Introduction Wounded service members with amputations undergo a complex rehabilitation regimen that can often become complicated by skin breakdown, heterotopic ossification (HO), and pain of the residual limb, contralateral limb, or low back. These complications can impact prosthetic socket fit, decreasing one's functional independence, and potentially negatively impact quality of life. The purpose of this report is to present a case involving the treatment of HO along with prosthetic socket modifications, with the intention to address low back pain (LBP), in a patient with bilateral transfemoral amputations. Materials and Methods The patient experienced traumatic bilateral amputations as a result of an improvised explosive device blast. He was initially fit with ischial containment sockets to provide stability and enhance early mobility. He became a community ambulator but was experiencing LBP and issues with HO. After extensive HO resection, a multidisciplinary discussion took place to determine the best way to diminish LBP by improving spinopelvic alignment while restoring function. It was decided to refit the patient with subischial containment sockets. Subjective questionnaires and three-dimensional gait analysis were used to quantify results. Results After HO resection and prosthetic socket modifications, the patient's complaints of LBP decreased, along with subjective improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index and Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment. During upright standing, anterior pelvic tilt decreased from 27.6° to 18.1°. During walking, excursion of the trunk relative to the pelvis decreased in all planes after changing prosthetic socket design to subischial and completing 6 months of rehabilitation: from 24.0° to 17.6° in the frontal plane, 12.4° to 7.8° in the sagittal plane, and 23.1° to 19.1° in the transverse plane. Conclusions A multidisciplinary team approach to the care of patients with bilateral transfemoral amputations can help to improve functional outcomes. For this patient with nonradicular, mechanical LBP, a subischial prosthetic socket design that minimized intrusion on the pelvis had a significant influence on static and dynamic sagittal spinopelvic alignment and overall outcomes. In the end, contributions by orthopedic and plastic surgeons, pain management strategies by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, rehabilitation by a physical therapist, and prosthetic modifications all played a role in reduction of this patient's LBP. Among the numerous interventions provided to this patient, including surgical revisions, prosthetic socket design, prosthetic alignment, and physical therapy, it is hypothesized that the change in prosthetic socket design from ischial containment to subischial had a significant, long-lasting impact on LBP and function.


The main goal of this research study is focused on creating a method for loudness scaling based on categorical perception. Its main features, such as: way of testing, calibration procedure for securing reliable results, employing natural test stimuli, etc., are described in the paper and assessed against a procedure that uses 1/2-octave bands of noise (LGOB) for the loudness growth estimation. The Mann-Whitney U-test is employed to check whether the proposed method is statistically equivalent to LGOB. It is shown that loudness functions obtained in both methods are similar in the statistical context. Moreover, the band-filtered musical instrument signals are experienced as more pleasant than the narrow-band noise stimuli and the proposed test is performed in a shorter time. The method proposed may be incorporated into fitting hearing strategies or used for checking individual loudness growth functions and adapting them to the comfort level settings while listening to music.


In two patients, ventricular pamsystole (VP) was associated with ventricular tachycardia (VT), and in one patient, catheter ablation was successful. In patient 1, with dilated cardiomyopathy, VP led to VT, which converted to ventricular fibrillation. In patient 2, VP led to symptomatic nonsustained polymorphic VT. The origin of parasystolic focus was determined byendocardial mapping, and a radiofrequency current was delivered to patient 2. Both VP and VT disappeared immediately, and no recurrence has been observed during a follow‐up of 8 months. Catheter ablation to the parasystolic focus was effective and a relationship between VP and VT was strongly suggested.


With the growing importance of sustainability assessment in the construction industry, many green building rating schemes have been adopted in the building sector of Australia. However, there is an abnormal delay in the similar adoption in the infrastructure sector. This prolonged delay in practice poses a challenge in mapping the project objectives with sustainability outcomes. Responding to the challenge of sustainable development in infrastructure, it is critical to create a set of decision indicators for sustainability in infrastructure, which to be used in conjunction with the emerging infrastructure sustainability assessment framework of the Australian Green Infrastructure Council. The various literature sources confirm the lack of correlation between sustainability and infrastructure. This theoretical missing link signifies the crucial validation of the interrelationship and interdependency in sustainability, decision making and infrastructure. This validation is vital for the development of decision indicators for sustainability in infrastructure. Admittedly, underpinned by the serious socio-environmental vulnerability, the traditional focus on economic emphasis in infrastructure development needs to be drifted towards the appropriate decisions for sustainability enhancing the positive social and environmental outcomes. Moreover, the research findings suggest sustainability being observed as powerful socio-political and influential socio-environmental driver in deciding the infrastructure needs and its development. These newly developed sustainability decision indicators create the impetus for change leading to sustainability in infrastructure by integrating the societal cares, environmental concerns into the holistic financial consideration. Radically, this development seeks to transform principles into actions for infrastructure sustainability. Lastly, the thesis concludes with knowledge contribution in five significant areas and future research opportunities. The consolidated research outcomes suggest that the development of decision indicators has demonstrated sustainability as a pivotal driver for decision making in infrastructure.


The emergence of Nigeria's film industry, which has evolved into video form, also known as videofilm is a vital cultural phenomenon. It is the third highest grossing film industry behind Hollywood in United States and Bollywood in India respectively. This research explores the concept that Nigerian movies are a representation of Nigerian culture and how Nigerian videofilmic practices illuminate religion, speech, and gender issues. It examines the reasons the Nigerian movie industry abandoned celluloid for videofilm and the conceptualization and adaptation of "Nollywood" as the name for the Nigerian movie industry.

This thesis employs the Speech Code Theory, drawing on Content Analysis for the methodology, and interviews for the data analysis. From the data gathered for this work, Videofilm Theory and an Aesthetic Model of Nollywood Videofilm were conceptualized. An analysis of Nigerian videofilms shows that they are an avenue by which Nigerian cultural heritage is expressed and also disseminated.


Abstract:This article explores the relationships between sensation and embodiment along-side notions of exchange, economics, and collectivity in the postexilic writings of Haggai, Malachi, and Zech 1–8. I use the term embodied economics to describe how these texts envision the Judean community and its sensory-laden relations in terms of collection, exchange, and debt. This combination of economic and affective valences has critical implications for understanding the parameters of the prophetic task, of international relating, and especially the precise nature of Judean collectivity. In the history of scholarship, Haggai especially has been castigated for its "materialist" or "nationalistic" content. By contrast, the framework of embodiment invites the reader to think in a more textured way about the complex economic networks of deprivation, collection, and deferred satisfaction pictured in these texts. The idea of embodied economics illuminates the specific and consequential means by which the Judeans may constitute a legible, pleasing, and desirable collective within the postexilic prophetic imagination.


The paper presents a new complex model of silicon dew point hygrometer. Construction of fabricated hygrometer is briefly shown. Next the set of model equations is presented. The model describes: behavior of water vapor contained in measured gas (saturated vapor partial pressure, sub cooled water phenomenon), water mass transport (condensation and evaporation processes), heat transport across measurement head, silicon dew detector and regulator characteristics. The numerical dew point hygrometer model realized in SIMULINK environment is presented. Finally, comparison of measured data and model responses is discussed.


The direct simulation Monte Carlo method was applied to the analysis of low-density nitrogen plumes exhausting from a small converging-diverging nozzle into finite ambient pressures. Two cases were considered that simulated actual test conditions in a vacuum facility. The numerical simulations readily captured the complicated flow structure of the overexpanded plumes adjusting to the finite ambient pressures, including Mach disks and barrel-shaped shocks. The numerical simulations compared well to experimental data of Rothe.


In closing the meeting, I propose to make only a few brief observations. The discussions have confirmed the present paucity of quantitative data on displacements in continents, and most speakers have been at some pains to show how difficult it is to arrive at such data. Nevertheless, the attempt upon which the Geological Society is embarking is fully justified even if it only leads to a recognition of the orders of magnitude involved. Professor Shackleton's contention that the older orogenic belts differ in kind from the great circle of activity resulting from Wegenerian Drift had not been challenged as much as he had expected, perhaps because of our ignorance of what really happens in depth. Is it generally the case, for example, that the ancient orogenic belts no longer possess roots? If this is so, Professor Bott's interesting study of the gravitational energy involved in dissipating a root becomes of much significance. It is far from being proved, however, that roots, even in the Tertiary-Recent orogenies, are universally present, and recent traverses of the western USA have yielded surprising results. The need for much more detailed surveying of the Mohorovičić discontinuity is evident; the present stage is barely a first reconnaissance, but Dr Oxburgh's contribution emphasized the possibility of valuable information from this source. Some time ago I asked whether the great 'basin and range' faults could be proved to displace the 'Moho', but the geophysicists of the U.S.G.S. were unable, from the available data, to answer this question. Dr Phillips and Dr


Superantigens exert their pathologic effects by direct binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and T cell antigen receptors (TCR), thus circumventing the normal, antigen-specific immune response. A direct link between disease and toxin suggests an excellent opportunity for vaccine intervention. Site-directed mutants of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) that have attenuated binding to either the TCR or the MHC class II molecule were developed. Both kinds of SEA mutants induced high levels of antibody against SEA when used as vaccines, and the immunized animals were fully protected when challenged with wild type toxin. However, a residual lethality was associated with the attenuated TCR-binding mutant. These results, combined with an understanding of the molecular nature of superantigen and receptor interactions, indicate that targeting MHC class II binding by site-directed mutagenesis will produce the most effective vaccine.


In this article, we find the full Fourier expansion for the generalized non-holomorphic Eisenstein series for certain values of parameters. We give a connection of the boundary condition on such Fourier series with convolution formulas on the divisor functions. Additionally, we discuss a possible relation with the differential Galois theory.


Scanning force microscopy of thin gelatin films on mica reveals two distinct film components with characteristic frictional, morphological, and adsorptive signatures. A high-friction continuous film 1-4 nm thick strongly adheres to mica, while a low-friction component is more weakly adsorbed as large islands on top of, or small domains within, the high-friction layer. The low-friction component exhibits a porous morphology and fluid-like character and is selectively destroyed when the film is heated sufficiently. A high-force scanning procedure remarkably transforms the molecularly-rough high-friction film into the molecularly-smooth low-friction component if a sufficient amount of water is present in or on the film. The nanostructure of both the highand low-friction components is imaged using a nanometer-scale asperity of gelatin attached to the SFM tip. "he anticipated network structure of gelatin is observed on the highfriction layer. The low-friction material is interpreted as moieties of intramolecularly-folded gelatin, with thickness (1.5 & 0.2 nm) equal to the diameter of the collagen-fold triple helix, containing substantial structural water. Analysis suggests that differences in viscoelasticity account for the component-specific frictional dissipation.


The paper provides an intertemporal version of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) of Sharpe and Lintner. Although we allow for general changes in the investment opportunity set and for general risk-averse preferences, there are conditions under which two mutual funds are sufficient to generate all optimal portfolios. In particular, we require that the Riesz claim, which represents the date O pricing functional for the marketed claims, should lie in a scalar Brownian information set. Then we obtain an instantaneous counterpart to the CAPM pricing formula: a linear relationship between the conditional mean returns on the securities and conditional covariances with the return on the market portfolio. Our use of option pricing techniques requires continuous trading but does not require continuous consumption. In addition, we consider a large economy with a factor structure, as in Ross' arbitrage pricing theory. The dividends are assumed to have an approximate factor structure, with the factor components lying in the information set generated by an N-dimensional Brownian motion, and with the covariance matrices of the idiosyncratic components having uniformly bounded eigenvalues. We obtain an N-factor version of the pricing formula and relate the factors to the gains processes {price change plus accumulated dividends) for well-diversified portfolios. An approximate factor structure for dividends implies an approximate factor structure for the gains processes of the securities. Furthermore, the assumption_that per.capita supply is well diversified can motivate our condition that the Riesz claim lies in an N-dimensional Brownian information set. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)


The contact between viscoelastic materials e.g. elastomers and a rough surface leads to a special friction characteristic, which differs greatly in its properties comparing to other materials like metals. In practice, this friction combination occurs for example in the tire-road contact, or in the use of rubber gaskets. Due to the frictional forces a system is significantly influenced in its vibrational properties. The friction force is composed of two main components adhesion and hysteresis. The adhesion results from molecular bounds between the contact partners, while the deformation of the viscoelastic material by the roughness of the counter body leads to power loss. This internal friction results in an additional frictional force, which is described by the hysteresis. To simulate the frictional behaviour of elastomers on rough surfaces and thus to determine the energy dissipation in contact, it is necessary to develop a mechanical model which considers the roughness of the contact partners, as well as dynamic effects and the dependence on normal pressure and sliding speed. The viscoelastic material behaviour must also be considered. The contact between two rough surfaces is modelled as a rough rigid layer contacting a rough elas- tic layer. The elastic layer is modelled by point masses connected by Maxwell-elements. This allows the viscoelastic properties of the elastomer to be considered. The behaviour of whole system can be described by equations of motion with integrated constraints. The degrees of freedom of the model depends on the varying contact conditions. A point mass not in contact has two degrees of freedom. A point mass in contact moving along the roughness path can be described by only one degree of freedom. For each Maxwell-Element also an inner coordinate and thus a further degree of freedom is needed. Because of varying contact conditions dur- ing the simulation, the simulation interrupts in case the contact conditions change. Then the equations of motions are adapted with respect to the contact constraints. As a result of the simulation one obtain the energy dissipation and thus the friction char- acteristic during the friction process. It is possible to use these results in three dimensional point-contact elements in order to model contact surfaces on lager length scales.


The effective performance of the electrocoagulation (EC) technique in removing manganese, phosphate, and iron from rinse water from a Mn-PO4 (MPO) coating plant was investigated using sacrificial aluminum electrodes in original pH. It was found that an increase in the current enhanced the speed of the removal significantly. However, simultaneous increase of electrode and energy consumption was observed. The optimum current density allowing the quickest treatment with a low cost was found to be 20 A m−2. In 20 A m−2, the process produces a removal capacity of 97.95% of manganese, 99.96% of phosphate, and 99.78% of iron, just after 30 min. The energy and electrode consumptions were determined to be 2.294 kWh m−3 and 5.584 kg m−3 of treated rinse water at the end of process, respectively. Additionally, three different electrode connection modes (MP-P, MP-S, and BP-S) were examined in choosing a better alternative in order to intensify the performance of the process. MP-P electrode connection mode was found to be a suitable configuration in consideration of removal efficiency, energy, and electrode consumptions.


Estimating ground-based timber harvesting systems production with an object- oriented methodology was investigated. The estimation model developed generates stands of trees, simulates chain saw, drive-to-tree feller-buncher, swing-to-tree single-grip harvester felling, and grapple skidder and forwarder extraction activities, and analyzes costs and productivity. It also measures the traffic intensity level of extraction machines across sites. The model components were validated using data from several independent field studies. The model was used to evaluate the interaction of stand variables, harvest treatments, machines, and extraction patterns. Using two main skid trails to harvest a block minimized traffic intensity. The model can be best used to evaluate alternative skidding configurations and their impact on cost, production, and traffic intensity. FOR. SCI. 49(1):64-76.


Footsteps, with different shoes of heels, sneakers, leathers or even bare footed, will appear in different grounds of concrete, wood, etc. To recognize human footsteps is not only the need of surveillance but the home service center also can use this information to understand the motion of people with techniques of sound localization, etc. Thus, if a footstep is discriminable, the application to various fields can be considered. In this paper, the feature extraction of a footstep is investigated. We focused on the mel-cepstrum analysis, walking interval, and the degree of similarity of spectrum envelope. It is shown for personal identification that the performance of the proposed method is effective.


The paper considers the Australian experience of human genome patenting legal regulation, and studies the Australian court practice on this issue. The aim of the study is to examine the approaches of the Australian law enforcement agencies to one of the most important aspects of the genome research legal regulation, i.e. human genome patenting, and to compare them (to conduct a comparative analysis) with the approaches of the judicial authorities of other states (USA). The authors note that, based on the Australian court practice, patenting of human DNA is possible, which makes the development of research in the human genome quite attractive for commercial companies, since it protects the possibility of such companies to obtain economic benefits from the use of scientific developments. The authors point out that the issue of patenting of an isolated genetic sequence has been the subject of litigation in other jurisdictions (in particular, the United States) involving the same defendant (Myriad Genetics). It is emphasized that, despite the similarity of legal systems, the identity of the subject of claims, the judicial authorities of the United States and Australia have formulated different approaches to determining the possibility of patenting human DNA.


Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is one of the essential components of unmanned 1 aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. However, the output signal accuracy of QAM deteriorates dramatically and even collapses in the case of UAVs in a harsh channel environment. This is due to the fractionally spaced equalization based on the multi-modulus blind equalization algorithm being implemented prior to carrier synchronization in QAM-based UAV modulation systems. The carrier frequency offset from the harsh channel signal thus contributes to the significantly degraded performance of MMA by suffering the fractionally spaced equalization. Therefore, in this paper, a novel offset feedback fractionally spaced equalization architecture for UAVs to eliminate the carrier frequency offset is first proposed. In this architecture, the carrier frequency offset allows estimated and incorporation into the input signal of fractionally spaced equalization to compensate for the offset. Moreover, a new multi-modulus decision-directed algorithm is presented for the novel architecture to improve the received signal accuracy of UAVs further. It enables adaptive optimization of the convergence process in accordance with the dynamic UAV communication environment employing the multi-modulus blind equalization algorithm and decision-directed blind equalization algorithm (MDD). Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the OF-FSE framework in enabling the QAM-based UAV modulation systems operation in harsh channel scenarios. Moreover, the performance of the presented new MDD algorithm compared with baseline approaches is also confirmed.


The study of 33 fixed flexion contractures of the finger shows that after tenolysis or teno-arthrolysis a skin gap appears when the finger is extended. Only 10 cases out of 33 had previous cutaneous involvement. The necessary skin plasties have been 14 heterodigital flaps and 19 local dorsal-lateral flaps. Results are comparable in both series and the surface of the skin defect has no influence on the choice of the type of flap. Therefore, whenever possible, a local flap is preferred to a distal flap.


South Sumatra is a lowland with various types of clay and swamp with a relatively low soil carrying capacity and varies depending on their physical and mechanical properties. The purpose of this research is to know the carrying capacity of foundation folded plate with a various variation of a model on soft clay soil. This research is an experimental research. The experiment of soft soil sampling is done through experimental laboratory procedure done by laboratory test model (mini scale) in test box that is by loading test to plate model. The result of this research is an examination of physical properties which have been done in Soil Mechanics Laboratory of Faculty of Engineering Department of Civil Engineering Sriwijaya University that remolded soil is soft clay based on testing of water content, specific gravity, volume weight, filter analysis, hydrometer and limit waterberg. From the research results obtained the value that the type I folded plate with size b: 250 mm and t1 : 10 mm, the maximum foundation bearing capacity of LVDT I is 0,059, type I with size b: 300 mm and t1 : 10 mm type I with size b: 300 mm and t1 : 10 mm 0.059 and type I with size b: 350 mm and t1 : 10 mm 0.067 mm. The table above explains that Type II folded plate with size b: 250 mm and t1: 10 mm, the maximum foundation bearing capacity of LVDT I is 0,072, type I with size b: 250 mm and t1 : 10 mm type I with size b: 300 mm and t1 : 10 mm 0.083 and type I with size b: 350 mm and t1 : 10 mm 0.095 mm. index. The greater the load then the carrying capacity of the foundation the smaller the decrease. This is because in the testing of the Box has been doing the reinforcement of the soil through the installation of the model of plate foundations vary. So that the porous cavities are filled with particles that bind each other causing the soil structure becomes denser and easily compressed. And if the pressure from the loading then the decline of the soil will be less.


Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (Tdt) and DNA polymerase μ (pol μ) are two eukaryotic highly similar proteins involved in DNA processing and repair. Despite their high sequence identity, they differ widely in their activity: pol μ has a templated polymerase activity, whereas Tdt has a non-templated one. Loop1, first described when the Tdt structure was solved, has been invoked as the major structural determinant of this difference. Here we describe attempts to transform Tdt into pol μ with the minimal number of mutations in and around Loop1. First we describe the effect of mutations on six different positions chosen to destabilize Tdt Loop1 structure, either by alanine substitution or by deletion; they result at most in a reduction of Tdt activity, but adding Co++ restores most of this Tdt activity. However, a deletion of the entire Loop1 as in pol λ does confer a limited template-dependent polymerase behavior to Tdt while a chimera bearing an extended pol μ Loop1 reproduces pol μ behavior. Finally, 16 additional substitutions are reported, targeted at the two so-called 'sequence determinant' regions located just after Loop1 or underneath. Among them, the single-point mutant F401A displays a sequence-specific replicative polymerase phenotype that is stable upon Co++ addition. These results are discussed in light of the available crystal structures.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined routine computerized screening for alcohol and drug use of men and women seeking outpatient psychiatric services (excluding chemical dependency treatment) and prevalence based on electronic medical records of consecutive admissions.

METHODS
The sample of 422 patients, ages 18-91, completed a self-administered questionnaire. Measures included 30-day, one-year, and lifetime substance use and alcohol-related problems.

RESULTS
Seventy-five percent of patients completed electronic intakes during the study period. Prior-month alcohol use was reported by 90 men (70%) and 180 women (62%). Of these patients, heavy drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) was reported by 37 men (41%) and 41 women (23%). Prior-month cannabis use was reported by 17 men (13%) and 32 women (11%).

CONCLUSIONS
Computerized intake systems that include alcohol and drug screening can be integrated into outpatient psychiatric settings. Heavy drinking and use of nonprescribed drugs are commonly reported, which provides an important intervention opportunity.


ABSTRACT Objectives We describe two robotic pet demonstration projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Key project components are stakeholders (settings), inputs (activities), and outputs (interest in programs and participant benefit). Results Stakeholders are an aging services organization in western NY (Lifespan) which served community-dwelling older adults, and a Veteran's Dementia Care Neighborhood (nursing home) that served 14 older Veterans. Project activities: both sites used commercially available robotic pets, with setting-specific deployment procedures. Outputs: 289 pets were distributed by Lifespan; nine Veterans selected pets and four engaged more actively. Community-dwelling older adults reported high satisfaction; satisfaction with the program in Veterans is evidenced by ongoing engagement via staff observation. Conclusions Procedures used by our programs may be useful for agencies and care programs interested in implementing robotic pet programs for community-dwelling older adults and those residing in long-term care. Clinical implications Robotic pets were sought by individuals and care providers in community and long-term care settings to provide companionship for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be of benefit to older adults.


Policy [TOP] Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is considered investigational for all purposes, including but not limited to the preoperative evaluation of patients being considered for brain surgery, when localization of eloquent areas of the brain (e.g., controlling verbal or motor function) is an important consideration in surgical planning.


The current study evaluated antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Sigesbeckia orientalis L. (St. Paul's Wort) (AESO) in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Following OECD guidelines safe doses of AESO were assessed in rats for the main study. Serum/bood glucose, α-amylase, and lipids levels and histopathological evaluations were conducted to assess antidiabetic and associated antihyperlipidemic efficacies of AESO. AESO was found to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glucose and lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins) levels was observed in AESO treatment groups. Serum α-amylase, high-density lipoproteins, and total body weight was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with AESO. Histopathological data showed improvement in hepatocyte and pancreatic β-cells islets architecture. HPLC analysis identified quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid in AESO which are suggested to be responsible for observed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic attributes. Further studies to standardise the extract and evaluation of safety profile in long-term toxicity studies are recommended for safe and effective antidiabetic nutraceuticals development.


Previous research has demonstrated that men and women are differentially influenced by irrelevant distractors. Other lines of evidence have suggested that increasing the perceptual load of a task reduces distractor interference for participants generally. The present study examined these effects using a semantic version of the flanker task; participants made speeded responses to category target words that were flanked by irrelevant distractors. The response mapping between the target and flanker words was either congruent (mapped to the same motor response) or incongruent (target word mapped to a different motor response to that of the flankers). Target words were presented either normally (e.g., table: low perceptual load) or with the beginning letters transposed (e.g., atble: high perceptual load). The results revealed that women showed a larger congruency effect than men but this was not due to greater interference on incongruent trials. While men and women made faster responses to normal than to transposed target words, this was similar in magnitude. The magnitude of the flanker effect for normal and transposed target words was significantly correlated in men but not in women. These findings are consistent with the view that women may process target words to a deeper level than men and therefore may engage in more conflict monitoring then men.


Social tagging and controlled indexing both facilitate access to information resources. Given the increasing popularity of social tagging and the limitations of controlled indexing (primarily cost and scalability), it is reasonable to investigate to what degree social tagging could substitute for controlled indexing. In this study, we compared CiteULike tags to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms for 231,388 citations indexed in MEDLINE. In addition to descriptive analyses of the data sets, we present a paper-by-paper analysis of tags and MeSH terms: the number of common annotations, Jaccard similarity, and coverage ratio. In the analysis, we apply three increasingly progressive levels of text processing, ranging from normalization to stemming, to reduce the impact of lexical differences. Annotations of our corpus consisted of over 76,968 distinct tags and 21,129 distinct MeSH terms. The top 20 tags/MeSH terms showed little direct overlap. On a paper-by-paper basis, the number of common annotations ranged from 0.29 to 0.5 and the Jaccard similarity from 2.12% to 3.3% using increased levels of text processing. At most, 77,834 citations (33.6%) shared at least one annotation. Our results show that CiteULike tags and MeSH terms are quite distinct lexically, reflecting different viewpoints/processes between social tagging and controlled indexing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


With the explosive growth of ubiquitous mobile services and the advent of the 5G era, ultra-dense wireless network (UDN) architectures have entered daily production and life. However, the massive access capacity provided by 5G networks and the dense deployment of micro base stations also bring challenges such as high energy consumption, high maintenance costs, and inflexibility. Fiber-based visible light communication (FVLC) has the advantages of large bandwidth and high speed, which provides an efficient connection option for UDN. Thus, in order to make up for the poor flexibility of UDN, we propose a new FVLC-UDN architecture based on software-defined networks (SDNs). Specifically, SDN decouples the data plane and the control plane of the device and centralizes the control of the LED in the cell through a unified control plane, which can not only improve the resource allocation ability of the network but also transmit the data only as the data plane, reducing the manufacturing and implementation costs of the LED. In order to get a better resource allocation scheme, this paper proposes a model for predicting cell traffic based on convolutional neural networks. By predicting the traffic of each cell in the control domain, the traffic trend and cells' status in the future period of time in the control domain can be obtained, so that a much more efficient resource allocation scheme can be formulated proactively to reduce energy consumption and balance communication loads. The experimental results show that on the real cell traffic dataset, this method is better than the existing prediction methods when the size of training dataset is limited.


We conduct an extensive simulation study to compare the merits of several methods for using null (unlinked) markers to protect against false positives due to cryptic substructure in population-based genetic association studies. The more sophisticated "structured association" methods perform well but are computationally demanding and rely on estimating the correct number of subpopulations. The simple and fast "genomic control" approach can lose power in certain scenarios. We find that procedures based on logistic regression that are flexible, computationally fast, and easy to implement also provide good protection against the effects of cryptic substructure, even though they do not explicitly model the population structure.


Anthracnose is a disease that often attacks cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L). This study aims to determine the species of fungus from the fruit of cayenne pepper with anthracnose symptoms. Fungal isolation was carried out using the direct plating method and fungal identification was carried out by observing the macromorphological and micromorphological characteristics of the fungi. The results showed that two fungal species were obtained, namely Colletotrichum sp (WA2) and Idriella sp. (WA3). Colletotrichum sp. (WA2) is a pathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose and Idriella sp (WA3) is a saprophytic fungus, but it is also known to be capable of being a pathogenic fungus.


The Cryogenic Limb-Scanning Interferometer/Radiometer (CLIR) is being developed to observe infrared emissions of the earth's upper atmosphere from space. The earth's surface is an extended source of intense background radiation with a small angular separation from the desired scene. The CLIR employs an off-axis Gregorian Telescope whose primary mirror and baffles are cooled by an open-cycle cryogen system. A system of specular annular baffles has been developed to minimize both stray light problems and cryogen consumption by retro-mapping the aperture into itself. Each off-axis ray which enters the aperture and strikes the specular baffle surface is reflected so that it passes out of the aperture and is not absorbed on a cryogenic surface. The specular baffle which lies closest to the aperture is an ellipsoid whose foci trace out the circular aperture on revolution about the axis. Its theoretical "ray trace" efficiency is 100 percent. A subsequent baffle has an elliptical cross section whose near focus traces out the central hole in the ellip-soidal baffle and whose far focus traces out the aperture. Its theoretical efficiency is about 90 percent. These baffles reduce the earth radiation heat load on the cryogenic cooler by an order of magnitude,changing it from the dominant cause of cryogen consumption to a relatively small effect. An aperture shield is also desirable to reduce cryogen consumption, stray light, and contamination.


Numerical and experimental results are compared for a compressor cascade performing harmonic oscillations in transonic flow. The flow field was calculated by a Q3D Navier Stokes code, the basic features of which are the use of an upwind flux difference scheme for the convective terms, the implementation of an effective one-equation turbulence model and the use of deforming multi-block grids. The experimental investigations were performed in an annular cascade windtunnel where unsteady blade pressures were measured for two different operating conditions of the cascade. The present data were all obtained for tuned torsional modes where the blades performed pitching oscillations with the same frequency and amplitude, but with a constant interblade phase angle. In the first test case the steady flow around the blades was purely subsonic. For the second test case the compressor cascade was run under transonic flow conditions where a normal shock in the front part of the blades suction side is followed by a blade passage shock. It becomes apparent that under subsonic flow conditions the predicted aerodynamic damping coefficients are in resonable agreement with the experimental data, although the numerical pressure amplitudes are much higher than the measured ones. In transonic flow significant discrepancies between computed and experimentally determined pressure amplitudes are observed, whereas the accuracy of the pressure phase prediction is comparable to the subsonic test case. Another important result of these investigations is that oscillations of the blade passage shock lead to strong variations of the local aerodynamic damping of the blades, but do not significantly change the global damping coefficient of the tested compressor cascade.


Medical management of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient must incorporate a broadened and holistic approach to achieve optimal outcomes. This is best achieved with integrated care, which is based on the chronic care model of disease management, proactively addressing the patient's unique medical, social, psychological, and cognitive needs along the trajectory of the disease. While conceptually appealing, integrated care requires not only a different approach to disease management, but considerably more health care resources. One potential way to reduce this burden of care is telemedicine: technology that allows for the bidirectional transfer of important clinical information between the patient and health care providers across distances. This not only makes medical services more accessible; it may also enhance the efficiency of delivery and quality of care. Telemedicine includes distinct, often overlapping interventions, including telecommunication (enhancing lines of communication), telemonitoring (symptom reporting or the transfer of physiological data to health care providers), physical activity monitoring and feedback to the patient and provider, remote decision support systems (identifying "red flags," such as the onset of an exacerbation), tele-consultation (directing assessment and care from a distance), tele-education (through web-based educational or self-management platforms), tele-coaching, and tele-rehabilitation (providing educational material, exercise training, or even total pulmonary rehabilitation at a distance when standard, center-based rehabilitation is not feasible). While the above components of telemedicine are conceptually appealing, many have had inconsistent results in scientific trials. Interventions with more consistently favorable results include those potentially modifying physical activity, non-invasive ventilator management, and tele-rehabilitation. More inconsistent results in other telemedicine interventions do not necessarily mean they are ineffective; rather, more data on refining the techniques may be necessary. Until more outcome data are available clinicians should resist being caught up in novel technologies simply because they are new.


We have studied the optical and electro‐optical properties of three different bimesogenic siloxane materials. The dimers are symmetrical and the two mesogenic groups are connected by a siloxane unit containing three Si atoms and methylene spacers. The mesogens contain F, Cl and Br substituents, respectively, laterally attached to the phenyl ring lying closest to the chiral centre of the mesogen. These materials each exhibited a broad temperature range antiferroelectric phase and large molecular tilt, which is almost temperature‐independent. We have shown that, at low temperatures, the molecular tilt in the antiferroelectric phase is the same as the apparent molecular tilt in the field‐induced ferroelectric state and is close to 45°. It was found that the antiferroelectric phase of these compounds, aligned in such way that the dimeric molecules were lying in a plane parallel to the confining substrates, exhibited very low in‐plane birefringence. For this reason, samples of the compounds inserted between crossed polarizers in the antiferroelectric state exhibited an extremely dark state, with contrast ratios as high as 1000:1, which did not change noticeably on rotating the sample between the crossed polarizers. It was shown that the optically isotropic siloxane moiety did not contribute to the optical properties, viz. birefringence or tilt angle, but served to enhance the promotion of the antiferroelectric phase and the temperature independent properties. We also showed the existence of a linear electro‐optic response in the pretransitional region of the antiferroelectric phase of these compounds over a moderate range of fields.


The sensitivity of Venturia inaequalis to anilino-pyrimidine (AP) fungicides (pyrimethanil and cyprodinil) was studied on populations sampled from apple trees with different fungicide and APs histories: 1) apple trees in uncultivated areas never exposed to fungicides (wild types), 2) commercial orchards with many years of good scab control with APs (well-controlled); 3) populations in experimental Centre where an initial good activity decreased after several years of intensive use (poorly controlled). The in vitro sensitivity tests were performed on monoconidial isolates, while those in vivo with curative or preventive applications on populations inoculated on apple seedlings. In the field, the infection on apple trees was assessed as severity of attack on leaves. The results evidenced that the sensitivity in vitro to pyrimethanil and cyprodinil showed a progressive lower reduction from wild types to well controlled, ending with poorly controlled populations. In vivo tests the same moderate decrease of sensitivity and activity (with a wide range) was more evident with curative, respect preventive applications, as noticed also with an important DMI (difenoconazole). In field trials, the populations intensively treated with APs showed, after some years, a reduction of control, that was confirmed in the following years. These activity reductions were sensibly less strong respect those evidenced by strobilurins, both in field and in vitro tests. The particular characteristic of resistance to AP fungicides is discussed.


AIM OF THE STUDY:
Smokers with suspected COPD seek medical attention when they become dyspnoeic on mild to moderate exertion, but by than half of the ventilator reserves are lost irreversibly. Hence it seems logical to diagnose COPD early before development of significant symptoms. Since smoking cessation in COPD is found to reduce rapid decline of ventilator function in smokers and to make an attempt to quit smoking in south Indian population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Patients attending outpatient department at MGM Govt. Hospital attached to KAPV Govt. Medical College, Tiruchirappalli.
EASY ONE spirometer.
TYPE OF STUDY:
Unicentric Prospective description study.
USEFULNESS OF THE STUDY:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major case of chronic morbidity and mortality. Third leading cause of death in 2020Smoking cessation will improve quality of life and decrease the morbidity and mortality.
CONCLUSION:
1. The most common age of first smoking is 18 years and all participants had started smoking by 26 years.
2. The youngest age of first smoking is at 16 years
3. The age of first smoking does not have significance with airflow limitation
4. The most common age group found is 39-49 years
5. The most prevalent BMI is 18.5-24.9 and does not have significance in respect to airflow obstruction .
6. SI has significant negative correlation with FEV1/FVC and Significant positive correlation coefficient with age.
7. The quantum of smoking correlates with severity of airflow obstruction as indicated by SI
8. There is 17.8% of asymptomatic smokers have airflow limitation in the form of obstructive lung disease.
9. There is 61.29% of asymptomatic smokers had mild COPD and 38.7% had moderate COPD as per GOLD guidelines
10. The FEV1/FVC ratio as a screening tool to detect the presence of COPD in asymptomatic smokers is established
11. Handheld in office spirometry is useful for screening the smokers for presence of airflow obstruction before significant symptoms.
12. MEF 25-75 also has significant positive correlation coefficient with FEV1/FVC ratio and significant negative correlation with SI


Objective: The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between strangulation-related alterations in consciousness (AIC) and cognitive and psychological outcomes in women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Setting: Participants were recruited from a variety of settings, including women's shelters and support programs. Participants: A total of 99 women were enrolled in the study. After applying exclusion criteria for factors that could mask or confound the effects of strangulation, 52 women remained for analyses. Design: Cross-sectional, retrospective. Main Measures: We used several cognitive measures to assess learning, long-term and working memory, visuomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, and nonverbal cognitive fluency as well as several psychological measures to assess posttraumatic stress symptomatology, general distress, worry, anhedonic depression, and anxious arousal. We also used the Brain Injury Severity Assessment interview to examine the association between strangulation-related AICs and these measures of cognitive and psychological functioning. Results: Women who had experienced strangulation-related AICs performed more poorly on a test of long-term memory (P < .03) and had higher levels of depression (P < .03) and posttraumatic stress symptomatology (P < .02) than women who had not experienced strangulation-related AIC. When controlling for potential confounding variables, including number of IPV-related traumatic brain injuries, women who had experienced strangulation also performed more poorly on a measure of working memory. Conclusion: This is the first report to assess strangulation in this manner and demonstrate links to cognitive and psychological functioning. These preliminary data contribute to our knowledge of strangulation and its effects on women who have experienced IPV.


The tryptic peptides of the aminoethylated alpha- and beta-chain of hemoglobin have been separated on a Partisil-10 ODS-2 column with a linear gradient of acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. The elution profile of the tryptic peptides of the chains obtained with this acetonitrile trifluoroacetate system has been compared with that obtained using phosphoric acid as the ion-pairing reagent. This comparison demonstrated that trifluoroacetate influences the retention times of the histidine-containing tryptic peptides much more than it affects those peptides that do not contain histidine residues. This behavior has been rationalized on the basis of ion-pairing of trifluoroacetate with the histidine residues of the tryptic peptides.


During the last decade the number of outdoor breeding pig units increased in Northern Europe. With comparable results in reproduction and up to 70 per cent lower capital outlays in relation to the conventional indoor systems the interest of farmers in outdoor breeding grew also in Germany. There are a number of issues that are specific to outdoor systems that need to be considered during winter season.


The Lyman-α forest offers a unique avenue for studying the distribution of matter in the high redshift universe and extracting precise constraints on the nature of dark matter, neutrino masses, and other ΛCDM extensions. However, interpreting this observable requires accurate modelling of the thermal and ionisation state of the intergalactic medium, and therefore resorting to computationally expensive hydrodynamical simulations. In this work, we build a neural network that serves as a surrogate model for rapid predictions of the one-dimensional Lyman-α flux power spectrum (P1D), thereby making Bayesian inference feasible for this observable. Our emulation technique is based on modelling P1D as a function of the slope and amplitude of the linear matter power spectrum rather than as a function of cosmological parameters. We show that our emulator achieves sub-percent precision across the full range of scales (k∥ = 0.1 to 4 Mpc−1) and redshifts (z = 2 to 4.5) considered, and also for three ΛCDM extensions not included in the training set: massive neutrinos, running of the spectral index, and curvature. Furthermore, we show that it performs at the 1 % level for ionisation and thermal histories not present in the training set and performs at the percent level when emulating down to k∥ = 8 Mpc−1. These results affirm the efficacy of our emulation strategy in providing accurate predictions even for cosmologies and reionisation histories that were not explicitly incorporated during the training phase, and we expect it to play a critical role in the cosmological analysis of the DESI survey.


Signed Language Processing (SLP) concerns the automated processing of signed languages, the main means of communication of Deaf and hearing impaired individuals. SLP features many different tasks, ranging from sign recognition to translation and production of signed speech, but has been overlooked by the NLP community thus far.In this paper, we bring to attention the task of modelling the phonology of sign languages. We leverage existing resources to construct a large-scale dataset of American Sign Language signs annotated with six different phonological properties. We then conduct an extensive empirical study to investigate whether data-driven end-to-end and feature-based approaches can be optimised to automatically recognise these properties. We find that, despite the inherent challenges of the task, graph-based neural networks that operate over skeleton features extracted from raw videos are able to succeed at the task to a varying degree. Most importantly, we show that this performance pertains even on signs unobserved during training.


Surgery is a primary source of revenue in a hospital, and scheduling of surgery can significantly impact surgeons' and patients' satisfaction and thus revenue. The major objective in surgery scheduling is to minimize the amount of waiting time for patients and maximize the utilization of the operating rooms while considering the needs of surgeons. In this process, accurately estimating surgery durations is among the most important factors. Using data from a large Midwestern hospital, surgery duration estimations were compared to actual durations in a one-year period for the top surgeries. Statistically, a significant difference between actual and estimated durations has been identified. With the goal of decreasing the difference between the estimated and actual durations, multiple linear regression models were created for the most common surgeries and used to analyze the impact various characteristics of surgery cases have on the duration. Due to the high variability of the data, the regression method was not found particularly effective in identifying significant correlations in the input characteristics.


Unique abrasive materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial, particularly simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels. Such a result thus accords the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Furthermore, the produced abrasive materials also exhibit very high and desirable brightness properties that permit easy incorporation and utilization within dentifrices for aesthetic purposes. Encompassed within this invention is a unique method for making such gel/precipitated silica composite materials for such a purpose, particularly under high shear conditions, as well as the different materials within the structure ranges described above and dentifrices comprising such.


Various mutants of Pichia anomala were isolated by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treatment and UV irradiation through cycloheximide resistance and KCl sensitivity. The selected mutant HA-2 accumulated a higher content of RNA and grew faster than the wild-type strain in yeast extract-malt (YM) broth. Autolysis of the HA-2 mutant at 60 degrees C and pH 7.0 for 6 h was the best condition to obtain maximum yields of 5'-ribonucleotides, inosinic monophosphate (IMP) (6.2 mg/g biomass) and guanylic monophosphate (GMP) (35.5 mg/g biomass). The yield of adenylic monophosphate (AMP) (7.8 mg/g biomass) was optimal at 60 degrees C at pH 6.5 for 6 h. The inhibitory activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and the nitrite-scavenging activity for autolysates of the HA-2 mutant were about 13.0% and 47.0% higher than those of native strain, respectively.


One of the principal present-day challenges facing the field of transition metal catalysis is the efficient recycling and reuse of catalysts and ligands. The use of ILs is rapidly advancing in this discipline. Due to their tunable physico-chemical properties, which differ markedly from those of conventional organic and aqueous media, ILs can provide a means of catalyst immobilization. The non-nucleophilic and weakly co-ordinating nature of many classes of ionic liquid provides an inert reaction medium that can extend the lifetime of a catalyst. Recyclability of the catalyst system is a key attribute of IL media and it is this enhancement of catalyst performance that is driving research in this field. Low-polarity compounds, for example diethyl ether and n-hexane, are poorly soluble in common ILs, providing a suitable accompanying solvent for biphasic catalysis. The positive aspects of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are combined using a biphasic system, in which the catalyst resides in the IL, but the substrates/products are retained in the alternate phase. Thus, the biphasic system provides a cost-effective way to successfully separate the desired product by simple decantation, leaving the catalyst immobilised in the IL and ready for reuse. Product isolation is often simplified even in monophasic catalysis if the substrate is soluble in the IL medium, but the product can be separated by simple extraction or distillation, due to the low vapour pressure of the IL. The reduced polarity of the hydrogenated products in comparison with the substrate can also be exploited for separation from the IL/catalyst phase. Increasing the difference in polarity between the IL and the hydrogenated product can also render the product insoluble in the IL, thus allowing facile decantation of the product from the IL, leaving the IL/catalyst phase ready for the next reaction. Research into catalytic hydrogenations in IL s began in 1995 with the almost simultaneous work of Chauvin[1] and Dupont.[2] Since then this field has been extended from conventional hydrogenation using transition metal catalysts to transfer hydrogenation and the effect of nanoparticles on hydrogenation reactions in ILs. Supported ionic liquid catalysis (SILC) is also a relatively new field. Using this method, the added benefit of selectivity provided by the homogeneous catalyst can be combined with the attributes of heterogeneous biphasic catalysis. The homogeneous catalyst is, in effect, immobilised on a heterogeneous support. One of the first investigations in this area was carried out by Mehnert et al.[3] in 2002, with a flurry of papers ensuing from 2007-2009. It is intended that this chapter should cover recent progress in hydrogenation reactions carried out in ILs. Wasserscheid and Schulz[4] contributed a chapter in 'The Handbook of Homogeneous Hydrogenation' covering homogeneous hydrogenation in ILs which covers


OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations of interleukin-31 (IL-31) and pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD) with Meta-analysis.
 Methods: Materials were extracted from the citations listed in the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Cochrane. Key search terms included: atopic dermatitis, pruritus, and IL-31. The Meta-analysis was used to analyze the correlation between pruritws in AD and IL-31 expression level.
 Results: The Meta-analysis showed that serum IL-31 levels were higher in AD patients than those in the healthy controls. The levels of IL-31 were higher in severe AD patients than those in the mild and moderate AD patients. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum IL-31 levels and severity of pruritus was identified.
 Conclusion: Increased serum levels of IL-31 generally exist in the AD patients, and it may accelerate the pruritus in the AD patients.


In recent years, commercially available tools for computer aided control systems design (CACSD) have been expanded to cover a wide range of control engineering problems. Simulation languages have been incorporated into formerly pure matrix calculation packages (Simulink and Matlab, ACSL and CTRL-C). The number and variety of algorithms available in those packages is also growing rapidly to facilitate the use of very sophisticated modern control systems designs. However, this vast number of possibilities is not only to the user's advantage. The problem of selecting the proper algorithm becomes increasingly difficult. Once an algorithm is found, the user then has to choose reasonable parameters. Furthermore, a variety of possible solutions also lead to a large amount of data resulting from different experiments, algorithms and parameter settings. In command line driven packages (like Matlab) it is up to the user to keep track of his work and the relations between all the vectors and matrices accumulated in his workspace. In this paper, we present a solution to control engineering data management. Data, algorithms applied and results are stored in an object oriented framework. The user is presented with a graphical representation of his work. This display and the special data structures chosen also ease the selection of suitable algorithms.


StrandHogg vulnerabilities affect Android's multitasking system and threaten up to 90% of Android platforms, which translates to millions of affected users. Existing countermeasures require modification of the OS, have usability drawbacks, or are limited to the detection of certain attack versions. In this work, we aim to develop a generic, efficient, and usability-friendly attack detection method, which does not require OS modifications and can be employed by apps installed on any vulnerable Android platform. To achieve our goal, we analyze StrandHogg attack techniques and develop two countermeasures, one using Machine Learning and the other one using ActivityCounter – a reliable attack indicator, which we could synthetically engineer. Our first approach achieves an average F1 score of 92% across all attack variations, while ActivityCounter shows superior performance and efficiently detects all attack versions without false positives. ActivityCounter is the first solution without practical limitations, which can be easily deployed in practice and protect millions of affected users.


The presented study reports on differently modified silica sols for coating applications on leather. Silica sols are prepared by acidic hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and modified by silane compounds with fluorinated and non-fluorinated alkylgroups. In contrast to many earlier investigations regarding sol-gel applications on leather, no acrylic resin is used together with the silica sols when applying on leather. The modified silica particles are supposed to aggregate after application, forming thus a modified silica coating on the leather substrate. Scanning electron microscopy investigation shows that the applied silica coatings do not fill up or close the pores of the leather substrate. However, even if the pores of the leather are not sealed by this sol-gel coating, an improvement of the water repellent and oil repellent properties of the leather substrates are observed. These improved properties of leather by application of modified silica sols can provide the opportunity to develop sol-gel products for leather materials present in daily life.


The cathode materials LiNixCo1-xO2 (0≤x≤1) for lithium ion battery were prepared in solid phase . The effects of synthesis temperature , the time of heat treatment and also the ratio of raw materials on products were discussed . The residts showed that the products preheated under 600℃ and then sintered under constant, temperature 75017 were better than those sintered under constant temperature 650℃ or 850℃ , and their layer structures were more obvious and their initial capacity was higher . The longer the heat-treating time is , the stronger the products ' XRD peaks intensity and the better their structures and electrochemical performance are. The samples LiN-ix Co 1-xO2(0≤x≤1) with a perfect structure and electrochemical performance were synthesized. And the products initial capacity was perfect when n(Li) : n( Ni) : n( Co) ℃ 1.15:0.3:0.7,viz. 156.l46mAh/g.


The reproductive structures in Actinotrichia fragilis (Forsskål) Børgesen are described, including the first report of the structure and development of the carpogonial branch and cystocarp for the genus. Tetrasporangia usually arise in a terminal position on assimilatory filaments; occasionally they are formed laterally and in a secund manner. In male thalli, conceptacles are initiated from the apical pit of a thallus branch. Filaments bearing spermatangia issue from the inner face of the conceptacle wall. In female thalli, a carpogonial branch consists of a carpogonium, hypogynous cell and basal cell. Carpogonial branches may arise in two ways, either replacing a vegetative branch or rarely as a third branch between vegetative dichotomous branches. Before fertilization, the hypogynous cell divides to produce four cells. Subsequently, the basal cell produces branched filaments that eventually form the pericarp, which envelops the carpogonial branch and developing gonimoblast. After fertilization, the carpogonium divides transversely into two cells. The upper progeny cell retains its cytoplasmic connection to the trichogyne. The lower cell produces a lateral gonimoblast initial. Primary gonimoblast filaments form a compact pseudoparenchymatous mass at the base of the carposporophyte. Carposporangia are produced singly from the tips of the secondary gonimoblast filaments, which develop from the primary gonimoblast mass. Many simple or little-branched sterile paraphyses issue from the inner face of the pericarp and grow into the cavity. A comparison of the reproductive structures of Actinotrichia with those of the other genera of the Galaxauraceae suggests that the genus is closely related to Tricleocarpa Huisman et Borowitzka and Galaxaura Lamouroux.


A GaAlAs semiconductor diode laser operating at a wavelength of 796 nm has been sued in conjunction with Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye to ablate carious dentin and enamel from extracted human teeth. The laser-dye ablation technique offers selective ablation as it is controlled by the placement of the ICG dye. In contrast with other laser techniques, the risk of collateral thermal damage is substantially reduced. The diode laser is suitable for ordinary fiber delivery and is cheaper and more compact than the higher power CO2; Er:YAG, Nd:YAG and Argon lasers currently being used by researchers. This paper reports the ablation of dental caries in fifty extracted teeth with various laser diode powers and dye concentrations. The mass of material ablated, temperature rise in the pulp and surface temperature were measured. The ablation was found to be efficient with negligible thermal damage to surrounding tissue. At the same time average surface temperatures reached during ablation may be sufficient to sterilize the treated surface. Hardness measurements and scanning electron microscopy of the laser treated cavity surfaces show the new surfaces to be suitable for placement of a dental filling.


Modulation of surface transferrin receptor activity has been associated with leukemia cell differentiation and proliferation. To examine the mechanisms involved in regulating this event, receptor protein and mRNA levels were measured in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells induced to differentiate along the myelocytic and monocytic pathways. Transferrin receptor down-regulation which occurs during granulocytic differentiation by dimethyl sulfoxide, retinoic acid, or aclacinomycin A appears to be kinetically compatible with reduced biosynthesis resulting from reductions in the level of steady-state mRNA. In contrast, genetic modulation does not appear to mediate the initial receptor down-regulation seen during 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiation. However, a reduction in levels of receptor message appears to contribute to the maintenance of diminished transferrin receptor activity in these 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-treated cells. A common feature of myelocytic and monocytic differentiating cells is the complete inhibition of cellular proliferation observed within 10 to 16 h following a four-fold reduction in surface transferrin receptor. We conclude that the early decline in transferrin receptor levels precludes its regulation as a consequence of the decrease in proliferation, but rather implicates its role in the programmed cessation of growth which is requisite for the terminal differentiation of these cells.


The freeze-fracture technique was used to analyze the surface of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. The examination of thin sections showed that the epicuticle is formed by two closely apposed membrane-like structures, appearing as hepta-laminated structures. Freeze-fracture replicas revealed the presence of two fracture faces. The outer one is smooth but presents rosette-like structures. The inner face, which is in contact with the hypodermal cells, presents a large number of particles.


Background Stent-assisted coil (SAC) embolization is an alternative treatment option for anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms. Objective This study was undertaken to assess the safety and effectiveness of SAC embolization in treating AcoA aneurysms and to determine risk factors for related procedural complications or recanalization. Methods Between August 2008 and December 2016, a total of 184 patients with AcoA aneurysms were subjected to SAC embolization. Cumulative medical record and radiologic data were analyzed, using binary logistic regression to identify factors predisposing to procedural complications or recanalization. Results Contralateral A1 segment hypoplasia was observed in 59 patients (32.1%). Three types of stents (LVIS, Enterprise, and Neuroform) were variably placed by one of two routes: 1) ipsilateral A1 to ipsilateral A2 (75.5%) or 2) ipsilateral A1 to contralateral A2 (24.5%). Procedural complications occurred in 17 patients (thromboembolism, 12; procedural leakage, 3; both, 2), showing a significant relation to subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation (OR=57.750; p<0.01). Occlusion was documented immediately postembolization in 130 aneurysms (70.6%), and in 23 (13.1%) of 175 AcoA aneurysms followed by angiography (median, 25.9±18.5 months), recanalization developed (minor, 15; major, 8). Stent configuration (ipsilateral A1 to contralateral A2, p=0.024), maximum aneurysm size (>7 mm, p<0.01) and A1 segment hypoplasia (p=0.039) were identified as risk factors for recanalization. Conclusion SAC embolization is a safe and effective method of treating unruptured AcoA aneurysms, regardless of anatomic or clinical features. However, in the event of rupture, procedural complications are likely. Stent configuration, aneurysm size, and A1 segment hypoplasia were identified as significant risk factors for recanalization. Disclosures Y. Cho: None. H. Kang: None. M. Han: None.


Since the prediction of the seismic response of structures is highly uncertain, the need for the probabilistic approach is clear, especially for the estimation of critical seismic response parameters. Considering the uncertainties present in the material and geometric form of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, reliability analyses using the Finite Element Method (FEM) were performed in the context of Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE). This study presented and compared the possibilities of nonlinear modelling of the reinforced concrete (RC) planar frame and its reliability analysis using different numerical methods, Mean-Value First-Order Second-Moment (MVFOSM), First-Order Reliability Method (FORM), Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The calibrated numerical models used were based on the previous experimental test of a planar RC frame subjected to cyclic horizontal load. Numerical models were upgraded by random variable (RV) parameters for reliability analysis purposes and, using implicit limit state function (LSF), pushover analyses were performed by controlling the horizontal inter-storey drift ratio (IDR). Reliability results were found to be sensitive to the reliability analysis method. The results of reliability analysis reveal that, in a nonlinear region, after exceeding the yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcement, the cross-sectional geometry parameters were of greater importance compared to the parameters of the material characteristics. The results also show that epistemic (knowledge-based) uncertainties significantly affected dispersion and on the median estimate parameter response. The MCS sampling method is recommended, but the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) applied on a response model can be used with good accuracy. Reliability analysis using the FEM proved to be suitable for the direct implementation of geometric and material nonlinearities to cover epistemic (knowledge-based) uncertainties.


The objective of the study was to highlight the significance of surgical treatment for esophageal carcinoma after distal gastrectomy and provide suitable surgical options. A patient with esophageal carcinoma and previous distal partial gastrectomy was treated by replacing the esophagus with remnant stomach and moving the spleen into the thoracic cavity. We then systematically reviewed the literature on the treatment of such conditions. Postoperative recovery went well. During the 2-year follow-up, the patient did not complain any discomfort and had no signs of metastasis or recurrence. For esophageal carcinoma patients who have undergone distal gastrectomy, surgery should remain an option. For patients whose carcinoma is in the lower part of the esophagus or who are frail but had an early diagnosis, surgery to replace the esophagus with remnant stomach and relocation of the spleen into the thoracic cavity should be considered.


INTRODUCTION
The aim of this prospective single-center study was to determine the changings in incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), serotype distribution and the antimicrobial resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae in children with IPD after the period (1 to 7 years) of vaccination with PCV7 (2008) and PCV13 (2011).

POPULATION AND METHODS
The study was conducted on 39 Turkish children with IPD between ages 1 month and 18 years in Ankara, Turkey. Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified using standard laboratory procedures from blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, and other sterile body fluids and tissues. S. pneumoniae isolates were tested for resistance to penicilin and ceftriaxone using the E-test methodology. Serotypes of the isolates were determined by Quellung reaction.

RESULTS
The overall annual incidence rate of IPD decreased significantly from 7.71 (95% CI, 1.99-13.4) to 1.58 (95% CI, 0.6-3.77; RRR=-79.5; p=0.006) per 100 000 population among ≤5 years of age without underlying disease. During the overall study period, the PCV7-serotypes and PCV13-serotypes represented 27.8% and 63.8% of isolates, respectively. PCV13-serotypes made up 81.8% of cases of IPD in the pre-PCV13 era and decreased to 56% in the 4 years after PCV13. The penicillin and ceftriaxone (for meningitis) resistance rates were 48.5% and 9.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study about the changing pattern of the incidence of IPD in Turkish children after the implementation of the PCV7 and PCV13 in Turkish national vaccine schedule and a prominent decrease in incidence of IPD has seen after the implementation of PCV13.


Abstract This article analyzes, for the first time, the lexicographic construction of gender in more recent editions of German dictionaries (from 1980 onwards). The article starts by presenting a survey of studies on this topic in other languages (French, Swedish, English). Then the dictionary entries of Frau 'woman' and Mann 'man' are scrutinized with respect to their definition(s), their structure, and their use in sentences of exemplification. The study shows that a surprisingly high degree of stereotypes still exists, including grammatical differences such as men occurring more frequently in subject positions and women dominating in object positions. While some dictionaries represent clear progress with respect to the representation of gender over time, others are dominated by androcentric attitudes.


Dimension reduction in semiparametric regressions includes construction of informative linear combinations and selection of contributing predictors. To reduce the predictor dimension in semiparametric regressions, we propose an e 1 -minimization of sliced inverse regression with the Dantzig selector, and establish a non-asymptotic error bound for the resulting estimator. We also generalize the regularization concept to sliced inverse regression with an adaptive Dantzig selector. This ensures that all contributing predictors are selected with high probability, and that the resulting estimator is asymptotically normal even when the predictor dimension diverges to infinity. Numerical studies confirm our theoretical observations and demonstrate that our proposals are superior to existing estimators in terms of both dimension reduction and predictor selection. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.


A dynamical characterization of dark matter dominated dwarf galaxies from their observed effects on galactic disks (i.e. Galactoseismology) has remained an elusive goal. Here, we present preliminary results from spectroscopic observations of three clustered Cepheid candidates identified from $K$-band light curves towards Norma. The average heliocentric radial velocity of these stars is $\sim$ 156 km/s, which is large and distinct from that of the Galaxy's stellar disk. These objects at $l \sim 333 ^\circ$ and $b \sim -1 ^\circ$ are therefore halo stars; using the $3.6~\micron$ period-luminosity relation of Type I Cepheids, they are at $\sim$ 73 kpc. Our ongoing $I$-band photometry indicates variability on the same time scale as the period determined from the $K_{s}$-band light curve. Distances determined from the $K$-band period-luminosity relation and the 3.6 $\micron$ period-luminosity relation are comparable. The observed radial velocity of these stars agrees roughly with predictions from dynamical models. If these stars are indeed members of the predicted dwarf galaxy that perturbed the outer HI disk of the Milky Way, this would mark the first application of Galactoseismology.


Objective: Death anxiety is universal and influenced by many personal, cultural and linguistic features. The Multidimensional Orientation toward Dying and Death Inventory (MODDI-F) is a measure of 'death anxiety' and 'death acceptance'. The aim of this study is to scale the validity and reliability study in Turkey. Methods: The study consisted of Turkey were created by selecting one of the seven regions. These include Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, Samsun, Şanliurfa, and Erzurum. The sample number is 402 persons, 52% male and 48% female. Analysis of the data was done with SPSS 22 program and it was worked with 95% confidence level. Explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed with the AMOS 21.0 program to determine the validity of the scale. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were calculated to determine its reliability. Results: Multidimensional Assessment of Dying and Death Inventory was first translated into Turkish, then to German, and as a result, a single text was obtained with the language association. Scale There are two dimensions as the dimen-sion of fear and the dimension of acceptance. Fear scale total variance explanation rate is 43,44%; the reliability coefficient is 0.950. Explanation of the total variance of the acceptance scale is 50,21%; the reliability coefficient is 0,678. Discussion: Factor distribution of the subscales differs according to the original scale. The names of the subscales are adapted to Turkish culture. According to these results, MODDI-F Turkish form has been shown to be a valid scale for its validity and reliability.


We present the principles, current work and plans for the EU-FP7 Project Semi Autonomous 3rd-Hand Robot. In this project, we pursue a breakthrough in flexible manufacturing by developing a symbiotic robot assistant that acts as a third hand of a human worker. It will be straightforward to instruct even by untrained workers and allow for efficient knowledge transfer between tasks. We demonstrate its efficiency in the collaborative assembly of furniture.


Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a foodborne pathogenic bacterium that causes acute gastrointestinal illness, but its mechanisms of infection are incompletely described. We examined how host cell sterol composition affected Y. pseudotuberculosis uptake. To do this, we depleted or substituted cholesterol in human MDA-MB-231 epithelial cells with various alternative sterols. Decreasing host cell cholesterol significantly reduced pathogen internalization. When host cell cholesterol was substituted with various sterols, only desmosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol supported internalization. This specificity was not due to sterol dependence of bacterial attachment to host cells, which was similar with all sterols studied. Because a key step in Y. pseudotuberculosis internalization is interaction of the bacterial adhesins invasin and YadA with host cell β1 integrin, we compared the sterol dependence of wildtype Y. pseudotuberculosis internalization with that of Δinv, ΔyadA, and ΔinvΔyadA mutant strains. YadA deletion decreased bacterial adherence to host cells, whereas invasin deletion had no effect. Nevertheless, host cell sterol substitution had a similar effect on internalization of these bacterial deletion strains as on the wildtype bacteria. The ΔinvΔyadA double mutant adhered least to cells and so was not significantly internalized. The sterol structure dependence of Y. pseudotuberculosis internalization differed from that of endocytosis, as monitored using antibody-clustered β1 integrin and previous studies on other proteins, which had a more permissive sterol dependence. This study suggests that agents could be designed to interfere with internalization of Yersinia without disturbing endocytosis.


Background: A great number of stroke patients pursue rehabilitation services in multiple domains (e.g., speech, physical, occupational). Although multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to stroke rehabilitation are considered desirable, it is largely unknown how the intervention in one domain affects the progress in others. Aims: The current study investigated the interaction between speech therapy and physical therapy. Additionally, the feasibility of utilising a humanoid robot in stroke rehabilitation was described. Methods & Procedures: A 72-year-old male chronically challenged by aphasia and hemiparesis completed speech and physical therapy tasks in the sole condition (Speech Only, Physical Only) and in the sequential condition (Speech & Physical). The therapy activities were delivered by a humanoid robot. Outcomes & Results: Greater gains in speech and physical functions were obtained during the sole condition than in the sequential condition, suggesting a competitive interaction between speech and physical therapies. Conclusions: The cross-domain competition can be accounted for by fatigue, participant characteristics, and task characteristics. Objective data on speech and physical functions and subjective data on perceived quality of life indicate positive outcomes in this single case. These findings warrant further research on the feasibility and utility of humanoid robots in stroke rehabilitation.


hospital and postoperative stays and tolerated feeding earlier. The mean hospital stay was 13.8 days for the laparoscopic group versus 16.4 days in the open group. The mean postoperative stay was 6.8 days for the laparoscopic group versus 10.7 days for the open group. The mean postoperative day on which feeding was tolerated was 2.3 in the laparoscopic group versus 4.8 in the open group. Postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. These results seem to reflect the less traumatic na-


Continuing the LBL study of geothermal exploration techniques and the assessment of potential reservoirs begun in 1974, detailed gravity surveys were made in the vicinity of Leach Hot Springs, Grass Valley, and Kyle Hot Springs, Buena Vista Valley, in northern Nevada. The terrain-corrected Bouguer gravity values were gridded, corrected for regional gradients (Grass Valley only) bya least squares polynomial fit to the data, and then processed by means of an inversion scheme to yield a contour map of the basement configuration. The three-dimensional inversion algorithm assumes a two-layer earth of variable first layer thickness but constant density contrast between layers. Although a fit to observed data can be obtained for a range of density contrasts, a contrast of 0.06 g/cm 3 gave interpreted results most consistent with results from other geophysical data: (a) agreement between the minimum thickness contours and the margins of exposed Paleozoic rocks and Cretaceous intrusives; (b) agreement between the calculated basement depth and report information from a deep drill hole in Grass Valley; and (c) agreement between estimated basement depths and interpretation of seismic reflection-refraction data. To illustrate the information value of the depth-to-basement calculations, we show comparisons of gravity, electrical resistivity, and seismic interpretations along selected profile lines. Gravity and seismology gave nearly identical results for the location and dip of the Hot Springs fault in Grass Valley. The gravity interpretation agreed reasonably well with that of the electrical basement, although the electrical basement is consistently 200-400 meters deeper than the density or velocity interface.


The growing number of completely deciphered genomic sequences provides an enormous reservoir of data, which can be used for addressing questions related to functional and evolutionary biology. The wealth of this approach is documented by the fast growing numbers of recent publications in the field of evolutionary biology based on comparative genomics. Many proteins of the recombination machinery are conserved between plants, fungi and animals but some of them also show remarkable differences regarding their presence, copy number or molecular structure. For example, the protein responsible for double strand break (DSB) induction during meiosis, SPO11, which is related to the subunit A of the archaebacterial topoisomerase VI, is coded by a single gene in animals and fungi. In contrast, plants harbour three distantly related homologues, which seem to have non-redundant functions either in meiosis or in somatic cells and are indispensable for viability. Moreover, plants possess a homologue of the subunit B of the archaebacterial topoisomerase VI, not present in other eukaryotes. We also summarise the recent progress in the usage of genomic data to analyse the evolution of other DNA recombination factors. Finally, several recent studies report on a strong conservation of a reasonable number of intron positions between plants, animals and fungi. This kind of study provides a basis for comparative genomic analyses across kingdoms and demonstrates the existence of ancient introns, a topic of intensive debate.


In this work, the authors dene a new class of weight functions for which its associated class of weighted measures is doubling. Moreover, all weight functions of weighted doubling measures are limit functions of this class of weighted functions with uniformly bounded doubling constant. One particular implication is that all weight functions for weighted doubling measures are equivalent to semicontinuous functions.


In this work we present non-resonant four-wave mixing microscopy as an additional contrast mechanism in nonlinear microscopy. The setup for this technique was based on a commercially available multiphoton microscope setup equipped with a titanium:sapphire-laser and an optical parametric oscillator as light sources. Fundamental system characteristics with respect to the spatio-temporal pulse overlap and the influence of aberrations on the process are presented. Experiments regarding the directionality of the four-wave mixing signal performed on fresh porcine meat showed an average ratio of the backward to forward signal mean intensity of 0.16 ± 0.01. Nevertheless, structural information is comparable for both detection modalities. This highlights the potential of four-wave mixing microscopy for in vivo applications. Furthermore, results on porcine meat show the additional contrast generated by four-wave mixing. In summary, the results show a great potential of non-resonant four-wave mixing microscopy as label-free imaging modality in the biomedical sciences.


The paper aims at providing an exhaustive analysis of the key concept of glory in Hobbes's works. It is argued that the meaning and role of glory are essentially the same in all Hobbes's writings. The paper claims that in Elements of Law, De Cive, Leviathan, De Homine, Behemoth and in the Correspondence the desire of glory and ambition are given by Hobbes a crucial role in the explanation of human conflict. The paper argues that the status of glory vis-a-vis other passions changes radically in Leviathan and De Homine: whereas in the earlier works glory was the ultimate motivation of most (if not all) individuals, i.e. the genus of all passions; in later works it becomes a species or instance of human passions. In Leviathan no concept is raised to the central position previously occupied by glory.


BACKGROUND
Nursing conceptualizes disability from largely medical and individual perspectives that do not consider its social dimensions. Disabled people are critical of this paradigm and its impact on their health care.

AIM
The aims of this paper are to review the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including its history and the theoretical models upon which it is based and to discuss its relevance as a conceptual framework for nursing.

METHOD
The paper presents a critical overview of concepts of disability and their implications for nursing and argues that a broader view is necessary. It examines ICF and its relationship to changing paradigms of disability and presents some applications for nursing.

CONCLUSION
The ICF, with its acknowledgement of the interaction between people and their environments in health and disability, is a useful conceptual framework for nursing education, practice and research. It has the potential to expand nurses' thinking and practice by increasing awareness of the social, political and cultural dimensions of disability.


The Cipher Mail Transport Protocol (CMTP) is a new mail transport system designed to make encryption the default option for email. This thesis lays out what a modern email system is, how it works, the shortcomings of the current system and will propose CMTP as a solution. CMTP provides a solution to these problems in an effort to secure email transmission and storage. Inspired by the Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) email security system, CMTP implements public key cryptography, hidden from users, while maintaining the broad usability of email. This is in contrast to secure protocols that pre-date CMTP and generally provide good security, but reduce usability. After an initial, unauthenticated key exchange, CMTP encrypts and authenticates all messages. In this way, CMTP provides security without compromising usability.


The objective of this research was to find out the effect of using Two Stay Two Stray (TSTS) strategy on students' reading comprehension at the tenth grade of SMA Negeri 4 Pematangsiantar. In this research, the researcher used a quantitative research and the method of this research is experimental research by used true-experimental research design. The population of this research was the students of the tenth grade PMIA SMA Negeri 4 Pematangsiantar, there are seven classes and the total of population in this research was 249 students. To determine the sample, the researcher make a lottery, the sample of this research were two classes. The first class is taken from X PMIA-6 with 36 students as control class and the second class is taken from X PMIA-7 with 36 students as experimental class. So, the total of the sample in this research is 72 students. In analyzing the data, the researcher used SPSS version 2.1. The result of this research was the students' score pre-test in control class are 1876 with the mean score 52.11 and the students' score post-test in control class are 2152 with the mean score 59.78. Before the treatment of Two Stay Two Stray strategy, the students' prior knowledge in reading comprehension was less with score pre-test are 1870 with the mean score 51.94. After the treatment using Two Stay Two Stray strategy, the students' score post-test in reading comprehension had been improved are 2808 with the mean score 78.00. It means that the scores of experimental class are higher than in control class because the researcher conducted the research in experimental class by using a treatment (Two Stay Two Stray Strategy). Then the results of hypothesis testing using T-Test obtained tcount (9.86) >ttable (1.66), it can be concluded that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. It means that the using of Two Stay Two Stray strategy affects significantly on students' reading comprehension at the tenth grade of SMA Negeri 4 Pematangsiantar


We investigate the evolutionary dynamics of a Moran model which consists of subdivided populations of individuals confined to a set of islands. In subdivided populations, migration acts with selection and genetic drift to determine the evolutionary dynamics. The individuals are assumed to be haploid with two types. They reproduce according to their fitness values, die at random, and migrate between the islands. The evolutionary dynamics of an individual based model is formulated in terms of a master equation and is approximated as the multidimensional Fokker-Planck equation (FPE) and the coupled non-linear stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with multiplicative noise. We first analyze the deterministic part of the SDEs to obtain the fixed points and determine the stability of each fixed point. We find that there is only one stable fixed point to which all populations started from any initial distribution other than the unstable absorbing points will evolve in both the symmetric and antisymmetric selection schemes. Next, we take demographic stochasticity into account and analyze the FPE by eliminating the fast variable to reduce the coupled two-variable FPE to the single-variable FPE. We derive a quasi-stationary distribution of the reduced FPE and predict the fixation probabilities and the mean fixation times to absorbing states. We also carry out numerical simulations in the form of the Gillespie algorithm and find that the results of simulations are consistent with the analytic predictions.


The trans(S)-[Co(N)4(S)2]-type mononuclear complexes [Co(L)2(en)]+ or – (L = 2-aminoethanethiolate (aet) 1, L-cysteinate (L-cys) 3 or D-penicillaminate (3-sulfanyl-D-valinate) (D-pen) 5) were newly prepared by the reaction of trans-[CoCl2(en)2]+ with L at pH 8.5 and 25 °C. The crystal structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The geometry around the cobalt atom is approximately octahedral and two thiolate donor atoms in the aet ligands occupy trans positions to each other. Two Co–S bonds are lengthened by the double sulfur trans influence across the cobalt centre attributable to two thiolato sulfur donor atoms. The diastereomers of 3 and 5 were separated by the column chromatographic technique and characterised on the basis of their UV/Vis, CD and 13C NMR spectra. The ΛDD isomer of 5 (5ΛDD) is preferably formed by attractive (COO· · ·H–N–H) interactions. Though cis(S)-[Co(L)2(en)]+ or – (L = aet 2, L-cys 4 or D-pen 6) were also produced by the same preparative reaction, they could not be separated into the geometrical isomers because of very rapid isomerisation and/or polynuclearisation reaction during elution from the column. It is clear that all trans(S) complexes also show drastic and characteristic UV/Vis spectral changes with time in aqueous solutions and tend to isomerise to the cis(S) isomer, followed by the formation of S-bridged polynuclear complexes owing to both the double sulfur trans influence and high nucleophilicity of the thiolate donor atoms. The polynuclearisation reactions of the three trans(S) isomers proceed according to different processes depending on their ligands. In the polynuclearisation reaction of 3, especially, the novel dinuclear complex ΛLLL-[Co{Co(L-cys-N,S)3}(L-cys-N,O,S)]2–7, which has not so far been identified in usual dinuclearisation reactions, was newly obtained.