For large industrial and research operations, maintaining reasonable control of all toxic materials used in their operations can be a formidable task. A system utilizing cards has been developed which serves a dual purpose, informing the user regarding hazards of a particular material and also facilitating appropriate workplace surveillance during its use. Selected hazard data and spill notification message, if applicable, are printed on the card. The card contains a label which the user detaches and affixes to the container. This label classifies the material according to toxicity, flammability, reactivity, special properties on a 0 through 4 hazard rating, and spill message if needed to comply with environmental requirements.


.............................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. iv Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... v New Zealanders believe that the development and utilization of renewable energy technology is important. ......................................................................................................................... vii New Zealanders accurately recognize that thermal energy (for cooking and heating) constitutes the largest percentage of their energy usage (about 70%). .................................................. vii Most current RES owners use LPG in their homes, with the primary usage coming from cooking. vii People have no strong opposition nor favor towards using hydrogen as a fuel and know very little about it. ................................................................................................................................... vii When properly confirmed by experts, respondents do not stress safety as a concern about a hydrogen-based system. ....................................................................................................................... vii People have many questions about hydrogen energy centered on what hydrogen fuel is and how hydrogen fuel works. ................................................................................................................ vii The primary reasons for adopting renewable energy systems include economics, environmental friendliness, and independence from the grid. ................................................................ vii Maintenance and reliability issues are current shortcomings of renewable energy systems. vii 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 2.0 Background Chapter ................................................................................................ 3 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Renewable Energy Development in New Zealand ..................................................................... 3 2.2 The HyLinkTM System and Its Current Application ...................................................................... 5 2.3 Challenges to Expand HyLinkTM Technology ............................................................................... 7 A. Ensuring HyLinkTM Fulfills the Motivations Associated with Installing Renewable Energy Systems 7 B. Meeting public expectations on safety and ease of use and improving public perception of hydrogen as a fuel. ............................................................................................................................. 10


The formal discipline theory claims that the study of mathematics developsindividuals' logical skills. Attridge and Inglis carried out an experiment inorder to check whether or not that theory holds. Their conclusion was thattheir results showed that, while mathematics can indeed improve logicalabilities, it is necessary to assume the defective interpretation of conditional.However, Lopez-Astorga countered that other interpretations of their resultsare possible, that they do not prove that the material interpretation ofconditional is not valid, and that the mental models theory can also explainthem. In this paper, I comment the problems linked to the other possibleinterpretations proposed by Lopez-Astorga and try to argue that the bestoption in the interpretation of Attridge and Inglis' results is to assume themental logic theory.


This study began with the goal of identifying additional constituents from Zyzzya fuliginosa extracts obtained from an Indo-Pacific sponge (coll. no. 06132). The previous work identified several red and green pyrroloiminiquinones (aka pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolines), and this reinvestigation provided two additional analogues, a blue compound named zyzzamine A (1) and a green compound named zyzzamine B (2). The relatively low ratio of H/[sum(CNO)] = 0.71 or 0.76 of this pair greatly complicated the final steps of compound characterization and required the use of five 2D NMR strategies and MS2 data sets.


Until recently, the IT community has focused most of its attention on the software development process, particularly managing its improvement. However, this emphasis provides no guarantee for the 'fitness-for-use" quality of the final software products as experienced by the actual users. While recent European pr~jects and standardisation efforts have addressed software product quality, this has primarily been from a "technical" point of view. Manufacturers of software wish to demonstrate 'fitness-for-use" quality, preferably by means of generally accepted standards. They want to reduce the "time-to-market" and the number of releases. This can be done by taking the user needs into account efftctively, at an early stage of development. The time has come to bridge these gaps as a response to the actual user needs for software product quality.


Osteocalcin production of senescent periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) with the expression of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-Gal) was investigated on clones from 50-80 years old donors (n=20) with teeth extracted due to periodontitis and dental caries, and from 15-19 year old donors (n=20) with normal teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Immunohistochemically, the nonsenescent PDLF in all cultures in passage 2 showed strong reactivity with anti-osteocalcin. The reactive intensity of PDLF (passage 2, PD 3.0) was significantly stronger in 50-80 year old donor group than in 15-19 year old donor group, suggesting that osteocalcin production of PDLF cultured in early passage is larger in cells from adult population than in cells from adolescent population. In PDLF cultures in passage 2 from 50-80 year old donor, two types of senescent cells were found: one with strong reactivity to anti-osteocalcin and the other with little detectable reactivity. The culture consisted of senescent PDLF (passage 8, PD 14.8) did not include cells which have a detectable reactivity with anti-osteocalcin immunohistochemically and the reactive intensity was significantly weaker in the senescent culture than in the culture in passage 2 by ELISA. This suggests that the production potential of osteocalcin is impaired in PDLF with aging in culture. Further, the reactive intensity with anti-osteocalcin of PDLF in passage 2 deprived of serum for 48 h was 6% of that of cells cultured with serum and the reaction increased after serum stimulation, suggesting that the osteocalcin production in PDLF in early passage is implicated in mitogenic stimulation.


Limited to 251,768 discharges during 1999 from short-term hospitals located in Oklahoma, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of insurance status, prospective payment, and the unit of payment on variation in the length of stay. The regression analysis indicated that elderly patients whose care was financed by the Medicare pricing system and the uninsured experienced a significantly shorter episode of hospitalization than their commercially insured counterparts. Conversely, Medicaid recipients, whose care was financed by a fixed per diem and uninsured or self-responsible patients, experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay than the commercially insured. The results also indicate that the type and source of admissions, the discharge destination of the patient, and case complexity significantly influenced the hospital stay. African-Americans and Native Americans also experienced a longer episode of hospital care than their white counterparts. The article concludes with a discussion of policy implications and the need to develop alternate methods of financing hospital care thereby reducing the risks of premature discharge and iatrogenic injury.


Despite promising results obtained in the early diagnosis of several pathologies, breath analysis still remains an unused technique in clinical practice due to the lack of breath sampling standardized procedures able to guarantee a good repeatability and comparability of results. The most diffuse on an international scale breath sampling method uses polymeric bags, but, recently, devices named Mistral and ReCIVA, able to directly concentrate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) onto sorbent tubes, have been developed and launched on the market. In order to explore performances of these new automatic devices with respect to sampling in the polymeric bag and to study the differences in VOCs profile when whole or alveolar breath is collected and when pulmonary wash out with clean air is done, a tailored experimental design was developed. Three different breath sampling approaches were compared: (a) whole breath sampling by means of Tedlar bags, (b) the end-tidal breath collection using the Mistral sampler, and (c) the simultaneous collection of the whole and alveolar breath by using the ReCIVA. The obtained results showed that alveolar fraction of breath was relatively less affected by ambient air (AA) contaminants (p-values equal to 0.04 for Mistral and 0.002 for ReCIVA Low) with respect to whole breath (p-values equal to 0.97 for ReCIVA Whole). Compared to Tedlar bags, coherent results were obtained by using Mistral while lower VOCs levels were detected for samples (both breath and AA) collected by ReCIVA, likely due to uncorrected and fluctuating flow rates applied by this device. Finally, the analysis of all data also including data obtained by explorative analysis of the unique lung cancer (LC) breath sample showed that a clean air supply might determine a further confounding factor in breath analysis considering that lung wash-out is species-dependent.


There is a growing demand to enhance the electrical conductivity of the cathode and to restrain the fast capacity decay during a charge–discharge process in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. This can be accomplished by developing novel methods for the synthesis of nanostructured materials that can act as effective cathode hosts. In this study, monodisperse carbon nanocapsules with a diameter of ∼20 nm anchored on a graphene nanosheet (MCNC/G) were prepared by a facile strategy, which involved mixing of iron-oleate and graphene, heat treatment, and finally, acid etching of iron oxide nanoparticles. This simple synthesis method could be suitable for mass production. We loaded MCNC/G with sulfur by a melting process, and tested the performance of the resulting MCNC/G–sulfur (MCNC/G–S) composites as the cathode material. As a result, the MCNC/G–S electrode infiltrated with 60 wt% sulfur delivers a high and stable reversible capacity of 525 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a 0.5 C-rate with good capacity retention and excellent rate capability (630.5 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 1C). The improved electrochemical performance could be attributed to the monodisperse carbon nanocapsules in the MCNC/G composite, which lead to small volume expansion and physical confinement of sulfur due to the void spaces inside the carbon nanocapsules during the charge–discharge process. Thus, these uniquely structured monodisperse carbon nanocapsules anchored on graphene nanosheets can be promising candidates for other energy storage applications.


The aim of this study was to determine the quality of potato pulp silage (PPS) prepared with wheat bran and barley straw and the effects of the substituting corn silage with potato pulp silage at differing levels in dairy cows on milk yield, composition and rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA). The study consisted of two experiments. Nutrient con-tents, fermentation parameters, in situ organic matter (OM) and starch degradabilities, in vitro digestibility (IVD) and metabolic energy (ME) content of PPS were determined in the first experiment. The effects of substituting corn silage with potato pulp silage at 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% in the diet of lactating 12 dairy cows on feed intake, milk yield, milk components, rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated in the second experiment. While dry matter (DM), OM and crude protein (CP) contents, pH of silages were statistically similar, starch content, in vitro organic matter digesti-bility (IVOMD), ME, net energy lactation (NEL), and lactic acid values were significantly higher in PPS compared with corn silage (P 0.05). It was concluded that; PPS prepared with wheat bran and straw had a very good silage quality and were even better than corn silage (control). Substitution of corn silage with PPS up to 45% did not cause any negative effects on rumen fermentation parameters and can be safely substituted with corn silage up to 45% in dairy cow diets.


Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, studies conducted on Hispanic adults are scarce. To determine the association between beverages consumed by Hispanic adults and MetS and its components, data were analyzed in 1872 Costa Rican adults who served as controls of a population-based, case-control study of coronary heart disease. Multivariate-adjusted means were calculated for components of MetS by servings (never, ≤ 1/wk; 2-6/wk, ≥ 1/d) of 2 traditional fruit-based beverages ("fresco" and freshly-squeezed homemade fruit juice, separately) and 2 SSB (instant drinks and regular sodas, separately and combined). The prevalence ratio (PR) of MetS was calculated for each beverage and the OR was calculated by substituting one serving of homemade fruit juice or water for one of SSB. Significant positive trends were observed for increasing servings of instant drinks with plasma TG and waist circumference and for regular soda with waist circumference (all P-trend < 0.001). Increasing servings of homemade fruit juice were positively associated with HDL cholesterol (P-trend = 0.033). Consuming ≥1 serving/d of instant drinks was associated with a higher PR of MetS [1.42 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.83)] compared with no consumption. Substituting one serving of homemade fruit juice for instant drink was associated with 29% (95% CI: 7, 47%) lower odds of MetS and for regular soda with 30% (95% CI: 1, 50%) lower odds. Substituting water for combined SSB was marginally significant (OR = 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.00). In conclusion, reducing the consumption of SSB and substituting them with homemade fruit juices in moderation may be a culturally appropriate approach to lower MetS among Hispanic adults.


During the processing of nematic soft solids through process flow elements (pipe bends, elbows, etc.), the constitutive behaviour makes its presence felt via processing (with rheology driven effects increasing pressure drop) and the final product microstructure. This paper explores the flow and microstructure configurations of nematic liquid crystals in a pressure driven flow through $90^o$ pipe bends with different types of wall anchoring. The governing equations of the Leslie-Ericksen theory are solved numerically in a newly developed OpenFOAM solver. We show that the bend curvature deforms the nematic axis distribution; the distortion can be driven either by elastic or hydrodynamic effects. The interaction between the nematic microstructure and flow field generates non-zero normal stresses (in the radial, azimuthal and streamwise directions), which produce a secondary flow and increase pressure losses. The strength of the secondary flow depends on the type of wall anchoring and Ericksen number; in configurations with homeotropic anchoring, decreasing the Ericksen number increases the relative strength of the secondary flow (with respect to the mean flow velocity). Conversely, homogeneous (planar) anchoring reduces normal stresses, thus weakening the secondary flow strength. We show that as the fluid enters/leaves the bend, there is a perturbation in the transverse velocity caused by streamwise stress gradients. The perturbation magnitude depends on material properties and can be of different values at the bend exit and entrance. Finally, we show that the spatial development of the nematic field downstream of the bend exit is controlled by both material properties and the Ericksen number.


The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) annual report points out that complaints related to the education sector for financial misuses occupy the largest share consistently in the past few years. In this context, the paper aims to draw on types and patterns of educational corruption in Nepal in the context of education decentralization since 2000. Further, it interprets how it takes place and its associated factors. Undertaking the qualitative content analysis of annual reports of CIAA and Office of the Auditor General (OAG) of Nepal between 2010 and 2015, this article portrays financial irregularities taking place consistently under construction work, teacher salary, and student-related grants - showing or allocating more funds, releasing additional teacher salary and inflating student numbers. The existing literature on education decentralization and corruption entails various factors for financial mismanagement - lack of local capacity, elite capture of public funds, etc. Using education decentralization as a theoretical lens (Mc Ginn & Welsh, 1999), this paper argues that poor monitoring and lack of policy implementation are major factors for the misuse of education finance in Nepal, coupled with complex procedural aspects of the public fund flow system. Thus, an adequate support system, especially during the early phase, can facilitate the decentralization of education and combat corruption.


This is the fourth in the series of proceedings of the interdisciplinary conference sponsored by the Center for Renaissance & Baroque Studies at the University of Maryland. This volume reflects the commitment of scholars to the exploration of early modern women's culture as recovered through images, literature, music, and archives of the period. In essays on "Stories," "Goods," "Faiths," and "Pedagogues," scholars from a wide variety of fields discuss the contributions that reveal early modern women's influence on the societal and cultural transformations in which they participated. Nearly thirty workshops from the conference are summarized, and these offer a detailed overview of current research in early modern women's studies. An introduction by Margaret Mikesell traces the development of early modern studies over the decade of the Center's sponsorship of the Attending to Early Modern Women symposia (1990-2000). A keynote address by Diane Purkiss on stories of maternal grief located in Scottish witch-trial confessions is also included. Margaret Mikesell is Associate Professor of English at John Jay College, The City University of New York. Adele Seeff is the director of the Center for Renaissance & Baroque Studies at the University of Maryland.


This is the autobiography of a man who played a significant role in the peace-making process in South Africa that led to the negotiated settlement in 1994, which is often described as the South African "miracle". H.W. van der Merwe, now deceased after a long illness, had been described by the media as the man "who brings South Africa's enemies together".
Although he tells his own story, his autobiography is also the story of how the South African "miracle" began to take shape in the early stages that preceded the political negotiations of the 1990s. By and large it all started in 1984 when H.W. (called "Harvey" by many English-speaking people - according to the Afrikaans pronunciation of his initials) facilitated the first meetings between the African National Congress (ANC) in exile and supporters of the apartheid regime. Chapter 11, which relates these events, makes fascinating reading. The slow process of convincing government officers and supporters about the necessity of at least meeting with members of the ANC clearly comes to the fore.


The authors of this paper present an approach to trading strategy design for a multi-agent system which supports investment decisions on the stock market. The individual components of the system, the functionalities, and the mechanism of assessing the individual agents are briefly described. The main component, the supervisor agent, uses as a strategy a consensus method to reduce the level of investment risk. This method allows the coordination of the work of agents, and on the basis of decisions provided by the agents, and presents trading advice to the investor. The strategy testing has been done on FOREX quotes, namely on the pair EUR/USD. The results of the research are described and the directions of the further development of the platform are provided in the conclusion.


Indigenous communities on the Pribilof Islands have longstanding cultural and economic ties to their marine ecosystem and, in particular, to laaqudan (in Unangam Tunuu) or northern fur seals (NFS; Callorhinus ursinus). Indigenous and Local Knowledge holders from the Pribilof Islands have long expressed concerns about declines in NFS abundance, and research increasingly suggests that nutritional limitation is a key factor in the decline. Using a co-production of knowledge approach, we explore perceptions of NFS ecology and commercial fishery interactions in the Pribilof Islands Marine Ecosystem (PRIME). We synthesize results from community surveys and analyses of commercial pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) fishery catch data from 2004–2018 relative to documented NFS foraging areas. Community survey results highlighted ecosystem changes and nutritional limitation as primary drivers of recent declines in Pribilof Islands NFS. Consistent with these results, pollock catch data indicate there are concentrated areas of pollock harvest over time near the Pribilof Islands where female NFS forage. These results reinforce the value of considering Indigenous and Local Knowledge and western science together to better understand ecosystem interactions. Our findings also support the consideration of Indigenous and Local Knowledge-based approaches in combination with spatiotemporal management to mitigate NFS nutritional limitation and Pribilof Islands NFS declines.


Hydrodynamic chromatography of silica colloids with 5 – 78 nm was investigated for spherical nonporous silica packed columns. Use of phosphate buffer as the eluent improved peak shape of silica colloids and allowed elution of the analytes at times relating to their sizes. The larger the diameter of the silica colloids, the faster the elution time was. Elution volumes of analytes were slightly increased with decreasing eluent flow rate, which may be due to more diffusion to narrower interstitial channels at lower flow rates. The separation column packed with 1.9-µm nonporous silica achieved slightly better resolution than that with 3.1-µm nonporous silica. Silica colloids were monitored based on turbidity using a UV detector, and larger signals were observed for larger silica colloids.


Verrucous carcinoma of the skin and mucosa is an uncommon clinicopathological variant of low grade squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we present three different clinical types of verrucous carcinoma. The first patient presented with an anogenitial verrucous carcinoma, also known as Buschke‐Loewenstein tumour. The second patient had verrucous carcinoma of the heel with endophytic growth (i.e. epithelioma cuniculatum) and the third patient had gluteal verrucous carcinoma with a cauliflower‐like appearance. Clinically, the lesion of the first patient best resembled giant condyloma accuminatum without any prominent verrucous component, whereas the second patient showed a big deep ulcer on the heel. None of the patients had metastasis. The diagnosis was confirmed with biopsy and total excision was performed in all cases. Although the cases have different clinical presentations in different locations, we think that they should be considered as a single entity: that is, verrucous carcinoma.


Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport if mainly driven on electricity. The environmental benefit of PHEVs strongly depends on usage and charging behaviour. However, there is limited evidence on how much PHEVs actually drive on electricity and how much conventional fuel they use in real-world operation. Here, we provide the first systematic empirical analysis of real-world usage and fuel consumption (FC) of approximately 100 000 vehicles in China, Europe, and North America. We find that real-world mean CO2 emissions of PHEVs are between 50 and 300 g CO2 km−1 depending on all-electric range, user group and country. For private vehicles, real-world CO2 emissions are two to four times higher than test cycle values. The high CO2 emissions and FC mainly result from low charging frequency, i.e. less than once per driving day. Our results demonstrate the importance of real-world vehicle emission measurements and indicate the need to adjust current PHEV policies, i.e. official emission values need to better reflect realistic electric driving shares and incentives need to put more emphasis on frequent charging.


The number of hospital admissions for alcohol related harm increased by 47%—representing an increase of more than 800 each day—over the five years between 2004 and 2009, show latest figures for England.

In England in 2008-9 there were 945 469 admissions to hospital for alcohol related harm. Alcohol related harm was defined as conditions directly related to alcohol, such as liver disease or mental health conditions associated with alcohol, and not including acute injury or illness caused by alcohol.

The increase represents an average of 825 alcohol related admissions a day more than five years ago, with a total of 644 185 admissions to hospital in 2004-5.

The figures showed a marked north-south divide, with two thirds of the local authorities …


In this paper, we present an active anti-islanding method with a load monitoring system using reactive power control. The proposed method, which is based on reactive power control, has fewer harmonics components than those in conventional methods, and it can minimize the reactive power component of the grid because it compensates the reactive power component with the load monitoring. The proposed quick islanding detection method was confirmed from the experimental results with an inverter for a 3kW photovoltaic system.


Abstract : The preponderance of American strategic thinking today is that sanctions do not work as an effective instrument of foreign policy. If one accepts this conventional wisdom, then why has the United States substantially increased its use of sanctions to obtain political objectives? The answer may lie in one's definition of success. This paper examines the use of sanctions and their effectiveness. It also discusses ways in which sanctions can be made more effective, and addresses the usefulness of combining other diplomatic instruments with sanctions. Sanctions are one of a series of instruments that a nation state may use to seek political objectives against a target country. Sanctions are regarded as coercive in nature in that their use is designed to force the target to bend to the will of the nation that imposes the sanctions. In recent history, leading nations and the United Nations have increased the imposition of sanctions. The more recent uses of sanctions include economic sanctions to force Iraq to leave Kuwait, sanctions against Serbia, Haiti, South Africa and, of course, the long standing U.S. embargo against Cuba. One comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of sanctions is found in the 1990 research by Hufbauer, Schott, and Elliott (HSE). These three economists collected data on 116 cases involving the use of sanctions since 1914 and concluded that sanctions were effective in 34% (40 of 116) of the cases studied. The work of HSE is refuted by Robert A. Pape, who declares that only 5 of HSE's 116 cases were successful. What can be done to make sanctions more effective? The consensus view is that multilateral sanctions are more effective than those imposed unilaterally by a single country. Another approach to improving sanctions is the use of targeted sanctions. Although the use of sanctions is clearly not an ideal strategy, the case for employing sanctions is compelling when compared to the alternative of protracted military conflict.


The main purpose of this work is to analyze the perception of students enrolled in the General Chemistry Laboratory course at Suffolk University Madrid Campus on the improvement of their learning process through the inclusion of simulations in this lab course. This improvement will also be measured in a more objective way by means of the grades in the final exam. This report shows that a more positive perception is achieved in students with more visual skills, and that a more objective improvement is particularly observed in the grades of non science major students.


The rate at which ore deposits form is one of the least well established parameters in all of economic geology. However, increased detail in sampling, improved technology of dating, and sophistication in modeling are reducing the uncertainties and establishing that ore formation, at least for the porphyry copper-skarn-epithermal base and precious metals deposit package, may take place in surprisingly brief intervals. This contribution applies another approach to examine the duration of mineralization. The degree to which compositional gradients within single crystals has flattened through solid-state diffusion offers a measure of the thermal dose (that is temperature combined with time) that the crystals have been subjected to since deposition. Here we examine the steepness of gradients in iron content within individual single sphalerite crystals from the epithermal silver-lead-zinc deposit in the OH vein at Creede, Colorado. Two initial textures are considered: growth-banded crystals and compositionally contrasting overgrowths that succeed crosscutting dissolution or fractured surfaces. The model used estimates the maximum possible time by assuming a perfectly sharp original compositional step, and it asks how long it would take at a known temperature for the gradient measured today to have formed. Applying the experimentally determined diffusion rates of Mizuta (1988a) to compositional gradients (ranging from 0.4–2.2 mol % FeS/μm) measured by the electron microprobe in 2-μm steps on banded sphalerite formed early in the paragenetic history yields a maximum duration of less than ~10,000 yr. Sphalerite from a solution unconformity in a position midway through the paragenetic sequence is indistinguishable from instantaneous deposition, supporting the conclusion of rapid ore formation. While this formation interval seems very brief, it is consistent with less well constrained estimates using entirely different criteria.


Feedback control has enabled the success of automated technologies by mitigating the effects of variability, unknown disturbances, and noise. Similarly, feedback loops in biology reduce the impact of noise and help shape kinetic responses, but it is still unclear how to rationally design molecular controllers that approach the performance of controllers in traditional engineering applications, in particular the performance of integral controllers. Here, we describe a strategy to build molecular quasi-integral controllers by following two design principles: (1) a highly ultrasensitive response, which guarantees a small steady-state error, and (2) a tunable ultrasensitivity threshold, which determines the system equilibrium point (reference). We describe a molecular reaction network, which we name Brink motif, that satisfies these requirements by combining sequestration and an activation/deactivation cycle. We show that if ultrasensitivity conditions are satisfied, this motif operates as a quasi-integral controller and promotes homeostatic behavior of the closed-loop system (robust tracking of the input reference while rejecting disturbances). We propose potential biological implementations of Brink controllers and we illustrate different example applications with computational models.


[1] The origin of the diffuse aurora has been a source of controversy for many years. More recently, the question has taken a new significance in view of the associated changes in atmospheric chemistry which may affect the middle atmosphere. Here, we use CRRES data to assess the importance of upper band chorus and electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves in the production of the diffuse aurora. Both wave modes increase with increasing geomagnetic activity, suggesting they are related to periods of enhanced convection and/or substorm activity. They are confined to the near-equatorial region, which excludes the prenoon sector from the wave survey. During active conditions, intense ECH waves and upper band chorus, with amplitudes exceeding 1 mV m−1, are observed in the region 4 < L< 7 from 2100 to 0600 MLT approximately 20% and 6% of the time, respectively. This suggests that both wave modes can put electrons on strong diffusion, but only during active conditions and not at all local times. Scattering rates fall below the strong diffusion limit at other times when the wave amplitudes are weaker. Fluxes of low energy electrons (100 eV < E < 30 keV) also increase with increasing geomagnetic activity in approximately the same region of geospace as the waves, suggesting that these electrons are responsible for the generation of the waves. The patterns of the upper band chorus, ECH waves, and low-energy electrons are similar to the global morphology of the diffuse aurora, suggesting that both wave modes play significant roles in the production of the diffuse aurora.


Background It is widely known that the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on chromosomal abnormalities. The majority of AML patients relapse and experience a dismal disease course despite initial remission. Methods We reviewed the medical records and laboratory findings of 55 AML patients who had relapsed between 2004 and 2013 and who had been treated at the Division of Hematology of the Pusan National University Hospital. Results The event-free survival (EFS) was related to prognostic karyotype classification at the time of diagnosis and relapse (unfavorable vs. favorable or intermediate karyotypes at diagnosis, 8.2 vs. 11.9 mo, P=0.003; unfavorable vs. favorable or intermediate karyotypes at relapse, 8.2 vs. 11.9 mo, P=0.009). The overall survival (OS) was significantly correlated with karyotype classification only at diagnosis (unfavorable vs. favorable or intermediate vs. karyotypes at diagnosis, 8.5 vs. 21.8 mo, P=0.001; unfavorable vs. favorable or intermediate karyotypes at relapse, 8.5 vs. 21.2 mo, P=0.136). A change in karyotype between diagnosis and relapse, which is regarded as a factor of resistance against treatment, was not a significant prognostic factor for OS, EFS, and post-relapse survival (PRS). A Cox proportional hazards model showed that the combined use of fludarabine, cytosine arabinoside, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (FLAG) as a salvage regimen, was a significant prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio=0.399, P=0.010) and the PRS (hazard ratio=0.447, P=0.031). Conclusion The karyotype classification at diagnosis predicts survival including PRS in relapsed AML patients as well as in treatment-naïve patients. We suggest that presently, administration of salvage FLAG could be a better treatment option.


wearing of silk, and an intriguing entry for a book discussing ijtihdd. These are all titles that will whet the appetite and should send serious scholars of Islamic law to the unstudied treasures in the British Library collection. This appears to be the first volume of the series. That it was chosen to be in Islamic law is itself testimony of the renewed interest in the field. This is a beautiful little book, in the finest scholarly tradition of the British Library.


Water contamination is the main problem that the world faces today. Among all states in India, kerala is not an exception, as it grapples with the problem of water shortage and pollution in many of its regions. Kerala is considered as a water surplus state, which is blessed with 44 rivers, back waters, lot of lakes and ponds. But at the same time it has become the routine in the state that women and children queuing with multi colored buckets and pots in front of water taps and water supply tankers. Rapid urbanization, population growth and development initiatives in the state necessitate enormous water. Ground water meets the 60 percent of total demand for drinking water in kerala. Ground water contamination is the main problem in kerala. The ground water level receding drastically during the summer months and drying up of wells are common features of many parts of kerala. This paper made an attempt to analyses the groundwater scenario of kerala. The study is based on secondary data collected from Economic Review of Kerala and the website of Ground Water Department & Central Ground Water Board and District Water and Sanitation Mission. People in kerala are depending upon ground water for meeting their domestic, irrigation and industrial needs. An integrated institutional system for groundwater conservation and recharging measures need to be promoted to conserve the ground water


The chemistry of interactions of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole ligand (1) with europium and ytterbium amides is described. Reaction of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole 2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NHCH2)C8H5NH (1) with europium amide [(Me3Si)2N]3Eu(III)(μ-Cl)Li(THF)3 afforded a novel europium(II) complex formulated as {[μ-η(6):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]}2 (2), having a bridged indolyl ligand in the novel μ-η(6):η(1):η(1) hapticities with the reduction of europium(III) to europium(II) and the oxidation of amino to imino group. Reaction of 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylaminomethylene)indole 2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NHCH2)C8H5NH (1) with ytterbium(III) amide [(Me3Si)2N]3Yb(III)(μ-Cl)Li(THF)3 produced the only deprotonated ytterbium(III) complex formulated as [2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3NCH2)C8H5N]Yb[N(SiMe3)2](THF)2 (3), having an η(1) hapticity indolyl ligand. Reaction of 2 with formamidine [(2,6-Me2C6H3)NCHNH(C6H3Me2-2,6)] produced {[μ-η(3):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[(2,6-Me2C6H3)NCHN(C6H3Me2-2,6)](THF)}2 (4), which has a bridged indolyl ligand in the novel μ-η(3):η(1):η(1) hapticities, whereas the reaction of 2 with the more sterically bulky formamidine [(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)NCHNH(C6H3i-Pr2-2,6)] afforded complex {[μ-η(2):η(1):η(1)-2-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3N═CH)C8H5N]Eu[(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)N═CHN(C6H3i-Pr2-2,6)](THF)}2 (5), having the indolyl ligand in the novel μ-η(2):η(1):η(1) hapticities. The results represent the first example of organometallic complexes having indolyl ligands in the novel μ-η(6):η(1):η(1), μ-η(3):η(1):η(1), and μ-η(2):η(1):η(1) bonding modes with metal.


Cu-doped TiO2 nanopowders were prepared by sonochemical-assisted process via a precursor solution of titanium isopropoxide, copper nitrate trihydrate and sodium hydroxide in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol in combination with calcinations process. The as-synthesized products were calcined at various temperatures ranging from 500-1000°C. The physical microstructures, morphologies and chemical bonding of as-calcined nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was noted that the crystallization, structure and size of the powders were strongly dependent on calcinations temperature. Their optical absorption properties were investigated and the results suggested that Cu dopant could significantly improve the optical absorption properties of TiO2.


Portable spectrometers designed for users with little technical training must be more robust than spectrometers designed for professionals. Common measurement errors (and in fact any imaginable non-random error) must be accounted for, trapped, and the user gently directed to manipulate the system to yield a valid, useful measurement. Such measurements are likely cost-sensitive, as consumers typically want infinite performance at zero cost. These constraints require either simplicity, automation, or software-driven operation using inexpensive components whose limitations are compensated algorithmically. We describe progress towards an instrument of the latter description, providing absorption, diffuse reflectance, and luminescence measurements to be carried out in a hand-held grating spectrometer. The gratings are plastic films, stacked and mutually rotated to generate hundreds of orders, which in turn are detected by a consumergrade camera chosen to mimic those in typical low-end smartphones. Low camera dynamic range is compensated by observing orders with a wide range of throughputs, such that overall dynamic range in a single exposure may be 12 bits from an 8 bit image. This requires significant effort for wavelength calibration and inter-order intensity normalization. The paper discusses progress in automatic calibration algorithms, software modularization, and method development for quantifying nitrate and phosphate in agricultural runoff. While the overall approach has been established for some years, significant details requiring careful raytracing, numerical analysis, algorithmic modularization and error handling, materials choices, and mechanical engineering for manufacturability are of current importance.


The implementation of a social housing network requires the adoption of welfare policies within a shared national regulatory framework, as well as new organisational, design and community models, enabled by the pervasiveness of ICT, in order to allow a paradigm shift in the dualistic structure of the real estate market. Following an analysis conducted on several levels and the involvement of local social housing authorities, we identified guidelines that are both programmatic – in the context of policies for the home – and project-related – regarding the physical and digital space, able to foster peculiar social-care relationships. In this perspective, the integration of the domains considered (smart, community, welfare) could promote an alternative social housing network.


This thesis deal with the design aluminium sacrificial anode properties in soil corrosions. The main problem are sacrificial anode were used to prevent or to longer the time of corrosion of the underground pipeline metals, unfortunately the harmful chemicals such a mercury were added and it will cause the polutions to the living things and an aluminium sacrifial anode performance has lower current capacity and electrical potential. The scope is to conduct the experiment to prevent from adding harmful chemical element in Aluminum sacrificial anode.Thus, the performance is improved. There are many step before conduct the experiment. The first step is did some literature review about the corrosion and sacrificial anode behavior. Most currently sacrificial anode use magnesium, unfortunately there are some hazardous chemical mixed with it to increase their performance. Follow up with some study about an aluminium which is suitable to use on this experiment, the aluminium 6064 was decided to use in this experiment because it is suitable act as sacrificial anode. The aluminium was cutted in 5cm x 5cm for the suitable size. The aluminium was cleaned it surface by using manual grind machine.Then, the aluminium will go through some process which is heat treatment and forging process to change the grain size thus, change the performances. The sample of soil was taken at the UMP's contruction site with pH value 5.7. The experiment was conducted on Laboratory of Corrosion in Mechanical Engineering Universiti Malaysia Pahang. Finally the conclusion about this project and the recommendations for the future plan also attached together with this thesis.


. This article reports some preliminary results on an analysis of line bisectors of metal absorption lines of RR Lyrae, the prototype of its class of pulsators. The extensive data set used for this study consists of a time series of spectra obtained at various pulsation phases as well as different Blazhko phases. This setup should allow a comparison of the atmospheric behaviour, especially of the function of radial velocity versus depth at differing Blazhko phases, but (almost) identical pulsation phase, making it possible to investigate whether the modulation causes a change in the atmospheric motion of RR Lyrae. While the nature of the Blazhko modulation has often been investigated photometrically and described as a change in the light curve, studies on time series of high resolution spectra are rare. We present for the first time work on line bisectors at different phases of RR Lyr.


AbstractThis Introduction pulls together the main themes of the papers in this special issue, which covers major regions in Asia from Japan, Korea and China to Indonesia, India and Iran. The papers are all critical of the implications of imposing Eurocentric and metropolitan frameworks on the diverse assemblages of practices of producing, distributing and engaging with Asian media and film. Bringing a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds to bear, the contributors question existing approaches and concepts, reconsider what should count as objects of study and propose new theoretical approaches appropriate to the study of such large and rapidly changing industries. What emerges, however, is the extent to which issues of knowledge and power permeate not just the debates, but also the critiques. Drawing upon the papers, the Introduction concludes by suggesting the possibilities of a more rigorous and sustained analysis in terms of practice.


The global expansion of the Internet has brought many challenges to geopolitics. Cyberspace is a space of strategic priority for many states. Understanding and representing its geography remains an ongoing challenge. Nevertheless, we need to comprehend Cyberspace as a space organized by humans to analyse the strategies of the actors. This geography requires a multidisciplinary dialogue associating geopolitics, computer science and mathematics. Cyberspace is represented as three superposed and interacting layers: the physical, logical, and informational layers. This paper focuses on the logical layer through an analysis of the structure of connectivity and the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). This protocol determines the routes taken by the data. It has been leveraged by countries to control the flow of information, and to block the access to contents (going up to full disruption of the internet) or for active strategic purposes such as hijacking traffic or attacking infrastructures. Several countries have opted for a BGP strategy. The goal of this study is to characterize these strategies, to link them to current architectures and to understand their resilience in times of crisis. Our hypothesis is that there are connections between the network architecture shaped through BGP, and strategy of stakeholders at a national level. We chose to focus on the case of Iran because, Iran presents an interesting BGP architecture and holds a central position in the connectivity of the Middle East. Moreover, Iran is at the center of several ongoing geopolitical rifts. Our observations make it possible to infer three ways in which Iran could have used BGP to achieve its strategic goals: the pursuit of a self-sustaining national Internet with controlled borders; the will to set up an Iranian Intranet to facilitate censorship; and the leverage of connectivity as a tool of regional influence.


Narrow bandwidth operation of a gain-switched chromium (IV) laser is reported for the first time. Near transform-limited single longitudinal mode pulses have been obtained from a novel coupled-cavity laser. The laser output was tunable across a 100nm wavelength range. Excitation was provided by the fundamental of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.


This study aimed to compare Korean smokers' smoking-related biomarker levels by tobacco product type, including heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC), liquid e-cigarettes (EC), and traditional cigarettes (TC). Nicotine dependence levels were evaluated in Korean adult study participants including TC-, EC-, HNBC-only users and nonsmokers (n = 1586) from March 2019 to July 2019 in Seoul and Cheonan/Asan South Korea using the Fagerström Test Score. Additionally, urine samples (n = 832) were collected for the measurement of urinary nicotine, cotinine, OH-cotinine, NNAL(4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol), CYMA(N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoehtyl)-L-cysteine), or CEMA (2-cyanoethylmercapturic acid) using LC–MS/MS. The median(interquartile range) nicotine dependence level was not different among the three types of smokers, being 3.0 (2.0–5.0) for TC- (n = 726), 3.0 (1.0–4.0) for EC- (n = 316), and 3.0 (2.0–4.0) for HNBC- (n = 377) only users. HNBC-only users presented similar biomarker levels compared to TC-only users, except for NNAL (HNBC: 14.5 (4.0–58.8) pg/mL, TC: 32.0 (4.0–69.6) pg/mL; p = 0.0106) and CEMA (HNBC: 60.4 (10.0–232.0) ng/mL, TC: 166.1 (25.3–532.1) ng/mL; p = 0.0007). TC and HNBC users showed increased urinary cotinine levels as early as the time after the first smoke of the day. EC users' biomarker levels were possibly lower than TC or HNBC users' but higher than those of non-smokers.


Characterization of low-dimensional semiconductor structures is a challenging task. The thesis is based on experiments, using cathodoluminescence (CL) as a tool for characterization. The high spatial resolution and the possibility of spectroscopy of small structures make CL one of the most powerful techniques for these types of investigations. QDs were fabricated of InP on GaInP and InAs on GaAs by the Stranski-Krastanow (SK) method. CL was used to determine the spatial distribution of luminescence from individual quantum dots (QDs), and from QD ensembles. The size and position of QDs, produced by SK method, can be manipulated by growth conditions and by patterns on the surface. By introducing growth interrupt before capping of dots the kinetics of the QD formation could be investigated. QDs form during a long interrupt and a rough two dimensional quantum well form with no interrupt. These two extremes and intermediate stages were investigated. In particular CL was used to observe luminescence from single dots. Trenches in circular patterns made it possible to investigate how the luminescence from the QDs was effected by different crystallographic orientations of trenches. A maskless technique utilizing a focused ion-beam has been used to fabricate quantum wires (QWRs). The focused ion-beam creates shallow grooves and subsequent growth of InP will produce ridges. By growing a few monolayers of InGaAs on these ridges QWRs were formed and CL was used to determine spatial distribution, and energy variations in the luminescence from these. In III-V nitrides, GaN QDs on AlGaN epitaxial layers with low Al content, can be fabricated by a recently developed method. Both the luminescence and structural properties of QD were determined. This is the first report in literature of single dot luminescence from GaN dots. Alloy fluctuations in AlxGa1-xN epitaxial films, appearing on the micrometer scale, were investigated with a resolution not achieved by other methods. Further, growth artifacts displaying intense luminescence, were investigated. These are related to vertical structures, similar to vertical quantum wires recently reported in AlGaAs films grown on patterned substrates. (Less)


The structure and chemical composition of cell walls play a vital role in the bioconversion and utilization of plants. In the present study, the cell wall structure and chemical composition of pith and rind from sunflower stalks were compared and correlated to their nanofibrillation efficiency with ultrasonic treatment. Mild chemical pretreatment using 1% or 4% NaOH without any bleaching process were applied prior to ultrasonication nanofibrillation. Significant structural and chemical differences were demonstrated between the pith and rind, with the former exhibiting a much lower lignin and hemicellulose contents, higher pectin, much looser cell structure and higher cell wall porosity than the latter. Alkaline treatment alone was sufficient to eliminate most of the hemicellulose and pectin from stalk pith, whereas only partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin was achieved for the woody rind part. After 30 min of ultrasonic treatment, the stalk pith exhibited fully defibrillated fibrils with a continuous and entangled micro/nanofibrillated network, whereas numerous micron-sized fiber and fragments remained for the rind. The results indicated that stalk pith is less recalcitrant and easier to be fibrillated with ultrasonication than rind, which must be correlated to their distinct differences in both structure and chemical composition.


This article provides a simple discussion of an on-going problem which has struck a nerve with many members of our society; the phenomenon of parental alienation. "Parental alienation" in this paper is defined as the unreasonable rejection of a formerly loved and respected parent by a child, where such rejection has been fostered by a campaign of sometimes subtle denigration of the rejected parent by the custodial parent, which has destroyed the parent-child relationship. While scholars and mental health professionals have been engaging in bitter debates about the legal admissibility of a diagnosis of parental alienation or even the existence of phenomenon, Courts have struggled with what to do when one parent clearly has engaged in behavior which has irreparably damaged the rights of the other parent to know and raise their child. This Article points out that the right to parent has been deemed a substantively fundamental right under the Constitution, yet Courts typically refuse to provide the rejected parent with an adequate remedy for the interference by one parent in the relationship of the other parent and a child of the parties. Deemed one of the most important and personal rights a person may enjoy, the premise of this paper is that the law should protect that right by balancing the needs of children and the rights of parents, supporting a cause of action in tort for the unreasonable rejection of a parent against an offending parent when all other Court ordered interventions have failed.


One of the problems connected with the development of meta-subject skills in school students is the lack of publicly available educational materials with a focus on such skills. A possible solution is the formation of a collection of meta-subject materials stored in the library of learning scenarios of the Moscow Electronic School — now there are over 40,000 learning scenarios that have undergone moderation. This article presents the results of research that identified a cluster of teachers most inclined to create meta-subject scenarios and suggested recommendations for motivating teachers to create such scenarios. To achieve this purpose, a sample of authors of such scenarios published by the Moscow Electronic School were analyzed and clustered with the help of machine learning methods. As a result of this work, a gradient boosting algorithm was developed, which produced the best results. The clusters of users described as a result of the application of the algorithm followed five main behavior strategies in terms of the activity related to the creation of new scenarios. Teachers that are most likely to create meta-subject scenarios show interest in their colleagues' scenarios not only in their subject but also in other academic disciplines taught at school, willingness to copy and customize them. To develop teachers' readiness for the creation of meta-subject scenarios, it is recommended to conduct teacher training including their introduction to the best practices of developing such scenarios presented by the Moscow Electronic School. The research results are used in the development of a recommender system enabling easier search and navigation among the scenarios published by the Moscow Electronic School.


Wireless sensor networks are being deployed extensively to collect sensory data in various environments under different conditions. A wireless sensor network consists of multiple nodes, each with the ability to communicate using radio waves. The characteristics of the radio link between nodes are largely influenced by their environment. For instance, a radio link between two nodes with obstructed line-of-sight behaves more erratic than one that is not obstructed. This thesis focuses primarily on the characteristics of radio wave propagation in metal train compartments from a Computer Science standpoint. It means that the electrical aspects of this subject are not discussed in detail. In this work, we focus mainly on matters such as transmission output power, signal strength, preamble length, and packet reception rate. Various tests were performed throughout the length of the project. The purpose of the tests was to gain insights on the characteristics of radio wave propagation under various circumstances. We examine the effect exerted on radio wave propagation by varying transmission output power, antenna orientation, and antenna position. The characteristics reported in this thesis are signal strength, preamble length, and packet reception rate. The tests were carried out in an open field and in metal train compartments. The open field tests were used to create benchmark data for which data from metal train compartments could be compared with. The tests have led to several important findings. They show that radio links could be established within metal train compartments and even between two compartments. The latter seems to contradict rational belief that radio waves cannot propagate from one train compartment to the other, because of the metallic structure. Furthermore, there are some indications that antenna orientation may greatly influence radio wave propagations in compartments for low transmission output powers. This thesis also examines the preamble length. It finds that the preamble length could potentially be reduced to two bytes without affecting packet reception rates. And finally, the results show that higher transmission output power leads to greater packet reception rates and stronger received signal strengths, regardless of the environment. These and other findings are discussed in detail in the remainder of this thesis. i Acknowledgement This thesis was made possible by Logica B.V., which provided most of the needed facilities. Bram Vranken, Edwin Essenius, and Cerion Armour-Brown were incredibly helpful on behalf of Logica B.V. Academic expertise was provided by Professor dr. Koen Langendoen, who gave excellent feedback …


As for seeking practically applicable electrode configuration to remove conductive particles from liquefied plastics, the conductive particle motion in the tilted electrode system has been carefully investigated. A charged particle shows up-and-down motion between electrodes. Depending on the applied voltage, a particle transverses either toward narrower gap or the wider gap. Between those two modes, there is a steady up- and-down motion. This trapped position is gradually shifted toward wider gap side with the increase of the applied voltage. One of interesting results is that the electric field at the trapped position is almost constant, 1.6 - 1.8 Mvlm nevertheless the trapped position shifts. The numerical calculation for the trapped position reveals that the trapped position with experiment is located somewhat in the narrower gap side than the calculated value. Assuming that the particle charge is 40 - 60 % of the theoretical prediction, the calculated trapped position is in good agreement with the experiment results.


Fault detection problem of networked control systems with network-induced delay, data packets dropout and disturbance in sensor-to-controller link is discussed. First, we design an observer-based residual generator, and model the residual dynamics to be a discrete-time markovian jump linear system in this paper. By using H∞ optimization theory and linear matrix in-equation approach, the solution of alarm threshold is proposed. Then we introduce a new index to design a fault detection filter, which improves the performance of dynamic system, the sensitivity of the detection system to the fault. The approach of solving suitable observer gain matrix is proposed. At last, a numerical example is given to verify the effect of the method presented in this paper.


This study uses a comprehensive framework to quantify the welfare changes of rural and non-rural households in Mexico associated with the food price crisis of 2007. The total change in welfare is decomposed into ve contributors. I nd that income e ects, i.e. changes through pro ts and wages, negatively a ected welfare. Substitution e ects played an important role in maintaining welfare levels after a price shocks, households substantially substituted out of goods that showed a strong increase in their price. Though food price increases led to a signi cant welfare loss, part of it was compensated through the decrease of the price of other commodities such as health and personal care, transportation, and leisure. Hence, particularly in non-rural areas, the sole use of food commodities to analyze welfare changes leads to markedly di erent results than using the complete range of all goods consumed. Overall both poor households in rural as well as non-rural areas experienced a net welfare loss, but the effect was stronger for poor rural households thus among the poorest of the poor.


Abstract Saito, E., Takagi, T., Nakanishi, T., Sashihara, K. and Furuse, M. 2002. Ghrelin activates behavior of neonatal chicks in a short period of post-intracerebroventricular injection. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 33–41. Ghrelin, a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide with an acylated side chain, is the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of ghrelin stimulates GH secretion and feeding of rats, but ghrelin inhibited feeding of neonatal chicks. It was also confirmed that ghrelin induced sleep-like behavior later than 30 minutes post-administration in neonatal chicks. However, exciting behavior was observed in a short period (less than 30 min) in previous reports. Thus, we further investigated the behavioral changes in neonatal chicks by ICV administration of ghrelin within a short period. Chicks were divided into two groups and administered ICV saline or 2μg of ghrelin and the numbers of step and vocalization were monitored. Just after behavioral test, the amount of monoamines of chick hypothalamus was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Central ghrelin enhanced the numbers of step and kept the numbers of vocalization, but no significant difference in the amount of monoamines was detected. In conclusion, central ghrelin activates chick behavior in a short period without modification of hypothalamic monoamine contents.


Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by a defect in any of the 5 enzymes necessary for the synthesis of cortisol. However, in more than 90% of cases, CAH results from a defect in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase. Antenatal dexamethasone for the treatment of fetuses with CAH was introduced in 1978, and has been shown to prevent virilizaton of affected girls. Some researchers have been concerned about the possible long-term side effects of this therapy. A variety of studies have evaluated cognition and behavioral traits as well as metabolic alterations in treated children and in animals, and some investigators have reported adverse effects of antenatal treatment, but no firm conclusions about the potential risks of dexamethasone have been reached. This review summarizes the outcomes of affected children with and without antenatal dexamethasone treatment, and evaluates the benefits of prenatal treatment as well as the potential risks. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall the pathophysiology, broad clinical presentation, differences in prognosis with and without antenatal treatment, and face the importance of the antenatal dexamethasone treatment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia despite the potential adverse effects.


Creation of productive knowledge is important whereas on the base of this knowledge we can diagnose morphologic and morphometric properties of vascular stromal tissues of myocardium under toxic myocarditis on the bases of clinical symptoms. Consequence of this is a proper therapeutic strategy that will have a life importance for the patients.


Treatment of an organoaluminum reagent bearing aryl and ethyl groups furnishes 1,2-diarylethene derivatives in good to excellent yields by the catalysis of a rhodium complex, in which the ethyl group of the aluminum reagent serves as an ethylene source in the product formation.


The purpose of this study was to assess the ways in which the grievance management policy, strategies and practices enhance work performance in organizations. In order to meet the objectives of the study, both primary and secondary data have been collected from TPA- Mtwara Port and OLAM (T) LTD - Mtwara Branch. The primary data have been collected through three methods which were questionnaires, observation method and interview method. These include descriptive statistics which has been further analyzed and presented in tables forms. The study findings revealed that, grievances has been occurred to the two selected organizations but in different level, but it happened more at OLAM (T) LTD- Mtwara Branch than TPA-Mtwara Port. Many respondents from two selected organizations have been not satisfied with the grievance policy and strategies, but the level of dissatisfaction at OLAM (T) LTD- Mtwara Branch is higher than at TPA- Mtwara Port. Many grievance solutions at TPA-Mtwara Port base on rule and Laws which include Employment and Labour relation Act. of 2004 and TPA Staff regulations while at OLAM (T) LTD- Mtwara Branch, many grievances decision base on Management demand. Thus made 78% of the respondents from TPA-Mtwara Port to be satisfied with action and existing grievance handling procedure while at OLAM (T) LTD- Mtwara Branch, only 36% of the respondents have been satisfied with action and existing grievance handling procedure. Thus could make the working performance and productivity at OLAM (T) LTD –Mtwara Branch to decrease compared with the productivity at TPA- Mtwara Port. Therefore, it has been recommend to all organizations to be given priority to grievance management systems for the good health of the organizations.


Although GPR is normally capable of detecting the responsefrom buried plant, accurate detection and mapping of extended geometrical features in 3-dimensional data is often a major problem faced by the radar operators and geophysicists. This paper presents a pattern recognition approach based on the 3-dimensional Hough Transform for the detection of extended linear targets. By transforming spatially extended patterns into spatially compact features in parameter space, a difficult global detection problem in data space becomes a more easily solved local peak detectionproblem in parameter space. This technique allows the combination of qualitative site information and ground truth in order to increase the accuracy of the final result. Improved freedom of movement and accuracy is achieved by logging the movement of the GPR unit using DGPS. The user is presented with a 3-dimensional site survey report detailing the length, depth and orientations (azimuth and zenith) of any pipes, cables or the like.


The theory of means has its roots in the work of the Pythagoreans who introduced the harmonic, geometric, and arithmetic means with reference to their theories of music and arithmetic. Later, Pappus introduced seven other means and gave the well-known elegant geometric proof of the celebrated inequalities among the harmonic, geometric, and arithmetic means. Nowadays, the families and types of means that are being investigated by researchers and the variety of questions that are being asked about them are beyond the scope of any single survey, with the voluminous book Handbook of Means and Their Inequalities by P. S. Bullen being the best such reference in this direction. The theory of means has grown to occupy a prominent place in mathematics with hundreds of papers on the subject appearing every year. The strong relations and interactions of the theory of means with the theories of inequalities, functional equations, and probability and statistics add greatly to its importance.


Background Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Palestine. Cancer patients usually suffer high levels of physical and psychological symptoms. In Gaza, there are no studies assessing symptom burden and quality of life (QoL) using validated tools. The aim of this study was to assess symptom burden and QoL in a representative sample of cancer patients accessing outpatient services in the Gaza Strip. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was used. The Lebanese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS-Leb) and the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were used to collect data from cancer patients accessing oncology outpatient services at Al Rantisi Hospital or European Gaza Hospital (EGH) from July to August 2019. Analysis is ongoing including modelling to derive determinants of symptom prevalence and QoL. Results Data were collected from 385 cancer patients (93% response rate) at Al Rantisi Hospital and EGH. The majority of participants were women with breast cancer and the mean age was 52 years. The most commonly reported physical symptoms were lack of energy and pain and the most common psychological symptoms were feeling nervous and feeling sad. A higher level of burden of global distress, physical, and psychological symptoms was found in patients categorised as either 'Divorced/Widowed/Widower', with less than secondary school education or low income. The physical and role functioning domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30 were found to have the lowest score and cognitive functioning the highest. Conclusions A high symptom burden was identified across participants. There remain many unresolved problematic symptoms for patients with cancer that affect their QoL. Utilising such systematic assessment of symptom burden and QoL can help to inform guidance and protocols for treatment and follow up of cancer patients in this context.


A distinction is drawn between the non-specific resistance to heartwater of very young calves and that of cattle older than a year. The suckling-calf resistance is at its greatest during the first few weeks after birth and then gradually declines during the next 6-8 months. Aspects of its possible mechanism and significance are discussed. The role played by conglutinin in the natural resistance of older cattle to heartwater and in the epidemiology of the disease in discussed.


Beach sand and water have both shown relevance for human health and their microbiology have been the subjects of study for decades. Recently, the World Health Organization recommended that recreational beach sands be added to the matrices monitored for enterococci and Fungi. Global climate change is affecting beach microbial contamination, via changes to conditions like water temperature, sea level, precipitation, and waves. In addition, the world is changing, and humans travel and relocate, often carrying endemic allochthonous microbiota. Coastal areas are amongst the most frequent relocation choices, especially in regions where desertification is taking place. A warmer future will likely require looking beyond the use of traditional water quality indicators to protect human health, in order to guarantee that waterways are safe to use for bathing and recreation. Finally, since sand is a complex matrix, an alternative set of microbial standards is necessary to guarantee that the health of beach users is protected from both sand and water contaminants. We need to plan for the future safer use of beaches by adapting regulations to a climate-changing world.


The use of a single-mode fiber as the nonlinear medium in a second-harmonic-generation (SHG) autocorrelator to measure picosecond optical pulses is demonstrated. This is made possible by the fact that the frequency doubling in fibers is a second-order parametric process for IR input power less than 6 kW. Measurements of the IR-input-power dependence of the SHG are also described. >


In this article, three academic librarians discuss the benefits and challenges in starting inaugural positions as tenure-track librarians at the University of Illinois. Using an autoethnographic method, the authors reflect on what it is like to grow, develop, and maintain relationships and collaborations in a primarily online environment during a global pandemic. Themes of relationship building, the importance of communication, and the necessity of setting goals emerged from their discussions with each other. The various complexities of their experiences are discussed, and recommendations for other librarians in newly related roles and suggestions for supervisors overseeing these positions are included towards the end of the article.


This article analyses the production of gendered subjectivities in contemporary cultural representations of women and girls belonging to conservative protestant communities in Northern and Western Europe. We take the recent work of the Finnish and Dutch female novelists Pauliina Rauhala and Franca Treur as our case study. We explore how their novels represent the negotiations of women and girls from conservative protestant faiths and traditions. Approaching the novels as narratives of sense-making, we focus on notions of creativity and imagination, and gendered embodied experiences. Our analysis thus sheds light on contemporary understandings of women in conservative religions in contemporary Northern and Western Europe.


Most penalized maximum likelihood methods for tomographic image reconstruction based on Bayes' law include a freely adjustable hyperparameter to balance the data fidelity term and the prior/penalty term for a specific noise–resolution tradeoff. The hyperparameter is determined empirically via a trial-and-error fashion in many applications, which then selects the optimal result from multiple iterative reconstructions. These penalized methods are not only time-consuming by their iterative nature, but also require manual adjustment. This study aims to investigate a theory-based strategy for Bayesian image reconstruction without a freely adjustable hyperparameter, to substantially save time and computational resources. The Bayesian image reconstruction problem is formulated by two probability density functions (PDFs), one for the data fidelity term and the other for the prior term. When formulating these PDFs, we introduce two parameters. While these two parameters ensure the PDFs completely describe the data and prior terms, they cannot be determined by the acquired data; thus, they are called complete but unobservable parameters. Estimating these two parameters becomes possible under the conditional expectation and maximization for the image reconstruction, given the acquired data and the PDFs. This leads to an iterative algorithm, which jointly estimates the two parameters and computes the to-be reconstructed image by maximizing a posteriori probability, denoted as joint-parameter-Bayes. In addition to the theoretical formulation, comprehensive simulation experiments are performed to analyze the stopping criterion of the iterative joint-parameter-Bayes method. Finally, given the data, an optimal reconstruction is obtained without any freely adjustable hyperparameter by satisfying the PDF condition for both the data likelihood and the prior probability, and by satisfying the stopping criterion. Moreover, the stability of joint-parameter-Bayes is investigated through factors such as initialization, the PDF specification, and renormalization in an iterative manner. Both phantom simulation and clinical patient data results show that joint-parameter-Bayes can provide comparable reconstructed image quality compared to the conventional methods, but with much less reconstruction time. To see the response of the algorithm to different types of noise, three common noise models are introduced to the simulation data, including white Gaussian noise to post-log sinogram data, Poisson-like signal-dependent noise to post-log sinogram data and Poisson noise to the pre-log transmission data. The experimental outcomes of the white Gaussian noise reveal that the two parameters estimated by the joint-parameter-Bayes method agree well with simulations. It is observed that the parameter introduced to satisfy the prior's PDF is more sensitive to stopping the iteration process for all three noise models. A stability investigation showed that the initial image by filtered back projection is very robust. Clinical patient data demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed joint-parameter-Bayes and stopping criterion.


: In rabbits isolated CO2 and He-Ne laser irradiation promotes early granulation of wounds and accelerates epithelialization with more complete restitution of the regenerated skin organ specificity. The best effect was achieved when combined laser irradiation was applied. This was further corroborated by the immunohistochemical investigation.


Immunotherapy is the most recent therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer. It has not yet achieved an elevated curative efficiency and a wide clinical application. Nevertheless the possibilities of improvement seem very promising. The knowledge of the immune response mechanisms and the first clinical trials have determined a more efficient immunotherapy. Here we will critically analyze current immunotherapeutic strategies by reviewing the latest and the most important experimental works. The latest protocols of immunotherapy have been aimed to be more integrated in the physiological immune response schemes. The orientation of the experimental works have been changed from non specific immunotherapy using lymphokines to immunotherapy with specific lymphocytes expanded in vitro and, finally, the active specific immunotherapy in vivo by modificated tumoral vaccines or by variously manipulated tumoral antigens.


In this article, we extend the recently introduced concept of partially dual ribbon graphs to graphs. We then go on to characterize partial duality of graphs in terms of bijections between edge sets of corresponding graphs. This result generalizes a well‐known result of J. Edmonds in which natural duality of graphs is characterized in terms of edge correspondence, and gives a combinatorial characterization of partial duality. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 67: 198‐217, 2011


To investigate whether NT-proBNP can be used as a prognostic factor in septic shock patients admitted to our Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU). We did a retrospective study over a 4 year period. All patients admitted with or who developed septic shock during their RICU stay were enrolled. Patient's demographic data, comorbidities, NT-proBNP levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), severity index APACHE II scores and mortality rate were compared between survivors and non-survivors. NT-proBNP levels were determined within 48-72h of admission and were classified according to patient's age and renal function. During the study period 31 patients with septic shock were identified. Average age 64 ± 16 years old, 26 were males. Mean APACHE II score 29,2 ± 9,3; mean GFR 66,4 ± 58,2 ml/min/1,7 m2. The most frequent primary diagnosis was Pneumonia. Mortality rate was 87,1% (27 patients). Patients were then divided into two groups according to mortality recorded in the unit. The mean NT-proBNP levels was higher in the survivors group (17530,5 ± 27251 vs 14754,93 ± 23133,43 pg/ml). APACHE II was positively correlated with NT-proBNP (R=0,496, p=0,05). NT-proBNP levels didn9t seem to have influenced mortality (p=0,798). Our results don9t support the use of NT-proBNP levels as a prognostic factor in septic shock patients. However, the positive correlation observed between NT-proBNP levels and APACHE II scores predicts that NT-proBNP can be used at least as a surrogate marker of disease severity. These results may be due to the small sample size and to the high prevalence of chronic respiratory failure and preexisting cardiac diseases among our patients, which can lead to high basal levels of NT-proBNP.


Multidrug resistance (MDR) induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer frequently leads to tumor invasion, metastasis and poor clinical outcome. We preliminarily found that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in enhancing the malignant potential of MDR breast cancer cells, but the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that EGFR/HER2 promote the invasive and metastatic abilities of MDR breast cancer. More importantly, a new function of EGFR/HER2 inhibitors was revealed for the first time, which could improve the treatment efficacy of breast cancer by reversing the MDR process rather than by inhibiting tumor growth. Firstly, using quantitative real‑time PCR and western blot analysis, we found that overexpression of EGFR/HER2 in MCF7/Adr cells upregulated CD147 and MMP2/9 at both the transcription and protein expression levels, which promoted tumor cell migration, as determined using an in vitro invasion assay. Secondly, the upregulated levels of CD147 and MMP2/9 were decreased when EGFR/HER2 activity was inhibited, and therefore tumor invasion was also significantly inhibited. These phenomena were also demonstrated in nude mouse assays. Additionally, in MDR breast cancer patients, we found that overexpression of EGFR and P‑gp levels led to shorter overall survival (OS) and disease‑free survival (DFS) by IHC assays and Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis. In conclusion, EGFR/HER2 play a crucial role in enhancing CD147 and MMP expression to establish favorable conditions for invasion/metastasis in MDR breast cancer. The scope of application of EGFR/HER2 inhibitors may be expanded in EGFR/HER2‑positive patients. We suggest that MDR breast cancer patients may benefit from novel therapies targeting EGFR/HER2.


Knowledge driven economies have been recognized as the next frontier in developing and developed world. Universities are important institutions in the creation, dissemination, growth and preservation of knowledge from all sectors. This paper aims to provide an analysis and contribute to the discourse on the effect of University – Industry interaction on firms' innovative performance. Firm innovativeness is hereby measured as the degree of use or implementation of new or significantly improved method of production (Process Innovation); novelty of product (Product Innovation); and implementation of new organizational methods in the firms' business practices (Organizational Innovation). This study draws from data obtained from the Kenya Innovation Survey (2012) based on the Oslo Manual (which provides the guidelines on the methods and questions to be included in innovation surveys) and it was designed to measure the innovation activity based on a set of core indicators to inform policies that will help the country configure the national system of innovation in order to respond to socio-economic challenges. The analysis of the results is based on a sample of 296 enterprises located in Kenya which were randomly selected by ISIC sector from an entire sampling frame. A total of 194 firms were selected in Nairobi and its environs while 102 firms were selected upcountry as follows: Mombasa (25 firms), Kisumu (25 firms), Eldoret (24 firms) and Nakuru (25 firms). The results of this study indicate that universities are an important knowledge partner for firms to develop innovations. Most of the sectors indicate that the interaction between them and the universities has significant effect on product as well as process innovations.


Culture created by human beings is the entire way of life of the human society including material wealth and spiritual wealth.It can be divided into several levels like elementary culture,intermediate culture and advanced culture.Since there are culture diversities existing in different nations and areas,students might misunderstand the peculiar subjects,systems and concepts in English-speaking countries if they don′t have an estimate knowledge of the culture knowledge in those countries.So teachers should use various teaching methods and facilities in class to input lots of background cultural knowledge so as to improve students' listening ability effectively.


This article draws on 2500 responses from association football (soccer) fans to an anonymous online survey examining the extent of racism in British football. The overall findings are that half of all fans are still witnessing or experiencing some form of racism. Despite the creation of anti-racist initiatives, such as Kick It Out, and a reduction in overt chanting, there exists a 'colour-blind' ideology amongst the game's governing bodies and anti-racist organisations, as the extent of the problem is largely being ignored. Fans call for a long-term focus on anti-racism based on engagement and education within a greater range of social settings and, short-term, the implementation of more severe punishments by the game's governing bodies to eliminate racist behaviour amongst fans, players and clubs. For current and ex-players who continue to receive racial abuse through social media sites like Twitter, fans urge them to report it and place these matters in the hands of the police.


Received: Revised: Accepted: February 09, 2014 March 03, 2014 June 02, 2014 Uses of small firearms inflict gunshot wounds posing a risk to the health and life of animals. Different aspects associated with the evaluation and treatment of gunshot wounds, therefore, must be known by veterinarians. Due to the fact that gunshot wounds are received by soldiers on battlefields, saving the injured and treatment of such wounds is usually in the realm of battlefield medicine (field surgery). Despite, extensive experience gained during military conflicts and numerous criminal events, the investigation of factors affecting gunshot wounds have recently aroused much controversy. It has been attempted to elucidate and evaluate the complexity of bullet-organism (human or animal) interactions based on numerous experiments involving shooting materials that mimic live tissues and organs, human cadavers or live animals. Even though a series of these experiments has confirmed the complexity and unpredictability of each shot, many publications, as indicated in the present review, contained numerous errors and distortions which could not be confirmed in reliable experiments and in vivo observations. These errors are often copied unquestioningly by authors of other publications. As veterinarians are forced to gain knowledge on gunshot wounds mainly from human medicine literature, this review attempted to compile the major subjects on gunshot wounds in animals. ©2014 PVJ. All rights reserved


Learner support services are the most vital component of any open and distance learning (ODL) system. It includes wide range of academic and other related activities. The support services should not only be responsive to the needs of the distance learners but should also be accessible. Monitoring of the support services has to be a continuous and ongoing exercise, which could bring constant improvement through innovations in the support services. This paper analyzes the aim of learner support services, various categories of learner support services, interactive support services at the study centres, staff responsibility for providing the services, ICT facilities and equipment necessary to support distance education learners, mode of service delivery and monitoring mechanism to ensure effective student support services.


There is great demand for flexible biomolecule analysis platforms that can precisely quantify very low levels of multiple targets directly in complex biological samples. Herein we demonstrate multiplexed quantification of microRNAs (miRNAs) on encoded hydrogel microparticles with subfemtomolar sensitivity and single-molecule reporting resolution. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) of a universal adapter sequence that is ligated to all miRNA targets captured on gel-embedded probes provides the ability to label each target with multiple fluorescent reporters and eliminates the possibility of amplification bias. The high degree of sensitivity achieved by the RCA scheme and the resistance to fouling afforded by the use of gel particles are leveraged to directly detect miRNA in small quantities of unprocessed human serum samples without the need for RNA extraction or target-amplification steps. This versatility has powerful implications for the development of rapid, noninvasive diagnostic assays.


ABSTRACT Objectives:: To investigate the efficacy and safety of second-line treatment in Thai patients with primary warm-type autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) that failed corticosteroid treatment. Methods:: This descriptive retrospective study included patients aged >14 years who were diagnosed with and treated for primary warm-type AIHA at the Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, during January 2007 to December 2016. All 54 included patients failed first-line corticosteroid treatment after which second-line treatment was prescribed. Baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory results at diagnosis and at start of second-line treatment, type of second-line treatment, treatment outcome, and complications of treatment including death were collected. Results:: Included patients had a mean age at onset of 55.8 years (14.5–87.4) and 83.3% of patients were female. Most patients (63%) were refractory to steroids, and the rest of them relapsed while on steroids. The second-line medications were azathioprine (61.1%), cyclophosphamide (31.5%), chlorambucil (1.9%), danazol (3.7%), and rituximab (1.9%), with respective response rates of 78.8%, 58.8%, 1/1 patient, 2/2 patients, and 0/1 patient. Strong positive direct Coombs' test (3+–4+) was the only predictive factor of treatment response (p = 0.008). Males had better relapse-free survival than females (not reached vs. 20.6 months) (p = 0.023). Approximately 40% of the patients who responded to second-line treatment relapsed at a median of 7.4 months. Conclusion:: Immunosuppressive drugs are the most common second-line treatment for primary warm-type AIHA in Thailand; however, relapse was common. Additional therapies are needed to reduce the relapse rate and prolong remission.


Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL

Background. The molecular events associated with NSCLC pathogenesis and tumor progression need to be better elucidated. The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a DNA methyl transferase involved in malignant transformation and tumor progression of several human carcinomas, including lung. We investigated EZH2 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the early pathogenesis of NSCLC and progression in a large series of clinically well-annotated tissue specimens.

Methods. We examined by IHC nuclear EZH2 expression using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens obtained from surgically resected tumors in tissue microarrays (TMAs) including: a) stage I-III NSCLC tumors (SCCs, n=272; adenocarcinomas, n=456); b) paired primary tumors and brain metastases (n=70); and, c) bronchial preneoplastic squamous lesions (n=51) and mildly abnormal/normal bronchial epithelia (n=203). In stage I-III tumors, we correlated EZH2 expression with clinico-pathological features, including patients' recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS), in a subset of these tumors, with IHC expression of 80 proteins and EGFR and KRAS mutation status.

Results. EZH2 expression was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in SCC (mean score=128.6) compared to adenocarcinoma (mean score=56.8). In adenocarcinoma, higher EZH2 expression significantly correlated with ever-smoking status (P<0.0001) and less differentiated histology features (solid histology pattern; P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, for adenocarcinoma patients, higher EZH2 expression, as a continuous variable, associated with significantly worse RFS (HR 1.006 95%CI 1.0-1.011; P=0.03) and OS (HR 1.004 95%CI 1.0-1.009; P=0.03). In publicly available array datasets of lung adenocarcinoma patients, high EZH2 mRNA correlated with worse RFS and OS. NSCLC brain metastases showed significantly (P=0.0004) higher EZH2 expression than corresponding primary tumors. In bronchial epithelia, normal and hyperplastic cells demonstrated low levels of EZH2 expression; significantly higher expression was associated with increasing severity of squamous dysplastic changes (P<0.0001). In NSCLC tumors, EZH2 expression positively correlated (P<0.0001) with IHC expression of Ki67, FEN1, and UBE2C. In lung adenocarcinomas, EGFR-mutant tumors showed significantly lower EZH2 expression than wild-type tumors.

Conclusions. Our findings indicate that EZH2 is frequently expressed in NSCLC, particularly in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. In adenocarcinomas, EZH2 associates with worse patient outcomes. These data suggest that EZH2 expression represents an early event in NSCLC pathogenesis and associates with tumor progression and metastasis, representing a novel target for chemoprevention and therapeutic strategies. Supported by DoD grants W81XWH-04-1-0142 and DoD W81XWH-07-1-0306.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3196. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3196


The basic tenets of the "inclusive paradigm" in relation to pupils with Special Educational Needs are presented and analyzed in the first section of this paper. Also the findings from recent studies in Greece and Hungary referring to the perceptions of teachers regarding the possibilities of full inclusion of these students in mainstream schools are presented and discussed. Based on these data, at the final section of this paper, we also discuss the likelihood of building and "implementing" an innovative inclusive paradigm in mainstream school system, based on teachers' needs, and the demands and challenges of contemporary social and educational reality. 1 Kourkoutas et al.: Limits and Perspectives for the Promotion of the Inclusive Cultur Published by CORE Scholar, 2015


We study the spectral density of vortex beams propagating in atmospheric turbulence by numerical simulation and experiment with a spatial light modulator (SLM). It is found that the figures produced by experiment with SLM are quite different from those by traditional numerical simulation. In view of this, we put forward a new simulation method that refers to the theory of beam wander, leading to a consistency between numerical simulation and experimental results eventually. The improved simulation method could improve the accuracy of beam simulation greatly in optical study.


Given the centrality of chemical communication in social insects, there are many selective pressures acting on morpho-functional traits that mediate chemical pheromones. On the last gastral sternite of Polistes females, there is an important exocrine surface secreting chemical pheromone, named Van der Vecht's organ. It is involved in chemical defence of the nest, in rank and nestmate recognition, preventing workers from direct reproduction. Allometric differential growth of phenotypic traits between castes of social insects is generally considered as an indication of incipient physical castes. European Polistes present different nesting strategies and reproductive choices. Here, we carry out a comparison of Van der Vecht's organ size between castes of four European Polistes to provide a general measure of dimorphism. We show that Van der Vecht's organ of Polistes dominula and Polistes nimphus foundresses shows an allometric development being enlarged with respect to workers. Otherwise, no allometries have been highlighted in the other two studied species (i.e. Polistes associus and Polistes biglumis). Therefore, our data show that neither rigid monogyny nor specific nesting habits foster the evolution of true morphological castes in primitively eusocial taxa. Thus, at least two other species of Ezuropean Polistes show real evidence of incipient morphological castes.


The report describes progress that has been made on the design of a High Fluence Fast Pulse Reactor (HFFPR) through the end of calendar year 1977. The purpose of this study is to present design concepts for a test reactor capable of accommodating large scale reactor safety tests. These concepts for reactor safety tests are adaptations of reactor concepts developed earlier for DOE/OMA for the conduct of weapon effects tests. The preferred driver core uses fuel similar to that developed for Sandia's ACPR upgrade. It is a BeO/UO/sub 2/ fuel that is gas cooled and has a high volumetric heat capacity. The present version of the design can drive large (217) pin bundles of prototypically enriched mixed oxide fuel well beyond the fuel's boiling point. Applicability to specific reactor safety accident scenarios and subsequent design improvements will be presented in future reports on this subject.