The paper presents a novel methodology for optimal reactive power pricing in deregulated market. A new method is presented in this paper which aims to supply electricity to the consumer by the supplier in the most economically beneficial way. The objective function is formulated in terms of social welfare function, maximization of which results in the most economical generation and consumption. However compared with real power, the idea of reactive power costing and pricing is still not well defined. This paper is based on the equilibrium theory of the electricity power market to deal with reactive power pricing along with the active power. In this method the total cost of production of active and reactive power and investment cost of capacitor banks as well as active and reactive demands are included in the objective function of the optimal power flow problem. The method used for solving OPF problem is Newton Raphson Decoupled Load Flow. This project uses Genetic Algorithm as optimization technique. This paper is an attempt to create a win-win condition for both the supplier and consumer.


A study of the basic principles and problems of classical, biochemical, and molecular genetics; including Mendelian inheritance, chromosomes, mutation, linkage mapping, DNA structure, gene expression and an introduction to recombinant DNA technology. Table of Contents and Basic Terms


Pressure injury is the most important issue facing paralysis patients and the elderly, especially in long-term care or nursing. A new interfacial pressure sensing system combined with a flexible textile-based pressure sensor array and a real-time readout system improved by the Kalman filter is proposed to monitor interfacial pressure progress in the cardiac operation. With the design of the Kalman filter and parameter optimization, noise immunity can be improved by approximately 72%. Additionally, cardiac operation patients were selected to test this developed system for the direct correlation between pressure injury and interfacial pressure for the first time. The pressure progress of the operation time was recorded and presented with the visible data by time- and 2-dimension-dependent characteristics. In the data for 47 cardiac operation patients, an extreme body mass index (BMI) and significantly increased pressure after 2 h are the top 2 factors associated with the occurrence of pressure injury. This methodology can be used to prevent high interfacial pressure in high-risk patients before and during operation. It can be suggested that this system, integrated with air mattresses, can improve the quality of care and reduce the burden of the workforce and medical cost, especially for pressure injury.


We report magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements on the iron-based superconductor $\mathrm{Ba_{1-x}K_xFe_2As_2}$. By measuring locally the Meissner repulsion with the magnetic MFM tip, we determine the absolute value of the in-plane magnetic penetration depth ($\lambda_{ab}$) in underdoped, optimally-doped, and overdoped samples. The results suggest an abrupt increase of $\lambda_{ab}$ as doping is increased from $x_\mathrm{opt}$, which is potentially related to the presence of a quantum critical point. The response of superconducting vortices to magnetic forces exerted by the MFM tip for $x=0.19$ and $0.58$ is compatible with previously observed structural symmetries at those doping levels.


Many efforts have been devoted to the development of efficient Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) using machine learning approaches in Software-defined Network (SDN). Unfortunately, existing solutions failed to detect real-time and zero-day attacks due to their limited throughput and prior knowledge-based detection. To this end, we propose Griffin, a NIDS that uses unsupervised machine learning expertise to detect both known and zero-day intrusion attacks in real-time with high accuracy. Specifically, Griffin uses an efficient feature extraction framework to capture the sequential features of the traffic packets. Then, it utilizes cluster analysis to reduce the feature scale to achieve low throughput. Moreover, an ensemble autoencoder is built automatically to further extract features with low complexity and high precision to train the model. We evaluate the accuracy, robustness, and complexity of the system using open datasets. The result shows that Griffin's complexity is about 40% lower, and its accuracy is at most 19% higher than existing NIDS.Additionally, even in the situation with evasion, the Griffin has at most 9% decrease of AUC, which is a good performance compared with other solutions. Furthermore, this paper also utilizes the differential privacy framework during training autoencoders to protect datasets' privacy which is inherent in machine learning approaches.


Repurchase agreements are money market instruments that are used widely and for various purposes due to their simplicity and flexibility. The European repo market is quite concentrated, as 80% of the transactions is conducted be-tween the top 20 banks and 61.9% of the collaterals used in the European repo market are originated in the Eurozone. Especially, for Europe the repo market is more important than ever, as it reached an all-time high of EUR 7,351 billion in June 2018. Even though the repo market is quite extensive and important, with respect to repos, there has no literature been found, which deals with the disclosure requirements of IFRS 7 in the European banking industry so far.

How disproportionate the attention paid to repos is, becomes apparent by examining the financial statement of one German bank. It was noticed, that the information provided on repos was not too extensive, even though repos ac-counted for approximately 39% of the bank's total assets. The example of Lehman Brothers shows how important it is to formulate appropriate accounting standards that actually reflect the true nature of transactions. The extent of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 may have been reduced, if their troubled situation would have been disclosed honestly in the first place.

As the mandatory requirements of IFRS 7 should ensure, that sufficient and decision-useful information to enable users of financial statements to under-stand the risks arising from repos is disclosed, the first step is to review, if the mandatory requirements are fulfilled. 38 IFRS 7 criteria were derived from these mandatory requirements. Besides these mandatory criteria, some supplementary information was gathered. The sample which was examined within this empirical analysis consists of 66 banks from 19 European countries. It will be shown from the 5-year averages that European banks only complied on average with 54%, i.e. only slightly more than half of the mandatory disclosure requirements of IFRS 7, which apply to repos.


Structural Health Monitoring aims to characterize the performance of a structure from a combination of recorded sensor data and analytic techniques. Many methods are concerned with quantifying the elastic response of the structure, treating temperature changes as noise in the analysis. While these elastic profiles do demonstrate a portion of structural behavior, thermal loads on a structure can induce comparable strains to elastic loads. Understanding this relationship between the temperature of the structure and the resultant strain and displacement can provide in depth knowledge of the structural condition. A necessary parameter for this form of analysis is the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). The CTE of a material relates the amount of expansion or contraction a material undergoes per degree change in temperature, and can be determined from temperature-strain relationship given that the thermal strain can be isolated. Many times with concrete, the actual amount of expansion with temperature in situ varies from the given values for the CTE due to thermally generated elastic strain, which complicates evaluation of the CTE. To accurately characterize the relationship between temperature and strain on a structure, the actual thermal behavior of the structure needs to be analyzed. This rate can vary for different parts of a structure, depending on boundary conditions. In a case of unrestrained structures, the strain in the structure should be linearly related to the temperature change. Thermal gradients in a structure can affect this relationship, as they induce curvature and deplanations in the cross section. This paper proposes a method that addresses these challenges in evaluating the CTE.


The main role of the crisis unit at a state psychiatric hospital was found to be the provision of brief hospitalisation for patients with adjustment disorders and person ality disorders. The four bed crisis unit treated 14% of all patients admitted to the hospital, with an average length of stay less than three days. A study of 78 crisis unit patients found that 77% were able to be discharged directly to the community, and only 18% were readmitted during the following six months.


IUDs used for 1 year were shown to cause endometrial changes as the organism's response to an alien body providing the contraceptive effect of the IUD. A cytophotometric study of the DNA content in endometrial cells revealed no significant difference in DNA quantity and ploid distribution of the cells during the 12th month of IUD use as compared to baseline values. (author's)


One of the most challenging issues in the practical implementation of high‐energy‐density anode‐free lithium‐metal batteries (AFLMBs) is the sharp capacity attenuation caused by the mechanical degradation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, developing an artificial SEI to address this issue remains a challenge due to the trade‐off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness for general ionic conducting films. In this study, a tenacious composite artificial SEI with integrated heterostructure of lithium fluoride (LiF) and lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is prepared using a co‐sputtering approach to achieve both high ionic conductivity and fracture toughness. The embedded LiF domain has an extremely high Young's modulus and surface energy compared with those of bulk LiPON film, enabling a significant increase in fracture toughness by an order of magnitude. Most importantly, the interface between LiPON and LiF in the integrated structure generates additional fast Li+‐transport pathways, providing the artificial SEI with a conductivity higher than 10−6S cm−1. Consequently, the artificial SEI implementation significantly increases the cycling lifetime of the corresponding AFLMBs by >250%. This study highlights the importance of fracture toughness for the structural integrity of batteries and provides suggestions for designing viable SEI materials for high‐performance AFLMBs.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contend that the dominant voluntarism approach to the accountability of transnational corporations (TNCs) is inadequate and not fit-for-purpose. The authors argue for the establishment of an international legal mechanism for securing the accountability of TNCs, particularly in the context of developing countries with notoriously weak governance mechanisms to protect all relevant stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts insights from the fields of management and international law to draw out synergies from particular understandings of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and international human rights. The challenges to governance in developing countries with regard to securing the accountability of TNCs are illustrated with the Nigerian experience of oil-industry legislation reform.

Findings

The specific context of the experiences of developing countries in Africa on the operations of TNCs particularly commends the need and expedience to create an international legal regime for ensuring the accountability of TNCs.

Originality/value

Mainstream research in this area has focused mainly on self and voluntary models of regulation and accountability that have privileged the legal fiction of the corporate status of TNCs. This paper departs from that model to argue for an enforceable model of TNC's accountability – based on an international mechanism.


In this article we present some characteristics of the discharge flow of the rivers belonging to Bârlad upper drainage basin, situated in the Central Moldavian Plateau. We analysed the general conditions influencing the quality and quantity of water resources, the maximum and minimum daily discharges, the mean monthly water flow regime, the interannual variations and the evolution of mean annual discharge values. The specific discharge was assessed using the flow accumulation raster generated in GIS environment on the basis of a 20x20m DEM. Finally, we analysed the sediment discharge using the data recorded at three hydrometric points.


Over the past years, hydropower model and control were largely based on classical and linear transfer function, this was motivated by the available control system design techniques that were available and the desire to simplify the design procedure. Such a model is inadequate for dynamic study and design of hydropower station in the presence of uncertainties in the water head, discharge rate, elastic water effect, traveling wave effect, large variation power output and frequency. This research, therefore, focuses on developing a nonlinear model for the Kainji hydroelectric power station. The model relies on the energy conversion principles, inflows, discharge, evaporation rate and number of units on busbar. The parameters of the model were also estimated, and the model validated with an error within +1.4% to -3.6%. The model is expected to be used to determine the optimal control policies for the operation of the station and the release of water to the downstream. Keywords: Hydroelectric Power, Inflow, Model, Operating Head, Turbo-alternator


Electromechanical, mechanical, and volumetric measurements on vinylidene fluoride terpolymers with trifluoroethylene and trichlorofluoroethylene are reported. One purpose of the investigation was to assess the contribution of an electric field-induced crystal phase transformation to the large electrostrictive coefficient (43 nm2 V-2 at 1 Hz, parallel to the field). Such a crystal transformation is evidenced by the change in the Curie transition enthalpy after application of an electric field. Using the volume change at the Curie transition, along with X-ray diffraction data, we quantify the amount of the ferroelectric and paraelectric crystalline forms. From this, we conclude that, for electric fields up to 10 MV/m, the strain resulting from the field-induced crystal phase change is too small to account for the large electrostriction observed in the terpolymer. The transition from the R to the â-crystalline form is also induced by hydrostatic pressure, with the â-crystals formed at elevated pressures stable at ambient pressure. The Curie transition in the terpolymer, similar to the behavior of the copolymer, is accompanied by changes in both the shear and bulk moduli. The Curie transition exhibits significant hysteresis during thermal cycling, implying that both the electrostriction and the mechanical properties will be sensitive to processing.


With the push to curb dangerous atmospheric pollutant production, energy generation technologies that reduce green-house gas emissions, while still providing adequate electrical supply, are of high importance. With major energy infrastructure already in place, developing enhanced pollutant-reducing combustor systems for micro gas turbines (MGTs), that can utilize low calorific fuels from renewable resources, is a major goal. The current work focuses on the experimental testing of an optimized two-stage combustor designed to operate with various fuel types, including natural gas and syngas produced via biomass gasification. Atmospheric experimental tests were performed and the results indicate larger flame lift-off heights and slightly higher CO gas emissions levels, while displaying lower NOx gas emissions levels for all thermal loads and air-to-fuel equivalence ratios tested, compared to that of the previous combustor designs. Additionally, steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted and the results are in general good agreement with the experimental data. Overall, the results indicate high fuel flexibility of the combustor, as well as the ability to comply with the NOx emissions limits for a larger range of operating points, compared to that of the previously tested combustors.


The addition of cryoprotectants, e.g., a mixture of sucrose and sorbitol or polydextrose (PDT) with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), to improve the texture and water retention properties of cod mince with kidney tissue (modified mince) was studied at -14°c. Kidney tissue provided trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) demethylase to accelerate dimethylamine (DMA) and formaldehyde formation. Expressible moisture (EM), water uptake ability (WUA), protein solubility, cook loss, DMA production, and textural profile analysis were determined to detect changes in modified mince during frozen storage. Modified mince with SHMP and sucrose/sorbitol or PDT at -14°C had improved EM, WUA, and cook loss and was more tender.


The Comrey Personality Scales (CPS) were used to examine the personality structure of 176 Mexican American college students. A majority of the eight factors maintained substantial loadings and corresponded closely with Comrey's normative sample as well as with Brazilian and New Zealand samples. Two factors, Conformity and Orderliness, showed the weakest fit across all four groups. Overall, the CPS shows adequate measurement properties for "normal" personality assessment among Mexican Americans and is preferable to instruments such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). However, the external validity of the CPS with clinical populations must first be determined prior to its use to assess psychopathology among Mexican Americans.


OBJECTIVE
To assess for differences in headache characteristics and psychosocial factors based on headache diagnosis, and to evaluate whether headache diagnosis moderates relations between psychosocial factors and school difficulties.

METHODS
Retrospective chart review was conducted with 262 adolescents with chronic tension-type headache (TTH; N = 153) and migraine evaluated at a pediatric headache clinic. Adolescents completed measures of anxiety, depression, and pain coping. Parents completed a measure of parental protective behavior and school functioning.

RESULTS
Adolescents with TTH reported greater depression symptoms, and their parents endorsed greater school difficulties, whereas parents of adolescents with migraine reported more protective parenting. Protective parenting was positively associated with school difficulties in both groups, but the relation was significantly stronger in adolescents with TTH. Headache duration and depression symptoms were significant predictors of school functioning in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Headache duration and depression may impact school functioning independent of headache diagnosis. Protective parenting, in particular, seems to be linked to school-related disability in adolescents with TTH, and this link may be important to consider in assessment and treatment.


In 2020, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) was awarded a contract with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to begin coordination of a new National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR), which would build on the existing infrastructure among both Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and National Program of Cancer Registries central registries. NCI and NAACCR planned to use the NCCR to securely match children across registries and with external data sources such as genomic data, medical and pharmacy claims, and other novel sources for residential history, financial toxicity and social determinants of health to build a robust database for pediatric cancer reporting and research. These linkages will enable researchers to address issues surrounding late effects of cancer treatment, recurrence, subsequent malignant neoplasms, and other critical outcomes.


Rattans, the climbing palms, are one of the most important non-wood forest produce supporting the livelihood of many forest dwelling communities in India. However, extensive harvest, loss of habitat and poor regeneration has resulted in dwindling of rattan populations necessitating an urgent need to conserve the existing rattan genetic resources. In this study, using GIS tools, an attempt has been made to develop species richness maps of rattans in the North-Eastern Himalaya, a mega-diversity region in India. At least four sites of extremely high species richness were identified that could be prioritized for in situ conservation. Further, using molecular tools, genetic variability was assessed in six populations of an economically important rattan, Calamus flagellum. The population that was least disturbed or harvested maintained comparatively higher levels of genetic diversity than those that were disturbed. The study, perhaps the first in the region, emphasizes the need for developing strategies for the long-term conservation of rattans in the North-Eastern Himalaya.


Background: HER2-positive patients (pts) who do not achieve pathologic complete response with preoperative chemotherapy and HER2 directed therapy (PST) are at increased risk of recurrence and mortality despite further anti-HER2-targeted and endocrine treatment. The antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) combines the antitumor activities of trastuzumab (H) with intracellular delivery of the cytotoxic agent DM1 via a stable linker. T-DM1 prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a phase 3 study in pts with previously treated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) compared with capecitabine and lapatinib. It also prolonged PFS compared with H and docetaxel in a phase 2 study in pts with previously untreated HER2-positive MBC. Trial design: KATHERINE (NCT01772472) is a phase 3, 2-arm, open-label trial in pts with HER2-positive primary breast cancer (BC) who have received PST, including H, and have residual invasive disease after surgery. Pts are randomly assigned 1:1 to adjuvant T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg IV q3w or H 6 mg/kg IV q3w for 14 cycles. Pts can receive concomitant radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy if clinically indicated. Eligibility criteria: HER2-positive BC (centrally determined IHC 3+ and/or ISH ratio ≥2); clinical stage T1–4, N0–3, M0 (T1a/bN0 ineligible) prior to PST; ECOG PS 0 or 1; adequate surgical excision; ≥6 cycles of preoperative treatment (≥16 weeks total; ≥9 weeks of H and ≥9 weeks of taxane-based chemotherapy); residual invasive breast or axillary lymph node disease after preoperative therapy; ≤12 weeks from surgery to random assignment. Pts with anthracycline exposure equivalent to doxorubicin >240 mg/m2 or significant cardiopulmonary dysfunction are excluded. Specific aims: The primary efficacy endpoint is invasive disease-free survival (IDFS). Secondary endpoints include disease-free survival, OS, distant recurrence-free interval, quality of life, and pharmacokinetics. Safety assessments include all adverse events, abnormal laboratory values, cardiac events, and LVEF. Statistical methods: The log-rank test (stratified by clinical stage, hormone receptor status, preoperative HER2-directed therapy, and pathologic nodal status after preoperative therapy) will be used to compare IDFS between arms. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) will be estimated using Cox proportional hazards model (also stratified). The Kaplan-Meier approach will be used to estimate 3-year IDFS rates and 95% CIs for each arm. The final IDFS analysis, which provides 80% power to detect a HR of 0.75 (a 6.5% improvement in 3-year IDFS from 70% in the control arm to 76.5% in the T-DM1 arm) at a 2-sided alpha level of 5%, will be performed after ∼384 IDFS events have occurred. The final OS analysis will be performed at the end of 10 years of follow-up. Interim analyses of IDFS and OS are planned. Current and target accrual: Enrollment to 342 sites in 28 countries began in April 2013, and target accrual is 1484 pts. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr OT1-1-06.


Abstract We show that the valuation ring $F_q [[t]]$ in the local field $F_q \left( t \right)$ is existentially definable in the language of rings with no parameters. The method is to use the definition of the henselian topology following the work of Prestel-Ziegler to give an ∃-$F_q $-definable bounded neighbouhood of 0. Then we "tweak" this set by subtracting, taking roots, and applying Hensel's Lemma in order to find an ∃-$F_q $-definable subset of $F_q [[t]]$ which contains $tF_q [[t]]$. Finally, we use the fact that $F_q $ is defined by the formula $x^q - x = 0$ to extend the definition to the whole of $F_q [[t]]$ and to rid the definition of parameters. Several extensions of the theorem are obtained, notably an ∃-∅-definition of the valuation ring of a nontrivial valuation with divisible value group.


In today's highly demanding and time-limited working environment, access to information in a secure environment is expected not only from large corporations, small businesses and universities among other entities, but from the government as well. People no longer have time to spend waiting in long lines at agencies for conducting transactions at different government offices. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico launched the PrStar.net state portal back in 1996, reengineered it and renamed it gobierno.pr in 2004, updated in 2007 and 2009. But to satisfy the needs and requirements of the citizens of Puerto Rico as well as international visitors, capacity needs had to be expanded. The objective is to convert the concept of the virtual office into reality. In this virtual office, the public can have access to general information and statistics. In addition, this serves as a single point for making transactions or requesting services from agencies without having to visit them. In this paper, we examine the evolution of the www.puertorico.gov portal since its initial inception back in 1996, its evolution to gobierno.pr and current state and we discuss the salient aspects of e-government implementation strategy that is suitable to the needs not only for government agencies but also to the citizens of Puerto Rico.


In this paper I would like to asses critically McDowell's argument to the effect that all experience is conceptualized and explain the role that this thesis plays within his general philosophical project. It has been argued that McDowell's conception of experience leads to idealism. I will demonstrate why this charge could be made and whether it is a charge which McDowell can adequately respond to. The paper will clarify McDowell's conception of conceptualized experience, and evaluate its efficacy for his philosophical aim. In order to accomplish these goals, the paper will contain the following two components: (1) a reconstruction of McDowell's position, and (2) its critical analysis. To reconstruct the position of McDowell, I will try (i) to establish his motives (i.e. avoiding the collapse into the Myth of the Given or coherentism), and (ii) the sources of inspiration for his thought and its and context (the Kantian categories of receptivity and spontaneity; the thought of D. Davidson, W. Sellars, G. Evans and Ch. Peacocke); (iii) and to explain his arguments (i.e. the general idea of the unboundedness of the conceptual, and the arguments against existence of non-conceptual content) and his defence against the charge of idealism. In order to critically analyse his position, I will try to evaluate it in terms of whether his defence against the objections to his proposal, in particular the charge of idealism, is successful. Thoughts without content are empty; intuitions without concepts are blind (Immanuel Kant) One of the most noticeable features of analytical philosophy in the last three decades is its explicit return to fundamental metaphysical issues, FORUM PHILOSOPHICUM 12 (2007), pp. 87-103


Staurolite with up to 65% MgO and magnesium as the dominant divalent cation is recorded from an incompletely reconstituted metatroctolite from Fiordland, New Zealand. It occurs in complex assemblages including pyrope, hornblende, spinel and corundum, and is estimated to have crystallized at about 12 kbar and 750"C. The a cell edge of this staurolite (7.E914) is markedly larger than that of other natural staurolites, which may be attributed to substantial substitution of Mg for Al in the "kyanite" layer of the staurolite structure. A green staurolite with2Vo Cr2O3 is also recorded from a mafic metatuffrom Fiordland.


Stream networks expand and contract through time, impacting chemical export, aquatic ecosystem habitat, and water quality. Although recent advances improve prediction of the extent of the wetted channel network (L) based on discharge at the catchment outlet (Q), controls on the temporal variability of L remain poorly understood and unquantified. Here we develop a quantitative, conceptual framework to explore how flow regime and stream network hydraulic scaling factors co-determine the relative temporal variability in L. Network hydraulic scaling determines how much L changes for a change inQ, while the flow 5 regime describes how Q changes in time. We compiled datasets of co-located dynamic stream extent mapping and discharge to analyze all globally available empirical data using the presented framework. We found that although variability in L is universally dampened relative to variability in Q (i.e., streamflow is relatively more variable in time than network extent), the relationship is elastic, meaning that for a given increase in the variability in Q, headwater catchments will experience greaterthan-proportional increases in the variability of L. Thus, under anticipated climatic shifts towards more volatile precipitation, 10 relative variability in headwater stream network extents can be expected to increase even more than the relative variability of discharge itself. Comparison between network extents inferred from the L-Q relationship and USGS topographic maps shows widespread underestimation of the wetted channel network by the mapped extent of both perennial and dynamic stream extents.


By using the system of image analyzer connected with scanning electron microscope, the whisker orientation in the SiCw/6061Al alloy composite as-squeeze-cast was measured. According to the shear lag model and the actual distribution function of whisker in composite, the inhomogeneity of elastic modulus in composite was analyzed. With the method of ultrasonic velocity, the elastic modulus of composite was measured. The results showed that, the whiskers of composite are preferred in an orientation normal to the direction of squeeze cast. The higher the volume fraction of whisker, the more extent of preferred orientation of it, and the inhomogeneity of elastic modulus is mainly due to the differences of whisker distribution in composite.


Disc degenerative disease (DDD) is believed to originate in the nucleus pulposus (NP) region therefore, it is important to obtain a greater number of active NP cells for the study and therapy of DDD. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool for modeling the development of DDD in humans, and have the potential to be applied in regenerative medicine. NP cells were isolated from DDD patients following our improved method, and then the primary NP cells were reprogramed into iPSCs with Sendai virus vectors encoding 4 factors. Successful reprogramming of iPSCs was verified by the expression of surface markers and presence of teratoma. Differentiation of iPSCs into NP-like cells was performed in a culture plate or in hydrogel, whereby skin fibroblast derived-iPSCs were used as a control. Results demonstrated that iPSCs derived from NP cells displayed a normal karyotype, expressed pluripotency markers, and formed teratoma in nude mice. NP induction of iPSCs resulted in the expression of NP cell specific matrix proteins and related genes. Non-induced NP derived-iPSCs also showed some NP-like phenotype. Furthermore, NP-derived iPSCs differentiate much better in hydrogel than that in a culture plate. This is a novel method for the generation of iPSCs from NP cells of DDD patients, and we have successfully differentiated these iPSCs into NP-like cells in hydrogel. This method provides a novel treatment of DDD by using patient-specific NP cells in a relatively simple and straightforward manner.


Mutations in SLC39A14, a manganese uptake transporter, lead to a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by accumulation of manganese in the brain and rapidly progressive dystonia-parkinsonism (Hypermanganesemia with Dystonia 2, HMNDYT2). Similar to the human phenotype, zebrafish slc39a14U801-/- mutants show prominent brain manganese accumulation and abnormal locomotor behaviour. In order to identify novel potential targets of manganese neurotoxicity, we performed transcriptome analysis of individual homozygous mutant and sibling slc39a14U801 zebrafish at five days post fertilisation unexposed and exposed to MnCl2. Anatomical gene enrichment analysis confirmed that differentially expressed genes map to the central nervous system and eye. Biological interpretation of differentially expressed genes suggests that calcium dyshomeostasis, activation of the unfolded protein response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal disruption, apoptosis and autophagy, and interference with proteostasis are key events in manganese neurotoxicity. Differential expression of visual phototransduction genes also predicted visual dysfunction in mutant larvae which was confirmed by the absence of visual background adaptation and a diminished optokinetic reflex. Surprisingly, we found a group of differentially expressed genes in mutant larvae that normalised upon MnCl2 treatment suggesting that, in addition to neurotoxicity, manganese deficiency is present either subcellularly or in specific cells or tissues. This may have important implications for treatment as manganese chelation may aggravate neurological symptoms. Our analyses show that slc39a14U801-/- mutant zebrafish present a powerful model to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disrupted manganese homeostasis. Significance statement Manganese neurotoxicity leading to progressive dystonia-parkinsonism is a characteristic feature of Hypermanganesemia with dystonia 2 (HMNDYT2) caused by mutations in SLC39A14, a manganese uptake transporter. Transcriptional profiling in slc39a14U801 loss-of-function zebrafish suggests that, in addition to manganese neurotoxicity, subcellular or cell type specific manganese deficiency contributes to the disease phenotype. Both manganese overload and deficiency appear to be associated with Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. We further demonstrate that activation of the unfolded protein response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy, and disrupted proteostasis are likely downstream events in manganese neurotoxicity. Our study shows that the zebrafish slc39a14U801 loss-of-function mutant is a powerful model to elucidate the mechanistic basis of diseases affected by manganese dyshomeostasis.


Cytotoxic chemotherapy, particularly the regimens that contain 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), can produce diarrhea. Octreotide acetate appears to have a major therapeutic effect in the management of 5-FU-induced diarrhea. A prospective study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of two different doses of octreotide acetate, 100 µg and 500 µg three times daily, for the treatment of severe 5-FU-induced diarrhea refractory to loperamide, and also to evaluate whether the higher dose is more effective in the management of this complication. Fifty-nine patients with tissue-documented colorectal and head and neck carcinoma were enrolled in this study, 28 in the 100 µg arm and 31 in the 500 µg arm of octreotide acetate which was administered s.c. three times daily. Patients were required to have National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria </= grade 3 diarrhea secondary to treatment with the 5-FU regimen. Octreotide acetate was well tolerated by all patients. Complete resolution of diarrhea was achieved in 17 of 28 (60.71%) patients treated with 100 µg, and in 28 of 31 (90.32%) patients treated with 500 µg of octreotide (p < 0.05). This study suggests a significant benefit in the treatment of 5-FU-induced diarrhea in favor of the 500 µg versus the 100 µg arm. These results support the dose-response effect of octreotide acetate. Even though higher doses of octreotide are more expensive, the cost saved in reduced hospitalization makes the higher dose more cost-effective.


Nanotechnology is the production of materials at atomic and molecular level and is expected
to open some new avenues to fight and prevent diseases. It leads to improvement in biology,
biotechnology, medicine and healthcare by uncovering the structure and function of
biosystems at the nanoscale. The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of the most
biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be useful for both in vivo
and in vitro biomedical research and applications. Due to the expected growth in this field
and new materials being employed, there is a call for safety and exposure risks. Hence, for
improved characterization and reliable toxicity assessments, toxicological studies of
nanosystems are growing at exponential rates annually. For these reasons, screening assays
are needed to assess the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials. Lacking the
proper interactions of nanostructures with the biological systems, it is unclear whether the
exposure could produce harmful biological responses. Deploying these materials in vivo has
even more challenges. So, in vitro methods are commonly used for toxicity assessment of
nanoparticles. Nanoparticle risk assessment can be done with existing cytotoxicity methods,
or with the development of new test systems with new standards for a general in vitro toxicity
testing of nanoparticles. An altogether different approach is required for nanoparticle
characterization and for bioassays, in order to validate their properties in physiology. The
present review focuses on the various in vitro methods of nanotoxicity assessment and the
advantages offered by them. The article also sheds some light on the applications of these
methods.


The aircraft inspection/maintenance system, which is influenced by based operators and regulated by the FAA, consists of several interrelated human and machine components. In this process, visual inspection plays a significant role in ensuring aircraft safety. To improve the quality and reliability of aircraft inspection, training and job aiding have been identified as the two most important intervention strategies. Both of these have the potential to be improved using new advances in computer technology, especially virtual reality (VR) technology, which is becoming increasingly more affordable and prevalent. As a result, this study will investigate the use of VR technology as a support of job aiding and training in the improvement of aircraft inspection performance.


The regional climate of the Arabian Gulf (AG) and its variability are examined based on a 40‐year (1980–2019), 5‐km regional reanalysis of the Arabian Peninsula (AP reanalysis). The AP reanalysis fields were first validated against the available observations over the AG, suggesting that this high‐resolution reanalysis well reproduces the spatio‐temporal features of the AG atmospheric circulations. The validated AP reanalysis fields were then analysed to examine the climatic characteristics over the AG including the monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, and the seasonal variations in winds, relative humidity and rainfall over the AG. The AG climate is mostly dry between May and October, and experiences moderate rainfall between December and January. The higher (lower) pressure difference between the northwest and southeast AG during summer (winter) generates the northwesterly Shamal winds over the north (central) AG. The mean Shamal winds are relatively stronger (weaker) and prolonged (shorter) during summer (winter); however, the short lived Shamal jet events in winter can be occasionally stronger than summer. In terms of interannual variability, the Shamal winds are stronger and more persistent in summer during El Niño years and in winter during La Niña years. These differences are mainly associated with changes in temperature gradients between the eastern AG and northwestern AP.


Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is creating major issues for healthcare and broad social structures, exposing societal vulnerabilities. Patients with substance use disorder are considered at increased risk of COVID-19 and its more serious complications, however data on the impact of COVID-19 are lacking. The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 on patients with substance use disorders seen at Kuwait addiction treatment center. Method: A cross sectional study was carried including all patients seen in outpatient department and/or admitted in the inpatient wards of Kuwait Addiction Treatment Center, diagnosed as substance use disorder with history of COVID-19 infection during the period from June 2021 to December 2021. Results : Among 660 substance use disorder patients, the mean age was 36± 10.1 years (94%) were men and (91.1%) were Kuwaiti. The main substance used were Opioid in (41.1%) of patients, stimulant in (25.5%) and synthetics in (11.2%) of patients. One or more comorbidities associated to COVID-19 risk were observed in (29 %) of patients. (9.1%) of patients got COVID-19 infection and 61.5% were vaccinated.


attainment incompetence of extracting the original image is one of the most challenging tasks in digital image watermarking methods. When an image is embedded into another image, this increases more complications. To overcome this problematic scenario, this paper proposes a Fuzzy based Quad Tree Segmentation (F-QTS) method. In this paper, a binary logo image is embedded into a RGB cover image. Due to the embedding data is an image, Quad Tree Segmentation method is applied in both the images in order to allocate the blocks for logo image. This space allocation is empowered by Fuzzy Rules and the binary logo image is embedded into the R-plane of the cover image. Moreover, performances of the proposed watermarking method is evaluated with the various watermarking attacks and presented in terms of PSNR (Peak signal-to-noise ratio).


Experimental results have shown that the kinetics of bond formation in chemical crosslinking of gelatin solutions is strongly affected not only by gelatin and reactant concentrations but also by the solution pH. We present an extended numerical investigation of the phase diagram and of the kinetics of bond formation as a function of the pH, via Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice model for gelatin chains and reactant agent in solution. We find that gelation can be hindered either by loop formation, at low reactant concentrations, or by saturation of active sites of the chains via formation of single bonds with crosslinkers, at high reactant concentrations. The ratio of the characteristic times for the formation of first and the second bond between the crosslinker and an active site of a chain is found to depend on the reactant reactivity, in good agreement with experimental data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013 © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers


Atherosclerosis is essentially a vascular inflammatory process in the presence of an excess amount of lipid. We have recently reported that oral administration of a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-1 ligand, FK565, induced vascular inflammation in vivo. No studies, however, have proven the association between Nod1 and atherosclerosis in vivo. To investigate a potential role of NOD1 in atherogenesis, we orally administered FK565 to apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe−/−) mice for 4 wk intermittently and performed quantification of atherosclerotic lesions in aortic roots and aortas, immunohistochemical analyses, and microarray-based gene expression profiling of aortic roots. FK565 administration accelerated the development of atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice, and the effect was dependent on Nod1 in non–bone marrow origin cells by bone marrow transplantation experiments. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the increases in the accumulation of macrophages and CD3 T cells within the plaques in aortic roots. Gene expression analyses of aortic roots demonstrated a marked upregulation of the Ccl5 gene during early stage of atherogenesis, and the treatment with Ccl5 antagonist significantly inhibited the acceleration of atherosclerosis in FK565-administered Apoe−/− mice. Additionally, as compared with Apoe−/− mice, Apoe and Nod1 double-knockout mice showed reduced development of atherosclerotic lesions from the early stage as well as their delayed progression and a significant reduction in Ccl5 mRNA levels at 9 wk of age. Data in the present study show that the Nod1 signaling pathway in non–bone marrow-derived cells contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.


Laboratory testing should be integral to nutrition-related services, including screening, assessment, and monitoring for both inpatient and outpatient geriatric populations. Find out how the laboratory can contribute to the improved health of seniors and reduce overall healthcare costs through nutritional status assessment and monitoring.


In order to address the low thermal efficiency of low-rank coal combustion and the accompanying serious environmental issues, formed coke was prepared using a carbonization consolidation method with low-rank coal semi-coke. The test for briquetting and carbonation consolidation conditions revealed that the optimal parameters were a briquetting pressure of 93.63 MPa, moisture content of 16%, Ca(OH)2 binder amount of 10%, and a CO2 concentration of 30% at 20 °C. Under these conditions and a carbonation consolidation time of 60 min, high-quality formed coke was produced, exhibiting a compressive strength of 1256.2 N/a, redrying strength of 286.2 N/a, and a dropping strength of 10.6 number/a. The combustion characteristics of the prepared formed coke were investigated, revealing that ignition temperatures (345.39 °C), burnout temperatures (495.57 °C), and peak of the maximum weight loss rate temperatures (437.93 °C) are slightly higher than those of bituminous coal. The low calorific value of the briquette was 20.4 MJ/kg. During the combustion process, the emission concentrations of SO2, NOX, and solid particles from the formed coke were significantly lower than those of bituminous coal, indicating that it is a cleaner energy source. Moreover, adding Ca(OH)2 effectively reduced SO2 emissions and achieved sulfur fixation and emission reduction.


In the cloud storage, Load balancing is one of the central issues in cloud computing. It is a mechanism that distributes the dynamic local workload evenly across all the nodes in the whole cloud to avoid a situation where some nodes are heavily loaded while others are idle or doing little work. It helps to achieve a high user satisfaction and resource utilization ratio, hence improving the overall performance and resource utility of the system. It also ensures that every computing resource is distributed efficiently and fairly. In cloud system the resources are distributed to all computer nodes fairly and in efficiently manner. If a node has extra workload as comparison of other nodes then we use load balancing techniques or process for transferring the extra load of nodes to others networks node. This paper provides literature review of various load balancing algorithms in cloud computing.


This paper presents the design of an internal reference model-based optimal linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller for the lateral positioning of a piezoelectric tube actuator (PTA) used in an atomic force microscope (AFM). In this control design, internal modeling of the reference signal and system error are considered. As a result, the steady-state tracking error is minimized. In addition to the LQG controller, a vibration compensator is incorporated with the plant to suppress the vibration of the PTA at the resonance frequency. It achieves a high closed-loop bandwidth and significant damping of the resonant mode of the PTA, which enables a reference triangular signal to be tracked. Comparison of performance of the optimal LQG controller augmented with a vibration compensator and a PI controller demonstrates that the proposed controller shows significant improvements over the existing AFM PI controller.


Purpose : Dynamics of bone mineral density(BMD) and bone metabolism in children and adolescents with hyperthyroidism have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to study how the improvement of thyroid function with antithyroid treatment influenced bone metabolism and BMD in children and adolescents with hyperthyroidism. Methods : Serum levels of osteocalcin(OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase(b-ALP), and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen(ICTP) were measured just before, and six, and 12 months after commencement of methimazole treatment in 12 subjects(aged 4.4-15.6 years) with serial measurement of femoral and lumbar BMD. Results : A significant increase in BMD and its SDS of the femur and lumbar spine was observed during the first six months(P<0.01; P<0.05) and the next six months of treatment(P<0.01; P<0.01). Serum levels of OC and b-ALP, and their SDSs before treatment were higher than the normal values. OC decreased significantly at 12 months(P<0.05), whereas b-ALP did not show any significant change during treatment. Serum levels of ICTP and its SDS before treatment were higher than normal values, but decreased into the normal range at six months of treatment(P<0.01), and remained stable during the next six months. Conclusion : This study demonstrates that hyperthyroidism increases bone turnover, decreases the relative rate of bone formation vs resorption, and decreases BMD in children and adolescents. These data also suggest that bone formation exceeds bone resorption within six months of antithyroid treatment and a significant increase of BMD occurs continuously during the first 12 months of treatment. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2002;45:743-753)


iB Hijrah Savings is a savings account that uses mudharabah and wadi'ah contracts. The research problem is that many customers save at Bank Muamalat, but the average customer who saves does not know how to apply the calculation of mudharabah and wadi'ah contracts to iB hijrah savings. The formulation of the research problem is how to apply the calculation of mudharabah muthlaqah and wadi'ah contracts in the iB Hijrah savings product. The purpose of the study was to find out how the implementation of mudharabah muthlaqah and wadi'ah contracts in iB Hijrah savings products. The theory used is first, DSN Fatwa No: 115/DSN-MUI/IX/2007, regarding the mudharabah contract it should be stated explicitly, clearly, easily understood and understood and accepted by the parties. Second, DSN Fatwa No: 02/DSNMUI/IV/2000 concerning savings based on wadi'ah are deposited. This research is a qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The types of research data are primary and secondary data sources. Data processing techniques. Data collection techniques with interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques with data reduction, data editing, data presentation, conclusions and data verification. Data validity technique. The application of the mudharabah contract on iB Hijrah savings is explained about the product, the contract that the customer wants and the application of the contract will be explained in sharia, then the ratio given by the bank to the customer is 5%. Lack of socialization of Bank Muamalat to the public so that they do not know the profit sharing in the iB Hijrah savings product. The implementation of the wadi'ah contract on iB Hijrah savings is in accordance with Islamic law based on the Fatwa of the MUI DSN No. 2/DSN-MUI/IV/2000. Which states that wadi'ah is a deposit.
Keywords: application, mudharabah, and wadi'ah contracts


The antioxidant activity of triterpenes from Caculis of Schisandra Chinensis(Turcz.) baill by means of ethanol extraction were evaluated by various methods in vitro systems, including total reducing power, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical-scavenging assays and the POV value. The experimental results show: Triterpenes have better reducing power, stronger antioxidation effect on the hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical, and the IC50 value are 0.6mg/mL and 0.077mg/mL in the hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging assay. It have less effect on inhibiting the superoxide anion radical. Triterpenes can inhibit peroxidation of lard, and have less effect of lard peroxidation than VC and TBHQ. But the triterpenes added with VC exhibit remarkable synergistic antioxidation in lard.


India has transformed its competition regime to bring it in harmony with the demands of liberal market economy. One of the significant changes the new competition law has brought about is that it has differentiated between horizontal and vertical agreements. Cartels under the new regime are presumed to be anticompetitive. However, the penalty clauses initially created some confusion with regard to the interpretation of 'presumption'. Subsequent amendments and decisions of the Competition Commission of India have cleared many ambiguities but some grey areas are still left. It would be in keeping with the spirit of the new Act and the investigation procedure outlined in it that the 'presumption' in section 3 of the Indian Competition Act be read as 'quick look rule of reason' approach developed in the United States of America. This would take care of the need for flexibility in application of the competition law depending on the social and economic implications of a particular case.


Zinc is an essential nutrients and plays an important role in growth and sexual function. Zinc deficiency has been known to cause growth retardation and hypogonadism. Several mechanisms of growth retardation and hypogonadism due to zinc deficiency have been suggested. Zinc affects growth hormone (GH) metabolism. Conversely, GH affects zinc metabolism. Zinc deficiency may result in reduced GH production and/or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Zinc deficiency may also affect bone metabolism and gonadal function. The interrelationships among zinc, growth, gonadal function, and GH-IGF-I axis appears to be complex.


In this paper, we give estimates for the speed of convergence towards a limiting stable law in the recently introduced setting of mod-$\phi$ convergence. Namely, we define a notion of zone of control, closely related to mod-$\phi$ convergence, and we prove estimates of Berry-Esseen type under this hypothesis. Applications include: the winding number of a planar Brownian motion; classical approximations of stable laws by compound Poisson laws; examples stemming from determinantal point processes (characteristic polynomials of random matrices and zeroes of random analytic functions); sums of variables with an underlying dependency graph (for which we recover a result of Rinott, obtained by Stein's method); the magnetization in the $d$-dimensional Ising model; and functionals of Markov chains.


Abstract Quorum sensing (QS) controls systems affecting the pathogenicity of many microorganisms; its interruption has an anti-pathogenic effect and can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections. In this study we evaluated QS regulation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and QS inhibition (QSI) by different compounds. The inhibitory activity of 3 macrolide and 3 lincosamide drugs, resveratrol, garlic extract and N-acetylcysteine was tested on 4 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients using Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 as biomonitor. One P. aeruginosa strain, lincomycin and N-acetylcysteine did not show QSI, contrary to other compounds and P. aeruginosa strains. These results indicate that QSI evaluation should be taken into account in the design of new therapeutic strategies to treat P. aeruginosa infections, especially in patients infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.


This paper presents the results of a second-order closure Conditional Moment Closure model applied to a lifted turbulent H 2 -air flame. The objective is to find out how a second-order closure will modify the lift-off height compared to first-order results. A 10-step chemical mechanism is used to predict rates of reaction in hydrogen-air mixtures but the second-order correction terms are calculated using one-step chemistry. First a progress variable for this reduced mechanism is defined and an additional equation for its conditional variance is derived. The level of the conditional fluctuation is found to be around 30% of its maximum value for stoichiometric mixtures in the flame stabilisation area. The second-order closure has a distinct effect on the flame position determined in the simulations.


The purposes of this paper are first to reemphasize the importance of body mechanics as a necessary part of preventive pediatrics, second to review the mechanics of the body which determine efficiency and third to present a simplified and practical method of teaching which can be carried out in regular office practice and which has produced highly satisfactory results in my hands over a period of several years. Efficient use of the body has so evidently a favorable effect on the general health and well being that it is accepted as an axiomatic point of departure by most writers on the subject. The bad effect of poor general health on body mechanics, with its attendant lack of muscle tone, lowered threshold of fatigue and lessened available mechanical and emotional energy, is also evident. It seems unnecessary to argue that poor body mechanics and ill health form a truly vicious circle,


The Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) Educational Program was developed for commercial lawn care providers in Florida in 2002. The training covers plant selection, fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide practices as well as regulations covering the industry. Class attendees who received a score of 75% or better on the post test are awarded a "Certificate of Completion" in the BMPs. For the period from 2003 through June 2010, 6700 workers were certified in the BMPs. Pre and post test scores indicated that average knowledge increase from the training ranged from 15.9% to 23.7%. Follow up surveys indicated that attendees made some practice changes, including increased use of slow release nitrogen (N), leaving untreated buffer zones around water bodies, and increased soil testing. It is difficult at this time to assess if this program has caused a reduction in nitrate or phosphorus levels in ground or surface waters resulting from lawn and landscape fertilization.


Nowadays, increasing competition among companies and the huge cost of attracting new customers has led to companies seeking to retain existing customers rather than looking to attract new customers. These factors together have led to the emergence of customer relationship management. Thanks to the development of information and communication technology, especially the Internet, the use of customer relationship management has expanded and facilitated, and electronic customer relationship management has been formed. Customer Relationship Management (EMS) seeks to deepen and empower customer relationships by utilizing a variety of information and communication technologies such as websites. With the aim of identifying key indicators of performance and improving the performance of the Balanced Scorecard, this research paper has attempted to integrate it with Yager's Fuzzy screening technique. This integrated model was implemented to develop a balanced scorecard for customer relationship management evaluation of companies covered by Parsian Data-Processors Group. The scale of "very important" was set as an acceptable scale for going through the screening process and for agreeing between managers and experts on the most important indicators. The results showed that the five indicators of customer viewpoint including increasing customer support during Purchasing Process and Afterward, Increasing Brand Confidence and Credibility , Participating in the Online Environment, Enhancing Customer Service After Sales, Increasing Customer Satisfaction, Increasing Site Usage and Various Site Capabilities, the four indicators of learning and innovating viewpoint including continuous improvement and modernization of the company's current services, the ability to use the new technologies, knowledge management capabilities in the organization and the ability of the company to learn from the market and to react it, the four indicators of financial viewpoint including Increased profitability; Increased share of online sales, flexibility in financing and increased annual sales , and the four indicators of exchange (processes) viewpoint including increased software update, increased use of advanced technologies compared to competitors; increased and improved use of Technology and Increasing Diversity of Services Offered on the Site (E-mail) have extracted as Key Indicators of Balanced Card Relationship Management Evaluation.


Describes the process of transfer of irrigation districts in Mexico from public ownership to joint management, where responsibility for irrigation O&M is shared between the public irrigation agency and water user associations. It evaluates the sustainability of transferred systems and discusses needed changes.


In this paper we investigate whether or not the conditional covariance between stock and market returns is asymmetric in response to good and bad news. Empirical observations such as the mean reversion of stock prices and asymmetric volatility can be readily explained by time varying risk premiums and it is the link between risk premiums and conditional covariance that we explore. Previous research has focussed on time varying betas but we propose that covariance asymmetry is a more powerful method of explaining such observed behaviour. Our model of conditional covariance accommodates both the sign and magnitude of return innovations and we find significant covariance asymmetry that can explain, at least in part, the mean reversion of stock prices and volatility feedback. We find little evidence in support of the leverage hypothesis of Christie (1982) in explaining asymmetric volatility. The results we obtain appear consistent across firm size, firm leverage, and temporal and cross sectional aggregations.


There is rising evidence of the health benefit associated with specific dietary interventions. Current food-disease databases focus on associations and treatment relationships but haven't provided a reasonable assessment of the strength of the relationship, and lack of attention on food nutrition. There is an unmet need for a large database that can guide dietary therapy. We fill the gap with NutriFD, a scoring network based on associations and therapeutic relationships between foods and diseases. NutriFD integrates 9 databases including foods, nutrients, diseases, genes, miRNAs, compounds, disease ontology and their relationships. To our best knowledge, this database is the only one that can score the associations and therapeutic relationships of everyday foods and diseases by weighting inference scores of food compounds to diseases. In addition, NutriFD demonstrates the predictive nature of nutrients on the therapeutic relationships between foods and diseases through machine learning models, laying the foundation for a mechanistic understanding of food therapy.


A numerical analysis for the internal flow was carried out in order to analyze the leakage flow characteristics inside the damped bypass valve. This research has found that the valve characteristics became stable at above a specific temperature. Very small amount of leakage flow was occurred. But there was no effect in temperature. The more temperature fell, the more maximum pressure rate was increased.


Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and is caused by the uncontrolled growth of atypical melanocytes. In recent decades, computer aided diagnosis is used to support medical professionals; however, there is still no globally accepted tool. In this context, similar to state-of-the-art we propose a system that receives a dermatoscopy image and provides a diagnostic if the lesion is benign or malignant. This tool is composed with next modules: Preprocessing, Segmentation, Feature Extraction, and Classification. Preprocessing involves the removal of hairs. Segmentation is to isolate the lesion. Feature extraction is considering the ABCD dermoscopy rule. The classification is performed by the Support Vector Machine. Experimental evidence indicates that the proposal has 90.63 % accuracy, 95 % sensitivity, and 83.33 % specificity on a data-set of 104 dermatoscopy images. These results are favorable considering the performance of diagnosis by traditional progress in the area of dermatology.


Congenital coronary artery fistulas are uncommon. The prevalence of coronary artery fistulas in adults has been estimated as 0.13% [1]. Most of these fistulas communicate with the right atrium or ventricle or with the pulmonary artery; those emptying into the left atrium or ventricle are quite rare [2, 3]. Usually, patients with coronary artery fistula do not have clinical symptoms, and their chest radiographs do not show the corresponding shadow because the fistula is hemodynamically insignificant. When the fistula is large, however, chest radiographs show the secondary hemodynamic changes, such as cardiac enlargement or increased pulmonary vasculature, depending on the emptying site. Moreover, the silhouette of the dilated tortuous vessel itself can be seen on the chest radiograph. We have examined four patients, each of whom had a giant fistula in the right coronary artery emptying into the left ventricle, proved by coronary angiography. In this essay, we illustrate the chest radiographs of these patients and describe the radiologic features that permit a specific diagnosis or suggest a coronary artery fistula.


Electric fields have been used in the manufacturing of powders in a number of ways, including to enhance drying rates and retain heat-sensitive materials. Electrohydrodynamic drying and electrostatic spray drying use electric fields to accelerate the evaporation of liquid from a surface, resulting in faster drying times and improved product quality. These technologies are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries to manufacture powders from liquid feed materials. In addition to enhancing drying rates, the use of electric fields in powder manufacturing can also help to retain the bioactivity of compounds in the final product. Many bioactive compounds are sensitive to heat and can be degraded or destroyed during conventional drying processes. By using electric fields to dry powders, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat applied and therefore preserve the bioactive compounds in the final product. This article reviews the different mechanisms of various electric field assisted technologies, i.e., electrohydrodynamic atomization, electrohydrodynamic drying, pulsed electric fields and a new approach of electrostatic spray drying, along with their potential food industry applications.


ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are two well-known contributors to cancer and can establish lifelong persistent infection in the host. This leads to chronic inflammation, which also contributes to development of cancer. Association with H. pylori increases the risk of gastric carcinoma, and coexistence with EBV enhances proliferation of infected cells. Further, H. pylori-EBV coinfection causes chronic inflammation in pediatric patients. We have established an H. pylori-EBV coinfection model system using human gastric epithelial cells. We showed that H. pylori infection can increase the oncogenic phenotype of EBV-infected cells and that the cytotoxin-associated gene (CagA) protein encoded by H. pylori stimulated EBV-mediated cell proliferation in this coinfection model system. This led to increased expression of DNA methyl transferases (DNMTs), which reprogrammed cellular transcriptional profiles, including those of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), through hypermethylation. These findings provide new insights into a molecular mechanism whereby cooperativity between two oncogenic agents leads to enhanced oncogenic activity of gastric cancer cells. IMPORTANCE We have studied the cooperativity between H. pylori and EBV, two known oncogenic agents. This led to an enhanced oncogenic phenotype in gastric epithelial cells. We now demonstrate that EBV-driven epigenetic modifications are enhanced in the presence of H. pylori, more specifically, in the presence of its CagA secretory antigen. This results in increased proliferation of the infected gastric cells. Our findings now elucidate a molecular mechanism whereby expression of cellular DNA methyl transferases is induced influencing infection by EBV. Hypermethylation of the regulatory genomic regions of tumor suppressor genes results in their silencing. This drastically affects the expression of cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA repair genes, which dysregulates their associated processes, and promotion of the oncogenic phenotype. We have studied the cooperativity between H. pylori and EBV, two known oncogenic agents. This led to an enhanced oncogenic phenotype in gastric epithelial cells. We now demonstrate that EBV-driven epigenetic modifications are enhanced in the presence of H. pylori, more specifically, in the presence of its CagA secretory antigen. This results in increased proliferation of the infected gastric cells. Our findings now elucidate a molecular mechanism whereby expression of cellular DNA methyl transferases is induced influencing infection by EBV. Hypermethylation of the regulatory genomic regions of tumor suppressor genes results in their silencing. This drastically affects the expression of cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA repair genes, which dysregulates their associated processes, and promotion of the oncogenic phenotype.


China's economic modernization has created a new underclass population characterized by destitution and dispossession. This group is linked to social instability that intimidates the state's control of the society. This article examines Chinese penal policy changes in the face of the rising underclass in urban areas. It sets a preliminary comparative analysis on the penal strategies of this new disadvantaged group in the USA and China. In reviewing the penal practices in both realms, the article argues that China shares an ideological affinity with its western counterparts for imposing punitive and managerial justice on the underclass. However, this rationale is realized in different ways. In China it is realized through the operation of an extensive system of administrative detention (different from criminal punishment), which is run by public security officials and is not part of the judicial system. Being located outside the judicial system enables greater efficiency by channelling the underclass through more flexible and cost-effectiveness forms of incarceration and control.


Trauma disclosure can facilitate trauma recovery. However,survivors might be reluctant to talk about theirtraumatic experiences if they perceive that their experiencesare not acknowledged. We aimed to explorehow social acknowledgment is associated with traumadisclosure in a sample of Lithuanian trauma survivors.In total 189 survivors exposed to various traumaticexperiences participated in the study. Regressionanalysis revealed that trauma survivors weremore willing to disclose their traumatic experienceswhen they perceived more social recognition and lessdisapproval from others. We conclude that our studyindicates the importance of social acknowledgmentfor trauma disclosure among trauma survivors.


A use case model is often represented by a UML use case diagram and loosely structured  textual descriptions. The use case model expressed in such a form contains ambiguous  and imprecise parts. This prevents integrating it into model-driven approaches, where  use case models are often taken as the source of transformations. In this paper, we  introduce a domain-specific language named the Use case Specification Language (USL)  to precisely specify use cases. We define the abstract syntax of USL using a metamodel  together with OCL wellformedness rules and then provide a graphical concrete syntax for the usability goal. We also define a precise semantics for USL by mapping USL models  to Labelled Transition Systems (LTSs). It opens a possibility to transform USL models  to software artifacts such as test cases and design models. We focus on a transformation  from a USL model to a template-based use case description in order to illustrate our  method. A language evaluation of USL is also performed in this paper.


The synthesis of nanostructure substances, specifically metal nanoparticles, has accrued utmost concern over the last decade owing to their particular properties that cause them to applicable in distinctive fields of technology era. The biological technique of nanoparticle synthesis is a relatively easy, reasonably-priced, and environmental friendly approaches than the conventional chemical technique of synthesis and accordingly profits a top hand. The bio mineralization of nanoparticles in protein cages is one among such biological approaches used inside the era of nanoparticles. In this review we attempted to explore different techniques of synthesis of nanoparticles and its characterization. Further this review extended the usage of such nanoparticle in different fields.


Basal cell carcinomas of prostate (BCCP) are very rare. Most arise in the transition zone and thus are associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and rarely associated with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These features make diagnosis/early diagnosis difficult because of the routine protocols followed. Basal cell carcinomas have distinctive histopathological, immunohistochemical, and to some extent also different molecular characteristics. Basal cell carcinoma in situ (BCCIS) is a nonexistent histological lesion as per the current literature, but here is an attempt to describe it through this case. A 74-year-old man presented with hematuria and previous diagnosis of prostatic hyperplasia. Based on this history, he underwent a prostatectomy ad modum Freyer. Pathological examination surprisingly revealed a diffusely infiltrative tumor with nonacinar adenocarcinoma morphology and many glandular structures probably representing BCCIS. Tumor was diagnosed as BCCP. Patient presented with metastasis to the abdominal wall 8 months postprostatectomy. BCCP is an aggressive type of prostate cancer, which might be challenging to diagnose based on routine protocols. This results in delayed diagnosis and treatment and thus poor prognosis. Furthermore, patients with this subtype of prostate cancer need appropriately designed, and maybe a totally different follow-up regimen as PSA is of no use for BCCP patients. Finally, diagnosis of BCCIS, if agreed upon its existence needs to be studied in larger cohorts as a precursor lesion.


This bachelor's thesis aims at the creation, execution and presentation of functions that belong to the most developed field on mobile devices (smartphones) and their applications, which is the communication between their users. The service used to establish this communication (chatting) is the service of Google Cloud Messaging (GCM).
The first part of the work analyzes how GCM service acts, describing in detail the steps to be followed in the implementation of its operations.
In the second part we will do a review of areas meeting the same or similar needs of chatting, which have used the same service (GCM) or other of which have adopted significant elements.
Later we present the implementation of our application and its functions (user's manual), accompanied by specific images (print screens) aiming an easy and enjoyable understanding from our readers.
The fourth chapter aims to explain the tools and programming languages used to implement our application. Simultaneously, we will put more emphasis on those parts of the code that represent the GCM and its functions.
Finally, we end with our conclusions about our work, while making an effort to refer to any future extensions of this project with the needs of the times.
We complete our work by recording the necessary references used for its implementation.


Unfortunately there are signs that manufacturers, anxious to be the fir§t in the field with a new product, may put out for clinical use drugs which have not been adequately investigated in the laboratory. Before a new relaxant drug is used on the human subject the fullest information about its pharmacological action in animals of many different species should be available. The study of the properties of the drug in many rather than one species would enable its action in man to be predicted with greater accuracy. The information required by the anaesthetist from the pharmacologist should be given under the following headings: (1) The type of drug-i.e., like D-tubocurarine or decamethonium inr action. (2) The efficacy of its antidotes if any. (3) Its autonomic blocking activity-both sympathetic and parasympathetic. (4) Its capacity in releasing histamine. (5) The duration of its effect-i.e., shortor longacting. (6) Its respiratory-sparing effect. (7) Its potentiation by anaesthetic agents. (8) Any special peculiarity of the drug. After a full investigation in the laboratory the drug should be sent to a number of independent investigators in order that its activity may be assessed on both conscious volunteers and on patients under all conditions of anaesthesia. An estimate of its potency in .man in comparison with D-tubocurarine should be made independently by each investigator. With this information at their disposal the manufacturers should put up ampoules of the drug in solutions of standard potency. It is suggested that 2 ml. of solution should be approximately equipotent to 20 mg. of D-tubocurarine chloride.--I am, etc.,


This paper proposes an indoor location-based augmented reality framework (ILARF) for the development of indoor augmented-reality (AR) systems. ILARF integrates an indoor localization unit (ILU), a secure context-aware message exchange unit (SCAMEU), and an AR visualization and interaction unit (ARVIU). The ILU runs on a mobile device such as a smartphone and utilizes visible markers (e.g., images and text), invisible markers (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and NFC signals), and device sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers) to determine the device location and direction. The SCAMEU utilizes a message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) server to exchange ambient sensor data (e.g., temperature, light, and humidity readings) and user data (e.g., user location and user speed) for context-awareness. The unit also employs a web server to manage user profiles and settings. The ARVIU uses AR creation tools to handle user interaction and display context-aware information in appropriate areas of the device's screen. One prototype AR app for use in gyms, Gym Augmented Reality (GAR), was developed based on ILARF. Users can register their profiles and configure settings when using GAR to visit a gym. Then, GAR can help users locate appropriate gym equipment based on their workout programs or favorite exercise specified in their profiles. GAR provides instructions on how to properly use the gym equipment and also makes it possible for gym users to socialize with each other, which may motivate them to go to the gym regularly. GAR is compared with other related AR systems. The comparison shows that GAR is superior to others by virtue of its use of ILARF; specifically, it provides more information, such as user location and direction, and has more desirable properties, such as secure communication and a 3D graphical user interface.


The two-fold role of the Indian State as a development catalyst and as an interventionist has long been debated on the count of ease in policy formulation. On this backdrop the present paper addresses to the analysis of the role of the State as reflected from the nexus between the State policies, interest groups and consequent steps towards alleviation of poverty to provide social justice. It is pointed out that the role of state in India has changed substantially during the last five decades in perceiving poverty .The results show positive success during seventies till mid eighties and stagnation thereafter. The paper incorporates discussion on the differential policy impact in a federal context, on different provinces of the Indian federation and the differential changes in poverty across groups, specifically the rural and urban population and the weaker sections of the society. The paper highlights the experiences of the bypassed regions and groups and attempts to get to the reasons of the policy failures.


A new parameter optimization and uncertainty assessment procedure using the Bayesian inference with an adaptive Metropolis-Hastings (AM-H) algorithm is presented for extreme rainfall frequency modeling. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is adopted to explore the posterior distribution of parameters and calculate their uncertainty intervals associated with the magnitude of estimated rainfall depth quantiles. Also, the efficiency of AM-H and conventional maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) in parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification are compared. And the procedure was implemented and discussed for the case of Chaohu city, China. Results of our work reveal that: (i) the adaptive Bayesian method, especially for return level associated to large return period, shows better estimated effect when compared with MLE; it should be noted that the implementation of MLE often produces overy optimistic results in the case of Chaohu city; (ii) AM-H algorithm is more reliable than MLE in terms of uncertainty quantification, and yields relatively narrow credible intervals for the quantile estimates to be instrumental in risk assessment of urban storm drainage planning.


Abstract Background Faecal microbiota transplantation is an emerging therapeutic option, particularly for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Stool banks that organise recruitment and screening of faeces donors are being embedded within the regulatory frameworks described in the European Union Tissue and Cells Directive and the technical guide to the quality and safety of tissue and cells for human application, published by the European Council. Objective Several European and international consensus statements concerning faecal microbiota transplantation have been issued. While these documents provide overall guidance, we aim to provide a detailed description of all processes that relate to the collection, handling and clinical application of human donor stool in this document. Methods Collaborative subgroups of experts on stool banking drafted concepts for all domains pertaining to stool banking. During a working group meeting in the United European Gastroenterology Week 2019 in Barcelona, these concepts were discussed and finalised to be included in our overall guidance document about faecal microbiota transplantation. Results A guidance document for all domains pertaining to stool banking was created. This document includes standard operating manuals for several processes involved with stool banking, such as handling of donor material, storage and donor screening. Conclusion The implementation of faecal microbiota transplantation by stool banks in concordance with our guidance document will enable quality assurance and guarantee the availability of donor faeces preparations for patients.


Our previous work in an animal model showed that neuromuscular damping properties help maintain limb posture by effectively dissipating mechanical energy arising from disturbances. The purpose of this study was to determine whether similar damping properties were expressed in intact, normal human muscles. To review briefly, when the reflexively active soleus muscle in a decerebrate cat is coupled to an inertial load, application of a force impulse to the load results in lightly damped oscillations. By calculating the logarithmic decrement in muscle velocity following the impulse (the decrement being related to the amount of energy dissipated from the inertia), we found that damping increased with oscillation amplitude, a nonlinear property. This nonlinearity represents an automatic compensation for larger perturbations. Our findings in parallel experiments on the interphalangeal joint of the human thumb were that the long thumb flexor, the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), displayed mechanical and reflex behavior closely comparable to that reported earlier for the cat soleus, despite differences in architectural and metabolic properties between these muscles. Specifically, by selecting experimental trials that did not include voluntary interventions, we observed amplitude-dependent differences in damping in which larger amplitude movements elicited larger damping than did smaller movements. In addition, even after accounting for amplitude-dependent differences in damping, damping was found to be larger in later cycles than in the first cycle. This nonlinearity indicates that both mechanical properties of muscle and reflex mechanisms are dependent on prior movement history. We propose that this history-dependent behavior arises from the effects of prior movement on stretch reflex gain, and these effects are mediated primarily via changes in muscle spindle properties. Recordings of electromyographic activity from the FPL, during the first and second cycles of oscillation supported this postulate of a reduced reflex gain following prior motion. The functional significance of these nonlinear damping properties is that during the initial muscle stretch, the stiffness is high, which helps to preserve the initial position (although at the expense of promoting oscillation). Subsequently, the ensuing increase in damping helps suppress continuing oscillation. This sequence of varying mechanical properties is broadly analogous to the features of a predictive, or feed-forward controller, designed to produce a response that initially maintains position, and subsequently dampens oscillations. These results show that the intrinsic properties of muscle and spinal reflexes automatically provide a complex time-varying response, appropriate for maintenance of stable limb posture.


Oral chemotherapy is assuming an increasingly important role in cancer therapy. Pharmaceutical firms continue to invest heavily in oral drug development with approximately 25% of more than 400 antineoplastic drugs currently in the development pipeline planned as oral agents. New treatments, patient preference, and the economic realities of cancer care delivery present physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and cancer center administrators with a challenge to restructure and reorganize to provide cost-effective and high-quality care to cancer patients. Oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to step into new roles emphasizing patient and family education and support. A discussion of the Health Belief Model provides an increased understanding of patient motivation and helps healthcare providers increase compliance among patients using oral therapies. This article provides an overview of the current status of oral cancer therapy in the United States and takes into consideration a historical perspective; illustrates pharmacology, indications, administration, and side effect profile through an exemplar agent; discusses potential advantages of and challenges to integration of oral therapies; and discusses alternative methods of patient and family education to improve compliance and outcome.


Low-level thermodynamic stability, an important consideration for winter season ground-based cloud seeding site selection and conduct of operations, varies considerably in and near mountainous terrain.  Rawinsonde observations may sometimes be poorly representative of nearby areas, with significant lower-level atmospheric temperature variability common between basins and sometimes within a basin. Operational forecast models may lack the ability to resolve or properly initialize low-level stability or "cold pooling" specific to a given basin or portion of a basin.  Analyses of surface observations, as well as plume dispersion modeling with HYSPLIT, can be used both for real-time operations and in post-hoc examinations of low-level stability specific to storm periods with cloud seeding potential.  Analyses of this type have been performed in various portions of Utah, and a recent analysis in the Uinta Range and Uinta Basin area of northeastern Utah highlights both the geographic variability and the seasonality of basin cold pooling.  The Uinta Basin analyses have shown much greater low-level thermodynamic stability during relevant winter storm periods than other portions of Utah.  Strong correlation of stability to site elevation within the basin, as well as distinct seasonality, are observed.


Often overlooked, microcontrollers are the central component in embedded systems which drive the evolution toward the Internet of Things (IoT). They are small, easy to handle, low cost, and with myriads of pervasive applications. An increasing number of microcontroller-equipped systems are security and safety critical. In this tutorial, we take a critical look at the security aspects of today's microcontrollers. We demonstrate why the implementation of sensitive applications on a standard microcontroller can lead to severe security problems. To this end, we summarize various threats to microcontroller-based systems, including side-channel analysis and different methods for extracting embedded code. In two case studies, we demonstrate the relevance of these techniques in real-world applications: Both analyzed systems, a widely used digital locking system and the YubiKey 2 onetime password generator, turned out to be susceptible to attacks against the actual implementations, allowing an adversary to extract the cryptographic keys which, in turn, leads to a total collapse of the system security.


The distribution of productive zakat certainly needs zakat management institution that is professional and focus on the allocation of zakat fund for productive sectors. PKPU Bandung present as amil zakat institutions that aim to manage zakat as possible, and is expected to be an intermediary for the giver of zakat (muzzaki) in the empowerment of the people, so that people who are below the poverty line can be mentally and financially independent. Based on the background of the problem, then we propose to issue in the form of the following questions: How does the implementation of productive utilization of Zakat funds in the empowerment PKPU mustahiq in Bandung? In addition, how to optimize the productive utilization of Zakat funds in the empowerment PKPU mustahiq in Bandung? The method used here is descriptive; the research outlines the existing conditions and provides an analysis of the phenomenon. Engineering studies using qualitative data analysis techniques based on the results of statistical analysis. In this case, examine the extent of the optimization of the productive utilization of zakat by PKPU Bandung on empowering Mustahiq. The result of this research is that the implementation of the utilization of Zakat funds productively in the empowerment mustahiq in PKPU Bandung performed on the program Swadesi, as zakat distribution in the form of scholarships, and Bina Ternak Qurban, as a form of distribution of zakat funds in the form of venture capital. The other one covers the spending the operational equipment for the Amilin of PKPU who work in Bandung. Finally, the optimizing of the utilization of Zakat funds in the empowerment mustahik in PKPU Bandung is good.


The AA. have carried out an investigation on skeletal maturation of children and adolescent with thalassemia major. The data collected in this investigation seem to indicate that skeletal age is quite similar to cronological age in the subjects studied. Furthermore any difference statistically significant as far as growth has been observed between males and of females in our sample.


We review the use of interatomic potentials to describe the bulk and surface behavior of carbonate materials. Interatomic pair potentials, describing the Ca 2+ -O interactions and the C-O bonding of the CO 3 2 m anion group, are used to evaluate the lattice, elastic, dielectric, and vibrational data for calcite and aragonite. The resulting potential parameters for the carbonate group were then successfully transferred to models of the structures of rhombohedral carbonates of Mn, Fe, Mg, Ni, Zn, Co, and Cd. Simulations of the (10 1 4) cleavage surface of calcite, magnesite, and dolomite show that these surfaces undergo relaxation leading to the rotation and distortion of the carbonate group with associated movement of cations. The influence of water on the surface structure has been investigated for monolayer coverage. The extent of carbonate group distortion is greater for the dry surfaces compared to the hydrated surfaces, and for the dry calcite relative to that for dry dolomite or magnesite. Point defect calculations for the doping of calcite indicate an increase in defect formation energy with increasing size of the substituting divalent ion. Migration energies for Ca, Mg, and Mn in calcite suggest a strong preference for diffusion along pathways roughly parallel to the c -axis rather than along the ab -plane.


Background: In the subclinical hypothyroidism, T4 or T3 levels are normal and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is slightly high. Selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the thyroid hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO AB) levels. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive 200 μg selenium or placebo for 8 weeks. In the both groups, the serum TSH and anti-TPO antibody levels were measured and assessed before and after the intervention. Results: After the interventions, the mean serum TSH reduction in the intervention and placebo groups was −10.98 ± 33.31 and −3.20 ± 38.36, respectively, which were not statistically significant. However, the mean serum anti-TPO Ab concentration increased in the intervention and placebo groups (109.81 ± 51.49% vs. 173.17 ± 96.26%), between which the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05) despite a slight increase in the mean anti-TPO level in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that selenium supplementation has no significant effect on serum anti-TPO Ab and TSH levels in the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Studies with larger sample size and with different doses of selenium are needed to reach more precise results.


In May 2002, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) signed Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC09-02CH11109 with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to support the Environmental Biosciences Program (EBP). This funding instrument replaces DOE Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC02-98CH10902. EBP is an integrated, multidisciplinary scientific research program, employing a range of research initiatives to identify, study and resolve environmental health risks. These initiatives are consistent with the MUSC role as a comprehensive state-supported health sciences institution and with the nation's need for new and better approaches to the solution of a complex and expansive array of environment-related health problems. The intrinsic capabilities of a comprehensive health sciences institution enable MUSC to be a national resource for the scientific investigation of environmental health issues. EBPs success as a nationally prominent research program is due, in part, to its ability to task-organize scientific expertise from multiple disciplines in addressing these complex problems. Current research projects have focused EBP talent and resources on providing the scientific basis for risk-based standards, risk-based decision making and the accelerated clean-up of widespread environmental hazards. These hazards include trichloroethylene and low-dose ionizing radiation. Work on the trichloroethylene research projects has been slowed as a result of fundingmore » uncertainties. The impact of these funding uncertainties has been discussed with the DOE. Plans for restructuring the performance schedule of the trichloroethylene projects have been submitted to the department. A project is also being conducted in the use of geographical information system technology to analyze population health risks related to environmental hazards as a tool for risk-based decision-making. Questions, comments or requests for further information concerning the activities under this cooperative agreement can be forwarded to Dr. Lawrence C. Mohr in the EBP office of the Medical University of South Carolina at (843) 792-1532.« less


A new implementation of isotropic quadratic fillers using the Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT) is proposed. A new formulation of the filter kernel using the WHT is first presented. A running WHT algorithm to reduce the computational cost is then described. Experimental results show that by using the WHT, the computational complexity of the adaptive isotropic quadratic filter is considerably reduced and the convergence rate of this filter is also significantly improved.