Pregnant women with hypertension are the most dominant cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in midwifery services. Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) is a relaxation technique that can provide a relaxed feeling to overcome improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of giving SEFT to decrease blood pressure in the class of pregnant women with hypertension. A quasi-experimental, pre-test, and post-test with an equivalent control group was applied in this study. We selected 15 respondents using purposive sampling. The SEFT intervention was carried out at 12 points on the body for 1x / day with a duration of 30 minutes for 14 days. The results showed that patients in the experimental group have systolic blood pressure reduction of about 12 mmHg with p-value 0,00. The experimental group has diastolic blood pressure reduction about 12,8 mmHg with p-value 0.00. SEFT given at 12 body points 1x / day with 30 minutes' duration for 14 days proved effective in reducing blood pressure in the class of pregnant women with hypertension. Further research needs to examine SEFT so that other variables related to hypertensive pregnant women can be added by adding a biomarker examination such as Nitric Oxide (NO)


Paraplegia from ischemic injury of the spinal cord and renal failure from inadequate perfusion of the kidneys may occur from aortic cross-clamping during repair of traumatic thoracic aortic injuries. After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 26 patients surgically treated for traumatic transection of the descending thoracic aorta during a 14 year period (1987-2001), using centrifugal pump (Sarns) support for distal aortic perfusion. The study group comprised 19 males and 7 females, whose ages ranged from 15 to 69 years. For all but 1 patient, who fell from a flagpole, the injuries were incurred in motor vehicle accidents. Aortic cross-clamp time lasted between 5 to 78 min (median = 40 min). Mean arterial pressure ranged from 50 to 80 mm Hg (median = 70 mm Hg). All patients survived operation without developing paraplegia or renal failure. Distal centrifugal pump perfusion during repair of traumatic injury of the descending thoracic aorta is a valuable adjunct during surgical treatment and aids in preservation of spinal cord and renal function.


Faced promising development of autonomous vehicles, the concept Mobility as a Service embraces AVs. The autonomous delivery has also been arising and tested for last-mile solution. Accordingly, passenger transportation and delivery service are to be jointly coordinated in the future MaaS. The research niche is summarized as how to embed crowdsourced parcel delivery into MaaS based on AVs. Electricity powered vehicles are to be applied considering energy consumption and air emission. Research questions are identified as what this novel service is and how it works, especially focusing on task coordination and the related information management. The system engineering process-oriented approaches, matching theory, and numerical method have been applied. The service concept has been elaborated, which contains information system architecture model and functional model. The matching condition of this service is summarized. As the embedded delivery can partially share the demand of traditional delivery service, the calculation scenarios of energy savings and emission decrease per parcel delivery are presented. The results facilitate service planning and development.


Simple densitometric thin layer chromatographic method has been applied in this study to proceed forced degradation test of albendazole by subjecting drug to acidic, alkaline, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic conditions, and determine the degradation percentages of albendazole in these conditions after 1, 2, 4, and 6 hrs. Two different mobile phases have been used in this study to separate degradation products. chloroform: diethyl ether: glacial acetic acid (75: 12.5: 12.5, v/v) as mobile phase 1, and dichloromethane: methanol (90: 10, v/v) as mobile phase 2. Silica gel GF-254 TLC-plates were used, and densitometric Area under curve (AUC) and AUC percentages were measured. Densitometric measurements showed that albendazole is unstable in all stress conditions but in different percentages, with the least susceptibility have been reported with acid condition (just 6.13% of drug lost after 6 hrs. of incubation). Acidic medium caused reversible degradation with homogeneity in the structures of degradation products, Unlike Alkaline medium which showed heterogeneity in structures detected through the change in the number and Rf-values of degradation spots against time. Both mobile phases were suitable for detecting albendazole degradation percentages under different conditions, as quantitative measurements were closely similar for the two phases, but mobile phase 1 was better to differentiate base-induced degradation products and mobile phase 2 was better for photolytic-induced degradation products.


Economic injury levels and economic thresholds were estimated for the american serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii) on greenhouse eggplant. Liriomyza trifolii density was increased until the late June and decreased after the July in innoculation on may 17. Growth of an aerial plants and fruits were not different in treatment respectively. But total number of fruits and yields were decreased on higher inoculation density. Whereas the rate of yield loss was increased. The rates of damaged leaf by L. trifolii were increased on higher inoculation density and the peak was 65%. The number of commodity fruits and the rates of commodity fruit were become lower than non-treatment (72.2%). The rates of damaged leaf area were 5.3, 11.7, 19.7, 25.7% on inoculation densities and the rates of yield loss were 0.6, 4.8, 9.8, 14.7%, respectively. There existed close correlation between rate of yield loss and inoculation density (Y


Background: Lower limb amputation is a common and growing problem in the United States. Current prosthetic technology is insufficient for transfemoral amputees to safely control their prostheses for demanding exercise such as stair climbing. Using a technique called targeted reinnervation, intuitive control of prosthetic devices has been achieved for upper limb amputees. To bring this technique to transfemoral amputees, a comprehensive understanding of the location of motor and sensory nerves is required. Methods: Five lower limbs were dissected and the locations of motor points for 13 muscles of the thigh were documented, as was the location of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. A transfemoral amputation was performed on one limb to demonstrate the targeted reinnervation procedure. The tibial and common peroneal divisions of the sciatic nerve were coapted to the motor points of the semimembranosus and biceps femoris, respectively. The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve was coapted in end-to-side fashion to the tibial nerve. Results: The average number of motor points per muscle were as follows: sartorius, 4.75; rectus femoris, 3.25; vastus lateralis, 4.5; vastus intermedius, 4.5; vastus medialis, 4; adductor brevis, 2.3; adductor longus, 3; adductor magnus, 2.7; gracilis, 3; semitendinosus, 1.5; semimembranosus, 2.5; biceps femoris long head, 2.75; and biceps femoris short head, 1. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that targeted reinnervation is technically feasible in a transfemoral amputee.


The purpose of this study is to examine internet addiction in terms of social appearance anxiety and strategies for coping with stress. The dependent variable of the research is internet addiction, and its independent variables are social appearance anxiety and strategies for coping with stress. The study group of the research consists of 481 undergraduate and postgraduate students as 318 women (66.1%) and 163 men (33.9%). In order to collect data in the study, Short Version of Young's Internet Addiction Test, The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, The Stress Coping Strategy Scale, and Personal Information Form were used. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. A positive relationship was found between internet addiction and social appearance anxiety of university students. While there is a positive relationship between submissive approach and helpless approach, which are the subscale of coping strategies, and internet addiction of university students, there is a negative relationship between self-confident approach and optimistic approach. The results of the research revealed that the submissive approach and self-confident approach, which are the subscale in for coping with stress, social appearance anxiety are predictive of internet addiction.


OBJECTIVES
Hyperthyroidism does not influence procreation ability significantly, but very often causes complications of the course of pregnancy and increases neonatal morbidity and mortality in newborns. Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy are very common complaints in these patients.

DESIGN
The aim of the study was to prove, that assessment of the thyroid hormones in every vomiting woman in the first trimester allows to start the proper treatment of hyperthyreosis as early as possible and improves the prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors analyzed 22 pregnant women treated for vomiting during the first trimester in the Department of Obstetrics and 5 women treated in the Outpatient Clinic.

RESULTS
In none of them hormonal dysfunction was diagnosed before pregnancy. In 21 patients free thyroxine (fT4) in serum was assessed. In 8 cases (38%) hyperthyreosis was diagnosed. Except the routine anti vomiting treatment, they received a beta-blocker 30 mg per day. It allowed to avoid hospitalization in three pregnant women treated in the outpatient clinic. Two patients, who had earlier two spontaneous abortions, delivered healthy babies.

CONCLUSIONS
1. The beta-blocker in treatment gives very good results and allows to avoid hospitalization in patients with hyperthyroidism and hyper emesis gravidarum. 2. In some patients vomiting may be the only symptom of sub clinical hyperthyroidism in early pregnancy. Assessment of the thyroid hormones levels and adequate treatment may give these women a chance for a healthy child.


This paper presents a predictive rock-physics model for unconventional shale reservoirs based on an extended Maxwell scheme. This model accounts for intrinsic anisotropy of rock matrix and heterogeneities and shape-induced anisotropy arising because the dimensions of kerogen inclusions and pores are larger parallel to the bedding plane than perpendicular to this plane. The model relates the results of seismic amplitude variation with offset inversion, such as P- and S-impedance, to the composition of the rock and enables identification of rock classes such as calcareous, argillaceous, siliceous, and mixed shales. This allows the choice of locations with the best potential for economic production of hydrocarbons. While this can be done using well data, prestack inversion of seismic P-wave data allows identification of the best locations before the wells are drilled. The results clearly show the ambiguity in rock classification obtained using poststack inversion of P-wave seismic data and demonstrate the need for prestack seismic inversion. The model provides estimates of formation anisotropy, as required for accurate determination of P- and S-impedance, and shows that anisotropy is a function not only of clay content but also other components of the rock as well as the aspect ratio of kerogen and pores. Estimates of minimum horizontal stress based on the model demonstrate the need to identify rock class and estimate anisotropy to determine the location of any stress barriers that may inhibit hydraulic fracture growth.


This paper describes equipment developed to determine the dynamic properties of paving materials in axial and torsional loading. Dynamic properties were determined by the excitation of hollow cylindrical specimens using two independent sinusoidal loads with frequencies up to 30 Hz. An IBM PC/AT equipped with a Metrabyte DASH16 Data Acquisition Board was used to directly control two MTS Hydraulic Servorams. Menu-driven software was developed, taking advantage of DMA channels, so that data acquisition, waveform generation, and closed-loop control could simultaneously take place at rates above 5000 samples/s/channel. To convert raw data into graphs and parameters representative of dynamic material properties, a post-processing menu-driven program was also developed. Dynamic properties for a dense-graded asphalt concrete are presented for a range in temperatures from 11 to 40°C and for a range in frequencies from 0.5 to 20 Hz. Test results include: dynamic moduli in axial loading defined by |E*|, dynamic shear moduli defined by |G*|, internal damping determined in both axial and shear loading, and dynamic Poisson's ratios. Also included are results illustrating the effects of specimen density on these properties. Comparisons are included of stiffness moduli determined in a repeated pulse load test (resilient moduli) with those determined from the dynamic load equipment. The data also indicate that some care must be taken when comparing stiffness values determined by this type of loading with those determined from sinusoidal loading, particularly at higher temperatures. Differences in the stiffness moduli may result from the influence of the time between load applications (rest periods) on the value of the recoverable strain used to compute the stiffness (resilient modulus) in the repeated load test.


A quantum mechanical model study of electronic states of a molecular crystal in contact with a metal is made. A molecular crystal is represented by the parameters: intermolecular spacing, electron affinity of a constituent molecule, dielectric constant, charge transfer matrix, and polarization energy of the molecular crystal. A set of difference equations is established and solved for the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions under the assumption that the interaction between a transferred electron and a metal is that of electrostatic image potential. Appearance of lower energy bands corresponding to an electron localized in the x direction and one continuum energy spectrum representing the conducting state of an excess electron in the molecular crystal is noted. Also, the transferred electron density is calculated for each energy band.


Secondary, radiation-induced neoplasms represent a significant long-term risk after radiation treatment, and radiation-induced sarcomas (RAS) have an especially poor prognosis. These have rarely been reported after irradiation for pituitary adenomas.


The main objective of this study, as detailed in Chapter 2, was to investigate the nerves innervating the horn base in cattle and goats, paying particular attention to the contribution of the N. sinuum frontalium. The study involved the gross dissection of twenty-five cattle, aged between 2 days and 4 years, as well as twenty-four goats aged between 10 hours and 6 years. In addition to the dissections, the neurotracer Fluorogold was applied to the cut horn bases of two calves and two 15-month-old heifers. Fluorogold was taken up by cut nerves and was then transported in a retrograde manner along the nerves. The inspection of nerve sections under the fluorescence microscope revealed Fluorogold granules in the R. zygomaticotemporalis of all four animals, as well as in the N. infratrochlearis of two animals and in the N. frontalis of a single animal. Fluorogold granules were not present in either the N. sinuum frontalium or the Nn. cervicales. However, osmium-stained histological sections of the horn base revealed the presence of nerve fascicles, presumed to be branches of the N. sinuum frontalium, in the cornual diverticular lining of cattle over 2 years of age and goats over 4 years of age. These results demonstrated that in cattle the R. zygomaticotemporalis is not the only nerve supplying the horn base. Furthermore, in mature cattle and goats the N. sinuum frontalium needs to be blocked before the animal is dehorned.The objective of Chapter 3 was to investigate the sensory receptors present in the horn bud of calves and kids. For this study immunohistochemistry was used in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry utilized neurofilament and S-100 antibodies which demonstrated nerve fibres and Schwann cell cytoplasm respectively. In this study numerous free nerve endings, known to be nociceptors, were identified in both calves and kids. In addition, bulbous corpuscles, Merkel cells and intraepidermal nerves were demonstrated.


We present an evaluation research of the participation of families, who received a notification and were handed over by the Justice, in the Multifamiliar Groups. These families passed by the psychosocial study as a consequence of having one child or adolescent in a situation of sexual abuse. Twenty eight families were contacted but we could only interview eight. Our objective was to focus on the relation among the families, among the internal groups of each family unit and among the families and the professionals present in the Multifamiliar Group sessions. We sought to know the benefits and limits of the psychosocial intervention. The evaluated changes occurred in the relationships with a higher physical contact with the children, in a higher conversation among the family members and in the acceptance of orientation from professionals. The results also indicated the need for creating leisure opportunities with the children/adolescents who were abused and for having time available to listen to them.


Abstract During the past years surveillance for avian influenza has been conducted in the live bird markets (LBMs) in New York as well as other states along the east coast. Repeated attempts to eradicate H5 and H7 influenza from the New York markets have focused efforts on the LBMs themselves. Despite repeated mandatory market closures accompanied by cleaning and disinfecting (C/D) procedures, avian influenza virus continued to be isolated. In an effort to assess the adequacy of the C/D procedure, samples were collected in temporal proximity to the depopulation and C/D. Comparison of the pre-C/D (83% virus positive), at C/D approval (1.6% positive) and post-C/D testing (33% positive) indicate that the current procedures of C/D can be effective at eliminating these influenza viruses. However, reinfection via introduction of influenza-virus–positive birds can occur shortly after the market reopens.


The government of Japan has announced the new ICT policy in June 2010. One of the points of the new policy is to start the 3D motion image content market in order to create new key industries in the near future as 3D motion image content will become most powerful media for CGM (Consumer Generated Media). In order to activate 3D motion image content industries, the development of an effective and simple tool for making 3D motion image content even by non-experienced people, is required. The Digital Movie Director (DMD) developed by the author, is being evolved as such an effective and simple tool. However, the big computational power requirement in making 3D motion image content has prevented DMD from being widely deployed. The cloud computing technology is supposed to solve this problem, thus, in this paper, the future prospects of the 3D motion image content industries with the cloud computing technology will be explained.


Acquired resistance to imatinib is a significant problem for the clinical management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients, and second-line small molecules have shown limited efficacy in this setting. We have recently demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody targeting KIT could potentially bypass imatinib resistance in preclinical models of GIST.


Readiness for the move to formal schooling, commonly referred to as 'school readiness', is one of the most important milestones in a young child's life and also in the life of their family, preschool and community. Formal school comprises between ten to thirteen years in most westernised countries and it is important that young children are ready for the transition from the nurtured, supportive environment that encompasses either home life or preschool, to that of formal school. This study investigates the information processing strategy application capacities of a small cohort of typically developing preschool and school aged Australian children as they moved through their preschool years into the first year of formal schooling. Research suggests that readiness for school is demonstrated not only by what tasks children can do, but also how well they can process information in situations of social and academic learning (Scrimsher, College & Tudge, 2003).
'School readiness' is not a new concept but is becoming an increasingly important focus for parents, teachers and health professionals involved in young preschool aged children preparing for the move to formal schooling. Traditional areas of school readiness, such as fine motor skills, social skills and pre-academic abilities provide important information about a child's ultimate readiness for formal schooling but don't necessarily highlight specific weaknesses that may later translate to more general difficulties once a child is in formal schooling. In order to help young children meet the challenges of their future at school with success they need to be prepared to start formal schooling.
This longitudinal study followed 32 typically developing preschool aged children over a period of 30 months as they moved from preschool to the end of their first year at formal school. A criterion referenced occupational therapy assessment, the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis (Chapparo & Ranka, 1997) was the primary tool used to evaluate the cognitive information processing strategy application abilities of the participants. It measures the task related parameters of attention, sensory processing, memory, planning and organisation, and performance monitoring.
The results of the study demonstrated that the assessment of information processing strategy application did provide insight into the ultimate school readiness of the study participants. Those participants with consistently effective strategy application abilities transitioned well into formal schooling, whilst those who demonstrated inefficient strategy application experienced difficulty with the transition to formal schooling and the ongoing demands of classroom work and routine.
The PRPP System proved to be a reliable tool for assessing information processing strategy application in this population and also emerged as having some predictive use in determining school readiness and the successful transition into a school student role. The findings from the study are supported by information…


Entrepreneurial competencies are connected to venture performance, but the link between these competencies and the business model (BM) innovation is scarcely studied. This article is among the first to study entrepreneurial competencies as a driving force for BM innovation. This paper presents a qualitative empirical study of six innovative horticulture entrepreneurs in Finland. We contribute to two separate literature streams, competence and BM literature, by combining competence categories (Mitchelmore and Rowley 2010) and BM Innovation model (Foss and Saebi 2017) in the analysis of innovative entrepreneurs. This paper provides evidence on entrepreneurial competencies being internal drivers for BM innovation, and also identifies the core entrepreneurial competences related to BM innovation.


Two-dimensional systems with time-dependent controls admit a quadratic Hamiltonian modelling near potential minima. Independent, dynamical normal modes facilitate inverse Hamiltonian engineering to control the system dynamics, but some systems are not separable into independent modes by a point transformation. For these "coupled systems" 2D invariants may still guide the Hamiltonian design. The theory to perform the inversion and two application examples are provided: (i) We control the deflection of wave packets in transversally harmonic waveguides; and (ii) we design the state transfer from one coupled oscillator to another.


The rampant growth of the Internet has been coupled with an equivalent growth in cyber crime over the Internet. With our increased reliance on the Internet for commerce, social networking, information acquisition, and information exchange, intruders have found financial, political, and military motives for their actions. Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs) intercept the traffic at an organization's periphery and try to detect intrusion attempts. Signature-based NIDSs compare the packet to a signature database consisting of known attacks and malicious packet fingerprints. The signatures use regular expressions to model these intrusion activities. This thesis presents a memory efficient pattern matching system for the class of regular expressions appearing frequently in the NIDS signatures. Proposed Cascaded Automata Architecture is based on two stage automata. The first stage recognizes the sub-strings and character classes present in the regular expression. The second stage consumes symbol generated by the first stage upon receiving input traffic symbols. The basic idea is to utilize the research done on string matching problem for regular expression pattern matching. We formally model the class of regular expressions mostly found in NIDS signatures. The challenges involved in using string matching algorithms for regular expression matching has been presented. We introduce length-bound transitions, counter-based states, and associated counter arrays in the second stage automata to address these challenges. The system uses length information along with counter arrays to keep track of overlapped sub-strings and character class based transition. We present efficient implementation techniques for counter arrays. The evaluation of the architecture on practical expressions from Snort rule set showed compression in number of states between 50% to 85%. Because of its smaller memory footprint, our solution is suitable for both software based implementations on network chips as well as FPGA based designs.


A Wireless Mesh Network is infrastructure-less, "Self organizing & Self configured" network where participating node automatically establish & maintain connectivity amongst themselves. Such type of networks difficult to provide internet access and connection in remote areas. In literature lot of methods are proposed in order to handle problem in this network but in recent year we found expected transmission count metric and composite available bandwidth hop-by-hop routing mechanism. In this paper we compare these two methods i. e. expected transmission count metric (ETX) and new path weight called composite available bandwidth (CAB) method which captures the available path bandwidth information. Composite available bandwidth has good performance in terms of high throughput path and low packet delay. The simulation experiment shows that composite available bandwidth method is better in terms of delay, packet delivery ratio, throughput of flows.


The estate of Ramningstorp in the region of Vastergotland in southern Sweden is administered by the holding trust company Skogssallskapet i Skovde. In 1999 measures were taken by Skogssallskapet to drain the stream Fredstorpsbacken as a means to increase the forest productivity of the surrounding lands, which are situated on the estate of Ramningstorp. Almost immediately after the drainage, the streamwater turned turbid and a landowner downstream reported the issue to the county administrative board of the region.
The aim of this thesis was firstly to analyse the suspended matter that appeared during summer/autumn and secondly to explain why it came to be. Initial hypotheses for the explanation to the greyish turbid water were that it was either 1) a chemical/biochemical precipitate, or 2) an bacterial/algal blooming.

The results from soil- and water samples from the area indicated that the peat surrounding the river and the lake Fursjon, has intermediate levels of nitrogen, but high level of ash constituents and relatively high pH values. The water in the stream and the lake also showed high pH and alkalinity, but no signs of an ongoing leaching of mineral nitrogen or phosphorus from the surrounding peat. High levels of iron were found, especially in small secondary streams from the peaty lands and also further downstream in Fredstorpsbacken. Microscope studies of water and sediment material from Fredstorpsbacken and element analyses of this material, indicated an ongoing process of biochemical precipitation of iron oxides conducted by iron oxidizing bacteria in the lake and the main stream.

The observed phenomenon is probably connected to natural presence of iron in the specific area and to a temporary change in the groundwater hydrology close to the stream, as a result of the ditching in 1999 and clear cutting of forests surrounding the lake Fursjon. This, combined with the fact of dense vegetation in and surrounding the shallow lake, creates a very favourable environment for iron oxidizing bacteria. The turbid waters of the stream Fredstorpsbacken thus seems to be a result of the biochemical precipitation of iron oxides and the bacteria conducting the oxidation.


High efficiency video coding (HEVC) is the most recently standardized video codec that was completed in January 2013. HEVC standard can achieve about 50 percent of average bit-rate reduction compared to H.264/advanced video coding (AVC) so it can show higher coding efficiency and higher resolution. Although each function in HEVC is similar to previous standard, there are a lot of improvements in respective functions such as prediction methods, block based transform coding, filtering and so on. As HEVC shows better performance than prior video codec standard, it has more complexity issues. Especially, newly added prediction method in inter and intra prediction and improved cost computing method can show high coding performance in software, but the hardware cost becomes very high. In this paper, we focus on its huge complexity and propose low complexity encoder model which is based on high efficiency video codec exhaustive. The proposed slim - HEVC encoder is compliant with HM 10.0 which is developed during standardization of HEVC so that it is consisted of inter and intra prediction modes, in-loop filter and context-based adaptive binary arithmetic (CABAC). Although several functions in HEVC standard are removed, it can make about 1.5 times better performance rather than H.264/AVC. Working frequency of the proposed slim - HEVC encoder is 200MHz when full HD (Full High Definition, 1920×1080) resolution sized video encoded. All of our design has been implemented in Verilog RTL.


Thin film thermocouples are widely used for local temperature determinations of surfaces. However, depending on the environment in which they are used, thin film thermocouples need to be covered by a wear or oxidation resistant top layer. With regard to the utilization in wide-slit nozzles for plastic extrusion, Ni/Ni-20Cr thin film thermocouples were manufactured using direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering combined with Aluminiumnitride (AlN) and Boron-Carbonitride (BCN) thin films. On the one hand, the deposition parameters of the nitride layers were varied to affect the chemical composition and morphology of the AlN and BCN thin films. On the other hand, the position of the nitride layers (below the thermocouple, above the thermocouple, around the thermocouple) was changed. Both factors were investigated concerning the influence on the Seebeck coefficient and the reaction behaviour of the thermocouples. Therefore, the impact of the nitride thin films on the morphology, physical structure, crystallite size, electrical resistance and hardness of the Ni and Ni-20Cr thin films is analysed. The investigations reveal that the Seebeck coefficient is not affected by the different architectures of the thermocouples. Nevertheless, the reaction time of the thermocouples can be significantly improved by adding a thermal conductive top coat over the thin films, whereas the top coat should have a coarse structure and low nitrogen content.


One of the most important goals for energy transition is to reduce CO2 by turning to renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy. However, the production of renewable energy is not always an integral part of the energy system. Instead, it may have a decentralized basis, even up to the household level. In the Netherlands, this decentralizing trend coincides with developments in/of spatial planning, in which case the government is retreating to stimulate private and business development. Thus, a new kind of arrangement is emerging in the Netherlands, the so-called organic urban development, in which bottom-up trends meet top-down developments. This paper looks into such organic arrangements, especially those designed for district heating, to get a better understanding of the relationship between the energy sector and spatial planning. The main question of this paper is: How and under what conditions can district heating get a more important role in local energy systems in the Dutch context? Based on an extensive literature study on the international best practices of bottom-up energy initiatives, and two theoretical concepts – institutional theory and technical entrepreneurship – we build a theoretical framework for the organic development of urban energy projects that is then applied in two Dutch cases: the municipal heating company of Rotterdam (top-down) and the privately-owned district heating in Lanxmeer, Culemborg (bottom-up). The results of the study comprise of a practical and scientific contribution. First is a useful framework that makes the iterative and complex character of urban development processes clear and shows how urban energy projects can be successful taken into this process. Second, the study identifies a new important tactic as part of institutional theory: utilization, which represents the linking of existing physical and governance conditions to new urban energy projects. © 2016, Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning. All rights reserved.


Reo is a language for coordinating autonomous components in dis- tributed environments. Coordination in Reo is performed by circuit-like connectors, which are constructed from primitive, mobile channels with well-defined behaviour. While the structure of a connector can be modeled as a graph, its behaviour is com- positionally defined using that of its primitive constituents. In previous work, we showed that graph transformation techniques are well-suited to model reconfigu- rations of connectors. In this paper, we investigate how the connector colouring semantics can be used to perform dynamic reconfigurations. Dynamic reconfigu- rations are triggered by dataflow in the connector at runtime, when certain struc- tural patterns enriched with dataflow annotations occur. For instance we are able to elegantly model dynamic Reo circuits, such as just-in-time augmentation of single- buffered channels to a circuit that models a channel with an unbounded buffer. Addi- tionally we extend Reo's visual notation and the Reo animation language to describe and animate dynamically reconfiguring connectors.


Abstract We consider a generalization of an extremal problem known as the lifeguard problem. In particular, we give a geometric characterization of the optimal path and an algorithm for computing the minimal rescue time.


This guide will provide helpful hints in business and management. Provides links to the discovery service, library databases, and web resources.


Abstract The Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has low fecundity and high incidence of abortion. Several studies have associated reproductive failure of water buffalo with viral infections but there is limited information on the role of chlamydial infections. To investigate the presence and the role of Chlamydiaceae in water buffalo a retrospective study was performed in a farm where, in the arch of 11 months, the pregnant heifers suffered an abortion rate of 36.8% in the 3rd and 5th month of pregnancy. Antibodies to Chlamydiaceae were detected in 57% of the aborted cows, while the rate of positivity was 0% in overtly healthy cows used as control. By a PCR assay 3 of 14 vaginal swabs from aborted animals tested positive for Chlamydophila agents and, additionally, 3 out of 7 aborted foetuses tested positive for Chlamydophila spp., with two being co-infections by Cp. abortus and Cp. pecorum and one being characterised as Cp. abortus. The presence of anti-Chlamydiaceae antibodies in 57% of the aborted animals and the detection of Chlamydophila agents in foetal organs and in vaginal swabs is consistent with the history of abortions (P<0.002) observed in the herd and may suggest a pathogenic role by Chlamydophila spp. in water buffalo.


Membrane microfilaments are found throughout the animal world in situations suggesting that they fulfill a critical role in providing normal cell shape and plasticity. We have hypothesized that hereditary spherocytosis, a congenital hemolytic anemia associated with intrinsically rigid and mishapen erythrocytes, might result from genetically defective microfilaments in eryth- rocyte membranes. By using three different drugs (vinblastine, colchicine, and strychnine) that share one common attribute-that of potently precipitating purified microfilamentous protein-we have provided support for this hypothesis. Thus, all the known in vitro and in vivo characteristics of hereditary spherocytes are reproduced in normal erythrocytes briefly exposed to these precipitat- ing agents.


A study was made of whether the dry matter content of silage influenced performance when 17-month-old male reindeer were fed solely silage outdoor during winter. Two kinds of round-baled silages with different wilting times were offered to the animals; low dry matter (LDM silage) with a mean of 39% DM, or high dry matter (HDM silage) with a mean of 53% DM. The 115 reindeer were allotted to slaughter at the start of the experiment in October or to be fed until slaughter in January or March. During the first three weeks of the experiment small amounts of lichens were mixed with the silages and the reindeer adapted to the feeding without problems. The daily intake of DM did not differ significantly between reindeer fed the LDM or the HDM silage despite a highly significant difference in daily silage intake. This resulted in small but significantly higher gains in live weight for animals fed the LDM silage, caused by increased weight of the rumen content. All groups of reindeer either retained or lost carcass weight during the experiment, and no improvements or differences were obtained between the kinds of silages in carcass assessment or gains in fat in the abdominal cavity. Animals slaughtered in January had a lower carcass weight and dressing percentage than reindeer slaughtered in October and March. Environmental conditions during the experiment were good but nonetheless mobbing and illness still occurred. The present results concur with those of earlier studies suggesting that it seems to be the bulk of the ration rather than the dry matter content of the silage that limits the intake.


Context. It is predicted that sources emitting UV radiation in the Lyman band during the epoch of reionization show a series of discontinuities in their Ly alpha flux radial profile as a consequence of the thickness of the Lyman-series lines in the primeval intergalactic medium. Through unsaturated Wouthuysen-Field coupling, these spherical discontinuities are also present in the 21 cm emission of the neutral IGM.


Users of databases that are hosted on shared servers cannot take for granted that their queries will not be disclosed to unauthorized parties. Even if the database is encrypted, an adversary who is monitoring the I/O activity on the server may still be able to infer some information about a user query. For the particular case of a B+-tree that has its nodes encrypted, we identify properties that enable the ordering among the leaf nodes to be deduced. These properties allow us to construct adversarial algorithms to recover the B+-tree structure from the I/O traces generated by range queries. Combining this structure with knowledge of the key distribution (or the plaintext database itself), the adversary can infer the selection range of user queries. To counter the threat, we propose a privacy-enhancing PB+-tree index which ensures that there is high uncertainty about what data the user has worked on, even to a knowledgeable adversary who has observed numerous query executions. The core idea in PB+-tree is to conceal the order of the leaf nodes in an encrypted B+-tree. In particular, it groups the nodes of the tree into buckets, and employs homomorphic encryption techniques to prevent the adversary from pinpointing the exact nodes retrieved by range queries. PB+-tree can be tuned to balance its privacy strength with the computational and I/O overheads incurred. Moreover, it can be adapted to protect access privacy in cases where the attacker additionally knows a priori the access frequencies of key values. Experiments demonstrate that PB+-tree effectively impairs the adversary's ability to recover the B+-tree structure and deduce the query ranges in all considered scenarios.


Single phase rectifiers and inverters are inherently subject to double-line frequency ripple power, at both the ac and dc sides, which has adverse effects on the overall system performance. Normally a bulky capacitor is placed at the dc side of the circuit to prevent this ripple power ripple from reaching the dc source. This approach results in low power density and reliability issues. As a result, active power decoupling methods have been proposed such that the total capacitance required can be orders of magnitude smaller. This paper proposed a new power decoupling circuit, which is composed of two separate buck converters operating in each half cycle and two split dc-link capacitors. The dc link capacitors can be used to store ripple power while supporting transient power to the main output. The capacitance needed is reduced largely by allowing high voltage fluctuation on capacitors, while the dc link voltage can be controlled with small fluctuation. The dc link capacitors can be fully charged and discharged with full energy utilization. The added power decoupling module does not need dead time, and totally eliminates the shoot through concerns, which could enhance the system reliability. Another advantage of the proposed power decoupling method is that its control is independent with that of the main power stage. Modulation and control strategy are proposed for the power decoupling circuit. The operating principles together with parameters design are discussed in detail. Both simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness of this method.


Field experiences are identified as an important component in the prepara tion of new teachers. As such, methods to supplement field experiences with pre and post activities that ready preservice teachers to effectively learn from them warrant further examination. This paper presents one tool that has been used successfully to improve preservice teachers' instructional decision-making knowledge about technology integration, with the unintended outcome of readying them for field experiences in general.


Background: Dermoscopy is useful for the evaluation of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). The classical "setting sun" pattern is characteristic of JXG, but its sensibility appears to be limited. An extensive description of other dermoscopic findings is not available in the literature. Objectives: The aim of this study was to valuate and describe the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of a series of JXG cases. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study, including cases with histopathologic diagnosis of JXG, and the availability of clinical and dermoscopic images, assessed for the presence of dermoscopic features based on the available literature. Results: A total of 17 lesions were analyzed. 70.6% showed global symmetry, 35.3% presented the typical "setting sun" pattern. All lesions showed yellow-orange and/or pink-red structureless color. Other dermoscopic features were yellow globules (35.3%), shiny white streaks (23.5%), brown globules (17.6%), pale-brown network (11.8%), negative network (11.8%), erosion/ulceration (11.8%), rosettes (5.9%), and hemorrhage (5.9%). Scales were seen in 64.7% of patients. Vascular structures were observed in all the lesions, mostly in an irregular distribution (76.5%). The observed vessel types were dotted (52.9%), linear (52.9%), branching-arboriform (29.4%), comma-like (23.5%), hairpin-like (17.6%), globular (17.6%), coiled (11.8%), and milky-red globules (5.9%). Conclusions: Symmetry, yellow/orange-pink/red color, yellow globules, shiny white streaks, and irregularly distributed different types of vascular structures are the main dermoscopic features of JXG. This is the largest dermoscopic registry of JXG published to date.


I would like to develop this theme by reference to the excellent review of Walker and Mills. I They state that 'computerized data processing is an essential feature of modern amino acid analysers', the assumption being that this refers to on-line data capture and processing. Dr Walker further states that 'catastrophic errors of peak identification can occur if the amino acids are not resolved adequately, retention time altered or the baseline noisy'. This is certainly true but serious errors in actual integration may also occur and the reasons for this are numerous. 2 The basic problem is that on-line systems are not always sufficiently flexible to cope with variations in elution or baseline which may occur for quite valid reasons, e.g. minor pH changes between different sample types or column degradation. This may necessitate having several different reference tables in the system to suit different applications, all requiring maintenance. A viable alternative to on-line processing which seems to have been largely overlooked is off-line processing using a digitizer (or graphics) tablet, of the sort used by computer-aided design systems. The calculations and computer programs needed to utilize this hardware for integration of peak areas is relatively simple and results are within ± 2070 of on-line systems (personal evaluation). Advantages of this approach are:


This study was conducted to determine relationships between maturity of various groups of Clarias gariepinus and size of their wet pituitaries. The maturity groups of the fish species used during the research were unripe males, ripe males, immature females and mature females. Data were obtained and recorded according to sex and maturity groups. The data were later subjected to correlation and coefficient analysis. Results showed that increase in length of the specimen did not follow the same pattern as the increase in size of the pituitary. Diameter size of the pituitary gland was highest in mature female donors and least in unripe-maledonor group. Relative reproductive potentials were observed in the result of both the ripe-male and immature female groups. No significant correlation was shown between length of donor and size of the wet pituitaries. There seem to be a higher reproductive potential in the mature female donors. This might be dependent on reproductive process and the need of the fish breeders.


Abstract- The identification of the optic nerve head (ONH) is necessary preprocessing step in retinal image analysis, for automated extraction of the anatomical components in retinal images. In this study, a new image processing method based on Radon transform (RT) and multi-overlapping windows was proposed for ONH detection in fluorescein angiography (FA) fundus images. At first, RT was applied to all fundus sub images to find candidates for the location of the ONH. Then, the accurate location was found using the minimum mean square error estimation. The results of our automated method for the ONH detection in the images showed sensitivity and specificity of 90.54%, 98.51% respectively for pixel based analysis, and according to manual ONH detection, our automated algorithm found 89 ONH out of 100 in true location for FA images. This study addresses a novel method in detection of retinal land marks. Sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm seems to be acceptable in comparison with other detection methods.


Carcinomas of unknown primary are cancers that are pathologically diagnosed as carcinomas based on the findings of metastatic lesion biopsy but in which the primary site remains unknown even after thorough and detailed examinations.In the clinical setting, pathological diagnosis and diagnostic imaging are very important for cases of carcinoma of unknown primary. When examinations do not identify the primary tumor, carcinoma cases are treated as carcinoma of unknown primary.In clinical practice, it is very important not to miss cases of favorable prognosis group, which is 20% of unknown cancer. Recently, microarray studies have been performed for cases of carcinoma of unknown primary.


It is a great pleasure and an honor to greet you to the annual international conference, 2012 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (IEEE SMC 2012) at Seoul, the heart of Korea. The purpose of the conference is to provide an international forum for researchers and practitioners to report the latest innovations and the state-of-the-art, and to share ideas in all aspects of systems science and engineering, human-machine systems, and emerging cybernetics. We hope that this conference provides a very rewarding and valuable technical meeting. We also hope that you enjoy Seoul where the modernity and tradition coexist. Seoul has developed into a bustling metropolis on an ancient and shining history, acting as the hub for political, economic, social, and cultural matters.


Objectives A retrospective, observational study to evaluate the association between critical potassium values and clinical symptoms, and to define critical potassium limits in hospital inpatients of Chinese Han ethnicity. Methods Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) of Chinese Han ethnicity admitted to the Beilun People's Hospital of Ningbo, Zhejiang University, China, were sequentially enrolled. Inpatient data recorded on admission (or at first time during hospital stay for serum potassium values) between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were used to calculate the percentage of patients with relevant clinical symptoms, the percentage of critical patients (presence of neurological symptoms and deterioration of at least two physiological systems), and the hospital prevalence of clinical symptoms. Correlations between critical serum potassium values and clinical symptoms were determined. Results Out of 3 665 included patients, 1 514 patients with a critical serum potassium value (as determined in the present study) were mainly treated in the intensive care unit or the haematology department (low serum potassium, ≤2.9 mmol/l), and Renal and Hepatitis departments (high serum potassium, ≥6.0 mmol/l). High critical serum potassium values (≥6.0 mmol/l) were significantly correlated with clinical symptoms (such as neurological symptoms, loss of appetite, oliguria and hypotension). Low critical serum potassium values (≤2.9 mmol/l) were significantly correlated with clinical symptoms (such as neurological symptoms, loss of appetite and dyspnoea). Conclusions Based on the present findings, the lower and upper critical potassium limits were defined as 2.9 mmol/l and 6.0 mmol/l, respectively.


This study was designed to determine the impact of the internship experience on the BSTP. The survey evaluated job allocations, intern education, clinical skills development, and exposure to patient care. A combination of binary responses (yes, no) and Likert scoring (cuing at 1 never/disagree, and at 6 always/strongly agree) were used to code responses. Thirty five trainees responded (all those present at a study day), representing 60% of all trainees. These trainees undertook approximately 130 rotations, with 12 (34%) undertaking a paediatric rotation. Relating to intern education; only 10 (28%) of trainees had a mentor. Education was frequently provided as scheduled (Likert mean (LM) 3.82). The preferred method of teaching was bedside delivered. Interns strongly agreed that time management (LM 5.0, Positive skew (PS) 82%) and communication skills (LM 4.9, PS 71%) were clinical skills developed during intern year Relating to exposure to patient care; Interns were frequently out of their comfort zone in dealing with patients (LM 4.3, PS 41%). Most said they had never been debriefed after attending an emergency situation (LM 1.7, PS 3%). An elevated Early Warning Score (EWS) in Irish hospitals precludes intern assessment however this rule is frequently ignored (LM 4.9, PS 80%). Interns infrequently clerked patients in the emergency department (LM 2.6, PS 14%), although many agreed that interns should be clerking patients (LM 4.4, PS 55%) This survey highlights the variability of the internship experience in Ireland, and highlights some areas where direct improvements could be made.


Introduction: The prevalence of endometriosis in women of reproductive age was still high. A previous study showed that the red fruit (Pandanus conoideus L.) extract consisted of alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene as antioxidants that could potentially be an alternative treatment in endometriosis. This study aimed to determine the effect of Red Fruit Extract Administration on the expression of TNF-α, microvessels density (MVD), and the area of endometriosis implant in endometriosis mice model.
Methods: This was an experimental study with a randomized post-test control group design only applied to the endometriosis mice model and conducted in the Veterinary Faculty of Medicine Airlangga University, Surabaya. Twenty-eight endometriosis model mice were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (K) received CMC Na 5% for 14 days, and the treatment group (P) was given Red Fruit extract of 0,05 ml/day for 14 days. After day 28, mice were sacrificed, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed for TNF-α, microvessel density (MVD), and measured for endometriosis implant area. A T-test was used to analyze the comparison between groups.
Results: Mean TNF-α, microvessel density, area of endometriosis implant in treatment group were 1,56±0,87, 1,26±0,48, 13,24±4,08, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in TNF-α expression, MVD development, and area of endometriosis implant between the treatment and control groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There was decreased expression of TNF-α, development of microvessel density, and area of endometriosis implant in endometriosis mice model given red fruit extract and proved to have potential effect as endometriosis therapy.


The present study examines the effects of different fertilization treatments (chemical fertilization, farmyard manure, plant compost, and mycorrhiza-inoculated compost) on the soil fungi under a crop rotation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) in a long-term field experiment established in Mediterranean Turkey in 1996. Soil samples were collected in May, August, and October 2009. Soil pH, organic carbon, plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus, mycorrhizal colonization, and a series of biochemical markers (phospholipid and neutral lipid fatty acid [PLFA and NLFA] profiles, soil ergosterol content, and glomalin related soil protein [GRSP] as indicators of abundance of bacteria, saprotrophic, and arbuscular mycorrhizal [AM] fungi) were assessed. No significant difference was observed in soil organic C and plant available N in relation to long-term fertilization treatments, but plant available P in soil changed significantly in relation to the fertilization treatment used and the sampling season (between 11.5–33.8 mg · kg−1 in spring, 10.4–28.6 mg · kg−1 in summer, and 10.5–33.2 mg · kg−1 in autumn). Mycorrhizal colonization patterns were similar for both plants. However, mycorrhiza-inoculated compost treatment exhibited higher root colonization (77.3%) over control (16.3%), chemical fertilization (10.0%), farmyard manure (19.3%), and plant compost (20.0%). No statistically significant change was observed in ergosterol content. The effect of long-term organic treatments on soil PLFA structure was statistically prominent; whereas seasonality only affected bacterial PLFAs. Organic fertilization increased GRSP (mean annual ranging from 0.91 to 2.46 mg · g−1 total GRSP) but long-term annual mycorrhizal inoculation had no significant effect on the soil GRSP pool.


Mechanical Virtual Human of China is a key research project supported by National Natural Science Foundation.A human musculoskeletal system will be built, and this system will be able to export transformed individualizedmusculoskeletal geometric model for specific human parameters. Motion capture system will be employed to measurehuman motion and results will be transformed into musculoskeletal model motion. Through kinematics, kinetics and forceanalysis, joint and muscle forces can be determined for whole process of a specific motion. The musculoskeletal systemis also a finite element model, and FE analysis can be performed for global or local skeletal components. A large scalesoftware system will be developed to support all these calculations and analyses, and this software system will findwide applications in such areas as medical engineering, medical instrument design, physical and art education, ergonomicsand traffic accident analysis.


Medications are probably the single most important health care technology in preventing illness, disability, and death in the geriatric population. The evaluation of the medication regimen is a valuable function of the pharmacist in any practice setting. Important components in the evaluation process include an understanding of medication-related problems in the geriatric patient, risks for medication-related problems in this patient population, information regarding assessment, appropriate prescribing for geriatric patients, and adherence and compliance practices of these patients.


We present a distributed projection algorithm for system identification of spatiotemporally invariant systems. Each subsystem communicates only with its immediate neighbor to share its current estimate along with a cumulative improvement index. Based on the cumulative improvement index, the best estimate available is picked in order to carry out the next iterate. For small estimation error, the scheme switches over to a "smart" averaging routine. The proposed algorithm guarantees to bring the local estimates arbitrarily close to one another. We demonstrate that the proposed scheme has a clear advantage over the standard projection algorithm and is amenable to indirect distributed adaptive control of spatiotemporally invariant systems. Our proposed algorithm is also suitable to address the estimation problem in distributed networks that arise in a variety of applications, such as environment monitoring, target localization and potential sensor network problems.


Articular cartilage damage plays a major role in joint degeneration and dysfunction. Accurate assessment of the morphology and degree of cartilage wear is important in diagnosis, prognosis and management, particularly as many of these patients are young or participate in high-performance sports. Magnetic resonance imaging is able to directly evaluate such injuries, due to its high spatial resolution and excellent soft-tissue contrast resolution. This pictoral essay aims to demonstrate normal and damaged articular cartilage on MR imaging, as well as surgically-repaired cartilage.


The term post-polio syndrome (PPS) was introduced in 1985 by Halstead. It is characterized by sudden or progressive muscle weakness, new muscular atrophy, muscle pain, fatigue, functional impotence, cold intolerance, after a period of at least 15 years from acute polio virus infection, a period of neurological and functional stability, in the absence of other medical explanation [1]. The reported prevalence of PPS is between 15% and 80% of all patients with previous polio virus infections [2, 3]. Poliomyelitis continues to be a public health problem, because the consequences of the disease last throughout life. In Europe, there are about 700,000 persons who survived the infection and are still alive. Nonrandomized studies with kinesitherapy programs with a duration between 6 weeks and 7 months, involving isokinetic and isometric endurance muscle training, have demonstrated an increase of muscle strength in the case of patients with mild or moderate muscle weakness, and a reduction of muscle fatigue [7, 8, 9]. The differential diagnosis of PPS can be difficult because of the need to exclude both neurological and non-neurological conditions that aggravate the pre-existing motor deficit. Rehabilitation programs using therapeutic means: kinesitherapy, thermotherapy, hydrothermotherapy, occupational therapy represent the only way to limit functional deficit and to improve pain, playing an important role in the long-term management and care of patients.


Previously, we observed increased transcription levels of specific cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes in human body lice, Pediculus humanus humanus, following exposure to ivermectin using the non‐invasive induction assay, which resulted in tolerance. To confirm the roles of these genes in induction and tolerance, the robust genetic model insect Drosophila melanogaster was chosen. Orthologous genes corresponding to the body louse P450 (Cyp9f2, Cyp6g2 and Cyp9h1) and ABC transporter (Mrp1, GC1824 as an ABCB type and CG3327 as an ABCG type) genes were selected for in vivo bioassay. Following a brief treatment with a sublethal dose of ivermectin, the mortality response was significantly slower, indicating the presence of tolerance. Concurrently, the transcription levels of Cyp9f2 and Mrp1 at 3 h and those of Cyp6g2, Cyp9h1, Mrp1, CG1824 and CG3327 at 6 h post‐treatment were upregulated, indicating gene induction. In behavioural bioassay using GAL4/UAS–RNA interference transgenic fly lines, increased susceptibility to ivermectin was observed following heat shock in the Cyp9f2 , Cyp6g2 , Cyp9h1 , Mrp1 or CG3327‐knockdown flies. Considering that these five genes are orthologous to those which had the largest over‐expression level following ivermectin‐induced tolerance in the body louse, the current results suggest that they are also associated with ivermectin detoxification in D. melanogaster and that body lice and D. melanogaster are likely to share, in part, similar mechanisms of tolerance to ivermectin.


In this study, we have explored how light trapping efficiency can be enhanced by using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of various sizes and shapes on the front of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with the active layer—blends of poly(3-hexyl thiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. The light-concentrating behavior was enhanced after we had incorporated gold nanospheres or nanorods into the anodic buffer layer [based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate] to trigger various localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands. Comparison of the optical characteristics and the performance of the PSCs prepared with and without Au NPs, and we found that the UV–vis and wavelength-dependent photoluminescent spectral data corroborated with the device performance due to the photon management by considering the light scattering and LSPR effects at the active layer. The presence of Au NPs increased the power conversion efficiency to approximately 4.3% (an enhancement of 24%).


The goal of this study was to describe the treasures of the Baikeno language community's flora and fauna eco-lexicon, as well as the biological, sociological, and ideological dimensions of the flora and fauna eco-lexicon. This study is qualitative in nature. The proficient method and the note-taking method were also used to collect data. The data were analyzed using the equivalent method in this study. The data was grouped by lexicon type, and then the identification stage for a description was completed. The method used was the informal and formal presentation method. The informal presentation method uses words, whereas the formal presentation method uses what are commonly known as signs and symbols. According to the findings of the study, there were 71 eco-lexicons, with 45 flora and 26 fauna accounting for 6.42 percent and 5.20 percent, respectively. Flora and fauna produce biological and sociological dimensions in each eco-lexicon, but not all of them produce an ideological dimension.
Keywords: eco-lexicon, Flora, Fauna, dimension


As a searing narrative which grapples with the trauma of the past, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) has managed to garner quite considerable critical acclaim. Acknowledging the nuances of documenting the violence inflicted upon the Igbo people in Nigeria in the 1967-1970 war, this postcolonial text convincingly rethinks the narrative of trauma beyond the event-based paradigm. Out of responsibility, its pressing demands for justice against the enduring effects of colonialism typify postcolonial trauma theory's attempt at probing into the everyday suffering of African subjects. Reading Adichie's text through Michael Rothberg's notion "traumatic realism", this article examines the novel's attempt to both document the past and to implicate the Western reader. To resist objectification, the novel sets out to redirect the attention of the reader toward the "pogroms" committed on racial grounds. The main focus will be on Ugwu's re-writing the enduring effects of colonial violence in post-generational terms and of blurring the boundaries between the extreme and the everyday.


The rationale, design, and operation of the Perceptronics' Group Decision Aid, are described, and some experimental studies of its effectiveness are reported. The decision aid is supported by a PDP 11/45 minicomputer using the UNIX operating system. It features simple individual data entry terminals and a large screen (7 ft) color video display for feedback of computer-generated information. The system's purpose is to guide the group decisionmaking process by selective elicitation of a decision tree which incorporates value and probability inputs from all group members. Conflicts in value judgments are identified and discussions are initiated through use of multiattribute utility analysis. A specially trained system operator, called an intermediator, facilitates group interaction with the aiding program so that group members need have no prior familiarity with computers or decision analysis. Experimental studies are described comparing the performance, behavior, and responses of aided and nonaided groups in a complex international crisis decision problem. Improvements with aiding were noted in the completeness of the decision process and in the satisfaction and confidence of the group participants.


The invention concerns a device for attenuating the metabolism of cells, which is formed by a computer (1)-controlled generator (2) of pulse signal, connected to an applicator (3), which is provided with at least one toroidal coil (4) or a concentrically arranged assembly (5) of at least two parallel-connected toroidal coils (4), whose leads are connected to the output of pulse signal generator (2). The pulse signal generator (2) is either a generator of unipolar rectangular signals with very steep leading and trailing edges or a generator of bipolar rectangular signals with a high rate of bipolar signal sweep. The toroidal coils (4) or concentrically arranged assemblies (5) of at least two parallel-connected toroidal coils (4) can be positioned on a surface, for example planar or spherical, and can have spatially adjustable symmetry axes for directing the pulse vector magnetic potential. The principle of the device function consists in generating a pulse vector magnetic potential, which has a destroying and irreversible effect on live material. At present it has been experimentally verified that the pulse vector magnetic potential has a pronounced effect on electrochemical processes, for the time being in selected types of live cells, even if the action of magnetic, electric and electromagnetic fields is eliminated.


In this contribution we show that host materials based on metal dibenzoylmethanates (DBM) can be extended in a versatile way by decreasing the packing efficiency of the simpler metal DBM's reported earlier. Specifically, this can be accomplished by coordinating two 4-vinylpyridines (4-ViPy) to the metal (Ni or Co) DBM units to give [M(4-ViPy)2(DBM)2] host complexes. These display a remarkable polymorphism and an ability to form inclusion compounds with a large variety of organic species. Five non-clathrate phases representing three polymorphic types and twenty-eight inclusion compounds with nineteen guests, representing five structural types were isolated and studied in varying degrees of detail. The inclusion compounds can be prepared by recrystallization or by interaction of the solid host with guest vapor. In the latter case, the process realization, kinetics and final product strongly depend on the host polymorph chosen as starting material. Kinetic studies executed with powder XRD suggest that transient formation of inclusion compounds may occur even during solvent vapor induced transformation of one guest-free polymorph to another. The beta polymorph of the Ni-host reveals the strongest clathratogenic ability as well as a high selectivity towards certain homologues and isomers. Its properties give insight into the concept of "flexible zeolite mimics", or "apohosts", as this empty host form is energetically and structurally predisposed towards inclusion processes. In all eleven (three host and eight clathrate) structures studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction the [M(4-Vi-Py)2(DBM)2] complex molecule is transconfigured. In most, the host molecules show effective packing in one dimension by forming parallel chains. Guest species are located between the chains in cages or channels formed by combining voids in the host molecules belonging to adjacent chains. The corresponding Ni and Co versions of the compounds studied were similar.


Background: In a cross-sectional study in 1985 and 1994, women from the SALIA study showed a strong association of air pollution with COPD. In the ESCAPE project, 2008-2012, where data of lung function and exposure were used from a follow-up study in 2008, this association could not be replicated. Aim: To explore and identify the responsible changes explaining the discrepancies between ESCAPE results and published evidence. Method: Multiple regression analyses were use. Factors that differ between the two analyses were changed step by step to identify factors that are responsible for the discrepancies. Results: The baseline analysis showed a significant positive association between COPD and PM10 (OR: 1.68 (95%CI: 1.01-2.78)) per 10 µg/m3. The ESCAPE project analysis the showed a non-significant OR of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.72-1.21) for the outcomes. Differences in the ESCAPE analysis compared to the baseline analysis were the following: inclusion of a subgroup of surviving women (N=541 vs. N=2095), use of lung function data of 2008 with different spirometer, use of a more detailed exposure assessment in 2008 and use of a different set of covariates. The differences in result were due to the inclusion of surviving women as the prevalence of COPD at baseline was already lower in this subgroup in comparison to the whole group (2.1% compared to 3.5%) and the use of the lung function from 2008 as lung function deteriorates between baseline and 2008. Conclusion: The association of air pollution on COPD was less pronounced in the surviving women at follow-up than in all women from baseline. This might be due to the strong decline in PM10 pollution between 1984 and 2008.


The present study focuses on the recent development of an implicit pressure-based finite volume algorithm for numerical solution of Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) in an inertial frame of reference for the prediction of unsteady incompressible flow problems. The algorithm uses boundary-conforming, multiblock structured grid with moving boundaries, collocated variable arrangement with momentum equations resolved along cartesian directions, second-order accurate spatial and temporal discretisation schemes for the convective fluxes and a pressure-velocity solution strategy. Effect of turbulence was simulated using appropriate linear eddy viscosity-based turbulence models. The capabilities and limitations of the cost-effective unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) approach has been demonstrated for few application problems of engineering interest. Defence Science Journal, 2010, 60(6), pp.614-627 , DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.60.603


We have characterized the phosphoinositide metabolism in a polyoma‐BK‐virus‐transformed rat pancreatic islet cell line which has highly malignant characteristics, expresses viral T‐antigen and has lost insulin‐secreting capacity. After incorporation with [3H]linositol to isotopic equilibrium, all inositol metabolites were analyzed. When comared with normal pancreatic islets, increased levels of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (Ins‐ 1,4,5‐P3), inositol 1,3,4‐trisphosphates and inositol tetrakisphosphate (Ins‐P4), and decreased levels of phosphatidylinositol monophosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) were found. The Ins‐1,4,5‐P3/PIP2 ratio increased, whereas the PIP2/PIP ratio was not altered after the transformation. In the pancreatic islet cell line there was a stable accumulation of inositol phosphates at 3.3 mM glucose. Glucose, KCL, cholecystokinin (CCK) and carbachol with and without LiCL were all without effect on the accumulation of inositol phosphates. Somatostatin inhibited the accumulation of inositol phosphates but a Ca2+‐free/EDTA solution did not. Preincubation with cholera toxin or pertussis toxin inhibited the accumulation of inositol phosphates at 3.3 mM glucose except for Ins‐P4, whereas no effect was obsewed on the phosphoinositides. NaF stimulated the accumulation of inositol phosphates, with a concomitant decrease in the phosphoinositides, whereas neomycin was without effect on the inositol phosphates. In normal pancreatic islets, pertussis toxin inhibited the CCK‐ induced increase in Ins‐ 1,4,5‐P3, whereas no effect was seen at 3.3 mM glucose. Finally, pertussis toxin inhibited the CCK‐ induced increase in the Ins‐ 1,4,5‐P3/PIP2 ratio in normal pancreatic islets. The same inhibition was also found in the pancreatic islet cell line at 3.3 mM glucose. We conclude that in the transformed pancreatic islet cell line the phosphoinositide hydrolysis is constitutively activated at the level of phospholipase C, with a substantial loss of regulatory control.


Knowledge Representation and Reasoning and Machine Learning are two important fields in AI. Nonmonotonic logic programming (NMLP) and Answer Set Programming (ASP) provide formal languages for representing and reasoning with commonsense knowledge and realize declarative problem solving in AI. On the other side, Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) realizes Machine Learning in logic programming, which provides a formal background to inductive learning and the techniques have been applied to the fields of relational learning and data mining. Generally speaking, NMLP and ASP realize nonmonotonic reasoning while lack the ability of learning. By contrast, ILP realizes inductive learning while most techniques have been developed under the classical monotonic logic. With this background, some researchers attempt to combine techniques in the context of nonmonotonic ILP. Such combination will introduce a learning mechanism to programs and would exploit new applications on the NMLP side, while on the ILP side it will extend the representation language and enable us to use existing solvers. Cross-fertilization between learning and nonmonotonic reasoning can also occur in such as the use of answer set solvers for ILP, speed-up learning while running answer set solvers, learning action theories, learning transition rules in dynamical systems, abductive learning, learning biological networks with inhibition, and applications involving default and negation. This workshop is the first attempt to provide an open forum for the identification of problems and discussion of possible collaborations among researchers with complementary expertise. The workshop was held on September 15th of 2013 in Corunna, Spain. This post-proceedings contains five technical papers (out of six accepted papers) and the abstract of the invited talk by Luc De Raedt.


Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a disorder of surfactant deposition that leads to the accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material in the alveoli. The mainstay of treatment is whole-lung lavage, by which saline is used to wash the alveolar deposits from the lung. Patients are currently followed using sequential preand post-lavage CT to subjectively assess treatment efficacy. We present an approach to quantify global and regional changes in disease distribution before and after lavage using automated and semiautomated segmentation methods. Histogram analysis demonstrates a leftward shift in parenchymal intensities after lavage, reflecting an increase in the degree of aerated lung after removal of excess surfactant. This methodology can be applied to a variety of pulmonary pathologies that manifest as a combination of alveolar and interstitial disease, to enable more quantitative assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy.


We tested the effects of a National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step 2 diet (30% of calories or less as total fat, less than 7% saturated fat, and less than 200 mg cholesterol per day) on plasma lipid levels in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic middle-aged and elderly men and women. Thirty-two subjects were studied. Eight normolipidemic subjects (6 men and 2 women, mean age 56 +/- 13 years) with LDL cholesterol levels of less than 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) were given a baseline diet similar in composition to the diet currently consumed in the United States (35% of calories as total fat and 14% as saturated fat, with 147 mg cholesterol per 1000 kcal) for 6 weeks. Subjects were then placed on an NCEP Step 2 diet (26% total fat, 4% saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol per 1000 kcal) for 24 weeks. In addition, 24 subjects (12 men and 12 women, mean age 62 +/- 12 years) with moderate hypercholesterolemia (LDL cholesterol levels of 4.14 mmol/L or above) were given a baseline diet for 6 weeks and then the NCEP Step 2 diet for 6 weeks. Energy intakes were adjusted to keep body weight constant throughout the study. In both normolipidemic and hypercholesterolemic subjects, consumption of the NCEP Step 2 diet was associated with significant changes in levels of total cholesterol (-20% and -16%, respectively), LDL cholesterol (-21% and -18%, respectively), and HDL cholesterol (-16% and -15%, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Dopamine regulates emotional behaviors, including rewarding and aversive behaviors, through the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway, which projects dopamine neurons from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Protein phosphorylation is critical for intracellular signaling pathways and physiological functions, which are regulated by neurotransmitters in the brain. Previous studies have demonstrated that dopamine stimulated the phosphorylation of intracellular substrates, such as receptors, ion channels, and transcription factors, to regulate neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity through dopamine receptors. We also established a novel database called KANPHOS that provides information on phosphorylation signals downstream of monoamines identified by our kinase substrate screening methods, including dopamine, in addition to those reported in the literature. Recent advances in proteomics techniques have enabled us to clarify the mechanisms through which dopamine controls rewarding and aversive behaviors through signal pathways in the NAc. In this review, we discuss the intracellular phosphorylation signals regulated by dopamine in these two emotional behaviors.


In this article we review the flow chemistry methodologies for the controlled synthesis of different kind of nano and microparticles for biomedical applications. Injection mechanism has emerged as new alternative for the synthesis of nanoparticles due to this strategy allows achieving superior levels of control of self-assemblies, leading to higher-ordered structures and rapid chemical reactions. Self-assembly events are strongly dependent on factors such as the local concentration of reagents, the mixing rates, and the shear forces, which can be finely tuned, as an example, in a microfluidic device. Injection methods have also proved to be optimal to elaborate microsystems comprising polymer solutions. Concretely, extrusion based methods can provide controlled fluid transport, rapid chemical reactions, and cost-saving advantages over conventional reactors. We provide an update of synthesis of nano and microparticles such as core/shell, Janus, nanocrystals, liposomes, and biopolymeric microgels through flow chemistry, its potential bioapplications and future challenges in this field are discussed.


The LSD1 protein is an oxidase that regulates protein methylation, which regulates gene expression and triggers tumors. Previously, inhibiting LSD1 has been found to be an effective treatment strategy for opposing tumors caused by overexpression of LSD1. Our recent study found that compound 17i was a suitable LSD1 inhibitor with potential anti-tumor activity. However, its extremely insoluble nature limits further validation of its anti-tumor activity at the clinical level. In this study, a unique carrier-free supramolecular nanoassemblies of pure compound 17i is expected to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Aqueous-insoluble compound 17i was mixed with a small quantity of DSPE-PEG2000 into an organic solvent and was prepared as nanoassemblies in water via the one-step nanoprecipitation method. The 17i nanoassemblies have a similar effect on its cytotoxicity when compared with 17i solution in vitro. Importantly, the PEGylated 17i nanoassemblies exhibit significant superiorities over 17i solutions in therapeutic efficiency, anti-tumor immune response and systemic toxicity in BALB/c mice bearing CT-26 colorectal tumors. We envision that the fabrication of pure drug nanoassemblies offers an efficient platform for reforming the undesirable characteristics of drug-like compounds to potentiate the anti-tumor therapeutic effect.


Abstract - Trade Unions have been the most important constituency of the British Labour Party since 1900. The relationship between the party and workers' organizations has undergone deep changes, resulting in the open confrontation that characterised the years of the latest Labour governments (1997-2010). Labour Prime Ministers' speeches to the annual conference of the Trade Union Congress form a genre on their own as they are addressed to a distinctive discourse community and respond to specific purposes (Swales 1990). They are institutionalised ways of acting semiotically (Fairclough 2003, 2006), thus aspects of the social practice of governing. This article provides a critical genre analysis of speeches by Labour Prime Ministers to the TUC from 1969 to 2007 to reveal the frictions inside the Labour discourse community.


Abstract : Since World War II, U.S. military combat helmets have provided various degrees of protection against ballistic threats, including fragments and bullets. Only recently, however, have combat helmets been specified to provide blunt impact protection. This study assesses the current generation of combat helmets and four commercial off the shelf (COTS) pad suspension systems (denoted A, B, C, and D) for blunt impact protection against realistic blunt impact threats including falls, parachute drops, and motor vehicle crashes using a drop test methodology based upon the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Purchase Description (CO/PD-05-04) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Laboratory Test Procedure for Motorcycle Helmets (TP-218-06). Three variant headforms (DOT, NOCSAE, and ISO) and three independent testing laboratories were used to examine 549 helmet samples with a total of 7,686 impacts. A single ballistic shell manufacturer was used to reduce potential variability. All five fielded helmet sizes (S, M, L, XL, and XXL) were included in the study, and impacts were conducted at three temperature conditions (263 5 K, 295 4 K, and 327 5 K) as well as at three impact velocities (3.0 0.1m/s, 4.3 0.1m/s, and 5.3 0.2m/s). For the DOT headform tests, hot temperature conditions showed substantially greater peak acceleration than the cold or ambient conditions (60g across all tests). Peak acceleration values from the first DOT headform impact averaged 30g less than those measured during a repeat impact. On average, the peak impact accelerations measured in the NOCSAE headform were 48g less than those measured in the DOT headform and 74g less than those measured in the ISO headform, across all velocities. As the impact velocities increased, this effect became more pronounced. Careful consideration should be given to advantages and disadvantages of each test headform for future testing. Detailed headform anthropometry may be an issue for assessment of higher perfo


Background Propofol is used worldwide for its sedative effective; nonetheless, has the serious side effect of respiratory depression. An increased blood concentration of propofol is well known to be associated with increased respiratory depression. However, there are no studies of the effect site concentration inducing respiratory depression. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect site concentration inducing respiratory depression of propofol when sedating a patient after spinal anesthesia. Methods This study included thirty seven males who received operations with spinal anesthesia, which was performed on L3-4 and L4-5. All patients were monitored with the bispectral index and were continuously infused with propofol using target controlled infusion. Respiratory depression was diagnosed when one of the following was evident without upper respiratory obstructive signs: a greater than 20% increase of end tidal carbon dioxide from baseline pressure or pulse oximetry oxygen saturation lower than 95%. We obtained the EC5, EC10, and EC50 of the effect site propofol for respiratory depression. Results The EC5 of propofol for respiratory depression was 3.09 mcg/ml (95% CI, 2.60-3.58). The EC10 of propofol for respiratory depression was 3.18 mcg/ml (95% CI, 2.57-3.80). The EC50 of propofol for respiratory depression was 3.99 mcg/ml (95% CI, 2.36-5.61). Conclusions The EC5, EC10, and EC50 of effect site propofol for respiratory depression during spinal anesthesia were 3.09 mcg/ml ,3.18 mcg/ml, and 3.99 mcg/ml, respectively.


Patterns on the air–water interface of a swirling cylinder flow are produced via hydrodynamic symmetry-breaking instability of the bulk flow. The patterns are rotating waves breaking the axisymmetry of the system and are longitudinal at the free surface ~i.e., not surface deforming !. Qualitative observations and quantitative measurements of velocity and vorticity are provided. Three-dimensional Navier–Stokes computations identify the symmetry-breaking mode responsible for the waves. These waves are then used to pattern Langmuir monolayers at concentrations sufficiently below saturation. ©2003 American Institute of Physics. @DOI: 10.1063/1.1572163 #


The utility of skeletal troponin I (sTnI) as a plasma marker of skeletal muscle damage after exercise was compared against creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), and myosin heavy chain (MHC) fragments. These markers were serially measured in normal physical education teacher trainees after four different exercise regimens: 20 min of level or downhill (16% decline) running (intensity: 70% maximal O2 uptake), high-force eccentric contractions (70 repetitions), or high-force isokinetic concentric contractions of the quadriceps group (40 repetitions). Eccentrically biased exercise (downhill running and eccentric contractions) promoted greater increases in all parameters. The highest plasma concentration were found after downhill running (median peaks: 309 U/l CK concentration (-CK-)), 466 microgram/l Mb concentration (-Mb-), 1,021 microU/l MHC concentration (-MHC-), and 27.3 microgram/l sTnI concentration ([sTnI]). Level running produced a moderate response (median peaks: 178 U/l -CK-, 98 microgram/l -Mb-, 501 microU/l -MHC-, and 6.6 microgram/l [sTnI]), whereas the concentric contraction protocol did not elicit significant changes in any of the markers assayed. sTnI increased and peaked in parallel to CK and stayed elevated (>2.2 microgram/l) for at least 1-2 days after exercise. In contrast to MHC, sTnI is an initial, specific marker of exercise-induced muscle injury, which may be partly explained by their different intracellular compartmentation with essentially no (MHC <0.1%) or a small soluble pool (sTnI: median 3.4%).


Chronic complex illness/multimorbidity is a leading cause of death worldwide. Many people with chronic complex illnesses die in hospital, with the overall quality of end-of-life care requiring substantial improvement, necessitating an increase in the knowledge of the health professionals caring for them. End-of-Life-Essentials (EOLE) offers online education modules for health professionals working in acute hospitals, including one on chronic complex illness. A quantitative pre–post-evaluation analysis was undertaken on data from learners (n = 1489), who completed a questionnaire related to knowledge gained from module completion between December 2018 and November 2019. A qualitative post-evaluation analysis was also conducted using data on learner responses to a question posed between May and November 2019. Results showed a significant positive impact on learners' knowledge, skill, attitude, and confidence in providing end-of-life care to patients living with chronic complex illness. The majority (82.9%, n = 900) intended to change their practice after module completion. A total of n = 559 qualitative comments were analysed thematically, with three major themes emerging: Patient centred care and care planning, Discussion of prognosis, and Valued communication skills. This evaluation has demonstrated that healthcare professionals could benefit from this education to improve quality of care of the dying.


Dr. PARKES WEBER (in reply): I have not heard of similar cases of fibroid transformation of subcutaneous gummata, but I do know that some of the most insidious forms of visceral syphilis become fibrotic. It is the fibrosis of the lungs due to syphilis which is one of the most dangerous and insidious forms of visceral tertiary syphilis. And it is not very rare to find fibroid patches in the liver due to tertiary syphilis. I think the present case is a very rare instance of tertiary syphilitic subcutaneous lesions having become partially fibrotic, as syphilitic lesions sometimes do in the liver and the lungs; the peri-urethral fibroid induration (so-called " induratio penis plastica ") may perhaps in this instance be accounted for in the same way.


We present the largest catalogue to date of optical counterparts for H I radio-selected galaxies, HOPCAT. Of the 4315 H I radio-detected sources from the H I Parkes All Sky Survey (HIPASS) catalogue, we find optical counterparts for 3618 (84 per cent) galaxies. Of these, 1798 (42 per cent) have confirmed optical velocities and 848 (20 per cent) are single matches without confirmed velocities. Some galaxy matches are members of galaxy groups. From these multiple galaxy matches, 714 (16 per cent) have confirmed optical velocities and a further 258 (6 per cent) galaxies are without confirmed velocities. For 481 (11 per cent), multiple galaxies are present but no single optical counterpart can be chosen and 216 (5 per cent) have no obvious optical galaxy present. Most of these 'blank fields' are in crowded fields along the Galactic plane or have high extinctions. Isolated 'dark galaxy' candidates are investigated using an extinction cut of A(Bj) < 1 mag and the blank-fields category. Of the 3692 galaxies with an A(Bj) extinction < 1 mag, only 13 are also blank fields. Of these, 12 are eliminated either with follow-up Parkes observations or are in crowded fields. The remaining one has a low surface brightness optical counterpart. Hence, no isolated optically dark galaxies have been found within the limits of the HIPASS survey.


Batch processes are often subjected to a number of sources of variability, which are frequently overlooked due to operating policy implementation. In many pharmaceutical and speciality chemical processes, which are predominantly batch in nature, a high proportion of the operating procedure is implemented manually, which can lead to significant variability. The effect of this variability is typically neglected at all stages in process development and even when full-scale production begins. The result of any variability can have a dramatic effect on some process stages (particularly sensitive ones such as crystallization), and it is therefore important to understand how variability in any of the operating variables affects the overall process. Ideally, one would like to design processes that are less sensitive to variability and specify precisely the limits of any allowable variability. A method for designing batch processes using "operating envelopes" that specify process operation in terms of a region within which the operating variables should be maintained to guarantee feasible and profitable operation of the process is presented. The problem is formulated as a multiscenario dynamic optimization problem, and an efficient hierarchical solution procedure is presented. Finally, the applicability of the procedure is demonstrated by using two example problems.


In ecosystems, seasonal fluctuations in the availability of resources can promote effects on species with similar trophic requirements, increasing the probability of interspecific competition. This scenario becomes more evident in human–dominated landscapes where homogenization of space can contribute to the shortage of resources, modifying species feeding behavior to an uncertain degree. Understanding how these species modify their feeding habits within the context of habitat transformation is of special interest. We evaluated the diversity of prey and overlap for two predators, the chilla fox Lycalopex griseus and the barn owl Tyto alba, during three seasons in 2018 (winter, spring and summer). The study was based on the analysis of feces and pellets in a landscape with agricultural predominance in Southern–central Chile. We found the chilla fox had a generalist dietary profile, feeding on a broad spectrum of prey, with predominance of lagomorphs and, to a lesser extent, rodents. In contrast, the diet of the barn owl mainly consisted of small rodents, with little variation across seasons. Analyses of dietary overlap showed fluctuations during the periods surveyed, with a maximum value in winter and a minimum value in spring. Variations in the consumption of prey based on their size could facilitate their coexistence in the study area.


Molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression include cell shape, mechanical and chemical signal transduction pathways, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation. In this article, we will review the contribution of these molecular mechanisms and structural alterations in the malignant transformation of cells. The mechanical signaling pathway consists of the tissue matrix system that links together the three‐dimensional skeletal networks, the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and nuclear matrix. The cytoskeleton array is a dynamic system that transmits signals from the cell exterior to nuclear DNA. The composition and function of this mechanical signaling pathway is altered in cancer cells. Chemical signaling pathways such as the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway stimulate the activity of kinases that modify transcription factors, histones, and chromatin remodeling factors. Oncoproteins deregulating this signaling pathway set in motion a series of events that cumulate to chromatin remodeling and aberrant gene expression. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:27–35, 2000. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Abstract Aeolian erosion of natural dust on two types of hills located in a rocky desert was investigated by means of wind tunnel simulations and field measurements. The first hill showed an elongated, nearly symmetric shape and was oriented perpendicular to the wind, whereas the second hill was almost perfectly conical. Erosion was measured along three transects: one across the elongated hill (transect parallel to the wind) and two across the conical hill (transects perpendicular to each other and crossing at the summit). In the field, erosion was measured on erosion plots during two wind storms. In the wind tunnel, erosion was measured on topographic scale models. The wind tunnel experiments and field experiments showed good agreement: the greatest dust erosion was observed on the windward hillslopes, and more particularly on their upper part, close to the top. The highest erosion occured at or immediately before the top. Downwind of the top, on the leeslope, erosion drops considerably. It remains important on the whole leeslope, however, and remains visible in the valley floors, although erosion is low there. The areas that are most sensitive to wind erosion are accurately predicted in the wind tunnel simulations. In rocky deserts, wind storms have a large impact on the dust balance. Nearly all dust erosion takes place during storms that occur only once or a few times per year.