This thesis addresses the problem of sensor-based skill composition for robotic assembly tasks. Skills are robust, reactive strategies for executing recurring tasks in our domain. In everyday life, people rely extensively on skills such as walking, climbing stairs, and driving cars; proficiency in these skills enables people to develop and robustly execute high-level plans. Unlike people, robots are unskilled--unable to perform any task without extensive and detailed instructions from a higher-level agent. Building sensor-based, reactive skills is an important step toward realizing robots as flexible, rapidly-deployable machines. Efficiently building skills requires simultaneously reducing robot programming complexity and increasing sensor integration, which are competing and contradictory goals. This thesis attacks the problem through development of sensorimotor primitives to generalize sensor integration, graphical programming environments to facilitate skill composition, and design integration for exploiting the primitive capabilities during task design. Force and vision based sensorimotor primitives are built to provide sensor integration for task domains, not task instances. A task-level graphical programming environment provides an intuitive inter- face for the designer/programmer to compose the skill through a simple form of virtual demonstration. Finally, design agent representations of the primitives inside the CAD environment interact with the task model and the programmer to assist in composing the skill program. Experimental results for six different assembly tasks demonstrate sensor-based skill execution and illustrate primitive reusability.


ABSTRACT Many essential occupational tasks performed by law enforcement officers are physically demanding. There are numerous challenges with developing and maintaining physical fitness within this population. These challenges can lead to a steady decline in health and fitness over the occupational life span and have a devastating impact on officer safety and wellness. The purpose of this column is to discuss physical training program considerations when working with law enforcement professionals and provide potential solutions to these barriers.


Corrosion of titanium dental implants has been associated with implant failure and is considered one of the triggering factors for peri-implantitis. This corrosion is concerning, because a large amount of metal ions and debris are generated in this process, the accumulation of which may lead to adverse tissue reactions in vivo. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanisms for implant degradation by evaluating the surface of five titanium dental implants retrieved due to peri-implantitis. The results demonstrated that all the implants were subjected to very acidic environments, which, in combination with normal implant loading, led to cases of severe implant discoloration, pitting attack, cracking and fretting-crevice corrosion. The results suggest that acidic environments induced by bacterial biofilms and/or inflammatory processes may trigger oxidation of the surface of titanium dental implants. The corrosive process can lead to permanent breakdown of the oxide film, which, besides releasing metal ions and debris in vivo, may also hinder re-integration of the implant surface with surrounding bone.


The Haitian associative initiatives in Ecuador have to be seen within the context generated by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. This is a population that has been forced to migrate, but it is not considered within the parameters of protection under the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951), so they are left in lack of protection due to their irregular migration. In this context, two Haitian associations in Quito have played an important role especially in the field of counseling and communication, becoming spaces for civic engagement. Being weak associative initiatives, their existence is at risk by having scarce institutional support networks.


Local foods play an influential role in improving the tourism experience in destinations. Local foods can enormously enrich the tourism experience by connecting tourists with the heart and soul of a destination. Past research has identified various perception and motivational factors that support local foods' purchase intentions, but only from a consumer point of view. As the demand for local foods in tourist destinations is gaining more and more importance year after year, this study investigates the influence of those perceptions and motivational factors on purchasing local foods in a tourism destination. A survey was conducted among 470 US tourists who have visited destinations and tasted or purchased local foods in the last three years. Regarding the perception of local foods, the study's findings show that factors like freshness, trust and transparency, preservatives free, and better nutrition are highly reported. Regarding the motivations to buy local foods, the study findings show that factors like supporting the local farmers, enhancing sustainable agriculture, increasing local revenue, and reducing carbon emissions were highly reported. The findings of this study will provide a holistic experience for the tourists that allows them to immerse themselves in the destination's food culture and support the local economy and community. By effectively developing and promoting the destination's local foods by highlighting and promoting the highly rated perception and motivational factors, the destination can attract more food enthusiasts and curious tourists seeking authentic food and cultural experiences.


Organisational Culture, as it shows crowd of researches, plays an important role in that adoption and exercise of effective leadership. The aim of present research is the investigation of forms of leadership that is adopted by the workers of the public and private hospitals in the region of Athens. At the same time the factors of organizational culture were investigated (competitiveness, social responsibility, supportiveness, innovation, emphasis on rewards, orientation in the output and stability) as well as the style of leadership (Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership, Laissez – faire) that prevail more in the hospitals of capital.
The relation of the two above variables (organizational culture and leadership) with social – demographic characteristics asking constituted an other field of research in the present research.
The sample for the the conduction of research is constituted by 105 workers in private and public hospitals of Athens, the questionnaires that were used were the Questionnaire of Organizational
Culture (Organisational Culture Profile – O.C.P.) of O'Reilly Chatman & Caldwell (1991) as well as the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire – M.L.Q. of Avolio and Bass (2004), while the statistical analysis conducted with the use of IBM SPSS 22 and Microsoft Excel 2010. The results of research confirmed that the basic inquiring affair that exists positive cross – correlation between the organizational culture and leadership.
Concretely it was realized that the sovereign style of leadership is Transformational leadership, which has statistically important positive relation with all the factors of organizational culture while the laisse faire leadership is almost no practiced by no means and does not have cross –
correlation with the factors of organizational culture. With regard to the Exchange form of leadership it was realized that the majority uses certain elements of this type (reward and energetic management) while it was observed statistically important relation with all the factors of organizational culture except the stability.
Finally the research is reported in certain restrictions with regard to the methodology that was followed and the mediocre sample as well as the organizational culture and leadership as intellectual buildings. Became in deed and certain proposals that prompt the conduct of future researches, as the conduction of research to bigger sample and in worldwide level.


A transilluminator marker is used for retinal detachment surgery. The light, conducted by a fiber optics bundle to the tip of the applicator, is brightly visible in the fundus even when the light of the indirect ophthalmoscope is at maximum illumination. The scleral mark at the selected spot is made by releasing a diathermy current of short duration, controlled by an electronic timer. The scleral mark, which affects only the external layers of this tissue, is visible as a small gray ring or a gray spot.


Author(s): Lin, Yen-Kai | Advisor(s): Hu, Chenming | Abstract: Compact model plays an important role in designing integrated circuits and serves as a bridge to share the information between foundries and circuit designers. Since various flavors of transistor architectures like FDSOIs and FinFETs are proposed to improve device performances, the accurate, fast, and robust compact models, which are capable of reproducing the very complicated transistor characteristics like transconductance, are urgently required. Novel device concept, such as tunnel FETs (TFETs) and negative capacitance FETs (NCFETs), needs new device modeling methodology and understanding of device physics. In addition to transistors, memory device like magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) compact model is also crucial for circuit designs. This dissertation presented the advanced research on compact models for the state-of-the art transistor and memory technologies: FDSOIs, FinFETs, TFETs, NCFETs, and MTJs.Due to the limitations in the aggressively scaled planar transistors, the devices with good electrostatic control are discussed and modeled into the industry standard model - BSIM-IMG for FDSOIs and BSIM-CMG for multi-gate FETs. Although the dynamic back-gate bias change help reduce the static power in FDSOIs, the leakages, overlap capacitance, and carrier transport are thus showing back-gate bias-dependence. The enhanced gate-related leakage, overlap capacitance, and mobility compact models are validated against the silicon data and incorporated into BSIM-IMG. The leakages through subsurface path and source-to-drain direct tunneling due to extremely short channel are also included in this work, which are in excellent agreement with the technology computer-aided design (TCAD) and atomistic simulations. The computationally efficiency of these models are the key solutions for evaluating the circuit performance of future technology nodes.Two paradigms of steep subthreshold slope transistors - TFETs and NCFETs as the promising candidates for future Internet of Things (IoT) and logic/analog applications are also presented in this thesis. TFET has a gated p-i-n diode structure, where the current relies on direct band-to-band tunneling in source/channel junction. Such tunneling mechanism breaks the tradition limitation of MOSFET turn-ON characteristics called the Boltzmann tyranny. The improvements in power consumption and delay of circuits are thus the emphasis and attention of device community, where the need of TFET compact model is fulfilled with the developed model in this work. NCFET is rapidly emerging as a preferred replacement for traditional MOSFET since the recent discovery of ferroelectric (FE) materials to amplify the voltage suggests that further scaling supply voltage is possible with the CMOS-compatible fabrication process of NCFET. The short channel effect, ferroelectric variability, and spacer optimization design are the focus in this thesis. The compact model of NCFET is improved to be more predictive for ferroelectric properties with verification against TCAD simulations. Monte-Carlo method is carried out in FE variability study, where the main finding is that the dielectric phase is critical but fortunately is theoretically possible to be absent. The spacer design reveals that further engineering the capacitance matching via parasitic capacitance is the key solution for future technology nodes.In addition to transistor compact models and physics, the memory device - spin-transfer-torque magnetic tunnel junction (STT-MTJ) is also presented. The resistances and critical currents are derived from the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation and modeled analytically. The RC sub-circuit is found to describe the dynamic switching behavior of MTJ due to the precession and thermal fluctuation. The proposed MTJ compact model has been validated with silicon data from the industry and is capable of simulating a memory circuit with previously mentioned BSIM models.


Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) are members of the Herpesviridae family. HSV infections have been known since ancient times and are one of the most common communicable diseases in humans. Although infections are often subclinical, HSV can cause mild to severe diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients. Herpes simplex viruses establish latency in the nuclei of neuronal cells and may reactivate, with or without symptoms, throughout the host's lifetime. Over one third of the world's population suffer from recurrent HSV infections several times a year and are thus capable of transmitting HSV by close personal contact. There are few drugs licensed for the treatment of HSV infections. Most target the viral DNA polymerase, and indeed acyclovir remains the reference treatment some thirty years after its discovery! Extensive clinical use of this drug has led to the emergence of resistant viral strains, mainly in immunocompromised patients. This highlights the crucial need for the development of new anti-herpes drugs that can inhibit infection by both wild-type viruses and drug-resistant strains. Over the last few years, significant efforts have been made to set up a range of strategies for the identification of potential new anti-viral drugs. One alternative is to develop drugs with different mechanisms of action. The present article reviews potential viral and cellular targets that are now known to be involved in HSV infection and for which specific inhibitors with anti-HSV activity, at least in cell culture, have been identified.


We read with interest the article by Hasan et al. (1) describing the prevalence of hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) as detected by the first-generation ELISA test in American patients with HCC. Among 59 patients with HCC who were HBsAg negative and had no evidence of known causes of liver damage, 20 (34%) were anti-HCV-positive. The authors suggested that a more sensitive second-generation test could detect hepatitis C antibodies in some more patients. This appears, in fact, to be the case, according to our recent findings. We have evaluated the profile of anti-HCV positivity by ELISA and RIBA in 40 consecutive cases of HCC (all linked to cirrhosis) using the firstand secondgeneration assays (Ortho Diagnostics Systems, Raritan NJ; and Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CAI. Using the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay, our patients were analyzed for reactivity with newly identified HCV epitopes, which are different from those (C-100; 5-1-1) used in first-generation assays and correspond to a structural nucleocapsid antigen (C22-3) and to a nonstructural antigen (C33-c). On the basis of the results obtained, patients could be classified in the following groups: (a) anti-HCV-negative cases (14 cases, 35%), without reactivity on firstor second-generation assay; (b) anti-HCV-positive but reactive only with C33c and C22-3 by RIBA (14 cases, 35%) (these cases were negative or only borderline positive on first-generation anti-HCV ELISA assay); and (c) anti-HCV-positive and


This study focuses on the impact of school building design factors on winter extra energy consumption which mainly includes space heating, water heating and other appliances related to winter indoor thermal conditions. A number of Auckland schools were randomly selected for the study which introduces a method of using real monthly energy consumption data for a year to calculate winter extra energy data of school buildings. The study seeks to identify the relationships between winter extra energy data related to school building design data related to the main architectural features, building envelope and elements of the sample schools. The relationships can be used to estimate the approximate saving in winter extra energy consumption which would result from a changed design datum for future school development, and identify any major energy-efficient design problems. The relationships are also valuable for developing passive design guides for school energy efficiency. Keywords—Building energy efficiency, Building thermal design, Building thermal performance, School building design.


The forcible protection of nationals abroad (a rescue mission) and humanitarian intervention (intervention of one state or a group of states in a territorial state where there is a threat or actual loss of life, forced migration or gross violation of human rights and which, at times, involves government replacement or nation building) are different doctrines which, in functional terms, overlap. Since 1945, the ius ad bellum (the rules of international law governing the legality of the use of force) are stated in Articles 2(4) and 51 of the UN Charter. Since the end of the Cold War in 1989, some states and an increasing number of scholars have attempted to discard the prohibition of the use of force and to create new exceptions such as preventive war, pro-democratic intervention and unilateral intervention. The objects of this article are: (i) to assess critically the attempt to drive a horse and a coach through the provisions of Articles 2(4) and 51 of the UN Charter; (ii) to show that a legal regime laid down by the UN Charter which is founded on a genuine ius contra bellum (law against war) remains unaffected; (iii) to show that the transmogrification of 'political sovereignty' to 'popular sovereignty' and the use of human rights as justifications for humanitarian intervention can be construed as a subterfuge; and (iv) to analyse the economic, political and strategic reasons for humanitarian intervention and to show how stretching international law to justify a 'right' is simply replaced by 'might'.


Air Force Contract No. AF 30(635)-2887
Project No. 5535 - Task 45774
Rome Air Development Center, Griffiss Air Force Base
Rome, New York


The importance of storing, transporting, and managing biospecimens for analysis and research has increased. Biospecimens, such as DNA and cells, have a volume of several micrometers or less for practical storage, management, and usage, and high space efficiency can be achieved if stored in an appropriate indexed container. However, although previous studies have highlighted the importance of small‐volume biospecimens, containers suitable for easily handling microscale samples and space‐saving storage are lacking. Here, easy‐to‐use and space‐saving biospecimen storage with ampoule‐like microvolume containers and transparent codes are introduced. The high‐durability epoxy‐based containers are suitable for storing and using microscale biospecimens, and protecting internal biospecimens from the external environment. To identify the biospecimens, microsized transparent QR codes on microparticles for indexing sample information and storage conditions are fabricated via optofluidic maskless lithography, enabling on‐demand fabrication. Both the microsized QR code and microvolume container are highly transparent, making the observation of even minimal volumes of internal material convenient. Similar to an ampoule, the microvolume container can be broken with a needle or blade to release the biospecimen. The storage efficiency of the container is verified by storing and releasing DNA, antibiotics, and cells. This container will save space for biospecimens in biobank systems.


Alakai Defense Systems has recently developed a man-portable ultraviolet Raman spectrometer system. The portable Raman improvised explosives detector was designed to provide rapid, standoff detection of chemicals of interest to the end user, including, but not limited to explosives, narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, and toxic industrial materials. In this paper, we discuss general aspects of the system design and user interface. Spectral and instrument performance data are shown for several common materials involved in narcotics manufacture, as well as cocaine and heroin, with comparisons to currently marketed handheld Raman instruments.


The present invention relates to hair treatment compositions containing selected amino acids and / or oligopeptides selected and a selected cationic keratin hydrolyzate. It is to further improve hair care products and give them more advantageous properties the need. Here, a care complex should be provided in particular that can be ideally used in conjunction with oxidizing agents and surfactant compositions.


Purpose
This study aims to explore the behavioral patterns of entrepreneurs, their cognitive styles and personality characteristics that can lead to a self-destructive chain of events during the transition from a fledgling business to one capable of long-term, profitable growth. This study adopts the self-regulation attitude theory to uncover the reasons for premature start-up scaling, which will help founders to study on their cognitive biases, emotions and behaviors and make efforts to do what does not come naturally to them.

Design/methodology/approach
The respondents for this qualitative study were selected from a group of entrepreneurs with extensive experience with technology start-ups that have either failed or succeeded during their development stages. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, who were selected through snowball sampling, on the theme of understanding "How do premature scaling mistakes happen?". Thematic analysis was used to unearth common themes.

Findings
The results of this study identified the following themes, "comparison," "emotional over-reaction," "impatience," "mistaken customer priorities," "overestimation" and "overconfidence," which eventually leads to premature scaling. The underlying decision-making heuristics of entrepreneurs can be identified as engulfed in different cognitive biases and emotions resulting in negative behavioral patterns, as in the case of premature scaling. Of the six themes, "comparison," "mistaken customer priorities," "overestimation" and "overconfidence relates to cognitive bias" and "emotional over-reaction" and "impatience" relate to emotional factors.

Research limitations/implications
The study was made possible with the support of the voluntary participants chosen by purposive and snowballing data sampling. The interviewee and interviewer biases could have also crept in as part of this qualitative approach. The study pertains only to start-ups in the information technology sector and further studies need to be done to generalize the results across industries as well.

Practical implications
This early-stage underestimation of unexpected obstacles in the entrepreneurship journey necessitates a focus on the entrepreneur too, as much as the concept. In these hectic and fast-paced circumstances, aspiring entrepreneurs must be taught how to deal objectively with themselves and others, as well as think strategically. Leaders who scale do so because they take purposeful measures to overcome their weaknesses through self-discipline, soliciting advice from others and using their right to change their attitude and points of view.

Originality/value
The study frames the new approach into the entrepreneurial literature, linking it to self-regulation attitude theory and adds to the nascent literature on neuroentrepreneurship which discuss entrepreneurial cognition, decision-making, and entrepreneurial behavior. This study attempted to explore the reasons behind the premature scaling of startups on an individual level. This study is pioneering in exploring the cognitive factors underlying an entrepreneur's decision that results in premature scaling. This study provides insights for academicians, entrepreneurs and policymakers and helps understand the cognitive journey that leads to premature scaling.


Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI, Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo) is a new blood flow imaging technique that employs a unique algorithm to minimise motion artefacts by eliminating signals based on analysis of tissue movement. SMI effectively separates flow signals from overlaying tissue motion artefacts preserving even the subtlest low flow components with unmatched detail and definition. Both blood flow and tissue motion (clutter) produce ultrasonic Doppler signals. The strong clutter signals overlap the low velocity blood flow components. Conventional Doppler imaging applies a wall filter to remove clutter and motion artefact, resulting in a loss of low velocity components. SMI analyses the characteristics of clutter motion and uses a new adaptive algorithm to identify and remove tissue motion and reveal the true blood flow. Therefore, compared to conventional blood flow imaging such as colour and power Doppler imaging, SMI significantly reduces motion artefacts and can visualise low-velocity blood flow in small vessels. We consider SMI is particularly valuable in the field of obstetrics, because the enlarged uterus of pregnant patients moves in response to the respiratory motion and aortic pulsation of the mother as well as the movements of the fetus. In the present report, the clinical value and future potential of SMI in obstetrics will demonstrate. We believe this technique is acceptable for obstetricians for the purpose of perinatal clinical assessments.


Objectives: Oral diseases are affecting a large percentage of children worldwide. This study with Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry collaboration was taken up with the aim to evaluate the oral health status and treatment needs in school-going children of the West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 10126 school children who were randomly selected from 32 schools in West Godavari district. To find the significance of the obtained number of cases for different age groups, Chi-square test of significance was used. Results: The prevalence of dental conditions are as follows: Dental caries 63.5%, periodontal diseases 13.6%, dental anomalies 3.6%, dental trauma 3.2%, and orthodontic treatment 25.1%. Among the different age groups, 11–14 years age group has the highest prevalence of oral health problems. Females were more affected with dental caries (P = 0.17), orthodontic treatment needs (P = 0.12), and dental anomalies (P = 0.86) compared to males which was statistically insignificant. The highest prevalence of dental conditions in the case of females was observed during the age of 11–14 years, and in males, the peak was seen in the 15–18 years age group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that school-going children in West Godavari district suffer from a high prevalence of dental conditions and have higher treatment needs.


Mitogen-activated protein kinase and Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt-mediated signaling pathways play a major role in controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their specific Thr/Tyr residues is critical in determining their activity. We determined the expression pattern and activity of MAP kinases and Akt in Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETs). The kinase activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was higher in both primary tumors and cell lines, as evident from the increased phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2. We did not observe the activation of C-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 MAPK The expression of Raf-1, a kinase acting upstream of ERK, was significantly increased in primary tumors compared to normal brain. The PI-3 kinase-activated phosphorylation of Akt was also higher in primary tumors. These results suggest that activation of the Raf-1/ERK module of the MAP kinase pathway play an important role in PNETs.


The effective treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) is currently limited, and care is primarily supportive. Sialic acid (SA) is main component of Sialyl Lewisx antigen on the mammalian cell surface, which participates in E-selectin binding. Therefore, dexamethasone(DXM)-loaded E-selectin-targeting sialic acid-polyethylene glycol-dexamethasone (SA-PEG-DXM/DXM) conjugate micelles are designed for ameliorating AKI. The conjugates are synthesized via the esterification reaction between PEG and SA or DXM, and can spontaneously form micelles in an aqueous solution with a 65.6 µg/mL critical micelle concentration. Free DXM is incorporated into the micelles with 6.28 ± 0.21% drug loading content. In vitro DXM release from SA-PEG-DXM/DXM micelles can be prolonged to 48h. Much more SA-PEG-DXM micelles can be internalized by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in comparison to PEG-DXM micelles due to specific interaction between SA and E-selectin expressed on HUVECs, and consequently more SA-PEG-DXM micelles are accumulated in the kidney of AKI murine model. Furthermore, SA in SA-PEG-DXM conjugates can significantly ameliorate LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via suppressing LPS-activated Beclin-1/Atg5-Atg12-mediated autophagy to attenuate toxicity. Compared with free DXM and PEG-DXM/DXM micelles, SA-PEG-DXM/DXM micelles show better therapeutical effects, as reflected by the improved renal function, histopathological changes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and expression of apoptotic related proteins.


The mechanisms by which triterpene cyclases transform olefins into complex and biologically important polycyclic products have fueled nearly half a century of intense research. Recent chemical and biological studies, together with previous findings, provide intriguing new insights into the enzymatic mechanism of triterpene formation and form a surprisingly detailed picture of these elegant catalysts. It can be concluded that the role of the oxidosqualene cyclases involves protection of the intermediate carbocation against addition of water or deprotonation by base, thereby allowing the shift of the hydride and methyl groups along a thermodynamically and kinetically favorable cascade. Key questions in the areas of structural biology, site-directed mutagenesis, and directed evolution are apparent, now that the first structure of a triterpene cyclase is known.


Region of Interest (ROI) extraction is a crucial step in an automatic finger vein recognition system. The aim of ROI extraction is to decide which part of the image is suitable for finger vein feature extraction. This paper proposes a finger vein ROI extraction method which is robust to finger displacement and rotation. First, we determine the middle line of the finger, which will be used to correct the image skew. Then, a sliding window is used to detect the phalangeal joints and further to ascertain the height of ROI. Last, for the corrective image with certain height, we will obtain the ROI by using the internal tangents of finger edges as the left and right boundary. The experimental results show that the proposed method can extract ROI more accurately and effectively compared with other methods, and thus improve the performance of finger vein identification system. Besides, to acquire the high quality finger vein image during the capture process, we propose eight criteria for finger vein capture from different aspects and these criteria should be helpful to some extent for finger vein capture.


The purpose of the study was to investigate underlining motivations for eating fruits by student trainees. The study sought to find out whether student-teachers eat fruits for its medical purpose, nutritional value or any other reason other than these, and to find out student-teachers' fruits eating pattern and mode. The design which underpins this study is the descriptive survey method A questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 respondents. Random sampling was used to select respondents. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data. It was noted that, a greater number of respondents eat fruit for health reasons. About the type and nature of fruit, people eat most, it was realized that, raw fruits and oranges are mostly eaten. Health factor determines the choice of most fruits. Based upon the findings, conclusion drawn was that, even though most respondents eat fruits for health and nutritional reasons, the difference between the number of these and those who eat fruit for other reasons were not large. It was recommended that much education must be done to improve upon the eating habit of fruits.


OBJECTIVE
To study the distribution patterns of stresses induced in bone tissue surrounding solely and splinted implants under dynamic loads.

METHODS
Three dimensional finite-element models were created of two 765 sections of the mandible with solely or splinted implants embedded in. Vertical and oblique dynamic loads were applied in a circle of mastication (0.875 s). The stress distribution was analyzed to study the biomechanical behavior of bone tissue surrounding solely or splinted implants.

RESULTS
As loading on the solely implant 5, the maximum von Mises value in the surrounding bone tissue under oblique loads at 0.300 s was 4.2 times as much as that under vertical loads at 0.150 s. Meanwhile, as coincidently loading on the splinted implants, the maximum von Mises value at 0.300 s was 1.2 times as much as that at 0.150 s. As loading on the solely implant 5, the maximum stress value was 48.393 MPa at 0.300 s. As separately loading on the splinted implant 5, the maximum stress value of the whole model was 9.541 MPa in the same loading course, and the maximum stress was located at the distal cervical of the indirectly loaded implant 7. When loading on the pontic, the stress in bone tissue surrounding implant 7 was more than that of implant 5.

CONCLUSIONS
Stress in the bone-interface of the splinted implants is evenly distributed at the cervical level, which may also reduce disadvantages from oblique loads.


Many readers know the tale of how William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin) calculated the age of the Earth from physical principles and adhered for over 50 years to an estimate that was far younger than geologists' estimates, despite the virtually unanimous opposition of the geological community of the time. The prevalent version of this tale alleges that the discovery of radioactivity simultaneously provided the demonstration (through radiometric dating) that Kelvin had greatly underestimated the age of the Earth and the explanation of why he was wrong (radioactivity being a source of heat that invalidated Kelvin's calculation). We show this popular story to be incorrect; introducing the known distribution of radioactivity into Kelvin's calculation does not invalidate its conclusion. In 1895, before the discovery of radioactivity, John Perry showed that convection in the Earth's interior would invalidate Kelvin's estimate for the age of the Earth, but Perry's analysis was neglected or forgotten, with the consequence that a powerful argument in favor of mobilism was overlooked during the first few decades of debate about continental drift.


tors are modified and regulated by cerebellar connections.12 In Wallenberg's syndrome, both 1800 visual inversions, and associated 90° inversions,1 and less dramatic defective perceptions of the vertical axes occur.' 13-15 A number of observations suggest that these two pathological processes may be nosologically distinct. One astute patient noted that, during a transient episode of visual inversion, his appendicular movements and general body habitus appeared normal, as if superimposed on an inverted landscape. This suggests a differential interface between the pathological substrate mediating complete visual inversion and neural mechanisms which govern the elaboration of egocentric, allocentric and extrapersonal space. This work was supported by TeacherInvestigator Development Award (NS00856) from the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, U.S.A. I am grateful to Ms. Carmela Fucci and Ms. Donna Platyan for their for skill and intelligence in the preparation of this communication.


Effect of increasing the level of alpha cellulose flour in the diet from a 5% to a 20 or 25% level by dry weight on the elimination of endogenous and dietary cholesterol was studied in 6 dogs and 10 rats. The dogs were fed their meal by stomach tube once a day; the rats ate their isocaloric rations voluntarily and completely. It was found that in the dog, elimination of endogenous as well as total (endogenous + dietary) cholesterol was significantly increased by the high level of cellulose, but the calculated absorption of dietary cholesterol was not reduced significantly. In the rats, the increase in cellulose content did not alter the elimination of either endogenous or dietary cholesterol. The high level of cellulose was slightly laxative in the dogs, but not in the rats. When laxation occurs, the possibility that the absorption of endogenous as well as of dietary cholesterol will be decreased should be considered.


The paper provides the historical and sociological analysis of the term "corporation": its origin and the main traditions of its use are in the focus (the tradition which stems from Durkheim and "economics" tradition in Europe and Japan). The author makes an attempt to produce empirical study of corporate solidarity in the context of modern Russia (case study of a plan in Nijniy Novgorod). It was shown that the current Russian corporation combines these two traditions inside. Individuals imagine the corporation as integral overindividual and referent group, the members of which they are at the same time.


The incidence of obesity, with associated obstructive sleep apnoea, has been steadily increasing in the UK over recent years [1, 2]. Regional techniques are often preferred in order to avoid general anaesthesia and its associated morbidity and mortality in this patient population [3]. During long procedures under regional anaesthesia it is our experience that patients often become uncomfortable and intolerant without sedation. The morbidly obese population, however, is often denied sedation for fear of airway obstruction, leading to hypoxia. We propose that patients who are treated with CPAP for obstructive sleep apnoea use their device during procedures requiring sedation. At the University of Michigan (in one of America's 'fattest' states) [4], patients who have obstructive sleep apnoea are routinely asked to bring their CPAP machines to hospital when they attend for elective procedures, to prevent nocturnal hypoxia in the postoperative period. We have found that sedation can be used safely in this population by asking the patient to apply their own CPAP device at the start of the case. Our technique has been to sedate cautiously using midazolam (1–2 mg) or propofol (10– 30 lg.kg.min). Supplemental oxygen is applied either directly via the CPAP circuit (when the design allows) or via nasal cannulae under the mask. This latter approach is well tolerated and does not seem to interfere with the performance of the CPAP system. Similar patients in the UK should be encouraged to bring their CPAP machines with them for both intraand postoperative use.


Introduction: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nails caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or non-dermatophyte moulds and represents about 30% of mycotic cutaneous infections. Onychomycosis manifests itself in various forms, notably onychodystrophy, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, or nail-plate discoloration. The objective of this study was isolation and speciation of various fungi by culture and to determine its prevalence.
Materials and Method: The study was conducted from Jan 2014 - June 2016 at a tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. Nail-clipping and subungual debris of clinically suspected patients were subjected to Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation. Culture was done on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) media. Species identification was done by colony character, pigment production, Lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining, some special tests like germ tube test, inoculation into chrome agar in case of Candida and slide culture wherever necessary.
Result: Out of 400 cases, the KOH preparation was positive for fungal elements in 288 (72%) cases and culture grew fungi in 268 (67%) cases. Among those 268 cases, the infective fungal agents were predominantly dermatophytes (59.7%) and the rest were due to moulds (22.38%) and yeasts (17.91%). Among the different species, Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum-37.5%) accounted for the majority of dermatophytes, Fusarium (60%) was the commonest mould and Candida albicans (37.5%) the predominant yeast.
Conclusion: Direct microscopy and culture are extremely important in the diagnosis of onychomycosis and dermatophytes are the most common etiological agent in our region.

Keywords: Dermatophytes, KOH, LPCB, Onychomycosis


Background In various biological processes and cell functions, Post Translational Modifications (PTMs) bear critical significance. Hydroxylation of proline residue is one kind of PTM, which occurs following protein synthesis. The experimental determination of hydroxyproline sites in an uncharacterized protein sequence requires extensive, time-consuming and expensive tests. Methods With the torrential slide of protein sequences produced in the post-genomic age, certain remarkable computational strategies are desired to overwhelm the issue. Keeping in view the composition and sequence order effect within polypeptide chains, an innovative in-silico> predictor via a mathematical model is proposed. Results Later, it was stringently verified using self-consistency, cross-validation and jackknife tests on benchmark datasets. It was established after a rigorous jackknife test that the new predictor values are superior to the values predicted by previous methodologies. Conclusion This new mathematical technique is the most appropriate and encouraging as compared with the existing models.


Deformational control of structures has its greatest exponent in large dams monitoring, which, depending on their structural typology, can be subjected to movements generally based on both the pressure that they support and the temperature. The designer usually calculates the theoretical displacements that the dam will suffer considering the hydrostatic thrust and the temperature, but it is also true that these displacements are theoretical and they do not often fit to the real movements, due to the uncertainties that arise during the construction of any dam and make the final structure have changes which can be more or less significant with respect to the originally projected one. However, it is worth mentioning that they are usually lower than those theoretically calculated. The present research work focuses on a potential correlation and the subsequent determination of an empirical model that allows calculating the deformation by means of a polynomial fit, working on the basis of temperature observations held over 14 years. This empirical model is contrasted and validated with the observations taken during the following year, and although it is only valid for the dam where the test has been made ("La Cohilla" Dam), the methodology is suitable for any other structure. Keywords— Auscultation, geometric control, pendulum, hydrostatic thrust, temperature.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of capsaicin on the secretion of the transferred gland in "latent period".

METHODS
Forty-two patients (45 sides of eye), who received the microvascular autologous submandibular gland transfer in our hospital, were treated with two different types of capsaicin stimulations. The secretion function of the transferred glands was evaluated by Schirmer's test. The effect of capsaicin and its time-variation regularity were observed. In the meantime, the results of capsaicin were compared with some other stimulation methods, such as acid, chewing and physiotherapy with infrared rays.

RESULTS
The capsaicin gargle, capsaicin cream and physiotherapy could all promote the secretion of the transferred gland, while the effects of the capsaicin stimulation were more obvious. The other two stimulations (acid and chewing) had no effect on the secretion of the transferred gland.

CONCLUSIONS
The capsaicin stimulation can be taken as one of the effective means to promote the secretion of the transferred glands in "latent period" and to prevent the obstruction of the ducts. Because of its convenience and blandness, the capsaicin cream is the first choice of the clinical application options for the transferred submandibular gland in "latent period".


A method is described to approximately determine the potential in the channel of a graphene device as a function of the voltages applied to the gates, once the profile at a reference bias point is known. This technique, which avoids the self-consistent solution of the electrostatic and transport equations, is adopted to perform a simplified but fast simulation of some interesting graphene structures.


The safety of hydrogen generation facilities is the main concern in their process operation. This study was conducted to identify the hazards and evaluate the risks of a hydrogen generation plant. For this purpose, PrHA (Process Hazard Analysis) was applied for hazard identification while LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) was used for risk assessment. The study was conducted in the hydrogen production unit of Behshahr Industrial Complex, Iran in 2011 and 2012. In the process of risk assessment, the records of the accidents and plant flow diagrams were studied. Then, the knowledge of the experts and operators were used through brainstorming prior to the application of LOPA technique. LOPA standard template was applied using PHA-Pro6 software. The initiating events, consequences, independent protection layers and probability of failure were determined for 16 scenarios in 7 nodes. The results showed that without the application of IPLs, the risks of 2 scenarios needed immediate action, 9 scenarios required action at next opportunity and 5 scenarios were operational. The application of IPLs would significantly decrease the risks. The study concluded that LOPA has sufficient credibility for semi quantitative risk assessment of high potentially hazardous plants. The safety of hydrog en generation facilities is the main concern in their process operation. This study was conducted to identify the hazards and evaluate the risks of a hydrogen generation plant. For this purpose, PrHA (Process Hazard Analysis) was applied for hazard identification while LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) was used for risk assessment. The study was conducted in the hydrogen production unit of Behshahr Industrial Complex, Iran in 2011 and 2012. In the process of risk assessment, the records of the accidents and plant flow diagrams were studied. Then, the knowledge of the experts and operators were used through brainstorming prior to the application of LOPA technique. LOPA standard template was applied using PHA-Pro6 software. The initiating events, consequences, independent protection layers and probability of failure were determined for 16 scenarios in 7 nodes. The results showed that without the application of IPLs, the risks of 2 scenarios needed immediate action, 9 scenarios required action at next opportunity and 5 scenarios were operational. The application of IPLs would significantly decrease the risks. The study concluded that LOPA has sufficient credibility for semi quantitative risk assessment of high potentially hazardous plants.


Cryogenic Gamma-ray spectrometers operating at temperatures of ∼0.1 K provide an order of magnitude better energy resolution than conventional germanium detectors. Ultra-high energy resolution improves the accuracy of non-destructive analysis of nuclear materials, since a better separation of lines reduces statistical errors as well as systematic errors from background subtraction and efficiency correction. We are developing cryogenic Gamma-spectrometers based on bulk tin absorbers and superconducting molybdenum-copper sensors for nuclear forensics and non-proliferation applications. Here we quantify the improvements in accuracy for isotope analysis with cryogenic detectors in terms of detector performance for different cases of line separation, line intensity ratios and background levels. Precise measurements of isotope ratios are crucial in the context of nuclear attribution, since they provide signatures of composition, age, origin, intended purpose and processing history of illicit nuclear materials. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


Non-rare earth impurity doped Sr2CeO4:X (X = Zn, Hg, Al, Ag, Cr) phosphors are prepared by using the combustion method. The structural and photoluminescent properties of the as-prepared phosphors are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence at room temperature. Experimental results show that zinc addition and firing processing can effectively enhance the photoluminescence of Sr2CeO4 phosphors.


The regulation of biosynthesis of the adrenal C19 steroids (the so-called adrenal androgens) remains unclear. Understanding adrenal production of C19 steroids is important when the benefits of these steroids are considered on processes and diseases associated with aging. In vitro studies defining the mechanisms that regulate the production of human adrenal C19 steroids have been limited because of the difficulties in obtaining adrenal tissue. A cell line that retains differentiated adrenal functions would greatly facilitate research in this area. Herein, we describe the use of the human adrenocortical tumor H295 cell line as a model to evaluate mechanisms controlling C19 and C21 steroid production. The cells were characterized with regard to ACTH, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) responsiveness, as measured by increased cAMP production, synthesis of steroids, and induction of 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17). Forskolin and dbcAMP, which were more effective than ACTH, enhanced the production of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione over a 48-h treatment period. Comparison of the relative amounts of measured steroid secreted under forskolin treatment indicated that the primary product was cortisol (70%), followed by androstenedione (14%), DHEA (9%), and DHEAS (7%). Cortisol was also demonstrated to be the major steroid product by examination of UV-detectable steroids after high performance liquid chromatographic separation. The increases in steroid production caused by ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A key enzyme in the production of C19 steroids is P450c17. ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP increased the activity of 17 alpha-hydroxylase by approximately 2.5-, 10-, and 10-fold, respectively. These effects on enzyme activity occurred in a concentration-dependent manner and coincided with increased levels of P450c17 mRNA. In summary, H295 cells should provide a much-needed model to study mechanisms controlling the secretion of glucocorticoids and C19 steroids, because steroid production in these cells is hormonally controlled and associated with the induction of P450c17.


This paper describes the fuzzy logic based robust pole-placement controller for the buck converter working in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). The converter operates at a switching frequency of 500 KHz. Pole-placement controller does not show good robustness to the load variations and the change in supply and reference voltages. In order to improve the static and dynamic properties, pole-placement controller supported by decomposed PID fuzzy algorithm is investigated. The performance of both the controllers, pole-placement and optimal pole-placement, is compared and conclusions are drawn. It will be shown that optimal control shows better dynamic performance. MATLAB/SIMULINK based simulation results validate the design.


Supersonic jet expansion cools a sample molecule to several kelvin, and it provides a sharp spectrum. Thus this spectrometric technique is useful for identification of the molecule. However. additional selectivity is necessary since further information is sometimes requested for assignment of chemical species. We develop hyphenated techniques based on chromatography/supersonic jet spectrometry, supersonic jet spectrometry/synchronous scan luminescence spectrometry, and supersonic jet fluorescence/multiphoton ionization spectrometries.


Background and objectives Although regional analgesia is considered an important component of optimal pain management, use of peripheral nerve blocks for total hip arthroplasty remains controversial. Since the obturator nerve innervates the anteromedial part of the joint capsule, we hypothesized that an obturator nerve block would decrease the opioid consumption after total hip arthroplasty. Methods In this single center, prospective, triple blinded study, we randomly allocated 60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under opioid-sparing total intravenous general anesthesia to a preoperative obturator nerve block or a sham block (placebo group) using 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.2% or saline, respectively. All patients received a multimodal analgesic regimen with non-opioid analgesics including periarticular local infiltration analgesia. The primary outcome was the intravenous opioid consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit. Results Median (IQR) intravenous oxycodone consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit was 4 (2, 7.5) mg in the obturator nerve block group and 3 (0, 4) mg in the placebo group (p=0.05). There were no differences in pain scores between groups in the first 24 hours except at arrival on the surgical ward with significant higher pain scores in the placebo group (p=0.03). The ability to stand up and walk within 24 hours was comparable between groups as was the time to first walk (180 (90, 720) vs 240 (120, 780) min for the obturator nerve block and placebo groups, respectively; p=0.62). Conclusions Obturator nerve block did not improve postoperative opioid consumption after total hip arthroplasty performed under general anesthesia with a multimodal analgesic regimen. Trial registration number NCT04085640.


Purpose The common definition of asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) by a single determination of the ankle brachial index (ABI) has some uncertainty due to measurement errors. This may impact estimates of PAD incidence and assessment of PAD risk factors. To investigate this issue, we used three methods to define asymptomatic PAD and made use of data from the German Epidemiological Trial on Ankle Brachial Index (getABI). Patients and Methods A total of 6,880 unselected subjects aged ≥65 years, enrolled by 344 trained general practitioners, had ABI assessments at baseline and four visits during follow-up. The first approach defined asymptomatic PAD onset as soon as a single ABI value was below 0.9 (single ABI). The second approach employed a regression method using all available ABI values (regression A), while for the third approach (regression B), an extended regression beyond the last valid ABI value for the observation time of the study was allowed. For each approach, we calculated PAD incidence rates and assessed the effect of important PAD predictors using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results The regression method A showed the lowest (25.0 events per 1,000 person years) and the single ABI method the highest incidence rate (41.2). The regression methods assigned greater impact to several risk factors of incident PAD. Using regression A, the hazard ratios (HR) of active smoking (2.36; 95% CI 1.92 to 2.90) and of diabetes (1.33; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.56), using regression B the HR of older age (1.72; 95% CI 1.50 to 1.97) were about twice as high as the corresponding HR of the single ABI approach. Conclusion Use of the single ABI method leads to higher PAD incidence rates and to lower impact of important PAD predictors compared to regression methods. For an alert risk factor management, multiple ABI determination may be useful.


It has been shown recently that the generation of an abnormal transmembrane form of the prion protein ((Ctm)PrP) is involved in the neurodegeneration process during inherited and infectious prion diseases but a causative relationship has never been established. We wanted to know if and how the proposed transmembrane domain of PrP could induce neuronal dysfunction. Thus, we investigated the neurotoxic properties of two peptides whose sequences are encompassed within this domain. We show that PrP peptides 118-135 and 105-132 as well as an amidated more soluble peptide 105-132 induce the death of pure cortical neurons originating from normal and PrP knockout mice. This can be correlated with the high propensity of these peptides to insert stably into and to destabilize cell membranes. Through this study, we have identified a novel mechanism of neurotoxicity for PrP, which directly involves membrane perturbation; this mechanism is independent of fibril formation and probably corresponds to the effect of the transmembrane insertion of (Ctm)PrP.


Abstract HFC-134 is the main impurity of HFA-134a. In order to verify the rationality of HFC-134 limits in HFA-134a and ensure the safety of HFA-134a as propellant in pharmaceutical metered-dose inhalers, acute inhalation toxicity, seven-day repeat dose inhalation irritation study, 21-day repeat dose inhalation toxicity study and reverse mutation assay of HFC-134 were tested to evaluate its inhalation safety. In acute inhalation studies, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed nose-only to HFC-134 at levels of 100 000, 200 000, 400 000, 600 000, and 800 000 ppm for 4 h. Based on the mortality incidence, the calculated four-hour LC50 value for HFC-134 is 532 069 ppm for males and 502 058 ppm for females and acute inhalation toxicity is manifested as the lung lobes turn dark red. Exposures to 836 ± 67 ppm for 4 hours/day 7 days/week continuously did not induce local irritation of the respiratory system in Sprague-Dawley rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed nose-only to HFC-134 at levels of 0 (control), 203 929 ppm and 394 871 ppm 2 h/day for 21 consecutive days, no significant treatment-related adverse effects was noted. Results from Ames studies demonstrated that HFC-134 was not mutagenic. Although HFC-134 has a very low acute inhalation toxicity, considering that its acute inhalation toxicity is higher than that of HFA-134a, and due to the high frequency of use of MDI by asthma patients, acceptance criteria of HFC-134 as the impurity in aerosol propellant HFA-134a should be lower than 8-h TWA WEEL value of 1000 ppm to ensure the safety of the MDI.


The study deals with a development of an electric power chuck system for CNC lathe. Today, almost power chuck system for CNC lathes are used with hydraulic system included with hydraulic fluid which causes the environment pollution. Besides, not only the hydraulic pump always wastes energy, but also its heat transfer causes thermal deformation and deteriorates machining accuracy. In the study, in order to remove the hydraulic pump system from CNC lathe, the electric power chuck system which is able to adopt to the general CNC lathe and to have enough capability as general hydraulic power chuck system are developed. The electric power chuck system adopt to alternate general hydraulic pump system. From the experimental result, the developed electric power chuck system is found to have enough abilities. In addition, the electric power chuck system aims to improve machining accuracy by intercepting heat transfer and environmental pollution as well as removing the hydraulic system from machine tools.


Serous cystadenofibromas are uncommon benign ovarian lesions, consisting of both fibrous and epithelial components, that are usually cystic but may contain solid or papillary architecture that can be confused with a malignancy on imaging. Papillary architecture seen on frozen section may also falsely steer the pathologist in the direction of a diagnosis of a borderline serous tumor. Overcalling the lesion may lead to more aggressive surgery than necessary, so extensive tissue sampling and consideration of this entity is important in possibly avoiding this mistake.


In this paper is presented the simulation of the behavior in load frequency control for a power thermal generator interconnected with an infinite bus bars, generated by the frequency variations, caused by imbalances of production consumption balance. By using the MATLAB_SIMULINK in order to follow the time evolution of the angular speed / frequency and how to mobilize the primary control reserve a thermal generator of 330 MW by simulating the frequency variation in the infinite bus bars.


In this study, the indigenously developed chilli hybrids were assessed for finding the genetic differences, heritability, genetic advance and meaningful establishment of correlation of the yield with other traits of economic importance. One of the indigenously developed hybrids i.e.; Hyb.5 (1.44 kg/plant) gave significantly high green fruit yield than the commercial hybrid (222-Hyb) with 1.34 kg/plant. However, the parental line (NARC-16/9) and Hyb.4 were found at par not only to each other but also with the commercial hybrid. The small difference (0.2 to 1.5%) between the phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) values indicated the less involvement of the environmental factors in the character expression. Selection for improvement can be made for these traits by adopting proper selection procedures. High heritability (˃ 60%) with high genetic advance (˃ 30%) was recorded for the traits like number of primary branches, number of secondary branches and green fruit yield per plant except for plant height which indicated the prediction of valid results by the involvement of the additive gene action. The indigenous hybrid development can be followed up as most of the economically important traits are governed additively. The correlation of green fruit yield per plant was positively associated to all characters (r = 0.64 to 0.90) except for plant height (r = 0.11). High heritability in conjunction with high genetic advance values for green fruit yield per plant (99% and 45.45%), number of secondary branches (94% and 37.50%) and number of days to first blossoming (98% and 32.59%) indicated least influence of environment on these traits so the improvement could be made through selection


A high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed to separate isozymes of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. The method employs a polymer-based anion exchange column eluted with a sodium chloride gradient. Compared to traditional chromatography over DEAE-cellulose, the method is more rapid (30 min), dilutes the sample less, achieves better resolution of kinetically distinct forms, may be applied to as little as 200 micrograms of tissue protein and is appropriate for analytical use.


The ternary compound , which has the monoclinic structure, has ben successfully prepared from a starting composition of by annealing at for 3 d. The Gd:Fe:Ti ratio for 3:29, determined by energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), is 9.1:85.7:5.2. Thermo-gravimetric analysis gives a magnetic ordering temperature of 524(3) K for . The lattice parameters, determined by refinement of powder x-ray diffraction data, are a = 10.6409(16) Å, b = 8.5658(9) Å, c = 9.7375(15) Å and . Mössbauer measurements on yield an average hyperfine field of 24.4(2) T at 293 K, which corresponds to an average Fe magnetic moment of about .


Video Segmentation decomposes image frames into background and foreground. In this paper, a combination of simplified mean-shift filter and K-Means clustering are used in modeling the background. The most common models used for background estimation are mixture of Gaussian (MOG), Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), etc. Comparison of the proposed approach with some of the aforementioned models have been made and it was observed that a relatively simple model using a simplified mean-shift computation and K-Means clustering can produce results that are comparable to those obtained by other methods. The proposed approach was tested on video data obtained from Wallflower test images from its source website. The results are encouraging and show the validity of this approach for background modeling.


This article analyzes how investments in transportation infrastructure made by the PROACESSO program affected employment and wages of the municipalities of Minas Gerais, using data on employment and earnings from 2000 to 2010. For this, we use a differences-in-differences strategy that explores variations in the time that the municipalities received investments of the program. First, we discussed how investments in transportation infrastructure can have adverse effects on the peripheral regions. Next, we analyzed the program´s impact on local employment and wages. The results indicate that the greater accessibility favored industries that sell to other locations (industry) and buy inputs produced elsewhere (trade and industry) but hurt the service sector which suffers from increased competition of more diversified and competitive services produced in central locations.


Allocation problem is one of the most important problems faced by an electric energy supplier under new market environment. In this paper, dual markets allocation for price-taker generator is modeled and researched while considering price risk and optimizing its profit. The method and solution of optimal dual allocation for the price-taker generator is given out. The numerical simulation for market allocation is shown and suggestion for generator to select risk factor is given out based on simulation.


Hyperlipidaemia is common after renal transplantation, and because of its association with atherosclerosis, interest has increased in the use of lipid-lowering drugs in transplant patients. Dietary approaches have not been consistently successful, and multiple pharmacotherapy and drug interactions have led to difficulties in establishing lipid-lowering drug regimes. The statins reduce plasma cholesterol by inhibiting the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, and although some side-effects have been reported in their use after transplantation, the efficacy and safety of low doses has not been formally established. A randomized single-blind placebo crossover study designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of simvastatin in a single daily 5-mg evening dose was therefore conducted in 26 stable renal transplant patients, 14 of whom were receiving cyclosporin A. The results demonstrated no difference between total cholesterol levels in the baseline simvastatin and placebo periods: 7.97 +/- 1.2 and 7.59 +/- 1.5 mmol/l respectively. After 8 weeks of simvastatin, the total cholesterol declined significantly to 6.72 +/- 0.87 mmol/l (P < 0.001). A significant difference was found when the placebo and simvastatin cholesterol levels were compared at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.01). LDL cholesterol decreased from 4.74 +/- 0.87 to 3.78 +/- 0.78 mmol/l after 8 weeks on simvastatin (P < 0.001), and apo B fell from 142 +/- 31 to 112 +/- 22 mg/dl (P < 0.001). The difference in LDL cholesterol and apo B after 8 weeks of simvastatin when compared with the corresponding values on placebo was also significant (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


In this paper, we present our submission to Shared Metrics Task: RoBLEURT (Robustly Optimizing the training of BLEURT). After investigating the recent advances of trainable metrics, we conclude several aspects of vital importance to obtain a well-performed metric model by: 1) jointly leveraging the advantages of source-included model and reference-only model, 2) continuously pre-training the model with massive synthetic data pairs, and 3) fine-tuning the model with data denoising strategy. Experimental results show that our model reaching state-of-the-art correlations with the WMT2020 human annotations upon 8 out of 10 to-English language pairs.


We report that the lowest energy transverse-optic phonon in metallic SnTe softens to near zero energy at the structural transition at ${T}_{C}=75\phantom{\rule{4.pt}{0ex}}\text{K}$ and importantly show that the energy of this mode below ${T}_{C}$ increases as the temperature decreases. Since the mode is a polar displacement this proves unambiguously that SnTe undergoes a ferroelectric displacement below ${T}_{C}$. Concentration gradients and imperfect stoichiometry in large crystals may explain why this was not seen in previous inelastic neutron scattering studies. Despite SnTe being metallic we find that the ferroelectric transition is similar to that in ferroelectric insulators, unmodified by the presence of conduction electrons: we find that (i) the damping of the polar mode is dominated by coupling to acoustic phonons rather than electron-phonon coupling, (ii) the transition is almost an ideal continuous transition, and (iii) comparison with density functional calculations identifies the importance of dipolar-dipolar screening for understanding this behavior.


Twenty-nine patients (of both sexes aged between 8 and 18 years old) were referred to our attention with a probable history of celiac disease; intestinal biopsy was positive for the said pathology. Biopsies were compared to a second group of 29 age- and sex-matched control subjects not suffering from gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders of the phosphocalcium metabolism. The aim of the study was to highlight the possible presence, frequency and extent of oral alterations in confirmed celiac subjects in order to evaluate their greater or lesser incidence compared to controls. The results obtained confirm that celiac patients are more likely to manifest oral pathologies.


Research in the area of Autonomic Networks is on the rise. Autonomicity-realized through control loops, is an enabler for advanced self-manageability of network nodes and devices. Therefore, the specification and design of autonomic behaviors is required for each of the management functions defined by the well established FCAPS network management framework (Fault-, Configuration-, Accounting-, Performance- and Security-Management). In the context of Autonomic Fault-Management, mechanisms and algorithms are required that enable efficient and scalable interactions among the Fault-Management processes defined by the TMN (Telecommunications Management Network) standard. TMN defines Fault-Detection, Fault-Isolation, and Fault-Removal as the processes involved in Fault-Management. Therefore, in Autonomic Networks, some capabilities of Fault-Isolation must be in-built into a node and into the whole fundamental network architecture (apart from those aspects handled in the management plane), and its results must be fed into the embedded automatic Fault-Removal mechanisms. This imposes some scalability requirements on the employed algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel scalable Markov Chain based algorithm for on-line Fault-Isolation. Furthermore, we analyze its computational and space complexity and evaluate its fault identification capabilities, as well as scaling properties on potential issues within an IPv6 network.


The article explores the cognitive, linguistic and pragmatic potential of Spanish political slogans as an integral part of political communication. The relevance of the investigation, carried out as part of a comprehensive methodology combining discursive, pragmalinguistic and content analysis, is determined by the need for a profound study of discursive mechanisms of influence on public consciousness and behavior, as well as ways to recognize and resist manipulative tactics. Slogans represent a variety of discursive texts and operate in the communicative-pragmatic contexts of "Protests" and "Elections". Their illocutionary characterization is determined by the discursive situation: for protest slogans, demand dominates as the main speech act, while for electoral slogans, the main task is the desire to attract voters, to force them to vote for a particular candidate or party. Due to the linguistic, pragmatic and structural features, slogans influence the conceptual picture of the world of the electorate and serve as a mechanism for controlling public opinion and behavior. The addresser creates a slogan with regard to its perception by a recipient. Metaphors and other language techniques serve as linguistic means to create a desired perception vector and behavior algorithm, as well as cognitively integrate images and symbols, which often become precedents for the national language community.


In the first part of this thesis, mathematical models describing solvent and drug diffusion in glassy polymers are investigated using both numerical and approximate methods. These models are analysed using formal asymptotic expansions based on small and large-times as well as extreme parameter values. Boundary immobilisation methods are employed to transform the moving boundary problems onto a fixed domain, where if necessary, a suitable start-up condition for the numerical scheme is derived. The models are then extended with the inclusion of advection, which is induced by the significant volume changes in the polymers as they swell, and nonlinear diffusion. In part two of this thesis, mathematical models describing two different pharmaceutical problems are derived. In Chapter 5, a model describing the pulsatile release of a drug from a thermoresponsive polymer is described. This model is investigated from both a numerical and analytic perspective and is shown to have an exact solution under a particular regime. Lastly, Chapter 6 is concerned with the derivation of a model to describe the controlled release of a chemical during the cleaning of contact lenses. Numerical and approximate solutions are described, along with a detailed experimental investigation and model validation.


The non-perturbative autonomous renormalization of the scalar $\Phi^4$-model is applied in the framework of stochastic quantization. I show that this requires a selective, momentum-dependent renormalization of the Onsager coefficient $\lambda$, a direct consequence of the characteristic wavefunction renormalization applied. As a result, I obtain a Langevin equation for the renormalized constant mode of the field, which is solved numerically. It is demonstrated for temperature zero that, starting from specified initial conditions, the system relaxes to its equilibrium state, the symmetry-breaking vacuum of the ``static'' $\Phi^4$-theory.


A 19-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department 7 hours after a suicide attempt with an intra-abdominal injection of self-prepared ricin solution. In the following 6 days, she has developed multiorgan-failure, and despite all intensive care interventions-including plasma exchange, high-frequency ventilation, and continuous renal replacement -therapy-she passed away. We describe in detail the chain of events and discuss shortly the known literature about this rare poisoning.


The use of the Stanford Mark III electron accelerator presents special difficulties for channeling experiments due to its low-duty factor pulses. To compensate for the low-duty cycle of the channeled electron beam, the author utilized the high average current generated by the accelerator and analyzed the X-ray output using a turnable X-ray monochromator and a semiconductor detector operating in the current mode, rather than in the normal pulse mode. Cooling of the specimen was achieved by using a copper cooling rod to remove the dissipation of 10 W into a liquid nitrogen heat sink. The nonlinear efficiency of the monochromator over its full range of 5-30 keV was compensated by controlling the scanning rotation speed using a minicomputer-controlled stepping motor. >


Pipelines are valuable and essential components in oil and gas industry as means of transport. However, as corrosion attack cannot be avoided there is a high risk to have accidents due to the operating conditions. Wall thinning mainly caused as a result of corrosion can provoke fatal disasters, especially for gas pipes where the corrosion effects are superimposed by high-cycle fatigue loading due to the cyclic pumping of the compressor stations. For this reason in pipeline inspection it is not enough to know where defective areas are located, the defects should be sized as accurate as possible in order to evaluate the risk for failure by fracture mechanical approaches. Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) is a widely used technique by intelligent pigs (Pipeline Inspection Gauges). However, the accuracy of defect sizing is still questionable and needs optimization. Furthermore, a limited knowledge about the amount of operating parameters, i.e. mainly the inner pressure and its changes, temperature variations and the use of an inaccurate analytical model for sizing influence the risk for failure and do not allow the MFL technique to be more effective. In order to reconstruct the shape and dimensions of corrosion defects from MFL signals, it is helpful to use a 2D approximation to save expensive computational costs of simulation in 3D. In the here proposed work we demonstrate that 2D simulation can be accurate enough to interpret MFL signals obtained from corrosion defects and subsequently allow the defect reconstruction. The selection of an ideal mesh resolution and the boundary conditions are two essential parameters to guarantee accurate numerical results. MFL signals are simulated in 3Dand 2D-approximations in a steel plate with three different half-spherical artificial defects. Simulation results are discussed and compared with experimental results.


In this paper, we present an error-trellis construction for tailbiting convolutional codes. A tailbiting error-trellis is characterized by the condition that the syndrome former starts and ends in the same state. We clarify the correspondence between code subtrellises in the tailbiting code-trellis and error subtrellises in the tailbiting error-trellis. Also, we present a construction of tailbiting backward error-trellises. Moreover, we obtain the scalar parity-check matrix for a tailbiting convolutional code. The proposed construction is based on the adjoint-obvious realization of a syndrome former and its behavior is fully used in the discussion.


A solution to a given equation is structurally stable if it suffers only an infinitesimal change when the equation (not the solution) is perturbed infinitesimally. We have found that structural stability can be used as a velocity selection principle for propagating fronts. We give examples, using numerical and renormalization group methods.


Introduction: The Amazonas is the largest state of Brazil, being located in the northwestern of the country. Nevertheless, the Amazonas is not so populous; its population corresponds only to 1.9% (4,063,614 habitants) from the population of Brazil. On the other hand, the state is famous for its rich flora and fauna including venomous animals such as snakes, spiders and scorpions. Therefore, epidemiological studies of venomous animal accidents in the region becomes essential for the development of better therapeutical strategies and preventing actions to reduce the occurrence of these accidents. Objective: The present study aimed to perform an epidemiological analysis of accidents caused by venomous animals in the Amazonas state from 2012 to 2015. Methods: The data were obtained by consulting the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN, Information System for Notifiable Diseases) and Sistema Nacional de Informações Tóxico-Farmacológicas (SINITOX, National System of Toxic-Pharmacological Information) databases. Data of accidents caused by venomous animals between 2012 and 2015 were collected from the Amazonas 60 municipalities. The variables analyzed were: year of highest incidence, municipality with the highest incidence, age of the victims, sex of the victim, animal responsible for the accident, time interval between the accident and therapeutics and deaths. Results: During the years 2012 to 2015, a total of 9,349 cases of accidents involving venomous animals were reported in Amazonas state, with most victims registered in Manaus (1,331 cases). Most of the victims present 20 to 39 years-old and were male. The snakes were responsible for the most accidents, followed by scorpions. Most of the victims reach the hospital and start the therapy between 1 to 3 hours after the accident. The deaths in the state present less than 20 cases per year. Conclusion: This study expands the knowledge about the epidemiological profile of venomous animal accidents in Amazonas state, which is crucial for quantifying the disease burden, contributing to evidence-based healthcare planning, and evaluating effectiveness and relative contribution of primary, secondary and tertiary preventative measures for reducing these accidents and their complications in the region.


A major emphasis in current radio astronomy instrumentation research is the use of phased array feeds (PAF) to provide radio telescopes with larger fields of view. One of the challenges of PAF systems is the design of beamformers that provide sufficient sensitivity and known, stable beam pattern structure. High sensitivity has been achieved with the maximum sensitivity beamformer without regard to beam pattern shape. Deterministic beamformers provide the desired pattern shape control, but suffer from a significant reduction in sensitivity. We present a hybrid beamforming method, which balances the tradeoff between high sensitivity and precise beam pattern shape control. A comparison of each of these beamforming methods, using measured data, confirms the advantage of the hybrid approach. The pattern distortions introduced by modeled beamformers can be mitigated with a transformation step, but ultimately it is shown that PAF beamformer design is best done using measured calibrators. A PAF calibration vector quality metric based on minimum description length is also introduced.


Abstract Lithium additions to Al offer the promise of substantially reducing the weight of alloys, since each 1 wt. % Li added to Al reduces density by 3 % and increases elastic modulus. In the present work, the effect of 1.46 wt. % Li addition to AlSi7Mg (containing 7.05 wt. % Si and 0.35 wt. % Mg) was studied. The alloy showed reduced density and higher hardness after natural ageing. Experimental work showed that micro-structural and mechanical properties changed with Li addition. It was observed that 0.80 wt. % Li addition resulted in formation of new phase AlLiSi which has a great effect to increase hardness of AlSi7Mg. According to Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis it was confirmed that the addition of Li causes formation of different phases which are: α-Al, β-Si and AlLiSi.


The objective of this work is to study the uncertainty associated with the measurement of energy losses in a distribution network. It is done by means of differences between input and output energies of each region. For this, the energy measurement system uses the only equipment available, intended for the protection system. It comprises protection secondary outputs of current and voltage transformers and energy measurement using protection relays. As the rated accuracy of these devices are low for energy measurement, tests were done to determine if their actual errors fulfils the project requirements.


The purpose of this dissertation is to familiarize the potential reader with some of the
inner workings of the maritime industry and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 provisions
indicatively, in order to ascertain whether the Convention is effective at safeguarding the
seafarers' labour rights and interests, during the covid-19 pandemic era.

The history, aims, purpose and individual provisions of the M.L.C. 2006 are analyzed, granting
solid knowledge background even to an untrained in maritime matters reader. The specific
provisions of the M.L.C. 2006 that were most affected by the onset of the pandemic are furtherly
scrutinized, by examining the changes brought upon to standard maritime practices, investigating
the maritime industry's response to the problems caused, and providing indications of the results
from the relevant literature.

A plethora of contemporary sources, ranging from academic articles and published scientific
volumes to verified articles published during the covid-19 pandemic era, from news outlets
specialized in the maritime industry, have been reviewed and their findings illustrated, so that the
reader can acquire a holistic view of the subject matter.

The research concluded that many of the Convention's provisions have managed, through the
effective implementation by the industry's stakeholders, to perform adequately while others have
exhibited below expectations results, mainly stemming from deeper issues residing in the M.L.C.
2006 that have existed for some time and require actions for improvement, the covid-19
pandemic acting merely as a catalyst for unveiling them.


The healthcare landscape is changing, driven by innovative care models and the emergence of new roles that are inter-professional in nature. Currently, the HL7/LOINC Document Ontology (DO) aids the use and exchange of clinical documents using a multi-axis structure of document attributes for Kind of Document, Setting, Role, Subject Matter Domain, and Type of Service. In this study, the adequacy of the Role axis for representing the type of author documenting care was assessed. Experts used a master list of 220 values created from seven resources and established mapping guidelines. Baseline certification, licensure, and didactic training were identified as key parameters that define roles and hence often need to be pre-coordinated. DO was inadequate in representing 82% of roles, and this gap was primarily due to lack of granularity in DO. Next steps include refinement of the proposed schema for the Role axis and dissemination within the larger standards community.


Virtual reality (VR) is becoming common in the AEC/FM industry, closely linked to BIM implementation. VR tools can be used to anticipate operational issues, simulating them in a virtual prototype since early design. The paper investigates such a topic in relation to access, space and use performance of an existing hospital facility. A case study has been developed considering a pavilion where both medical and food spaces are located, causing a clash between flows of end-users in critical time-slots. Crowd simulations and immersive virtual environments have been tested as occupancy evaluation tools. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) data have been translated into a dynamic simulation of the existing occupancy conditions within the BIModel of the pavilion and considering various profiles of end-users. Subsequently, both the BIModel and the crowd simulation have been imported into a game engine to be visualised and experienced in a VRheadset, switching from the analysis of flows to the perspective of end-users (i.e. able-bodied users, person in a wheelchair, visually-impaired person). The use of VR enables a clear visualisation and communication of the existing conditions. Moreover, POE data translated into a dynamic simulation of the building use scenario could be applied for the preoccupancy evaluation of internal layout reconfigurations. Finally, the combined use of crowd simulation and immersive VR enables the users to perceive crowding in the occupancy evaluation and adds the user experience as design input, representing an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional resources such as personal experience and regulations.


The availability of all amino acids is of prime importance to prevent the ageing-associated decrease in skeletal muscle mass i.e. sarcopenia. Cysteine is the precursor of sulfate and glutathione that are both utilized in the liver to detoxify paracetamol (APAP). Cysteine availability could become limiting under repeated cures with APAP, especially when food intake is suboptimal. The aim of the study was to determine whether repeated cures with APAP could worsen sarcopenia. Twenty-two-month-old male Wistar rats received 3 two-week-long cures of APAP (1% of the diet) intercalated with washout periods of two weeks (APAP group). They were compared to untreated control rats euthanatized prior to the experiment (CT group) and rats pair-fed to the APAP group (PF group). Skeletal muscle mass and protein metabolism, as well as plasma amino acids and glutathione were assessed at the end of the third cure. APAP cures reduced food intake by 33, 23 and 33 % during the successive cures leading to an overall body weight loss of 8%. APAP rats lost lean mass during the experiment (-11%). This loss tended (P = 0.09) to be higher than in the PF group (-9%). The mass of hind limb muscles and the absolute synthesis rate of muscle proteins were 13 and 17% lower in the APAP group than the PF group, respectively. Plasma free cyst(e)ine (i.e. all free forms of cysteine not bound to proteins) and glutathione were 25% lower in the APAP group than the PF group. Repeated cures with APAP worsened sarcopenia in old rats with suboptimal food intake likely as a consequence of the APAP-induced shortage in cysteine/glutathione. Clinical studies are needed to clarify the effect of repeated treatments with paracetamol on skeletal muscle mass in older persons having suboptimal or insufficient dietary intakes.


......................................................................................................................ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................. iv CONTRIBUTORS AND FUNDING SOURCES .............................................................. v NOMENCLATURE .......................................................................................................... vi TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................vii LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................ x LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ xi


Objective: Ellis van Creveld syndrome (EvCS) is a rare autosomal
recessive (AR) disorder first described in 1940. The syndrome manifests
with several skeletal, oral mucosal and dental anomalies, congenital
cardiac defects and nail dysplasia. EvCs should be differentiated from
other chondrodystrophies such as achondroplasia and Morquio's syndrome.
Case Presentation:A nine-year old girl was referred with short stature.
In physical examination her height was 105 cm. She had normal
intelligence, small teeth, abnormal crown and adontia in mandibular
incisors. Other findings included bilateral postaxial polydactyly in
hands, narrow thorax, hypoplastic nails in hands and feet and genu
valgum. Conclusion: Ellis van Creveld syndrome is a rare autosmal
disorder with a high mortality in early life. As the condition is
easily diagnosed at birth, early treatment can prevent patients from
various complications and undue psychological trauma.


Context. Recent attention has been directed to abundance variations among very young stars. Aims. We perform a detailed abundance study of the Herbig Ae star HD 101412, taking advantage of its unusually sharp spectral lines. Methods. High-resolution spectra are measured for accurate wavelengths and equivalent widths. Balmer-line fits and ionization equlibria give a relation between Teff, and log(g). Abundance anomalies and uncertain reddening preclude the use of spectral type or photometry to fix Teff. Excitation temperatures are used to break the degeneracy between Teff and log(g). Results. Strong lines are subject to an anomalous saturation that cannot be removed by assuming a low microturbulence. By restricting the analysis to weak (≤20 mA) lines, we find consistent results for neutral and ionized species, based on a model with Teff = 8300 K, and log(g) = 3.8. The photosphere is depleted in the most refractory elements, while volatiles are normal or, in the case of nitrogen, overabundant with respect to the sun. The anomalies are unlike those of Ap or Am stars. Conclusions. We suggest the anomalous saturation of strong lines arises from heating of the upper atmospheric layers by infalling material from a disk. The overall abundance pattern may be related to those found for the λ Boo stars, though the depletions of the refractory elements are milder, more like those of Vega. However, the intermediate volatile zinc is depleted, precluding a straightforward interpretation of the abundance pattern in terms of gas-grain separation.


A Thesis submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

in partial fulfilment of the requirements For the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy (Mphil) in Aquatic Resources Management, 2014


Abstract Introduction Despite the ethnic differences in 5-HTTLPR (S allele relates to better antidepressant response in Korean and Japanese people, while L allele with better response in Caucasians), it is unclear whether 5-HTTLPR and its high expression locus rs25531 are interactively associated with antidepressant treatment outcome. We investigated the individual and interaction effects of these polymorphisms on antidepressant treatment outcomes in the Korean population. Methods A total of 464 Korean subjects with major depressive disorder completed 6 weeks of antidepressant monotherapy. Venous blood was extracted for genotyping 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. We used logistic regression analyses to verify the main and interaction effects of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and remission after antidepressant treatment. Results After adjusting for covariates, the SS genotype of 5-HTTLPR was significantly associated with better treatment outcomes (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]=2.435 [1.551, 3.823] in response; p<0.001, OR [95% CI]=2.912 [1.730, 4.903] in remission), while G-containing genotype (AG+GG) of rs25531 was only associated with remission (p=0.034, OR [95% CI]=2.104 [1.058, 4.181]). The interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and remission was insignificant (all p>0.05). Discussion Our findings suggest variations in allelic frequency and functionality of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 among the different ethnicities. We found a minor advantage of rs25531 in achieving remission. However, there was no interaction effect with 5-HTTLPR.


AIM
Regional chemotherapy using hepatic artery catheters is a good method of treating patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases. We investigated the survival of patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C Cthrough implantable hepatic arterial infusion port.

METHODS
Seventy-five patients with inoperable liver metastases from colorectal cancer were included between March, 1992 and November, 2001. We placed implantable hepatic arterial catheter (HAC) port by laparotomy. 5-FU, 1 000 mg/ m(2)/d continuous infusion for five days every four weeks, was delivered in the hepatic arterial catheter through the port. Mitomycin C, 30 mg/m(2)/d infusion in the first day every cycle through the port. Response to the treatment was evaluated by serial determinations of plasma CEA and imaging techniques consisting of computerized tomography and sonography of liver.

RESULTS
Sixty-eight were performed hepatic artery chemotherapy and fifty-six were followed up among seventy-five HAC patients. Twenty-six patients(46.4 %) have responded and 4 complete remission were achieved. Eight patients (14.3 %) had stable liver metastases. Twenty-two patients (39.3 %) were progressed with increased tumor size and number. Twenty-nine patients(51.8%) had a decreased serum CEA level, while 10 patients (17.9 %) were stable and 17 patients (30.4 %) had an increased serum CEA level. There were no operative death in this series. Complications, which occurred in 18 patients (32.1 %), were as followed: hepatic artery thrombosis in 11, Upper gastric and intestinal bleeding in 3, liver abscess in 1, pocket infection in 1, cholangitis in 1, and hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm in one patient.

CONCLUSION
Combined infusion of 5-FU and mitomycin C by hepatic artery catheter port is an effective treatment for liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The high response and lower complication rates prove the adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer with this treatment.


We study an election with two perfectly informed candidates. Voters share common values over the policy outcome of the election, but possess arbitrarily little information about which policy is best for them. Voters elect one of the candidates, effectively choosing between the two policies proposed by the candidates. We explore under which conditions candidates always propose the voters' optimal policy. The model is extended to include strategic voting, policy-motivated candidates, imperfectly informed candidates, and heterogeneous preferences.


Minimal breast cancer is defined as including in situ lobular carcinoma, noninvasive intraductal carcinoma, and invasive carcinoma forming a mass no greater than 0.5 cm in diameter. Intraductal, intralobular, and microinvasive carcinomas of this degree of development are classed together, and are associated with at most a 10% probability of having associated axillary lymph node involvement. Lesions of this classification have been shown to have a five year survival rate of 97% and a ten year rate of 95%, when they are treated surgically.