underwater acoustic telemetry system for digital transmission of the electrocardiogram (ECG). The system is designed for the real time, throughwater transmission of data representing any parameter, and it was used initially for transmitting in multiplexed format the heart rate, breathing rate and depth of a diver using self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Here, it is used to monitor cardiovascular reflexes during diving and swimming. The programmable capability of the system provides an effective solution to the problem of transmitting data in the presence of multipath interference. An important feature of the paper is a comparative performance analysis of two encoding methods: pulse code modulation (PCM) and pulse position modulation (PPM).


With the global predominance of social media, many argue that there is a newfound need for censorship to prevent the spread of misinformation. However, political censorship restricts one of our most fundamental rights. Through the analysis of four Supreme Court cases regarding the right to free speech — Schenck v. US (1919), New York Times Co. v. US (1971), Missouri v. Biden (2022), and Moody v. NetChoice, LLC (2022) — this paper serves to analyze whether censorship is ever necessary to uphold trust in institutions, or if censorship is antithetical to trust in government, with a special focus on the spread of COVID-related misinformation.


Development of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) has undergone tremendous progress during the past year. Kilometer tape lengths and associated magnets based on BSCCO materials are now commercially available from several industrial partners. Superconducting properties in the exciting YBCO coated conductors continue to be improved over longer lengths. The Superconducting Partnership Initiative (SPI) projects to develop HTS fault current limiters and transmission cables have demonstrated that HTS prototype applications can be produced successfully with properties appropriate for commercial applications. Research and development activities at LANL related to the HTS program for Fiscal Year 1997 are collected in this report. LANL continues to support further development of Bi2223 and Bi2212 tapes in collaboration with American Superconductor Corporation (ASC) and Oxford Superconductivity Technology, Inc. (OSTI), respectively. The tape processing studies involving novel thermal treatments and microstructural characterization have assisted these companies in commercializing these materials. The research on second-generation YBCO-coated conductors produced by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) over buffer template layers produced by ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) continues to lead the world. The applied physics studies of magnetic flux pinning by proton and heavy ion bombardment of BSCCO and YBCO tapes have provided many insights into improving the behavior of these materials in magnetic fields. Sections 4 to 7 of this report contain a list of 29 referred publications and 15 conference abstracts, a list of patent and license activities, and a comprehensive list of collaborative agreements in progress and completed.


Context. We present new spectroscopic and polarimetric observations of the gravitational lens SDSS J1004+4112 taken with the 6 m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory (Russia).
Aims. In order to explain the variability that is observed only in the blue wing of the C IV emission line, corresponding to image A, we analyze the spectroscopy and polarimetry of the four images of the lensed system.
Methods. Spectra of the four images were taken in 2007, 2008, and 2018, and polarization was measured in the period 2014–2017. Additionally, we modeled the microlensing effect in the polarized light, assuming that the source of polarization is the equatorial scattering in the inner part of the torus.
Results. We find that a blue enhancement in the C IV line wings affects component A in all three epochs. We also find that the UV continuum of component D was amplified in the period 2007–2008, and that the red wings of CIII] and C IV appear brighter in D than in the other three components. We report significant changes in the polarization parameters of image D, which can be explained by microlensing. Our simulations of microlensing of an equatorial scattering region in the dusty torus can qualitatively explain the observed changes in the polarization degree and angle of image D. We do not detect significant variability in the polarization parameters of the other images (A, B, and C), although the averaged values of the polarization degree and angle are different for the different images.
Conclusions. Microlensing of a broad line region model including a compact outflowing component can qualitatively explain the C IV blue wing enhancement (and variation) in component A. However, to confirmed this hypothesis, we need additional spectroscopic observation in future.


Among the sources of Islamic law which is still disputed by scholars' argumentis maslahah. Some scholars reject it, but most agree make maslahah as one of the sources of Islamiclaw in matters of ijtihad. Imam Malik considered as a pioneer scholar who makes maslahah as onesource of law ijtihadnya. His view was followed by the scholars 'other, one of whom is Najm al-Din al-Tufi, a cleric' Hambali. However, the twoleaders of thought are not the same, even in certaincases the difference is very sharp, although in certain parts have in common. In the view of Malik,maslahah serve as asource of Islamic law in matters which are not discussed formallyby nas and ijma ', butmust not conflict with the spirit of the passage as a whole. In contrast, al-Tufi maslahahgood use in the problem discussed by nat/ijma ', or not. As for the area applicationsmaslahah, both agree that that maslahah only be used in matters mu'amalah.


We present a SE(3)-equivariant graph neural network (GNN) approach that directly predicting the formation factor and effective permeability from micro-CT images. FFT solvers are established to compute both the formation factor and effective permeability, while the topology and geometry of the pore space are represented by a persistence-based Morse graph. Together, they constitute the database for training, validating, and testing the neural networks. While the graph and Euclidean convolutional approaches both employ neural networks to generate low-dimensional latent space to represent the features of the micro-structures for forward predictions, the SE(3) equivariant neural network is found to generate more accurate predictions, especially when the training data is limited. Numerical experiments have also shown that the new SE(3) approach leads to predictions that fulfill the material frame indifference whereas the predictions from classical convolutional neural networks (CNN) may suffer from spurious dependence on the coordinate system of the training data. Comparisons among predictions inferred from training the CNN and those from graph convolutional neural networks (GNN) with and without the equivariant constraint indicate that the equivariant graph neural network seems to perform better than the CNN and GNN without enforcing equivariant constraints.


Theoretical analyses for the spherically three layered shell system were carried out to survey problems in realizing the high pressure resonance method. It became apparent that the intermediate layer of a gas makes the distribution of oscillating energy almost localize in each part of the system. Eigenfrequencies of the gas modes have enormous pressure dependence, and intersect traces of the specimen and container modes. In such a intersect between spheroidal modes, partitioning of energy occurs gradually with pressure, and this phenomena cause peculiar deviation in calculated frequencies. Results show that a thinner width of the gas layer may remove experimental difficulty.


Properties of rock-cemented coal gangue-fly ash backfill (CGFB) bimaterials determine the effects of strip CGFB mining on controlling the surface subsidence in coal mines, which are affected by the coal gangue particle size in CGFB. In this paper, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on the coarse sandstone-CGFB composite samples with different coal gangue particle sizes, and their strength, acoustic emission (AE), and failure characteristics were investigated. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus of the composite sample decreased with the coal gangue particle size. The strength of the composite sample is mainly dependent on that of CGFB in it, affected by interactions between CGFB and coarse sandstone. The deformation of the coarse sandstone weakened the damage accumulation within CGFB, resulting in the strength of the composite sample larger than that of CGFB. The average UCS values of composite samples with coal gangue particle sizes of 0∼5 mm, 5∼10 mm, and 10∼15 mm, increased by 10.78%, 14.98%, and 12.70% compared with CGFB in them, respectively. AE event signal regularity of the composite sample was divided into three stages: rising period, calm period, and active period. The intensity and frequency of AE event signals in three periods were strengthened with the coal gangue particle size. The calm period can be taken as the precursory information for the failure and instability of composite sample under loading, whose duration became shortly with the coal gangue particle size. The rebound deformation of coarse sandstone caused the fluctuations of AE event signals at the later stage of active period. The failures of the composite sample occurred within CGFB, and no obvious failures were found in the coarse sandstone. The CGFB mainly experienced the splitting failure accompanying by varying degrees of surface spalling failures. The broken degree of CGFB increased with the coal gangue particle size, and the largest weight ratio of CGFB fragments (chips) after failure was determined by the coal gangue particle size.


The aim of this paper is to model the macroscopic response of light-activated shape memory polymers (LASMPs) subject to mechanical loadings and exposure to light at certain wavelengths and frequencies. When exposed to external stimuli of mechanical, thermal, photochemical and other origins, polymers undergo microstructural changes, e.g., scission, cross-linking, crystallization, etc. These microstructural changes affect the macroscopic performance of the polymers. In this study, in order to incorporate the effect of microstructural changes on the macroscopic response of light-activated shape memory polymers, we formulate constitutive models based on the notion that the natural configuration of the body under consideration evolves during its response. The theoretical framework appeals to a multinetwork approach consisting of two microstructural networks, which are the original network and the new network formed owing to a light activation. An important distinction between the approach considered here and the usual multinetwork approaches is that there is no conversion of one network to another; instead, what we have is the formation of a second network owing to the linking of photosensitive particles that get linked due to light irradiation. Furthermore, two different constitutive models are considered. The first model assumes the two networks are isotropic. The second model takes into account the directional preference of the second network that is formed. Both these models build on the work of Sodhi and Rao, which is based on the framework developed by Rajagopal and Srinivasa. Several classical boundary value problems involving homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformations are studied. We also investigate two nonlinear constitutive relations and different loading modes. The results highlight the differences in the responses when isotropic and anisotropic models are considered.


This research aims to describe the implementation of teaching writing using genre-based approach at SMP Al-Azhar 21 Solo Baru. This study focuses on describing the stages of teaching writing using genre-based approach, describe the activities in each stage, describing the procedure of teaching writing using genre-based approach, and describing the problem faced by teacher in teaching writing using genre-based approach. The type of this research is a naturalistic study. The data of this research are the fieldnote, the interview script, the lesson plan, and the students' writing product. The data sources are informants, the event, and the documents.
The techniques for analyzing the data were organizing, summarizing and interpreting. In organizing, all of the data were written down in readable form and then the data were categorized. In summarizing, all of data were merged into pattern by finding the connection among the categories. In interpreting, the researcher told the important finding and what could be learned from it.
The results of the research show that, firstly, teacher uses four stages in teaching writing using genre-based approach namely BKOF, MOT, JCT, and ICT. Each stage has different function and relates to each other. Secondly, each stage has two kinds of activities, BKOF has question-response and direct explanation, MOT has written and oral text, JCT has discussing the text and group observation, and ICT has assignment in the school and assignment as homework. The third, in classroom procedure, teacher uses the same procedure as same as the theory but teacher also gives addition and modification. They are three modifications in classroom procedure, BKOF-MOT-JCT-ICT, MOT- JCT-BKOF- ICT, BKOF- MOT-ICT. And the fourth, the teacher faces four problems in teaching English. They are unstable motivation of students, the characteristic of students, the classroom management, and the different capability of students as the big problem.


Sorption of ionizable compounds of pyridines and aromatic carboxylic acids into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film was investigated as a function of pH ranging from 4 to 7. The sorptions for pyridines were increased with increasing pH. Within the range examined, pH 7 was observed to promote the highest degree of sorption. When the pH increased by one unit from 6 to 7, the sorptions for 2-propylpyridine and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine were both increased approximately 3.8 and 10.5 times, respectively. At pH 4, the sorption for the pyridines entirely disappeared. In contrast, the sorptions for aromatic carboxylic acids increased with decreasing pH. Within the range examined, pH 4 was observed to promote the highest degree of sorption. The magnitude of sorption for pyridines and carboxylic acids apparently depended on the affinity (delta(c)) of these compounds for LDPE film. Another factor affecting the sorption at various pHs was the pK(a) of these compounds; the sorption greatly decreased with the ionization degree of these compounds. To elucidate the phenomena, the following thermodynamic sorption equation was applied: S = S(0)gamma exp[V(v){(delta(w) - delta(v))(2) - delta(c)(2))/RT}. The plots of ln S for pyridines vs the term of the equation gave an insufficient relationship (r = 0.519). In contrast, taking into account the ratio (chi(i)()) of concentration of un-ionized compound to total concentration, the improvement for the equation was made: S' = S/chi(i)() = S(0)gamma exp[V(v){(delta(w) - delta(v))(2) - delta(c)(2))/RT}. The plots of ln S' vs the term of the equation gave a better relationship (r = 0.884). Furthermore, the equation was also applicable for the sorption behavior of carboxylic acids into LDPE (r = 0.769).


Phaeocystis globosa blooms have become one of the major ecological issues in the Beibu Gulf, China, in recent years, resulting in a series of negative impacts on local fisheries and industry. While prokaryotes play key roles in nutrient cycling and energy flow during algal blooms, information regarding the response of the prokaryotic community during Phaeocystis blooms remains scarce. Thus, a comprehensive field study covering the onset and senescent phase of P. globosa blooms was conducted in the area from December 2016 to February 2017. The community composition was revealed with high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 7426 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (97% similarity) were identified from 3132328 effective tags, with Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Thaumarchaeota, Verrucomicrobia, Euryarchaeota, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes being the predominant taxa. The composition and structure of particle-attached (PA) and free-living (FL) prokaryotic communities were significantly different: the PA fraction was more diverse and unstable temporally compared to the FL fraction. Variations in the composition and structure of the prokaryotic community were closely associated with major environmental variables, particularly dissolved oxygen (DO), NH4+, PO43-, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The presence of P. globosa may result in differences in the prokaryotic community; members of Rhodobacteraceae, Alteromonadales, Porticoccaceae, Vibrio, Flavobacteriales, and Verrucomicrobiae were the key taxa in the prokaryotic communities during the outbreak and senescent phases of P. globosa blooms. This study provides primary information on the response of prokaryotic communities during P. globosa blooms and will facilitate further study on biogeochemical processes of algal-derived organic matter in the tropical gulf.


Laboratory runs can be minimized via experimental design which yields the optimum and best data regarding the independent parameters. In this research work, response surface methodology (RSM) based on a threelevel central composite design (CCD) was utilized to optimize and evaluate the interactive effects of processing conditions for polymerization of 1,3-butadiene (Bd) diene monomer using Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The polybutadiene rubber (PBR) having different cis content and molecular weight was obtained. The catalyst components included neodymium versatate (NdV3) as catalyst, triethyl aluminum (TEAL) as cocatalyst or activator, and ethylaluminum sesquichloride (EASC) as chloride donor. For the modeling, three independent variables, namely monomer concentration (8-28 wt%), reaction time (1.5-2.5 h), and reaction temperature (45-75oC) at three levels were selected to optimize the dependent variables or responses including monomer conversion, viscosity-average molecular weight and the cis isomer content of the obtained polymer. The interaction between three crucial parameters was studied and modeled. Quadratic models were obtained to relate process conditions to dependent variables. It was observed that the optimal conditions predicted by RSM were consistent with the experimental data. Statistical analysis demonstrated that concentration of the monomer and the time of reaction significantly affected cis content. Moreover, processing conditions to achieve the desired response variables were predicted and experimentally approved. The optimal reaction conditions derived from RSM are monomer concentration = 19 wt%, polymerization time = 2 hours, and polymerization temperature = 50oC. Polymerization was carried out at optimum conditions. The appropriate level of dependent variables including 94.2% monomer conversion, 151812 g/mol viscosity-average molecular weight and 98.8% cis content was acquired.


This thesis investigated the problem of the concept of man in the frame-work of the Bantu Ontology. The case study for this thesis was the Chagga who are the Bantu group situated in north eastern Tanzania surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. Drawing the sample of the study from three Wards of Okaoni, Kibosho Mashariki and Kibosho Magharibi of Moshi District Council the study employs ethno-philosophical approach focussed on the gathering qualitative data some of which are presented in tables and charts, while most of the stuff derived from both group and personal interviews are presented thematically and in a discourse form. The major instruments of data collection were the interview schedules. In addition to the empirical findings, the secondary data collected in the style of literature review are presented in Chapter 3 and 4.
The findings of this thesis reveal that philosophy of the Bantu is the custody of the society rather than individual's intellectual property. Man is conceived as an eternal rational being validated by the right relationships to the ontological network of the Supreme Being (SB), Lively Living (LL), the Living Dead (LD), non-living existents and the nature. For the first time the Bantu Moral Pendulum, Bantu Panorama of the Soul (BOPS) and Bantu Flow of Life Energy (BOFE) emerge within the Bantu Philosophy. At last the researcher recommends the areas of the further research with aims to extend this study.


This chapter reports on a qualitative study looking at Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a higher education institution. The empirical dataset for this qualitative study was collected through student and industry focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with Masters students and managers of hotels in Sydney, Australia. The study provides an understanding of the key concepts, issues, and methodologies of applying WIL practices. The results show that a formal qualification together with a structured work placement develops students' knowledge and skills and is beneficial in developing a hotel management career. Presbury, R. (2015). Work Integrated Learning in Higher Education Hospitality Courses. In J. Feng, S. Stocklin, & W. Wang (Eds.), Educational Strategies for the Next Generation Leaders in Hotel Management(pp. 249-269). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-8565-9.ch011


We are currently fighting a battle against a stroke epidemic. Implementation of new treatment strategies could save many patients in the future. The control of blood pressure is a major objective; however, choosing specific antihypertensive therapy (e.g. an agent blocking the renin–angiotensin system) is also important. The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study demonstrates potential benefits beyond blood pressure reduction of prescribing an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) compared with more established therapy in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Losartan-based therapy brought about regression of LVH and reduced incidences of fatal and non-fatal stroke by 25%, new-onset diabetes by 25% and atrial fibrillation by 30% more than atenolol-based therapy for a similar blood pressure control and better tolerability. The Study on COgnition and Prognosis in the Elderly (SCOPE) study, although difficult to interpret, does not contradict an ARB benefit beyond blood pressure lowering in primary prevention linked to targeting the angiotensin type 1 receptor. The findings of the MOrbidity and mortality after Stroke, Eprosartan compared with nitrendipine in Secondary prevention (MOSES) trial suggest clear-cut ARB benefits independent of blood pressure lowering in secondary stroke prevention. Experimental findings and other clinical evidence further support the benefits of ARBs in stroke prevention. Telmisartan is an ARB with a particularly interesting profile for stroke; given the 24-hour efficacy with more pronounced protection against the morning blood pressure surge and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma activity at clinical doses. The unique properties of telmisartan for secondary stroke prevention are being tested in the Prevention Regimen For Effectively avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) study.


This study investigated the use of cable TV to increase listening comprehension of the students of English education department of Muria Kudus University. The aims were to find out: (1) the listening comprehension achievement of the students taught by using cable TV, (2) the students" response towards the teaching of listening comprehension class by using cable TV, and (3) the students" difficulties when being involved in the listening class taught by using cable TV are. A classroom action research was conducted with three cycles. The data was collected by using test, observation checklist, & a questionnaire. The subject consisted of 29 students joining Advanced Listening class. The findings show that: (a) The listening comprehension achievement of the students taught by using cable TV in cycle I, II, & III is fair, (b) The students have enthusiasm and seriousness and motivation in joining the class in all cycles, (c) In cycle III the students" difficulties when being involved in the listening comprehension class taught by using cable TV are more and more decreasing.


The Environment Web (EW) is the official database for emissions and discharges from the offshore oil and gas industry in Norway. Currently we are working on a project to describe and align terms in the EW application according to the ISO 15926 Reference Data Library (RDL). One of our goals is to ensure that the EW terms in the RDL can be used as a reference point for all systems using EW terms. Therefore the definitions of the EW constructs in the RDL need to be unambiguous. Moreover, another goal is to enrich the ISO 15926 ontology by adding terms from the EW domain.We briefly describe our experiences and challenges faced so far when mapping terms from the EW database to the ISO15926 Ontology.


Economists are increasingly realizing that the perf ormance of economies crucially depends on a non-tradable asset, intuitively compar able to the rules of a game, but analyzed under different names – including 'institutions,' ' constitution,' 'law,' 'property rights,' and 'social norms.' This paper proposes an operational ly clear conceptual model which can help these analyses unify and advance. Based in Institu tional Economic (IE), the model terms the asset 'institutional framework' (IF), consisting of all the institutional rules of an economy, both formal and informal. The term 'institutional ru es' replaces the ambivalent term 'institutions' in the meaning defined by Douglass N orth. 'Analytical Institutional Economics' (AIE) is defined as a subfield of IE, specialized i n analyzing IFs' effects on economies, IFs' changes over time, and the policies influencing the se changes. An economy's IF is distinguished from, and interrelated with, its 'org anizational network' (ON), comprising all its markets and organizations with individuals and inte rconnections. The IF-ON model advances AIE beyond transaction costs and other incentives t o rationality inequalities and processes of economic change, stratified into ON-development and IF-evolution. The model logically corresponds to the genotype-phenotype model of evol utionary biology, suggesting that AIE should be as central in economics as genomics in bi ology. Acknowledgements: This paper builds on several years of research, whi ch makes it impossible to name all the colleagues, students and p rticipants of seminars to whom I am grateful for helpful objections and suggestions. M y addressed thanks are therefore limited to Niclas Berggren, Lubomír Cingl, Wolfram Elsner, Geo ffrey Hodgson, Viktor Vanberg, Ulrich Witt, and two anonymous reviewers whose critical co mments helped me most with the writing of this article. I also thank the Grant Ag ency of the Czech Republic for support under grant GA ČR 16-25019S. The usual caveat applies.


OBJECTIVE
The aim was to study the effects of acidosis and hypoxia on the response of cardiac muscle to inotropic agents which (a) act predominantly by increasing intracellular [Ca2+] (raising extracellular [Ca2+], noradrenaline, isoprenaline) and (b) act partly (phenylephrine) or predominantly (EMD 57033) by increasing myofilament calcium sensitivity.

METHODS
The experiments were performed on isometrically contracting, isolated ferret papillary muscles (n = 45). For each intervention dose-response curves were performed in control solution (pH 7.35), in hypercapnic acidosis (pH 6.85), and in hypoxia (produced by replacing O2 with N2 in the superfusing solution). In some experiments, the photoprotein aequorin was microinjected into superficial cells of the preparation in order to measure intracellular [Ca2+] as well as force.

RESULTS
The results were broadly similar for both classes of inotropic agent. Acidosis caused a shift of the pCa-tension curve to the right (desensitisation of the myofilaments to calcium), but had no significant effect on maximum force. A sufficient inotropic stimulus supplied by either class of inotropic agent could completely reverse the negative inotropic effects of acidosis. The main difference between the two inotropic mechanisms was that the enhanced force produced by calcium sensitisers was associated with a reduction in calcium transient amplitude, while the other inotropes increased the amplitude. The main effect of hypoxia was to decrease maximum force. All the inotropes tested were relatively ineffective in reversing the force depression due to hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS
The negative inotropic effects of acidosis can be reversed by a sufficiently large inotropic stimulus. Since calcium transient amplitude is already increased in acidosis, the results suggest that calcium sensitisers are likely to be less arrhythmogenic in this situation. The relative ineffectiveness of the inotropes in hypoxia indicates that the main mechanisms causing reduced force in this situation lie downstream of the mechanisms of action of the inotropic agents tested.