The Highlands and Islands Medical Service (HIMS) was introduced across the Scottish Highlands and Islands region after the publication of the Dewar Report in 1913. It was the first statefunded medical service in the UK and one of the first in the world. The Dewar Committee recommended the establishment of HIMS following research into healthcare provision in the region, concluding that there was insufficient provision. Among Dewar's major findings were the lack of sufficient transport infrastructure, Rural and Remote Health rrh.org.au James Cook University ISSN 1445-6354


We report on the successful fabrication of ZnO nanorod (NR)/polystyrene (PS) nanosphere hybrid nanostructure by combining drop coating and hydrothermal methods. Especially, by adopting an atomic layer deposition method for seed layer formation, very uniform ZnO NR structure is grown on the complicated PS surfaces. By using zinc nitrate hexahydrate [Zn(NO3)2 ·6H2O] and hexamine [(CH2)6N4] as sources for Zn and O in hydrothermal process, hexagonal shaped single crystal ZnO NRs are synthesized without dissolution of PS in hydrothermal solution. X-ray diffraction results show that the ZnO NRs are grown along c-axis with single crystalline structure and there is no trace of impurities or unintentionally formed intermetallic compounds. Photoluminescence spectrum measured at room temperature for the ZnO NRs on flat Si and PS show typical two emission bands, which are corresponding to the band-edge and deep level emissions in ZnO crystal. Based on these structural and optical investigations, we confirm that the ZnO NRs can be grown well even on the complicated PS surface morphology to form the chestnut-shaped hybrid nanostructures for the energy generation and storage applications


ABSTRACT In a large bladder cancer study in the greater Berlin area with 425 cases and 343 controls, the haplotype N-acetyltransferase 1*10 (NAT1*10) was associated with a decreased bladder cancer risk. In a recently published meta-analysis, results of the studies were found to be inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of NAT1*10 in bladder cancer patients and controls recruited in an area without industries reported to be associated with increased bladder cancer risk. Rs1057126 (1088 T > A) and rs15561 (1095 C > A) were determined in 412 bladder cancer patients and 415 controls without a known history of malignancies. With these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), it was possible to distinguish between NAT1*4 (wild type), NAT1*3 (1095 C > A), and NAT1*10 (1088 T > A, 1095C > A). The frequencies of the determined NAT1 haplotypes did not differ markedly between cases and controls: NAT1*4: 74%, NAT1*3: 6%, NAT1*10: 20%. Bladder cancer risk was not significantly modulated by NAT1*10/*10 (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71–1.48) but was higher for NAT1*3/*3 genotypes (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.32–3.21). In contrast to the Berlin study from 2001, data in present study demonstrated that NAT1*10 haplotype was not associated with a significantly decreased bladder cancer risk. This may be due to local effects in the greater Berlin area, particularly at the time of investigation. The findings of the present study are in agreement with observations of a recently published meta-analysis which also showed no relevant impact of NAT1*10 haplotype on bladder cancer risk. The impact of the rare NAT1*3/*3 genotype was significant but this may be attributed to rarity without major practical relevance.


Plasma spraying of metallic particles in the ambient atmosphere is accompanied by their oxidation. The oxides formed on the particle surfaces are often unstable at room temperature. Fast cooling of the particles may conserve these oxides, leaving thus the particles heterogeneous and consisting of at least two materials - the oxide layer on the surface and the metal in the centre. The times required to cool the particles below the melting points of the two materials are estimated for slow and fast cooling in gas and liquid nitrogen, respectively. The estimates are carried out numerically by solving a one-dimensional heat transfer equation for solidifying spherical iron and \mbox{Fe-Cr} alloy particles having either a thin (1 µm) or a thick (10 µm) oxide layer on their surface. It has been found that for the typical particle size of 120 µm in diameter, the cooling rates, under the assumed conditions, are 105-106 K s-1 and it takes 10-1 ms to completely solidify the initially liquid particles. The temperature histories of the particles without any oxide layer and with a thin oxide layer are almost identical.


This paper proposes a novel set-point control method of a musculoskeletal system by combining a feedforward and feedback manner to complement each drawback each other. In our previous work, a feedforward positioning method of the musculoskeletal arm model was proposed which does not need any realtime sensory information. Its performance, however, depends on a muscular arrangement and an attitude of the arm, and thereby a large initial muscular internal force is necessary to make a good performance. On the other hand, it is well-known that a visual servoing is effective and versatile for the set-point control. However, there is a considerable time-delay due to a computational burden to acquire useful information from an image and an insufficient sampling period to capture each image when using a video frame rate camera. Thus in this paper, the feedforward and feedback signal are linearly combined into one in order to mutually complement each drawback. The combined control signal is newly designed and then numerical simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed method.


As a result of recent technological developments, identical services can now be transmitted using telecommunication infrastructure and broadcast using the radio frequency spectrum. Traditional broadcasting and telecommunications services have evolved beyond that which was envisaged by the legislators of the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) and the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth). Further, new hybrid services have emerged which do not comfortably fit within the existing regulatory framework. The July 2005 merger of the former Australian Broadcasting Authority (the "ABA") and Australian Communications Authority (the "ACA") to form the new Australian Communications and Media Authority (the "ACMA") is a powerful acknowledgment of the convergence of the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. The ABA, formerly limited to the governance of the broadcasting sector, and the ACA, formerly limited to the governance of the telecommunications sector, have now been replaced by the ACMA which has been entrusted with the responsibility of regulating both these industries. In light of this merger of institutional governance, the purpose of this article is to consider whether the next necessary step is the replacement of the present sector-specific broadcasting and telecommunications laws with a common regulatory framework applicable to both industries. In this regard, the new scheme for the regulation of 'electronic communications' introduced in the European Union in 2003 provides some useful insights. The framework largely replaces sector-specific legislation with a system of general authorisations which applies both to the telecommunications and broadcasting. The purpose of the article is to: • Outline the present sector-specific regulatory framework applying to the Australian broadcasting and telecommunications industries; • Consider the regulatory problems associated with convergence; • Analyse the operation of the new European Union regulatory framework; • Analyse the Australian law reform discourse to date with respect to the effects of the convergence of the broadcasting and telecommunications industries; and • Consider the extent to which the European Union model offers insights on addressing the remaining identified problems flowing from the convergence of the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. * BA, LLB (Hons Class 1) (Syd); Lecturer, Macquarie University. SELVADURAI – THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA AUTHORITY 272


Glucokinase (GK, hexokinase type IV) is required for the accumulation of glycogen in adult liver and hepatoma cells. Paradoxically, mammalian embryonic livers store glycogen successfully in the absence of GK. Here we address how mammalian embryonic livers, but not adult livers or hepatoma cells, manage to accumulate glycogen in the absence of this enzyme. Hexokinase type I or II (HKI, HKII) substitutes for GK in hepatomas and in embryonic livers. We engineered FTO2B cells, a hepatoma cell line in which GK is not expressed, to unveil the modifications required to allow them to accumulate glycogen. In the light of these results, we then examined glycogen metabolism in embryonic liver. Glycogen accumulation in FTO2B cells can be triggered through elevated expression of HKI or either of the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits, namely PTG or GL. Between these two strategies to activate glycogen deposition in the absence of GK, embryonic livers choose to express massive levels of HKI and HKII. We conclude that although the GK/liver glycogen synthase tandem is ideally suited to store glycogen in liver when blood glucose is high, the substitution of HKI for GK in embryonic livers allows the HKI/liver glycogen synthase tandem to make glycogen independently of the glucose concentration in blood, although it requires huge levels of HK. Moreover, the physiological consequence of the HK isoform switch is that the embryonic liver safeguards its glycogen deposits, required as the main source of energy at birth, from maternal starvation.


Wireless access provides ubiquitous connectivity to many different user environments. Some small businesses, in the early majority of technology adopters, establish public-use wireless networks as a source of competitive difference. In this study, representatives of five small organizations within the hospitality industry were identified, contacted, and interviewed regarding their decisions to adopt wireless networks for consumer use. These SME representatives believe they gained a competitive advantage from their early adoption, and consider the benefits of the wireless technology to outweigh any potential risks. Consequently, they regard issues of security as minimal factors in adoption.


Recent work suggests that sentiment traders shift from safer to more speculative stocks when sentiment increases. Given that the market clearing condition requires a buyer for every seller, we exploit these cross-sectional patterns and changes in share ownership to test whether investor sentiment metrics capture institutional or individual investors' demand shocks. In contrast to theoretical assumptions and common perceptions, we find no evidence that individual investors' trading is responsible for sentiment-induced demand shocks and mispricing. If the commonly used sentiment metrics truly capture investor sentiment, then institutional investors are the sentiment traders whose demand shocks drive prices from value.


Facing the spectrum supply-demand gap, heterogeneous network (HetNet) is a promising approach to achieve drastic gains in network coverage and capacity compared with macro-only networks, thus making it especially attractive to network operators. On the other hand, software-defined networking brings a number of advantages along with many challenges. One particular concern is on the resilience for in-band fashioned control plane. Existing approaches mainly rely on a local rerouting policy when performing the routing protection for the target sessions in software-defined networks. However, such a policy would potentially bring congestions in the neighbouring links of the failed one. To this end, we study a weighted cost-minimization problem, where the traffic load balancing and control-channel setup cost are jointly considered. Because this problem is NP-hard, we first propose a near-optimal Markov approximation-based approach for in-band-fashioned software-defined HetNets. We then extend our solution to an online case that handles a single-link failure. We also conduct theoretical analysis on the performance fluctuation due to the single-link failure. We finally carry out experiments by experimental simulation. The extensive numerical results show that the proposed algorithm has fast convergence and high efficiency in resource utilization.


We present a spherically symmetric model of the interaction of classical nova ejecta with the matter of the companion star stellar wind. We compare its predictions with the data of observations of the unusual bright X-ray transient CI Cam and demonstrate that the outburst in 1998 can be explained as the X-ray emission at early stages of the classical nova explosion in the binary system. The X-ray outburst was observed almost immediately after the start of the motion of the ejecta (within 0.1-0.5 days) which give us the possibility to constrain two parameters of the explosions - the velocity and the mass of the ejecta. We show that the ejecta velocity was ~2700 km/s and remained at this value over ~2 day after the beginning of the explosion, that indicates the presence of the external forces acting on the ejecta. The mass of the ejecta was ~ 10-7 - 10-6M⊙.


Targeted cancer therapies block the growth and spread of cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules that support tumor growth and progression. Despite the successful application of these drugs in clinical settings, patient-to-patient variability and acquired resistance are still the primary challenges facing development and use of such cancer therapies. Here, we describe a cell cycle dependent mechanism of drug sensitivity and the consequential fractional response in a library of small-molecules. In particular, using high-throughput single-cell imaging methods we show how perturbing specific biochemical nodes in a signaling pathway controlling cellular machinery for metabolism and growth leads to heterogeneity in abundance of response modulating protein complexes with known functional roles in cellular senescence and apoptosis. Furthermore, we provide evidence towards a feedback mechanism coordinating signaling state with cell cycle that leads to adaptive drug resistance and propose a combination therapy rational to overcome this resistance.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C53.

Citation Format: Saman Honarnejad. Fractional response to small-molecule TKIs in single cancer cells: A combination rational to overcome adaptive drug resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C53.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Cunoniaceae are woody plants with a distribution that suggests a complex history of Gondwanan vicariance, long-distance dispersal, diversification, and extinction. Only four out of c. 27 genera in Cunoniaceae are native to South America today, but the discovery of extinct species from Argentine Patagonia is providing new information about the history of this family in South America.

METHODS
We describe fossil flowers collected from early Danian (early Palaeocene, ~64 Mya) deposits of the Salamanca Formation. We compare them with similar flowers from extant and extinct species using published literature and herbarium specimens. We used simultaneous analysis of morphology and available chloroplast DNA sequences (trnL-F, rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA) to determine the probable relationship of these fossils to living Cunoniaceae and the co-occurring fossil species Lacinipetalum spectabilum.

KEY RESULTS
Cunoniantha bicarpellata gen. et sp. nov. is the second species of Cunoniaceae to be recognized among the flowers preserved in the Salamanca Formation. Cunoniantha flowers are pentamerous, complete, the anthers contain in-situ pollen, and the gynoecium is bicarpellate and syncarpous with two free styles. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Cunoniantha belongs to crown-group Cunoniaceae among the core-Cunoniaceae clade; although it does not have obvious affinity with any tribe. Lacinipetalum spectabilum, also from the Salamanca Formation, belongs to the Cunoniaceae crown-group as well, but close to tribe Schizomerieae.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight the importance of west Gondwana in the evolution of Cunoniaceae during the early Palaeogene. The co-occurrence of Cunoniantha bicarpellata and Lacinipetalum spectabilum, belonging to different clades within Cunoniaceae, indicates that the diversification of crown-group Cunoniaceae was underway by 64 million years ago.


The article provides a solution algorithm for the linear programming problem (LPP) with the latter being presented as an antagonistic matrix game so the game's further solution is based on the iterative method. The algorithm is presented as a computer program. Having applied necessary accuracy, the author has researched the solution assessment convergence rate in relation to the actual value. Program implementation demonstrates high rate of the LPP solution receipt, with the acceptable accuracy being fractions or unities. It allows using the algorithm in the integrated systems for the purpose of their optimal control.


Mineral concentration levels in cultivated vegetables have received very little concern in the context of biodiversity despite the fact that most vegetables have a rich micronutrient composition. Swiss chard is an important salad crop which is high yielding and rich in minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds. It is also extremely easy to grow. However, there is a lack of information on the genetic variability of mineral concentration of Swiss chard. Mineral composition diversity of 54 genetically diverse Swiss chard accessions, representative of all Turkish Swiss chard genetic resources, was investigated using multivariate analysis. These traits are useful in evaluating germplasm diversity in the nutritional concentration context and for use in further breeding programmes which will focus on improving mineral concentrations in Swiss chard cultivars. The results displayed significant differences among accessions and remarkably high nutrient contents. The data gathered were analyzed using principal components (PCs) and cluster analysis and revealed five major groupings. The data also observed 74.39% of total variation. The first three PCs accounted for 49.86% of the total variation in the population. Present values provided great variability among accessions and the results demonstrate that it is possible to identify genetic differentiation among Swiss chard accession for some nutritional elements. The genetic resources that exist indicate that potentially important accessions could be used as a gene source due to their high levels of K, Ca, Cu and Zn in breeding programmes.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the survival rate of patients with advanced prostate cancer in a univariate form, according to the preoperative and first postoperative determination of PSA levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
From February 1987 to June 1995, 92 patients were submitted to maximum blockage androgen (subcapsular and antiandrogen orchiectomy), independent of clinical symptoms shown upon admission to the Cancer Hospital. The antiandrogens (ciproterone acetate and flutamide) were administered until the patient present progression of the disease.

RESULTS
The age of patients varied from 44 to 89, with a median of 70 years old. In the 6th, 36th and 60th months the global survival rate was 80%, 38% and 20%, respectively. The preoperative PSA ranged from 2 to 4017 ng/ml, with a median of 98 ng/ml (98% had PSA greater than or equal to 10 ng/ml). The first postoperative PSA ranged from 1 to 3840 ng/ml, with a median of 20 ng/ml. There was a tendency towards a better survival rate only in patients with initial PSA from 2 to 99 ng/ml (p = 0.06745). The survival rate of patients at 36 months after the initial total blockage androgen, with first PSA level from 1 to 4, 5 to 49 and over 49 ng/ml was 72%, 48% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.00004). In the final examination, 34 (37%) patients were considered stable and 58 (63%) had disease progression.

CONCLUSION
The PSA determination performed on the 30th postoperative day is important in the evaluation of advanced prostate cancer prognosis.


BACKGROUND: This study investigated the experiences with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) across three phases of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implementation: Phase I (pre-Sutton decision era, 1992–1999), Phase II (Sutton decision era, 2000–2008), and Phase III (ADA Amendments Act era, 2009–2011). OBJECTIVE: Research questions addressed differential (a) characteristics of charging parties and respondents, (b) patterns in the number and type of allegations, and (c) proportions of merit and non-merit EEOC judgments. METHODS: The study utilized data from the Integrated Mission System of the U.S. EEOC. RESULTS: Findings indicated that proportionally more women and Hispanic adults with MS filed claims during Phases II and III than during Phase I. More older individuals and African Americans with MS filed claims during Phase III than during Phases I and II. In Phase I, adults with MS were more likely to allege discrimination against smaller employers and less likely to file charges against larger employers, a trend that reversed during Phases II and III. The annual number of resolved EEOC charges appeared to increase during Phase I, increase then decrease in Phase II, and increase during Phase III. Regardless of phase, most allegations pertained to either unlawful discharge or failure to provide reasonable accommodations. Although higher in Phase III than in I, the percentage of EEOC merit decisions was highest in Phase II. CONCLUSION: Over time, more typically disenfranchised individuals sought ADA protections, possibly due to publicity, support from advocates, and membership in a culture supporting diversity and nondiscrimination. The increased number of resolved allegations in Phase III was consistent with the greater inclusiveness attributed to the ADA Amendments Act. Interpretation of other findings is provided regarding characteristics of respondents, types of allegations, and trends in EEOC merit decisions.


Active oxygen species are produced by some of the important organelles like chloroplast and mitochondria through their electron transport chain even under normal environmental condition but the rate of active oxygen species (AOS) production increases many times in response to different abiotic stresses. Plants has antioxidant enzymes system like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase, SOD, GR etc. which helps in reducing the AOS produced inside the plant system in order to protect the key enzymes from AOS. In present investigation, expressions of many new proteins were observed in thermo tolerant (8 in case of C306) and susceptible cultivars (2 in case of PBW343) at different stages in response to heat stress. Isoenzymic profile of APX in response to differential heat shock revealed the expression of 8 APX isoenzymes in C306 (thermo tolerant) compare to 2 in PBW343 (susceptible) cultivars of wheat. A stage specific study revealed the expression of 5 APX isoenzymes at vegetative, pollination, milky dough and seed hardening stages (C306) whereas, 3 APX isoenzymes were observed during milky dough and seed hardening stages in PBW343. It is clear now that high expression of endogenous APX isoenzymes supplements the antioxidant enzyme systems of the plant and protects the plant from oxidative damage in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.


The R-matrix method is used to calculate electron scattering cross sections for the excitation of four low-lying electronically excited states of the water molecule. These states, of symmetry , , and , have vertical excitation energies in the range 7-10 eV and are known to be dissociative. Resonances, corresponding to dissociative states of the anion, are found in the , and symmetries at energies in excellent agreement with the results of dissociative attachment experiments. Integrated cross sections are given for scattering energies up to 20 eV


The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). In a cross-sectional study, these patients were treated with RT (n = 55) or CCRT (n = 51) between June 2008 and June 2013. For all subjects, disease-free survival was more than 3 years. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questions and the Head and Neck 35 (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) questions. RT had better outcomes than CCRT for global QoL, functional scales, symptom scales of fatigue and insomnia, financial problems, and weight gain. Survivors receiving 1 cycle of concurrent chemotherapy had worse QoL outcomes than survivors receiving 2 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy. Patients receiving 3 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy had the best QoL outcomes. Thus, CCRT adversely affects the QoL of patients with stage II NPC as compared to radiotherapy.


An improved intermediate frequency (IF) architecture for software defined radios is presented. This architecture is programmable, reconfigurable and suited to hardware implementation. The architecture is based on a computationally efficient method of extracting multiple channels belonging to two different communication standards, GSM and IS-95. The core of the system comprises of polyphase DFT filterbanks and very economical fractional rate-change filters. A flexible and efficient sample rate conversion method is also proposed that performs common rate changes using a shared hardware structure. Computational and hardware complexity comparisons are made based on results from a simulation test-bed developed for the proposed system.


The application and fabrication of grapheme-based nanomaterials have, caught great attention in the field of sensors in recent years. In this study, a graphene oxide (GO)-based heavy metals nanosensor was prepared via the surface reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) method. First, GO was prepared from graphene and was modified with L-phenylalanine (LP). Then a RAFT agent was attached chemically into the surface of GO-LP. Next, GO-LP/polymethacrylamide (GO-LP/PMAM) was prepared via the polymerization of methacrylamide (MAM) monomers on the surface of the GO. The surface morphology and chemical properties of the prepared materials were examined by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, UV and PL techniques. The results of PL indicated that the PL intensity of GO-LP/PMAM compared to GO and GO-LP spectra in the water was stronger. Finally, the modified GO was employed as an excellent nanosensor for the selective detection of Cu (II) ions in the range of 0.25-2 mM (correlation coefficient R2 0.9903). Absence any obvious alteration in the fluorescence intensity after the addition of other metal ions indicated the great selectivity for Cu (II). Based on the experimental results, the surface-functionalized GO with RAFT strategy could be successfully employed as a promising nanosensor for selective detecting of Cu (II) ions.


BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide, responsible for 13% of all new cancer cases. Also, is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. In this scenario, an effective and efficient treatment is required.

OBJECTIVE
Production of two gold nanoparticles: 198Au and 99mTc-Au. The first one has been directed produced from irradiation of the 197Au in order to produce a beta-emitter gold nanoparticle for cancer therapy. The second one, has been directed produced from the radiolabeling of gold nanoparticles with technetium 99 metastable in order to produce imaging nanoagent.

METHODS
The 198Au Nanoparticles were produced by irradiation and identified by hyper-purity germanium (HPGe). Then were evaluated in vitro in order to confirm the behavior on cell proliferation of lung cancer cell line, by the MTT methodology using A549 cells. The 99mTc-Au nanoparticles were produced by direct-radiolabeling with 99mTc and evaluated in vivo as intralesional nanoagent.

RESULTS
The results showed that in both cases, all the nanoparticles have performed their duties with excellence. The 198Au nanoparticles were capable to kill lung cancer cells, while and 99mTc-Au was capable to image the tumor after intralesional injection. Also, 99mTc-Au nanoparticles were useful for biodistribution assay imaging, showing the main organs responsible for the nanoparticle uptake in healthy animals.

CONCLUSION
The both gold nanoparticles showed to be a highly efficient nanoagent for both: therapy and diagnosing of lung cancer.


The morphology and ultrastructure of Anabaena variabilis grown in medium with and without 40 mM fructose were compared. Vegetative cells and young heterocysts in fructose-supplemented medium were significantly larger, were filled with glycogen granules, and had fewer thylakoids. Developing heterocysts contained large numbers of glycogen granules well into mature stages, and envelope formation was precocious. As heterocysts enlarged in fructose medium, their shape became more broadly oblong compared with the more rectangular heterocysts in fructose-free medium.


This article aims to discuss and analyse the major factors behind the emergence and evolution of "Eurasia" as a geopolitical concept in Turkey in the post–Cold War period. For this purpose, special focus will be placed on Turkish political, academic and intellectual circles' redefinition of their geopolitical outlook towards Russia and the Turkic republics of Central Asia and Caucasus in the 1990s and 2000s. The major argument of the article in this regard is that while discourses such as Pan-Turkism, Eurasianism and Neo-Ottomanism have exercised a degree of influence over the conceptualisation of Eurasia in Turkish academic and intellectual circles, the concept has been generally treated as an instrument of pragmatism by Turkish policymakers. This pragmatism is not only reflected in their geo-economic calculations in the field of energy pipelines, but also the reasoning behind the striking improvement of political and economic relations between Turkey and Russia in the 2000s.


Enhanced DNA repair is believed to be an important mechanism of the cisplatin-resistant phenotype. UV-damage recognition protein (UV-DRP) recognizes and binds to DNA lesions and may play a role in DNA nucleotide excision repair and/or replicative bypass (which is associated with post-replication repair). Potential alternations in the expression of mRNAs for UV-DRP were analyzed in this study. Two pairs of parental and cisplatin-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell lines were utilized. Gene expression level was assessed by northern blot hybridization. No alterations in mRNA levels for the large subunit of UV-DRP were found following cisplatin treatment, whereas mRNA levels for the small subunit of UV-DRP were induced up to 4.5-fold. The time-course and concentration-response of this induction corresponded to the previously reported increase in the UV-DRP binding activity, as measured by gel shift assay. UV-DRP binding activity in cell extracts corresponds to expression of small subunit mRNA but not to expression of large subunit mRNA. These data suggest that the small subunit may be limiting for UV-DRP activity.


This article describes the work performed in the Pattern Redundancy Analysis for Document Image Indexing and Transcription research project. The project focused on layout analysis, text/graphics separation, optical character recognition (OCR), and text transcription processes dedicated to old and precious books. The originality of this work relies on the analysis and exploitation of pattern redundancy in documents to enable the efficient indexing and quick transcription of books and the identification of typographic materials. For these purposes, we have developed two software packages. The first, AGORA, performs page layout analysis, text/graphics separation, and pattern (letterform) extraction simultaneously. These patterns are then processed to group similar patterns together in single clusters so that different letterforms of a book can be extracted and analysed to compute redundancy rates. This process allows a significant reduction of the number of letterforms to be recognized. Once the clustering of letterforms is done, a user may assign a label to each cluster using the second software, RETRO. Labels are then automatically assigned to each corresponding character to perform the text transcription of the whole book. Thus, if 90% of the letterforms are detected as redundant, only one character out of ten must be labelled by the user to transcribe the book. Moreover, this transcription method allows us to deal easily with the special characters that appear frequently in old books. It is also possible to use our clustering approach to extract and create new font packages from specific printing material (e.g. from rare books printed with particular types or woodblocks). These new font packages could be incorporated into the training step of optical fonts recognition methods to improve the recognition results of OCRs on rare or specific books. The identification of typographic materials could also be useful for the study of both the aesthetic (such as how the thickness and shape of printing types evolved from the 15th to the mid-16th century) and economic aspects of printing historically. Until the second half of the 16th century, for instance, printing types circulated among workshops, and printers frequently sold or lent types to their fellows.


This paper describes a new design flow that significantly reduces time-to-market for highly complex multiprocessor-based System-On-Chip designs. This flow, called Fast Prototyping, enables concurrent hardware and software development, early verification and productive re-use of intellectual property. We describe how using this innovative system design flow, that combines different technologies, such as C modeling, emulation, hard virtual component re-use and CoWare N2C/sup TM/. We achieve better productivity on a multi-processor SOC design.


Abstract The aim of this study was to further investigate the effect of drug loading, drug entrapment efficiency, the drug release profiles and biopharmaceutical point of views of amphotericin B (AmB) lipid formulations, that is, degree of aggregation by UV-spectroscopy, in vitro hemolytic and antifungal activities. The optimum drug loading was 2.5% by weight corresponded to lipid fraction in formulation. Increasing of the drug entrapment was achieved by blending small amount of phospholipid in solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) dispersions. All AmB lipid dispersions were less aggregated species and hemolytic response than Fungizone® indicating that lipid nanoparticles could reduce its toxicity. The sustained release profiles of AmB formulations depended on its aggregated form and entrapment efficiency. Too high AmB loaded (5% w/w) showed a biphasic drug release profile probably due to some amounts of drug deposited on the nanosphere surface including in continuous phase which promptly released. For in vitro antifungal testing, all AmB lipid formulations were equal and more effective than both AmB itself and Fungizone®. These observations suggested that AmB loaded SLNs, nanostructured lipid carriers and modified SLNs by blending lecithin could enhance AmB solubility, prolong release characteristics, reduce toxicity and improve antifungal activity.


The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an abrupt shift in the educational landscape, compelling universities to transition from in-person to online instruction. This sudden shift left many university instructors grappling with the intricacies of remote teaching. Now, with the pandemic behind us, we present a retrospective study aimed at understanding and evaluating the remote teaching practices employed during that period. Drawing from a cross-sectional analysis of 300 computer science students who underwent a full year of online education during the lockdown, our findings indicate that while remote teaching practices moderately influenced students' learning outcomes, they had a pronounced positive impact on student satisfaction. Remarkably, these outcomes were consistent across various demographics, including country, gender, and educational level. As we reflect on the lessons from this global event, this research offers evidence-based recommendations that could inform educational strategies in unwelcoming future scenarios of a similar nature, ensuring both student satisfaction and effective learning outcomes in online settings.


Introduction. HCV is considered the most encountered viral infection that affect patients after hemodialysis sessions. Even though liver biopsy is considered the golden standard for hepatic diagnosis, additional methods have been used for assessing liver fibrosis. Transient elastography (TE) has evolved as a reference method in some European countries and allows the physician to carry out a fibrosis evaluation in a noninvasive, low-cost and rapid method. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of TE in staging patients with HCV liver disease associated with ESRD, thus choosing the correct moment to perform the procedure. Materials and Methods. We included 34 patients known with ESRD within the regional Nephrology Clinic of Olt County Hospital and also having positive hepatitis C viral liver marker. TE was performed before and hemodialysis and data was analyzed. Results. The patients where we have encountered significant changes were especially within the F0 and F1 stage with a decrease of fibrosis after hemodialysis. Thus, 7 patients which had no fibrosis (F0) went from 4,14±0,98kPa to 3,54±0,84 (p<0,05) and 12 patients from the F1 stage went from 6,22±0,39kPa to 5,47±0,58kPa. The other stages had no significant changes with F2 changing after hemodialysis from 8.03±0,62kPa to 7, 76±0,6kPa. Conclusions. TE represents a valuable tool for stiffness assessment and should be taken into considerations as a major option for ESRD patients with liver disease. However, more patients should be enrolled to strengthen this theory and thus providing more reliable results.


Considers whether financial risk management is value‐adding. Although risk management can reduce total risk, this may not affect the cost of capital or firm value. Well‐diversified investors have already eliminated all of the specific risk, and risk‐management may be seen as a zero NPV activity at best, and at worst, a value‐reducing activity. However, there is a role for risk management. Reduction of total risk may reduce the expected costs of financial distress, hence increasing expected cashflows. This increases firm value. Presents a method of investment appraisal that takes account of total risk through expected financial distress costs. Such a method can result in three possible decisions relating to a new project; reject the project invest in the project; and risk‐manage; or invest in the project but do not risk‐manage. Finally, presents worked examples.


Although, in Nigeria orange peels are considered as a waste, this study is intended to convert the waste into wealth by establishing the production of biodiesel with oil obtained from orange peels; using transeterification process. Oil from sun-dried/ ground orange peels were extractedusing n-hexane. Transesterification process was done at a temperature range of 80 - 83 °C with oil to ethanol mole ratio of 1:3 respectively and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The parameters analyzed included: Viscosity, Density and the concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P.The viscosity and density of the biodiesel obtained were 2.1 stand 825 kg/m 3 respectively. The mean concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P in the biodiesel were 4 ppm, 7 ppm, 3 ppm, 3 ppm and 8 ppm respectively. These results are in close agreement with ASTM standards requirement for biodiesel. The glycerol was recycled trice before it finally lost potent.It is thus apparent that the locally-sourced feedstock (orange peels) would be a good source for the production of biodiesel. @JASEM


The reduction of the diffusion energy barrier for Li in electrodes is one of the required criteria to achieve better performances in Li ion batteries. Using density functional theory based calculations, we report a pressure induced manifold enhancement of Li-kinetics in bulk FCC fullerene. Scanning of the potential energy surface reveals a diffusion path with a low energy barrier of 0.62 eV, which reduces further under the application of hydrostatic pressure. The pressure induced reduction in the diffusion barrier continues till a uniform volume strain of 17.7% is reached. Further enhancement of strain increases the barrier due to the repulsion caused by C-C bond formation between two neighbouring fullerenes. The decrease in the barrier is attributed to the combined effect of charge transfer triggered by the enhanced interaction of Li with the fullerene as well as the change in profile of the local potential, which becomes more attractive for Li. The lowering of the barrier leads to an enhancement of two orders of magnitude in Li diffusivity at room temperature making pressurized bulk fullerene a promising artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) for a faster rechargeable battery.


Post-click conversion, a pre-defined action on a web service after a click, is an essential form of feedback, as it directly contributes to the final revenue and accurately captures user preferences for items, compared with the ambiguous click. However, naively using post-click conversions can lead to severe bias when learning or evaluating recommenders because of the selection bias between clicked and unclicked data. In this study, we address the offline evaluation problem of algorithmic recommendations with biased post-click conversions. A possible solution to address this bias is to use the inverse propensity score estimator, as it can provide an unbiased evaluation even with the selection bias. However, this estimator is known to be subject to variance and instability problems, which can be severe in the recommendation setting, as feedback is often highly sparse. To address these limitations with the previous unbiased estimator, we propose a doubly robust estimator for the ground-truth ranking performance of a given recommender. The proposed estimator is unbiased against the ground-truth ranking metric and improves the variance and estimation error tail bound of the existing unbiased estimator. Finally, to evaluate the empirical efficacy of the proposed estimator, we conduct empirical evaluations using semi-synthetic and two public real-world datasets. The results show that the proposed metric reveals a better model evaluation performance compared with existing baseline metrics, particularly in a situation with severe selection bias.


In the context of the Semantic Web, various visualization methods and tools exist. However, suitable visualizations are highly dependent on individual use cases and targeted user groups. Therefore, existing solutions require modifications and adjustments to meet the demands of other use cases and user groups. In this demo, we present an approach for a unified framework addressing customizable visual representations of knowledge graphs. Our approach refines the commonly used steps in the visualization generation process (i.e., data access, mapping to visual primitives, and rendering) for Semantic Web contexts. Separation of concerns for individual steps and a modular and customizable architecture build the foundation for a pipeline-based visualization framework. The framework enables the creation and selection of the right components for the right tasks, realizing a variety of use cases and visual representations in Semantic Web contexts.


These days most American teenagers have traveled in Europe, but I still haven't crossed an ocean. I was already middle-aged before I got more than one or two states away from home. Then my family and I crossed the country so we could ride through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River in a rubber raft. This journey was my first sight of the far American West, where, said another North Carolina writer, Thomas Wolfe, "all the states are square." I've now published two novels about what the arid stone-and-sky landscapes of Arizona and Nevada did to this native of North Carolina's green piedmont Iredell County. Researching both books made me explore what southerners and westerners have in common, how perhaps psychologically we are second cousins once removed. Many of us southern writers, Clyde Edgerton, for example, have written about both regions. My first impression of the friendly people out west was that my speech sounded more like theirs than like that of the average Brooklyn cabdriver or Boston blue-blood. They drawl, too. And despite the discovery that westerners serve fried potatoes for breakfast in the spot on the plate where grits belong, many turn out to be the descendants of early southern settlers who kept moving the frontier west as they left Carolina's coastal plain for the piedmont and foothills, then walked through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and Tennessee, gradually crossed the Mississippi, climbed more and rockier mountains, until finally some of them metamorphosed from farmers into ranchers and cowboys. A little history, first. The Cumberland Gap was formed by the natural erosion of a stream that once flowed there. Buffalo later traveled it. Folklore says that mountain laurel and wild rhododendron grow south of Chapel Hill between the Deep and Rocky Rivers because buffalo followed the ridges and rivers east, carrying seeds in their manure. If buffalo also went through the Gap, so did Indians; then, by the mid**600s, white hunters brought the news to eastern settlements that a notch beyond the edge of the frontier led through the Appalachian Mountains. In the earliest written record, a Virginia doctor, also an explorer, named it "Cave Gap" when he traveled the region in 1750. He also called the river north of the pass Cumberland, in honor of the son of the British king. At the time of the Revolutionary War, a North Carolinian and former judge named Richard Henderson hired Daniel Boone to mark a trail through the gap so settlers could cross into Kentucky. The Boones had lived in the Yadkin River valley of piedmont North Carolina, which typified the backcountry or upcountry that then edged the southern frontier. In the spring of 1775, Boone and thirty woodsmen worked for a month marking a two-hundred-mile trail from Virginia to the bluegrass region of Kentucky. Travelers can visit the town of Cumberland Gap today, eighty miles northeast of Knoxville. Tourists often drive over some of it on U.S. Highway 25 until they look down from a mountaintop into three states. Others pass through the twin mile-long tunnels beneath it. The tunnels, opened in 1996, cost 250 million dollars, but Boone and his men never got paid for their roadwork. But their efforts had marked for others what became known as the Wilderness Road, the interstate of its day, along which pioneers moved west out of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas, usually collecting in large enough groups to defend themselves from Indian attack. They formed such groups in supply centers like Richmond and Harpers Ferry and then set out walking on a path only wide enough for packhorses, not wagons. Frederick Jackson Turner, turn-of-the-century historian, called this "the process of civilization marching single file." Indian attacks were not the pioneers' only difficulties. It sometimes took a week to go ten miles through mud, snow, and flooded streams. Not until 1796 was the trail made wide enough for wagons. …


Item response theory (IRT) models such as the Rasch model, one, two, or three parameter logistic models are measurement models that are used to estimate the latent trait of individuals. Traditional formulations of IRT models do not allow explaining individual differences. However, it is possible to use these models as statistical models when they are formulated under the generalized linear and nonlinear mixed models (GLMM and NLMM) framework. Including person properties to explain the differences among person abilities and/or item properties to explain the differences among item difficulties into traditional IRT models that are formulated as descriptive item response models under the generalized linear and nonlinear mixed models framework, explanatory item response models (EIRM) are obtained. In this study, the application of four basic descriptive and explanatory item response models - Rasch model, latent regression Rasch model, linear logistic test model (LLTM), and latent regression LLTM - was illustrated using TIMSS 2007 mathematics data for eight grade Turkish students.


Nowadays, different approaches for CO2 anthropogenic emission estimation are applied to control agreements on greenhouse gas reduction. Some methods are based on the inverse modelling of emissions using various measurements and the results of numerical chemistry transport models (CTMs). Since the accuracy and precision of CTMs largely determine errors in the approaches for emission estimation, it is crucial to validate the performance of such models through observations. In the current study, the near-surface CO2 mixing ratio simulated by the CTM Weather Research and Forecasting—Chemistry (WRF-Chem) at a high spatial resolution (3 km) using three different sets of CO2 fluxes (anthropogenic + biogenic fluxes, time-varying and constant anthropogenic emissions) and from Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) datasets have been validated using in situ observations near the Saint Petersburg megacity (Russia) in March and April 2019. It was found that CAMS reanalysis data with a low spatial resolution (1.9° × 3.8°) can match the observations better than CAMS analysis data with a high resolution (0.15° × 0.15°). The CAMS analysis significantly overestimates the observed near-surface CO2 mixing ratio in Peterhof in March and April 2019 (by more than 10 ppm). The best match for the CAMS reanalysis and observations was observed in March, when the wind was predominantly opposite to the Saint Petersburg urbanized area. In contrast, the CAMS analysis fits the observed trend of the mixing ratio variation in April better than the reanalysis with the wind directions from the Saint Petersburg urban zone. Generally, the WRF-Chem predicts the observed temporal variations in the near-surface CO2 reasonably well (mean bias ≈ (−0.3) − (−0.9) ppm, RMSD ≈ 8.7 ppm, correlation coefficient ≈ 0.61 ± 0.04). The WRF-Chem data where anthropogenic and biogenic fluxes were used match the observations a bit better than the WRF-Chem data without biogenic fluxes. The diurnal time variation in the anthropogenic emissions influenced the WRF-Chem data insignificantly. However, in general, the data of all three WRF-Chem model runs give almost the same CO2 temporal variation in Peterhof in March and April 2019. This could be related to the late start of the growing season, which influences biogenic CO2 fluxes, inaccuracies in the estimation of the biogenic fluxes, and the simplified time variation pattern of the CO2 anthropogenic emissions.


FPGA has gained popularity in modern space computing in recent years. Its reconfigurability provides the versatility yet redundancy typically desired in space operations. One of the important keys to the success of an FPGA based system in space applications is the real-time task/process scheduling. In such an environment, processes that miss their respective deadlines are to be avoided or minimized. A fuzzy rule-based approach is proposed to deal with the scheduling problem for an FPGA based system. It is derived from our original work on process scheduling for non-reconfigurable processors with additional sub-modules to assist process selection and preemption decision.


PURPOSE
From neuroradiologic experience, it is evident that the adaptation of the ventricular system secondary to pathologic processes or surgery is not uniform. To describe changes entirely, one must consider, in particular, information about volume and shape. In this study, we address specifically the information encoded in the change of shape. To exemplify the technique, we used time-series MR imaging examinations of patients with surgically treated chronic or acute occlusive hydrocephalus.

METHODS
Preoperative and postoperative MR imaging at different time-steps was performed in 2 patients with occlusive hydrocephalus with a different time course of ventricular enlargement. The third and lateral ventricles were segmented with an automated classification scheme. Ventricular surfaces were binarized, mapped to a spheric coordinate system, and modeled by harmonic-basis functions. This approach allows simplification of the complex shape by stepwise filtering of the details that form the surface. The ventricles can be directly compared on the level of the simplified shape.

RESULTS
Although the relative volumetric change was comparable between patients, analysis of shape revealed notable regional differences in the pattern of adaptation. Comparing subacute and chronic hydrocephalus, the analysis reflected fundamental differences in the pattern of ventricular enlargement.

CONCLUSION
In addition to the mere volumetric description, this approach identifies regions that re-adjust differently to the altered pressure. The pattern of re-adaptation depends on the time course and history of the hydrocephalus. Furthermore, the different patterns of ventricular adaptation in patients with chronic or subacute hydrocephalus suggest a contiguity with properties of the surrounding parenchymal tissue.


Copy number variations of the 15q11.2 region at breakpoints 1-2 (BP1-BP2) have been associated with variable phenotypes and low penetrance. Detection of such variations in the prenatal setting can result in significant parental anxiety. The clinical significance of pre- and postnatally detected 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 deletions and duplications was assessed. Of 11,004 chromosomal microarray tests performed in a single referral lab (7596 prenatal, 3408 postnatal), deletions were detected in 66 cases: 39 in prenatal tests (0.51%) and 27 in postnatal tests (0.79%). Duplications were detected in 94 cases: 62 prenatal tests (0.82%) and 32 postnatal tests (0.94%). The prevalence of deletions and duplications among clinically indicated prenatal tests (0.57% and 0.9%, respectively) did not differ significantly in comparison to unindicated tests (0.49% and 0.78%, respectively). The prevalence of deletions and duplications among postnatal tests performed for clinical indications was similar to the prevalence in healthy individuals (0.73% and 1% vs. 0.98% and 0.74%, respectively). The calculated penetrance of deletions and duplications over the background risk was 2.18% and 1.16%, respectively. We conclude that the pathogenicity of 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 deletions and duplications is low. Opting out the report of these copy number variations to both clinicians and couples should be considered.


The widespread use of polymeric materials in various industries and fields of activity is explained by the thermal stability of polymers, their high strength characteristics, and the durability and reliability of synthetic materials. The introduction of additives can change the physical-mechanical, thermophysical, optical, electrical, frictional and other performance characteristics of the original (base) polymer. The purpose of the article is to investigate the safety of using isophthalic acid filler in a polymer composition. Methodology. Application of theoretical research methods, regulatory documents. Results. The spheres of polymeric materials application are considered. Ways of creating polymers with specified properties by introducing fillers into their composition, which change not only the operational characteristics, but also the physical and chemical characteristics of the original polymer are investigated. In view of the identification for danger of using isophthalic acid as a filler for phenylone, its physicochemical composition, stability, reactivity, toxicity, and environmental impact are studied. The measures and means of ensuring fire and explosion safety, means of controlling hazardous exposure, precautionary measures for personnel and personal protective equipment when working with isophthalic acid are considered. As a result of the research, it is possible to obtain an optimal polymer composition with improved plastic characteristics and safe properties. Scientific novelty. The possibility of obtaining an optimal polymer composition is shown: with improved plastic characteristics due to the addition of the biodegradable isophthalic acid filler fenilon to the polymer material; safe properties for humans and the environment, namely the absence of toxic substances release under the influence of heat, light and other external actions. Practical value. The resulting polycomposite material with updated plastic characteristics and safety properties can be used for further processing of secondary polymer raw materials.


In previous studies, a 0-1 mixed integer nonlinear programming optimization model (0-1MINLPOM) could only identify the location and release intensity for groundwater contamination sources (GCSs), and the location of each GCS was regarded as a 0-1 integer variable, selected from several locations determined in advance. However, in actual situations, the locations usually cannot be accurately isolated to a few GCSs and the number of GCSs is often unknown, so 0-1MINLPOM was improved in this study. Based on the estimation that there is a maximum of three GCSs in the study area, an improved 0-1 MINLPOM was established to simultaneously identify the number of GCSs (treated as 0-1 integer variable), the location (treated as integer variable) and release history of GCS (treated as continuous variables). The simulation model was constructed as an equality constraint embedded improved 0-1 MINLPOM. In the improved 0-1 MINLPOM solution process, repeatedly calling the simulation model would have incurred a massive computational load and taken a long time. Thus, a surrogate model based on kriging and extreme learning machine (ELM) was established respectively for the simulation model to avoid this shortcoming. The results show that the accuracy of the kriging surrogate model (Krig-SM) was higher compared with the ELM surrogate model (ELM-SM). The improved 0-1 MINLPOM could identify the number, location, and release history of GCSs simultaneously. The accuracy of identifying the number of GCSs was 100%, and the accuracies of identifying the locations and release history were above 91.67% and 90.14%, respectively.


Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in world. Stroke is an important cause of premature death and disability in low-income and middle-income countries like India, largely driven by demographic changes and enhanced by the increasing prevalence of key modifiable risk factors. Main aim of our study was to assess the clinical profile with special reference to the etiology of the condition, the management and drug utilization review. Methods: A Prospective observational study of 6 months was performed at general medicine department of the tertiary care government general hospital, Kurnool. Total of Hundred Patients aged above 20 years with Cerebrovascular accident with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were included following inclusion and exclusion criteria to observe their demographic profile and drug use. The data was analyzed summarized as frequency and percentage by using Microsoft Excel. Results: In our prospective study of hundred patients on cerebrovascular acccident with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. We observed males (70%) were more than females (30%). Stratification based on age showed patients admitting to general ward were frequently within the age group of 50-60 and 60-70. Among 100 patients studied, Hypertension (74%), Diabetes mellitus (23%), Smoking (34%) and alcohol (34%) were the risk factors respectively. Conclusion: We observed age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and alcohol were the major risk factors. We conclude that proper risk factor management and following the guidelines in the treatment reduces the severity, thereby the prognostic factors will be good.


Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) by retrospective comparison with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) in a local community hospital. Methods: SILC was introduced and performed in 57 patients for benign gallbladder diseases. Their clinical data were compared with those of 62 patients treated with CLC. They included patient demographic data and operative outcomes. Results: SILC was attempted in 57 patients and 52 cases (91.2%) were successfully completed. There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in terms of operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. The length of hospital stay in the SILC group was significantly shorter compared with CLC (P<0.0001). Conclusions: SILC has been successfully introduced in a local community hospital. The safety and feasibility was also confirmed. The SILC procedure may become 1 standard option for the treatment of benign gallbladder diseases.


Augmented reality devices can be used by engineers and scientists to perform numerical simulations for different physical systems. Using augmented reality glasses for presenting simulation results, in the form of virtual objects, improves interactivity and quality of user experience (QoE). However, despite availability of efficient approaches for fast approximate computations, such as the reduced basis method (RBM), it is not feasible to preload all reduced models for different simulations and sets of parameters in advance. Therefore, an approach is presented, that allows to detect real-world objects, map specific tags to corresponding simulations and to efficiently use available storage. By analyzing the environmental sensor data and estimating the required quality, determined by user perception, only relevant reduced bases are loaded to the internal storage of mobile device. The proposed system periodically obtains solution for the given simulation in accordance with changed parameters and quality demands, either by loading updated reduced model from server or performing the computation of the full problem directly on the mobile device in case of network failure. Simulation results are visualized by means of hologram, overlaid onto the detected object with exact position and pose. Evaluation results show that solving the full numerical problem on mobile device is feasible for dimensions up to 32x32, whereas for higher quality constraints the latency of requesting the reduced model from server can be improved by up to 10 times by performing preliminary availability check and starting computation in advance.


We report high-resolution infrared absorption measurements of H rovibrational transitions in chemically doped solid parahydrogen crystals which access both bound and delocalized exciton states. The excitons in this case correspond to vibrational (vibron) and rotational (roton) excitation of the H molecules that make up the solid. Originally studied in the seminal work of Van Kranendonk, our group and others are now studying how the exciton dynamics in solid parahydrogen are altered when the solid is doped with small concentrations of atoms. Recently, we have studied rare gas atoms and halogen atoms doped in solid parahydrogen. In the case of the halogen atom studies (Cl and Br to date), exciton decay channels include both reactive and non-reactive pathways. Special emphasis will be given to spectroscopic examples where the high-resolution lineshape reveals broadening and splitting due to delocalization of the exciton around the atomic impurity. Some of the lineshapes are understood in terms of the exciton dynamics they encode; however, some of the lineshapes await theoretical interpretation.


There has been a good deal of literature devoted to injuries to the hand and their economic significance in industry. Discussions of infections, injuries to tendons and nerves and fractures form the bulk of the articles, but reports of injuries to blood vessels appear from time to time. There have been several cases of aneurysm 1 reported and one case of thrombosis of the ulnar artery 2 following a blow. No case of traumatic thrombosis of the deep veins of the palm of the hand could be found in the literature, so we felt it worth while to report such a case. The thrombosis was the result of a sudden severe jar at the base of the hand. A definite, firm, tender, oblong mass could be palpated at the base of the hypothenar eminence (fig. 1). It was thought to be a ganglion or chronic tenosynovitis, but exploration revealed a


One of the rudiment features of international trade theory is that open economies achieve high economic growth rates than closed economies. The current study aims to investigate how economic freedom impacts economic growth. Therefore, economic growth model is estimated by using 17(Middle East and East Asian) countries' data during 2000-2009.In order to testing the data, panel data analysis is employed. The results show that overall index of economic freedom is positively and robustly correlated with growth, further, the results demonstrate that trade openness is positively associated and statistically significant determinant of growth. We find that economic freedom has significant effect on economic growth. Furthermore, we decompose the economic freedom index into the five categories constructing the index and observed that just index of size of government and index of access to sound money is negatively correlated with growth


2-DOF haptic surgical multi drive robot is driven by multi drive linear motors, and does not separate hand function (manipulating mode) and arm function (grasping mode) of the human motion mechanically. Conventional method has one problem. When the operator want to grasp an object, he have to drive forceps open. This make operator difficult to use forceps finely and powerfully. A proposed method separates two function of position in control. Conventional of grasping/manipulating control uses modal transformation matrix for master or slave robots to achive bilateral control between different structural. The proposed method use modal transformation matrix both master and slave robots between same structure. Moreover, the proposed method enables us to operate like actual forceps than conventional method. The validity of the proposed method is varified by experiments.


Using survey data from an extensive sample of Californians in the United States, we examined the relationship among indicators of socio-economic status (SES) and health for men and women in and out of the paid labor force. In contrast to data reported from the mid-1980s in which correlations among SES variables were stronger among men than among women, correlations among education, income, and occupation were similarly high among women and men. All SES variables were significantly related to health, such that as SES increased, self- reported health status increased. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated an additive effect of labor force participation and SES in predicting health among men, with main effects both of labor force participation and of income and education on health. Among women, there was an interactive effect of these variables, such that the relationship of income and of education to health was more pronounced among women who were not in the paid labor force.


AbstractTabernaemontana penduliflora K. Schum., family Apocynaceae, known lo-cally as ibbu of ovimbu (Dalziel, 1948) in the Edo language, is a small tree up to 6 - 7 metres in height, occurring as an understory tree in rain forests. As in all apocynaceous plants, this plant exudes a milky juice from all parts when broken. Alkaloids have been reported to be present in a number of species of this genus (Poisson et al., 1967). Indole alkaloids possessing corynanthe, iboga and aspidosperma skeletons have been isolated by Popli et al. (1974) from the leaves of Tabernaernontana divaricatu R. Br. var.2 (petals in two whorls), a fact which is of considerable importance from the biogenetic point of view (Popli et al., 1974). The leaves of Tubernaemontana penduliflora are used as a uterine sedative in Nigerian herbal practice and they also show positive. tests for alkaloids. Apart from a sketchy description of the plant given by Hutchinson and Dalziel (1948), no further work has been reported.


In this paper, a novel winding topology, comprising of semi-overlapped very short-end windings with significantly low magneto-motor force (MMF) harmonics, has been proposed. The key design rules, basic properties, advantages, and disadvantages of such a winding have been explained in detail. In order to reveal the key performance characteristics of the proposed winding topology, an interior permanent-magnet (IPM) machine with proposed winding structure is designed and the obtained results have been compared with other IPM machines having conventional distributed and concentrated fractional windings. It has been shown that the proposed winding topology promises significant advantages; such as improved efficiency with substantially reduced total axial length and low eddy current losses over conventional winding topologies.


Beclin 1 is an essential regulator of autophagy that is induced in response to cellular stress and serves to maintain cell survival in established tumors. We recently demonstrated that Beclin 1 suppression can sensitize colorectal cancer cells to radiation‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the level of Beclin 1 expression may be associated with radiation sensitivity in vivo. We determined the association of Beclin 1 expression in pretreatment rectal cancer tissues with response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in surgical resection specimens. Stages II and III (n = 96) rectal adenocarcinoma patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection with curative intent. Beclin 1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the expression level was dichotomized at the median value with categorization into low and high groups. We identified 56 (58.3%) and 40 (41.7%) patients whose tumors had high‐ versus low‐level Beclin 1 expression, respectively. Rectal cancers with high versus low Beclin 1 expression were significantly less likely to be downstaged after chemoradiation treatment (45% [25/55] vs. 58% [22/38]; p = 0.02). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, histological grade and baseline tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, the impact of Beclin 1 expression on tumor downstaging remained statistically significant (p = 0.03). The association of the level of Beclin 1 expression with the rate of tumor downstaging after chemoradiation is consistent with in vitro data, and suggests that Beclin 1 may be a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer.


Aqueductal stenosis (AS) is a form of noncommunicating hydrocephalus, which causes increased intracranial pressure secondary to obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Relief of intracranial pressure in the fetus by ventriculoamniotic shunting may diminish or even prevent permanent neurologic injury. Shunting was attempted in the 1980s but was abandoned due to technical difficulties. Given the advances in prenatal diagnosis and fetal intervention over the last 3 decades, we believe that an evidence-based reevaluation of the option is timely and appropriate. The aim of this review article is to discuss the clinical significance of the diagnosis of AS, current management strategies, current diagnostic capabilities, new shunt technology, and barriers to progress. Finally, we will advance a research agenda that will provide evidence-based management recommendations.


Prostaglandins (PGs) of the J2 family including PGJ2, delta12-PGJ2, and 15-deoxy-delta12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) are naturally occurring metabolites of PGD2. Among them, 15d-PGJ2 is a powerful ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). 15d-PGJ2 and synthetic PPARgamma ligands have been reported to exert several effects on vascular cells, such as anti-proliferative, differentiation-inducing, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, most of which seem to be atheroprotective, although PPARgamma-independent mechanisms may be involved. Vascular endothelial cells, intimal smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes express lipocalin-type PGD synthase (L-PGDS) in vivo, which catalyzes the isomeric conversion of PGH2 to PGD2. L-PGDS expression in endothelial cells is stimulated by laminar fluid shear stress. PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2 are detected in the culture medium of endothelial cells exposed to shear stress. Serum and urinary levels of L-PGDS increase in diseases with vascular injuries, such as hypertension and diabetes. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that PGs of the J2 series are physiological substances produced in the vascular wall to protect vascular cells from injurious stimuli and to repress inflammatory reactions. If this hypothesis is correct, PGJ2 family members or other similar substances may provide novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of vascular diseases.


Aqueous drops of a well-defined size are often used as small containers for conducting chemical and biochemical reactions, cell assays and as templates to produce microparticles. To prevent their coalescence, they must be stabilized, for example, using surfactants. The ability of different nonionic diblock and triblock copolymer surfactants to stabilize water drops that are dispersed in fluorinated oils is compared. In particular, the influence of the length of their hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block on the drop stability is studied. The stability of drops coated with triblock copolymers scales with the interfacial tension, whereas that of drops coated with diblock copolymers scales with their packing density. Surfactants whose ratio of the radii of gyration of PEG to the hydrophobic block (FSH) is between 0.54 and 0.67 impart the best stability to aqueous drops containing low salt concentrations. By contrast, surfactants whose ratio of the radii of gyration is between 0.34 and 0.37 impart the best stability to aqueous drops containing high salt concentrations. Hence, the choice of the best surfactant strongly depends on the composition of the fluids.


Military personnel often undergo sustained operations that affect vigilance and alertness. Pharmacological agents may be used to enhance vigilance. Most such agents also have thermogenic properties. Whether a new promising stimulant, modafinil (Lyons and French, Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1991; 62:432-435), has a beneficial effect on cold tolerance in the military context, is not known. The goal of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of this new drug on thermal balance and the regulation of body temperatures in neutral conditions and when challenged by a cold exposure. Nine subjects underwent three trials each: two in the cold (3 h at rest, 10 degrees C) 0.5 h after the ingestion of either placebo or modafinil (200 mg), and one in thermal neutrality with modafinil (same conditions except Tdb = 29.3 degrees C). As expected, cold produced a drop in Tre and Tsk and an increase in Vo2. Although non-significant, there was a tendency for a slightly greater drop in Tre with modafinil (0.65 degrees C vs. 0.57 degrees C with placebo). A similar tendency was found for the heat debt (S) which was greater with modafinil than with placebo (16.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 14.7 +/- 0.6 kJ.kg-1, respectively, +9.5%, p = 0.11). This tendency appears to be the combined result of a slightly lower mean heat production during the test and a slightly greater mean dry heat loss. When tested at thermal neutrality, the drug had no effect on any thermal or metabolic parameters. The results demonstrate that the ingestion of a single dose of modafinil has no significant acute effect on thermal balance in neutral conditions and on thermoregulation in normal subjects exposed to cold. However, a tendency for slightly greater cooling was noted with modafinil. It is not known whether the use of modafinil in conjunction with sleep deprivation (a likely scenario) could magnify this effect.


Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered one of the most critical multidrug-resistant pathogens and urgently requires new therapeutic strategies. Capsular polysaccharides (CPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) are the major virulence factors protecting K. pneumoniae against the immune response and thus may be targeted by phage-based therapeutics such as polysaccharides-degrading enzymes. Since the emergence of resistance to antibacterials is generally considered undesirable, in this study, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of resistance to the phage-borne CPS-degrading depolymerase and its effect on K. pneumoniae virulence were investigated. The K63 serotype targeting depolymerase (KP36gp50) derived from Klebsiella siphovirus KP36 was used as the selective agent during the treatment of K. pneumoniae 486 biofilm. Genome-driven examination combined with the surface polysaccharide structural analysis of resistant mutant showed the point mutation and frameshift in the wbaP gene located within the cps gene cluster, resulting in the loss of the capsule. The sharp decline in the yield of CPS was accompanied by the production of a larger amount of smooth LPS. The modification of the surface polysaccharide layers did not affect bacterial fitness nor the insensitivity to serum complement; however, it made bacteria more prone to phagocytosis combined with the higher adherence and internalization to human lung epithelial cells. In that context, it was showed that the emerging resistance to the antivirulence agent (phage-borne capsule depolymerase) results in beneficial consequences, i.e., the sensitization to the innate immune response.


Beta-lapachone (β-Lap; 3,4-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-2H-naphthol[1, 2-b]pyran-5,6-dione) is a novel anti-cancer drug under phase I/II clinical trials. β-Lap has been demonstrated to cause apoptotic and necrotic death in a variety of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying the β-Lap toxicity against cancer cells has been controversial. The most recent view is that β-Lap, which is a quinone compound, undergoes two-electron reduction to hydroquinone form utilizing NAD(P)H or NADH as electron source. This two-electron reduction of β-Lap is mediated by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), which is known to mediate the reduction of many quinone compounds. The hydroquinone forms of β-Lap then spontaneously oxidizes back to the original oxidized β-Lap, creating futile cycling between the oxidized and reduced forms of β-Lap. It is proposed that the futile recycling between oxidized and reduced forms of β-Lap leads to two distinct cell death pathways. First one is that the two-electron reduced β-Lap is converted first to one-electron reduced β-Lap, i.e., semiquinone β-Lap (SQ)·- causing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which then causes apoptotic cell death. The second mechanism is that severe depletion of NAD(P)H and NADH as a result of futile cycling between the quinone and hydroquinone forms of β-Lap causes severe disturbance in cellular metabolism leading to apoptosis and necrosis. The relative importance of the aforementioned two mechanisms, i.e., generation of ROS or depletion of NAD(P)H/NADH, may vary depending on cell type and environment. Importantly, the NQO1 level in cancer cells has been found to be higher than that in normal cells indicating that β-Lap may be preferentially toxic to cancer cells relative to non-cancer cells. The cellular level of NQO1 has been found to be significantly increased by divergent physical and chemical stresses including ionizing radiation. Recent reports clearly demonstrated that β-Lap and ionizing radiation kill cancer cells in a synergistic manner. Indications are that irradiation of cancer cells causes long-lasting elevation of NQO1, thereby sensitizing the cells to β-Lap. In addition, β-Lap has been shown to inhibit the repair of sublethal radiation damage. Treating experimental tumors growing in the legs of mice with irradiation and intraperitoneal injection of β-Lap suppressed the growth of the tumors in a manner more than additive. Collectively, β-Lap is a potentially useful anti-cancer drug, particularly in combination with radiotherapy.


This paper proposes new approximate QR-based algorithms for recursive nonlinear least squares (NLS) estimation. Two QR decomposition-based recursive algorithms are introduced based on the classical Gauss-Newton (GN) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithms in nonlinear unconstrained optimization or least squares problems. Instead of using the matrix inversion formula, recursive QR decomposition is employed, which is known to be numerically more stable in finite wordlength implementations. A family of p-A-QR-LS algorithms is then proposed to solve the LS problem resulting from the linearization of the NLS problem. It achieves different complexity-performance tradeoffs by retaining a different number of diagonal plus off-diagonals (denoted by an integer p) of the triangular factor of the augmented data matrix. Simulation results on identifying a nonlinear perceptron are provided to illustrate the principle of the new algorithms.


IntroductIon Communities of practice have been in existence since the days when individual craftsmen got together to share ideas and issues. Eventually, these developed into craft guilds and finally into professional associations. But more specifically, focused communities of practice have recently begun to attract a great deal of attention in the business community because they provide a way for strategically growing and managing knowl-The increasing complexity in products, services, and processes requires more specialization and collaboration between workers. However, orchestrating the involvement of disparate groups that work on complex projects requires finding a balance between differentiation, when teams work separately, and integration, when groups meet to exchange knowledge. For example, development projects usually benefit when expertise is drawn from diverse sources, including potential users, where the interests, skills, and formal and tacit knowledge of the different groups can be drawn together by skillful project managers (Garrety, Robertson & Badham, 2004). By responding to new economic pressures for rapid transformation, communities of practice can help improve knowledge exchange in critical areas, so organizations can maintain or improve their competitive positions. The growth of interest in communities of practice has resulted in their spread into several classifications of modern organizations, all of which must share knowledge and learning to thrive. How effectively communities of practice perform in these different environments is of great interest, and, in order to study them in detail, we suggest classifying them according to the structure of the organizations they serve. We have been able to identity four such classifications: internal communities of practice, communities of practice in network organizations, formal networks of practice, and self-organizing networks 68 A Classification of Communities of Practice of practice. Among these four classifications are characteristics of particular interest, especially when successful practices exhibited in one classification can be replicated in others. This article outlines the characteristics of each classification , explores their differences and similarities, and summarizes the findings from a review of the literature. The objective of this article is to encourage the migration of successful ideas for knowledge transfer and learning among the different classifications.


Purpose: To describe and compare the treatment pattern of patients with hypertension using the JNC 7 guideline, and to assess patients' body mass index (BMI) and their knowledge of hypertension in a Nigerian secondary health care facility. Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective, and observational study of 200 consecutive patients was conducted. Data were gathered on the patients' demographics and clinical characteristics, including body mass index. Patients' knowledge of hypertension was assessed using a 9-item instrument. Descriptive statistics was used to compute percentage frequency distributions of the variables. Inferential statistics employed Students' t-test and one-way ANOVA at 95 % confidence interval.     Results: Females were 131 (65.5 %), 138 (69.0 %) were either overweight or obese, 107 (53.5 %) had blood pressure ≥ 160/100 mmHg (Stage 2); 150 (75 %) did not know that hypertension is chronic and 132 (66 %) were not aware of risk of non-adherence. Poor knowledge of risk factors was associated with gender, marital status, income, and level of education (p < 0.05). Patients, 167 (83.5 %) received a combination of two antihypertensive medications with 88 (44 %) having thiazide diuretic as first line, and lifestyle modification was not an integral component of care. Conclusion: Most patients received thiazide diuretic medication but not lifestyle education. Obesity was a common risk factor among the study group. Patients' knowledge of hypertension was below average and they may need to be educated on hypertension and its effective management using drugs and lifestyle changes. Keywords: Antihypertensive medication, Hypertension, Lifestyle, Nigeria, Patient knowledge


A new dissociation model for the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is formulated using the threshold line concept. This model considers in some detail the coupling between the vibrational energy distribution of molecules in a gas and the rate of dissociation. For a particular reaction, the new threshold line model only requires determination of a leading multiplicative constant and is therefore significantly less deterministic than existing DSMC chemistry models. The new model is evaluated in a heat bath under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions. It is also employed to calculate hypersonic shock waves of nitrogen and air. Comparison of the results generated with the new model is made with existing experimental data and with previous computational results. The more detailed DSMC implementation reveals properties of the threshold line dissociation model not apparent in the previous continuum implementation.


Background In Systemic Lupus Erythematosous (SLE), extracellular DNA (as in extracellular chromatin traps or immune complexes) combined with alarmins/danger- associated molecular patterns promote the production of IFNa by plasmatocytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).123 IL-33 is a cell necrosis-derived alarmin with immunostimulatory properties which depend on the context of immune cells and inflammatory milieu.4 We hypothesised that IL-33 might augment the interferogenic potential of extracellular DNA in SLE. Materials and methods Human peripheral blood pDCs were isolated from SLE patients and healthy individuals and IL-33 receptor (ST2L) expression was determined by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Oligonucleotides (CpG ODNs) were administered with/without recombinant IL-33 and IFN-a production was measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. IL-33 decoration of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was examined using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. pDCs were stimulated with NETs-containing supernatants with/without recombinant IL-33 and IFN-a production was measured. Results Spontaneous-released NETs from peripheral blood neutrophils of active SLE patients were decorated with IL-33 to larger extent compared to healthy-derived NETs. Circulating CD303+/CD123+ pDCs from active SLE patients exhibited membrane expression of ST2L albeit at lower levels compared to healthy pDCs (p<0,05). Combined CpG/IL-33 activation of pDCs promoted enhanced IFN-a mRNa and protein levels compared to CpG alone (p<0,05). Moreover, co-administration of IL-33 and NET-containing supernatants on pDCs significantly enhanced IFN-a protein and mRNA levels (p<0,05). Conclusions The alarmin IL-33 produced by SLE NETing neutrophils promotes IFN-a production by pDCs therefore contributing to autoimmune inflammatory responses. Topic Autoimmune inflammation References Garcia-Romo, G. S., S. Caielli, B. Vega, et al. "Netting Neutrophils Are Major Inducers of Type I IFN Production in Paediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus."Science Translational Medicine 2011;3:73. Lande R., Gregorio J., Facchineti V., et al. ''Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense self-DNA coupled with antimicrobial peptide.''Nature2007;449. Tian, Jane, Ana Maria Avalos, Su-Yau Mao, et al. "Toll-like Receptor 9–dependent Activation by DNA-containing Immune Complexes Is Mediated by HMGB1 and RAGE."Nature Immunology 2007;8.5:487–96 Duan, Lihua, Jie Chen, Feili Gong, et al. "The Role of IL-33 in Rheumatic Diseases." Clinical and Developmental Immunology2013:1–5.


Summary Molecular aggregation occurs when solutions of γ-globulin are heated to 56°C. Aggregated γ-globulin, when concentrated by salt fractionation, demonstrated marked anticomplementary properties. Preliminary C′ studies suggested that absorption of guinea pig serum with solid γ-globulin resulted in C′ component destruction that resembled C′ inactivation by immune systems.


Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an investment from one country into another country. The purpose of this research is to determine the factors that affect the FDI inward in Indonesia. The research object used is the condition of FDI in Indonesia within 50 years from 1970 until 2019 with quantitative research methods. Data analysis was performed using the multiple linear regression and using software statistic E-views. The results shows that Tax Treaty has positive significant effect on FDI. Tax Incentive have no effect on FDI. Corporate Income Tax Rate has negative significant effect on FDI. Furthermore, GDP per Capita and Inflation Rate have no effect on FDI. Trade Openness have no effect on FDI. This indicates that double taxation avoidance agreements are legalized and active between Indonesia and other countries, enlarging the number of foreign direct investment entering Indonesia. The lower the corporate income tax rate imposed in Indonesia, enlarging the Foreign Direct Investment inward in Indonesia.


Previous experiments to separate the amylase and "invertase" of honey by chromatography on sephadex-gels were unsuccesful. It was shown that honey-amylase, -like amylases form other sources -- has hydrophobic properties. Therefore it was possible to separate amylase-activity from other activities by means of hydrophobic affinity chromatography on phenyl-butylamine-Sepharose 4B.


Based on previous work on the propulsion performances of single-screw propeller, the trailing vortex model for the propeller was further improved and a comparison was made between the new and original calculations and test results. The comparison shows that the calculated results obtained with the improved vortex model are more accurate.


Arsenic is one of the most abundant contaminant found in waste mine tailings and soil around refinery, Because of its carcinogenic property, the countries like United States of America and Europe have made stringent regulations which govern the concentration of arsenic in soil. The study focuses on solidification/stabilization for removal of arsenic from soil. Cement was used to solidify/stabilize the abandoned soil primarily contaminated with arsenic (up to 68.92 mg/kg) in and around refinery. Solidified/stabilized (s/s) forms in the range of cement contents 5-30 wt % were evaluated to determine the optimal binder content. Revised Korean standard leaching tests (KSLT), toxicity characteristic leaching procedures (TCLP), Old Korea standard leaching test and revised Korea standard leaching test were used for chemical characterization of the S/S forms. The addition of 10 % cement remarkably reduced the leachability of arsenic in contaminated soil. The concentration of As in leachate of TCLP, KSLT, and old KSLT for soil are below the standard. However that in leachate of revised KSLT is above the standard. Because of extraction fluid used in revised KSLT is very strong acid. It is arsenic in s/s with binder should be exhaustingly leached. Therefore S/S process would not be available for As treatment in soil in Korea.


Prevent mortality and/or injury to all life stages of anadromous and resident fish at irrigation diversions. Obsolete Yakima basin fish screens constructed in the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's must be replaced or updated to comply with current regional fish screen biological protection criteria adopted by Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority (CBFWA), Fish Screening Oversight Committee (FSOC) in 1995. This goal is being accomplished through an on-going effort by the Yakima Basin Phase II Technical Work Group (TWG), which is comprised of local, state, federal, tribal and private groups who prioritizes and assign screening projects. Prioritized screening projects are completed through coordination between the Bureau of Reclamations (BOR), who design and permit, and the WDFW who fabricate the screens for these projects.


The general practice department of the University of Tennessee was developed on the premise that medical schools should give students some actual orientation and experience in the various forms of medical practice. The teaching of all the specialties has been traditional, but general practice, which is the most widely practiced of all fields of medicine, has been totally neglected. The established specialty clinics and medical services within the schools and teaching hospitals are highly departmentalized and in nowise resemble the conditions found in general practice. Further, in years past, the faculty of medical schools had, to a large extent, conducted general practices before specializing, but today practically none have had any experience with this form of medical care. Recognizing this, many medical schools have critically evaluated their curriculums with the purpose of offering some form of orientation and experience in general practice to the student. The specialty departments have developed


Self-cleaning coatings have attracted more and more interest due to practical applications in the building of glass, solar cells modules, eye glasses and so on. However, the transmission may decrease due to more interfaces inserted between air and glass. Developing a self-coating with high transmission is in demand. In this chapter, we have summarized the basic principles of a self-cleaning and anti-reflection thin film coating. The fabrication route of a self-cleaning coating with anti-reflection properties can be divided into two types: a bottom-up route and a top-down method. The bottom-up route consists of growing the nanostructure on a glass substrate. The top-down method is fabricating nanostructures on the substrate using physical or chemical etching.


The antimicrobial activity of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm) Roscoe extract against some oral microorganisms was compared with the antimicrobial activity of five commercial mouthrinses in order to evaluate the potential of the plant extract to be incorporated into formulas for improving or creating antiseptic activity. The in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of plant extracts and commercial products were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using a linear regression method to evaluate the microbial reduction obtained in function of the exposure time, considering as effectiveness a 99.999% reduction in count of standardized microbial populations within 60 seconds. The results showed that the antimicrobial efficacy of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm) Roscoe extract was similar to that of commercial products, and its incorporation into a mouthrinse could be an alternative for improving the antimicrobial efficacy of the oral product.


Bifenestration as an operation for hearing improvement is described in a case of congenital absence of the oval and round window. Besides the classical fenestration of the horizontal semicircular duct, an artificial round window was performed in the middle ear. Due to the acoustic resonance of the mastoid cavity, the resulting conductive loss in the higher frequencies was only 20-30 dB.


Abstract The diverse geological and geophysical data sets compiled, interrogated and interpreted for the largely undercover southern Thomson Orogen region reveal a Paleozoic terrane dominated by deformed metasedimentary rocks intruded by S- and I-type granites. An interpretive basement geology map and synthesis of geochronological constraints allow definition of several stratigraphic packages. The oldest and most widespread comprises upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician metasedimentary rocks deposited during the vast extensional Larapinta Event with maximum depositional ages of ca 520 to ca 496 Ma. These units correlate with elements of the northern Thomson Orogen, Warburton Basin and Amadeus Basin. The degree of deformation and metamorphism of these rocks varies across the region. A second major package includes Lower to Middle Devonian volcanic and sedimentary units, some of which correlate with components of the Lachlan Orogen. The region also includes a Middle to Upper Ordovician package of metasedimentary rocks and a Devonian or younger package of intermediate volcaniclastic rocks of restricted extent. Intrusive units range from diatremes and relatively small layered mafic bodies to batholithic-scale suites of granite and granodiorite. S-type and I-type intrusions are both present, and ages range from Ordovician to Triassic, but late Silurian intrusions are the most abundant. Two broad belts of intrusions are recognised. In the east, the Scalby Belt comprises relatively young (Upper Devonian) intrusions, while in the west, the Ella Belt is dominated by intrusions of late Silurian age within a curvilinear, broadly east–west trend. The stratigraphic distributions, characteristics and constraints defined by this interpretive basement mapping provide a basic framework for ongoing research and mineral exploration.